Abstract: The present invention provides a waste collection system including a receptacle housing at least one chamber configured to accept waste and at least one containment layer configured to retain waste within the at least one chamber. The at least one chamber of the at least one containment layer includes a vent to allow gases to escape from the chamber. The at least one containment layer may be configured to quickly deliver waste to an aperture therein. A valve member configured to direct waste into the at least one chamber may be associated with the aperture. A method of using the waste collection system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular pressure infuser apparatus adapted to allow a user to modify the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus by utilizing one or more interchangeable manual and/or automatic pumps to inflate a pressure infuser bag of the pressure infuser apparatus. The modular configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus permits the user to detach and reattach a motorized pump and/or a manual pump to the pressure infuser bag quickly, easily, and efficiently without decreasing the air pressure of the pressure infuser bag. By providing selectively removable pump modules, the user can select the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus that is best adapted to the needs of the patient. A pressure release valve is configured to regulate the pressure of the pressure infuser bag.

Abstract: A valve apparatus comprising a tubular body having a lumen therethrough and which is adapted for accessing the cardiovascular or other intravenous system of a patient. The body includes a compression chamber communicating with the lumen and adapted to cooperate with a seal. The compressible seal being configured to selectively seal and unseal the lumen in response to a compressive force acting on the seal. The seal having a longitudinal passageway therethrough that communicates with the lumen and is selectively sealed and unsealed in response to changes in the compressive force generated by a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly is configured to apply a certain amount of compressive force on the seal via the engagement of a rotating member and an engagement member under the influence of a rotating end cap. A selecting mechanism comprising a selecting lever and a selecting assembly is movably coupled to the tubular body and communicates with the plunger assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling and monitoring pressurization data. The methods and systems advance beyond the prior art in their ability to convey pressurization data unambiguously. The methods and systems include a novel combination of visual cues and control features to insure that pressurization data may be analyzed accurately. For example, the visual cues and control features include changing the background color of the display area and providing a pressurization arrow to indicate pressurization or depressurization; a time showing the elapsed time of pressurization or depressurization; a pressurization number indicating the number of pressurization cycles that have occurred; software keys for making configuration choices; and text and graphic display modes. A touch interface may be provide for user interaction. To insure accurate pressure measurements, at least one pressure reference standard may also be utilized.

Abstract: A guidewire holder is provided that stores a coiled guidewire substantially immersed in a storage fluid and allows for a facilitated retrieval of the guidewire. The guidewire holder is generally configured as a shallow pan in a circular shape with an outer periphery to retain the coiled guidewire. The outer periphery includes a concave inner wall and a set of ribs that generally retain the coiled guidewire on the outer periphery. An access area is provided to suspend a portion of the guidewire away from the outer periphery to enable a medical practitioner to reach into the guidewire holder and grasp a portion of the guidewire in order to easily extract the coiled guidewire from the holder. An inner periphery reduces the amount of storage fluid needed to immerse the guidewire and is used in combination with the outer periphery to provide a location for comfortably holding the guidewire holder. Multiple holders may be coupled together so as to be stacked on top of each other.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve apparatus includes (i) a valve body having a lumen therethrough; (ii) a first resiliently deformable seal disposed within the valve body; and (iii) a plunger having a lumen extending therethrough. A passageway extends through the lumens of the plunger and valve body. A cap movably coupled to the valve body selectively moves the plunger along the valve body, thereby selectively compressing the seal. A connector coupled to the plunger is configured to couple the plunger in fluid communication with a fluid delivery means for delivering fluid to the valve. The valve has a substantially linear configuration for convenient storage and use. The valve also features a second seal for sealing the passageway extending through the lumens.

Abstract: A valve system configured to access the cardiovascular system of a patient includes: (i) a valve body having a lumen therethrough; (ii) a selectively openable resilient first seal, (iii) a compressible second seal including an opening which communicates with the lumen when the second seal is in an open position; (iii) a locking nut movably coupled to the valve body, the locking nut configured to selectively increase and decrease compressive force on the second seal; and (iv) an introducer configured to selectively open the resilient first seal. The introducer has a proximal end and a distal end. The introducer is movably coupled to the locking nut and reciprocates between a first position and a second position within the locking nut. The resilient first seal is in the closed position when the introducer is in the first position and the resilient first seal is in the open position when the introducer is in the second position.

