Abstract: A tubular adaptor releasably interconnects a conventional IV catheter hub to fluid supply tubing. A latching clip slidably mounted on the adaptor cooperates with flange portions on the catheter to secure the interconnection between the proximal end of the catheter and the adaptor. The adaptor is snapped into a base attached to the patient's skin by an adhesive pad. After the catheter connection is made, the adaptor, together with the clip, is rotated about 90.degree. on the base into a low profile position, wherein the clip is close to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A sideport connector for an IV catheterization system is disclosed in which a secure connection can be maintained with standard Y-shaped sideport connectors, such as a septum-type connector. The connector of the present invention comprises a clip having a collar which slidably and, optionally, rotatably engages the septum in order to prevent accidental disengagement. The clip is prevented from disengaging motion by, preferably, a ratchet-pawl mechanism. In another embodiment, the clip can be mounted on the branch of the Y-shaped sideport. The connector also comprises a needle shield or, optionally, a cap to prevent self-injection and contamination.

Abstract: Safety enhanced device and method are disclosed for effecting application of a therapeutic agent. A removable and operationally non-volatile programmable element is used to control operation of a therapeutic agent delivery unit. A computer, operationally independent of the delivery unit, is utilized to establish coded information for programming of the programmable element while removed from the delivery unit. Operation of the delivery unit according to the program then established for the programmable element is simulated at the computer prior to actual programming of the programmable element to insure the integrity of subsequent delivery of the therapeutic agent to a patient by the delivery unit. The programmable element effects independent delivery of therapeutic agents in each of a plurality of channels under the control of the programmable element.

Abstract: Failsafe apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow from syringes. One or more syringes are positioned so that the piston of each syringe is caused to be precisely displaced to thereby safely deliver medicament from the syringe to a patient. To effect movement of each piston, a rack is provided, either as a part of the piston or secured thereto, and longitudinal movement of each rack is effected by rotating an associated pinion gear that is connected with a pulse-driven, stepper motor utilized in a power-efficient electromechanical configuration, with the operation of the stepper motor being accomplished through dual-redundant state machines controlled by a pre-programmed memory unit, and with the apparatus being repeatedly subjected to a plurality of error checks and data integrity verifications to assure continued proper operation.

Abstract: A syringe positioning device is disclosed for enhancing control of fluid flow from a syringe. A disposable unit that includes a syringe and rack mounted on a retaining clip is positionable on a drive unit so that, when so positioned, the piston of the syringe is precisely displaced to deliver medicament from the syringe to a patient. A non-disposable unit is also disclosed onto which a syringe and piston can be positioned so that the device thereafter also provides precise medicament delivery. The longitudinal movement of the rack is effected by rotating the pinion gear that is connected with a pulse-driven, power efficient stepper motor, with the operation of the stepper motor being controlled by a pre-programmed memory unit. A hinged rack is also disclosed, as is a one-way ball drive unit.

Abstract: A storage receptacle sealing and transfer apparatus is disclosed for selectively enabling sealing and transfer of material to and from the receptacle. The apparatus is particularly useful for maintaining and later transferring drug and associated materials, under sterile conditions, to achieve mixing, as, is necessary, for example, in reconstituting a drug by mixing the drug with a diluent prior to delivery to a patient. The transfer apparatus is mounted at the aperture, or mouth, of a storage receptacle to seal the aperture until the contents are needed, and then to permit sterile transfer from one receptacle to another receptacle through a central passage.

Abstract: Device and method are disclosed for effecting application of a therapeutic agent. A removable programmable element is used to control operation of a delivery unit, which unit delivers the therapeutic agent to the patient. The programmable element is programmed, while removed from the delivery unit, by a computer that is operationally independent of the delivery unit to insure the integrity of subsequent delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient by the delivery unit. The delivery unit requires no microprocessor and can include a plurality of channels for effecting independent delivery of therapeutic agents in each channel under the control of the programmable element. The programmable element is programmed with respect to available protocol informaton, including patient history, needs and tolerances, as well as therapeutic agent parameters, to thereby establish a flow profile that is customized for a particular patient during each moment of each day.

