Abstract: A container for holding a concentrated drug for a mixing system includes a barrel with a cover structure including a delivery passage at a first end and a closing structure at an opposite, second end. A female Luer lock fitting defines the delivery passage at the first end. The closing structure and the female Luer lock fitting can each be formed integrally with the barrel, or the closing structure can be a slidable stopper. The closing structure may also include a holder. The holder is constructed to move between two positions. In the first position, the holder is in a elevated position on the second end of the barrel. The barrel can vent vapor around the cover piece. In the second position, the holder is depressed onto the barrel and it cannot vent vapor. The cover structure may include a snap-on cover piece to fit over the first end. The cover piece includes the female luer lock fitting. The cover piece functions similar to the holder.

Abstract: A method of prefilling and terminally sterilizing a syringe including providing a syringe barrel having first and second opposite ends where the first end includes a port therethrough with a connector member formed about an exterior of the port and the second end being open. Particulate matter is removed from the interior of the syringe barrel and a cap and stopper are sterilized, the stopper including first and second opposite longitudinal ends. The first end of the stopper is inserted into the second open end of the syringe barrel until the first end of the stopper reaches the first end of the syringe barrel. The syringe barrel then is filled with a desired liquid, such as a medicament or imaging agent, through the port of the first end of the syringe barrel so that substantially no air enters the syringe barrel and where the stopper moves within the syringe barrel from the first to the second ends thereof upon filling.

Abstract: A needle system including a plastic cannula and a stylet, and a procedure utilizing the needle system for positioning the end of a spinal catheter within the subarachnoid space surrounding a patient's spinal cord for continuous administration of anesthetics and/or analgesic medications. The stylet has a pencil-point sharpened end for forming a minimal size opening in the dura defining the subarachnoid space to minimize the loss of cerebrospinal fluid therefrom during this procedure. The cannula has a hub formed of glass-clear plastic, which is provided with viewing recesses.

Abstract: An enteral delivery universal port assembly fabricated from a first portion and a second portion of different materials. The first portion has a generally cylindrical side wall, an annular top surface and a corresponding annular bottom surface. The second portion has a central portion with a peripheral flange extending radially outward therefrom, and an annular portion positionable is superposed adjacent relationship to the annular bottom surface. Extending upwardly from the surface of the central portion are first and second projections, the first projection having a base which is a spikable membrane and the second projection being associated with filter means which allow air to enter the enteral nutritional product container to which the enteral delivery universal port assembly is secured in its operative embodiment.

Abstract: A closure containing an internalized microbial filter for use in enteral delivery set assemblies. The closure comprises a generally cylindrical side wall, a planar top surface having first and second projections, the first projection being associated with the spikable membrane while the second projection is associated with a filter and with means to limit air access to the filter. The closure also includes a bottom surface having an aperture which extends through the closure to the top surface thereof with the filter being secured to the bottom surface and extending across the opening of the aperture.