Abstract: An improved catheterization system includes (i) an occluding wire; (ii) a catheter, and (iii) a fluid supply port in fluid communication with the catheter. The occluding wire includes (i) an elongate wire body; (ii) an occluding tip coupled to a distal end of the elongate wire body; and (iii) a hub coupled to a proximal end of the elongate wire body. The hub of the occluding wire is configured to be coupled to the catheter. The hub of the occluding wire thus prevents the occluding tip from moving in a longitudinal direction with respect to the catheter once the occluding tip has been placed in a desired position with respect to the catheter.

Abstract: An adaptor bracket for selectively coupling a manifold to a medical device has (i) a tab having a first end and a second end; and (ii) first and second gripping fingers extending from the second end of the tab. The first end of the tab is configured to be coupled to the medical device. The first and second gripping fingers are spaced so as to selectively receive a portion of a manifold within a groove formed between the first and second gripping fingers. The configuration of the bracket enables convenient manipulation of valves and ports on the manifold, such as when the practitioner desires to exchange tubing on the mounted manifold.

Abstract: A line keep includes a substantially flat base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. Positioned on the bottom surface is a pressure sensitive adhesive. Extending through the base between the top surface and opposing bottom surface are a pair of spaced apart apertures. A first prong upwardly projects from the top surface of the base and terminates in a horizontally disposed first finger disposed over the first aperture. A second prong projects from the top surface of the base adjacent to the second aperture and terminates at a second finger horizontally disposed over the second aperture. The first finger and second finger face in opposing directions and are configured to project through opposing sides of a vertical reference plane extending through the base between the first and second prong. The prongs can be selectively moved between an upstanding position and a folded position wherein the fingers are positioned adjacent to the line.

Abstract: A manifold has a manifold body defining a fluid flow pathway therethrough. The manifold body has a plurality of valves, at least one of which is a check valve. The manifold is coupled at one end to a syringe or other fluid delivery means and to an opposing end to a catheter or other fluid receiving means. By being positioned within the manifold body, the check valve is reinforced and stabilized within the manifold.

Abstract: An adaptor for coupling a fluid source to a wound irrigation shield is disclosed. The preferred adaptor, preferably a multi-part adaptor, features spray pattern adjustability, removable coupling to the shield, the capacity for removably coupling to a variety of different fluid sources, and a variety of other features and advantages. In one embodiment, the adaptor has a substantially planar face that is substantially coplanar with the plane defined by the shield, thereby preventing patient puncture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for irrigating a wound with wound irrigation fluid and for preventing substantial splashback of the wound irrigation fluid. The system comprises: (i) fluid delivery device for delivering wound irrigation fluid; and (ii) a flexible wound irrigation shield configured such that the shield prevents substantial splashback of the irrigation fluid upon irrigation of a wound. The shield is configured to be disposed, preferably removably, on the fluid delivery device. The flexible shield is substantially conformable to a desired wound area, enabling the practitioner to irrigate awkward, uneven, and hard to reach areas. The shield can be folded into a compact position, then opened into a larger shield. The fluid delivery device comprises (i) a fluid source for providing wound irrigation fluid; and (ii) an adaptor for transmitting fluid from the fluid source to the wound.

Abstract: A fluid infusion system includes a pump having a body that slidably interacts with a handle. The body includes a valve housing fluid coupled with an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, and a dispensing barrel. A finger rest rigidly projects from the dispensing barrel. A loading chamber is recessed within the finger rest and is configured to receive a fluid supply syringe. A plunger, mounted to the handle, is slidably received within the dispensing barrel. As the plunger is advanced within the barrel, fluid is dispensed from the pump. As the plunge is retracted within the barrel, the barrel is automatically filed with a fluid. The nozzle of the pump is fluid coupled to a hemostasis valve which is in turn fluid coupled to an infusion catheter. The infusion catheter has a distal end with an enlarged tip opening and a plurality of small infusion holes extending through the side thereof. An annular sensing ridge radially inwardly projects from the interior of the catheter at the tip opening.