Abstract: A device and method for precise placement of a medical instrument for fluid delivery at, or withdrawal of fluid from, a predetermined location in a body is disclosed. A sensor, such as a proximity detector or electrically conductible circuitry, is implanted into the body adjacent to a predetermined location, which location preferably has an implanted reservoir thereat, for sensing the position of a medical instrument having an open end portion inserted into the reservoir to enable delivery of medicament into the reservoir or, in the alternative, to remove fluid from the reservoir. A signal indicative at least of a sensed desired positioning of the instrument is generated and used to assure that the instrument has been properly positioned, with additional circuitry also being provided to enable location of the implanted reservoir for positioning of the instrument prior to insertion into the body.

Abstract: A drug handling apparatus and method are disclosed. A delivery receptacle, such as a syringe, is provided with a first substance, such as a liquid diluent, either stored in the delivery receptacle or provided from a separate storage receptacle, and the first substance in the delivery receptacle is transferred to a storage receptacle provided with a second substance, such as a drug in solid form, with the transfer being accomplished by moving an actuator, such as the piston within a syringe, in a first direction to create a positive flow of the first substance from the delivery receptacle through a vented transfer unit to the storage receptacle where the substances are mixed to thereby, for example, reconstitute the drug. By then moving the actuator in a second direction, such as by movment of the syringe piston in the opposite axial direction, the mixture is then withdrawn from the storage receptacle and transferred through the vented transfer unit to the delivery receptacle.

Abstract: Device and method are disclosed for effecting application of a therapeutic agent. A removable programmable element is used to control operation of a delivery unit, which unit delivers the therapeutic agent to the patient. The programmable element is programmed, while removed from the delivery unit, by a computer that is operationally independent of the delivery unit to insure the integrity of subsequent delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient by the delivery unit. The delivery unit requires no microprocessor and can include a plurality of channels for effecting independent delivery of therapeutic agents in each channel under the control of the programmable element. The programmable element is programmed with respect to available protocol information, including patient history, needs and tolerances, as well as therapeutic agent parameters, to thereby establish a flow profile that is customized for a particular patient during each moment of each day.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of spinal deformities, for example, scoliosis, in which a muscle stimulator (pulse generator) is used to apply a preferred form of stimulating impulses to a patient so as to involuntarily cause contraction of particular selected trunk muscle groups to thereby effect a curvature correcting movement of selected spinal vertebrae while minimizing undesirable side effects, such as muscle fatigue. A first integrated circuit timer establishes a selectively variable "on-time" for a burst of pulses while a second such timer sets the "off-time" or interval between bursts. The individual pulses in the burst are initially of narrow width, but succeeding pulses in the group are of increasing width up to a predetermined maximum which maximum level is maintained for a desired time ("hold-time") prior to the termination of the burst. In an alternative embodiment, the stimulating impulses may be gradually decreased in width immediately prior to the pulse generator's effective "off-time".

Abstract: An electronic interface module for use with patient monitoring equipment which allows use of the monitoring equipment at the same time that the patient is being treated through the application to his body of electrical stimulating pulses or the like. Body contacting leads used to pick up physiologically generated impulses from the body of the patient are coupled through a suitable amplifier to a sample and hold circuit. The interface module also includes means for generating a control pulse at the onset of a body stimulating impulse which control pulse persists for a predetermined time greater than the period of the stimulating impulse. This control pulse is also applied to the sample and hold circuit. The output from the sample and hold circuit (which may be analog or digital in nature) is, in turn, coupled through suitable matching circuitry to the patient monitoring equipment.

Abstract: A linear electromyographic biofeedback system operates over a dynamic range of at least one thousand to one. That is, the system remains linear from input levels of approximately one microvolt to input levels in excess of one millivolt. The linear electromyographic biofeedback system includes a sensitive transducer which is followed by a protection circuit and connected to a differential amplifier for eliminating common mode noise. The output of the differential amplifier is filtered and amplified to further eliminate unwanted signals. This filtered signal is rectified and averaged in a third order averaging filter to obtain a close approximation of a time averaging without the necessity of discrete timing periods.

Abstract: An electrode structure for use with medical electronics instruments such as electromyographs is described. A thin, flexible body of non-conductive material has one or more wells therein. A flexible conductive member which provides an electrode is disposed at the bottom of each well. The spacing between a plurality of electrodes, which can provide bipolar and ground inputs to the medical electronic instrument, is precisely determined by virtue of the disposition of the electrodes in the wells. The electrode structure provides contact with a body surface, usually the skin. To facilitate the contact a conductive jelly is used. This conductive jelly is received in the wells. It makes contact with the electrodes. Ribs are provided in the regions between the electrodes which form a seal at the skin so as to prevent the flow of conductive fluid between electrodes; thus preventing short circuits.