Abstract: A device cooperating with a pump for guiding a contrast medium from a source thereof to a catheter for delivery to a patient's vascular system. The device comprises a dual check valve, a tubular member, an in-line check valve and a three-port stopcock. The dual check valve has an inlet port connectable to the source of contrast medium, an inlet-outlet port connectable to the pump, and an outlet port coupled to the tubular member. The in-line check valve is connected to the tubular member at a point spaced from the dual check valve for preventing fluid flow towards the dual check valve. The stopcock connected at a first port to the in-line check valve, a second port of the stopcock being operatively connectable to the catheter. Using this device, medical personnel infuses contrast medium into the patient from the source without having to disconnect any element from the device during the infusion process.

Abstract: A removable or absorbable vena cava filter is introducible through a relatively small bore catheter. These filters formed of a single high-memory wire. The wire has a coiled cylindrical portion and a coiled conical portion. The wire assumes a straight configuration when in a catheter. The coils of the cylindrical portion have a sufficiently large diameter contact the walls of the inferior vena cava with sufficient force to hold the coils in place against the inferior vena cava. The cylindrical portions of the wire has an anchor attached to it in a non-absorbable embodiment of the invention. The conical portion of the wire has a segment which aids in the removing of the filter from the vena cava.

Abstract: An angiographic catheter has a relatively stiff though flexible shaft and a soft tip. The soft tip consists primarily of a tungsten loaded polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer surrounded by two thin PEBA layers. This three ply radiopaque tip is bonded to a PEBA shaft. The shaft is reinforced either by a inner nylon ply or by metal braiding.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a contrast media injector. The injector is of the type including a gas source and a liquid source. The apparatus includes a gas delivery channel connected to the gas source and a liquid delivery channel connected to the liquid source. Two normally closed valves are provided to control flow from the gas and liquid channel. The valves insure that gas and liquid do not simultaneously exit from the channel. The valves minimize inadvertent mixing of the gas and saline downstream of the valves. The gas channel is connected to a gas source using a fitting which also connects electro-conductive wires in the apparatus to a power source. The liquid channel connects to a source of liquid.

Abstract: A catheter for introducing material into the vascular system is provided. The catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a side wall defining a catheter lumen. The catheter body has a proximal portion. Material can be introduced into the catheter lumen at its proximal portion. The catheter body has a distal portion. The distal portion has a single wall in an exit zone. At least one pressure responsive exit is formed in the side wall of the distal portion of the catheter body. The pressure responsive exit permits material to exit from the catheter lumen in response to a pressure over a first predetermined amount while preventing material from entering into the catheter lumen at a pressure less than a second pre-determined amount.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to deliver carbon dioxide to an animal in a manner which allows the carbon dioxide to totally displace blood in an area of interest and to thus serve as a contrast media for angiographic procedures, or blood displacement media for angioscopic or laser procedures. The apparatus enables the carbon dioxide to flow at varied flow rates, the varied flow rates correlated to the varied flow rate of blood in the animal's vascular system. The flow rate of the carbon dioxide is variable during the course of a single injection.

Abstract: An elongated tubular catheter adapted for use in an artery or vein is provided. The catheter has a central axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter has a distal portion including a curved portion and an end portion. The end portion has a first opening. The curved portion defines a zone substantially encircling the central axis and has openings facing the axis. The catheter terminates in the end portion. The end portion extends from the curved portion to a position substantially along the axis facing proximally. In use the curved portion centers the catheter and causes the end portion first opening and all other openings to be spaced from the wall of the artery or vein.

Abstract: A safety needle for use in the vascular system. The needle has a first end adapted to be placed in the vascular system and a second end with a stopper and adapted to pass a guide wire. The needle has a port positioned between the first and second needle ends. The port is adapted to be connected to a blood collection device. The blood which enters the first end of the needle is diverted through the port to the blood collection device which avoids having the blood reach the second end of the needle.