Abstract: A hand operated, fluid dispensing pump includes a body that slidably interacts with a handle. The body includes a valve housing fluid coupled with an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, and a dispensing barrel. A finger rest rigidly projects from the dispensing barrel. A loading chamber is recessed within the finger rest and is configured to receive a fluid supply syringe. A plunger, mounted to the handle, is slidably received within the dispensing barrel. As the plunger is advanced within the barrel, fluid is dispensed from the pump. Once the plunger is fully advanced, a spring disposed between the body and the handle automatically retracts the plunger within the barrel. As the plunger is retracted within the barrel, the barrel is automatically filled with a fluid from the fluid supply syringe.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve having an adjustable quick-release mechanism the hemostasis valve includes a tubular body having a lumen therethrough and a compression chamber formed in one end that communicates with the lumen. A resilient compressible seal having a longitudinal passageway aligned with the lumen is disposed within the compression chamber. The compressible seal includes a raised annular portion projecting into the passageway. The compressible seal is configured to selectively seal and unseal the lumen in response to a compressive force exerted on said compressible seal by a plunger. Changing the compressive force exerted by the plunger on the seal allows for selectively and progressively reducing the size of an opening provided by the raised annular portion in the passageway. A quick-release mechanism, comprising a quick-release lever and a quick release assembly, is movably attached to the tubular body and communicates with the plunger.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter apparatus for providing fluid to the central venous system, comprising: (a) an indwelling cannula adapted for insertion into subcutaneous tissue in the chest wall and approximately within the superior vena cava, the indwelling cannula having (i) an indwelling distal end, the distal end having an exit port in fluid communication with the superior vena cava; (ii) a proximal hub end adapted for positioning outside of the body; and (iii) a primary lumen for delivering fluid to the circulatory system; and (b) delivery means for delivering fluid medicament to the subcutaneous tissue surrounding a portion of the cannula.

Abstract: A novel catheter apparatus for use in delivering an anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament to the portion of subcutaneous tissue through which a catheter device has been inserted into a patient, thereby allowing the catheter device to be retracted without causing pain or discomfort to the patient. The catheter device has an indwelling cannula adapted for insertion through subcutaneous tissue into a patient's body. A sheath is selectively disposed about the cannula so as to be positioned within the subcutaneous tissue once the cannula has been inserted into the body. The sheath may include a plurality of longitudinal bores which act as a lumen to provide fluid medicament to delivery holes on the outside of the sheath. The delivery holes permit the anesthetic agent or fluid medicament to be delivered to the subcutaneous tissue. A light permeable hub means may be used to maintain a fluid tight connection between the sheath means and a storage container for anesthetic agent or fluid medicament.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter apparatus for providing nutrients into a patient's stomach comprises: (a) an indwelling cannula adapted for insertion through the abdominal and stomach walls and into the patient's stomach, the indwelling cannula having (i) an indwelling distal end disposed within the stomach, the distal end having an exit port; and (ii) a proximal hub end adapted for positioning outside of the body; (b) delivery means for delivering fluid medicament to essentially only the area of subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal and stomach walls, (c) distal securing means for securing the distal end of the cannula within the stomach; and (d) proximal securing means for securing the proximal hub end of the cannula outside of the body.

Abstract: Guidewire holders to store one or more coiled guidewires substantially immersed in a storage fluid are provided. Some embodiments are more suited to storing a single guidewire holder while other embodiments are designed specifically to hold a plurality of guidewires. The guidewire holder is generally configured as a shallow pan in a circular or ovoid shape with a periphery to hold the coiled guidewires. At least a portion of the guidewire holder is shaped so that the coiled guidewire is held away from at least the outer periphery of the holder. This enables a healthcare professional to reach into the guidewire holder and grasp a portion of the guidewire in order to easily extract the coiled guidewire from the holder.