Abstract: An epidural catheter has a closed, soft patient end region with a side opening. The catheter is formed from a two-layer extruded tube in which the outer layer is of a harder material than the inner layer. A heated pin is inserted in one end of the tube to expand its diameter. An annular grinding tool is then moved along the expanded region to remove the outer, hard layer in this region. The end of the tube is subsequently closed and the side opening is formed.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask assembly has a tube with a mask at one end defining a cavity surrounded by a sealing cuff. A blocker is operable to prevent entry of the epiglottis into the cavity during insertion of the assembly but does not hinder gas passage along the assembly after insertion. The blocker may be a ballon that is inflated during insertion and is then deflated. Alternatively, the blocker may be a web attached to the patient end of the assembly by a rupturable joint. In another arrangement the blocker is an insert with an end that expands to fill the cavity but that is compressible to allow the insert to be pulled out from the machine end of the assembly.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask has a blocker at its patient end to prevent entry of the epiglottis during insertion. The blocker has a tear-drop shape plate retained around its edge in grooves in the mask and attached to a flexible strip extending along the outside of the assembly.

Abstract: An epidural catheter has a closed, soft patient end region with a side opening. The catheter is formed from a two-layer extruded tube in which the outer layer is of a harder material than the inner layer. A heated pin is inserted in one end of the tube to expand its diameter. An annular grinding tool is then moved along the expanded region to remove the outer, hard layer in this region. The end of the tube is subsequently closed and the side opening is formed.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask has a blocker at its patient end to prevent entry of the epiglottis during insertion. The blocker has a tear-drop shape plate retained around its edge in grooves in the mask and attached to a flexible strip extending along the outside of the assembly.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask assembly has a tube with a mask at one end defining a cavity surrounded by a sealing cuff. A blocker is operable to prevent entry of the epiglottis into the cavity during insertion of the assembly but does not hinder gas passage along the assembly after insertion. The blocker may be a ballon that is inflated during insertion and is then deflated. Alternatively, the blocker may be a web attached to the patient end of the assembly by a rupturable joint. In another arrangement the blocker is an insert with an end that expands to fill the cavity but that is compressible to allow the insert to be pulled out from the machine end of the assembly.

Abstract: An epidural catheter retainer has an integral base and hinged lid. The base is attached to the skin and has a side opening through which the catheter can be inserted sideways into the retainer. A channel extends laterally across the base and has protrusions to grip the catheter. When the lid is closed, it covers the side opening and is held down by a catch. The underside of the lid has teeth or the like to grip the upper side of the catheter so that the retainer isolates that part of the catheter in the body from force exerted on its other end.

Abstract: A needle protector assembly for protecting a needle tip after it has been withdrawn from a catheter has a protective housing into which the needle is slid. A device at the patient end of the housing has two locking arms sprung outwardly away from one another, which engage projections on the hub of the catheter. A shutter plate and finger project inwardly from the locking arms and each has a catch that engages one another. The finger is sprung rearwardly away from the shutter plate but is held forwardly by a trigger lever engaging the side of the needle. When the needle is withdrawn into the housing, the trigger lever springs down allowing the finger to move rearwardly away from the shutter plate, thereby disengaging the catches. This allows the locking arms to spring outwardly and disengage the catheter hub, so that the assembly can be removed from the catheter.

Abstract: A self-sealing needle injection hub has two resilient, elastomeric sealing members mounted adjacent one another in a housing, both having pierced passages through which a needle can be inserted. The outer member is thick and relatively rigid; the inner member is thinner and flexible. Both members are radially compressed by the housing, the inner member bowing away from the outer member at its center. The action of withdrawing a needle from the hub, combined with the pressure of blood on the inner member, maintains the inner member flat against the outer member, thereby further compressing the passage through the inner member.