Abstract: An inflow cuff with trocar for apical cannulation of the heart. The inflow cuff has an omni-directional or unidirectional valve that prevents blood from flowing out of the heart, thus facilitating apical cannulation in beating-heart situations. The inflow cuff is particularly suited for use in ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation procedures, in which the trocar would be used to punch a hole in the apex, followed by immediate insertion of the inflow cuff. If used in a VAD implantation procedure, the valve of the inflow cuff prevents blood loss until an inflow conduit from the VAD is inserted.

Abstract: An inflow cuff with trocar for apical cannulation of the heart. The inflow cuff has an omni-directional or unidirectional valve that prevents blood from flowing out of the heart, thus facilitating apical cannulation in beating-heart situations. The inflow cuff is particularly suited for use in ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation procedures, in which the trocar would be used to punch a hole in the apex, followed by immediate insertion of the inflow cuff. If used in a VAD implantation procedure, the valve of the inflow cuff prevents blood loss until an inflow conduit from the VAD is inserted.

Abstract: An extracorporeal sensing module for use in monitoring parameters of body fluids such as temperatures, concentrations of various ions, gases and other components, is in the form of a tube-like housing to receive the flow of body fluids such as blood therethrough and includes one or more spaced sensor assemblies which at least partially define the fluid flow lumen of the module in a manner as to establish isodiametric continuity for laminar flow of body fluids therethrough. Each sensor assembly of the module includes a convex portion, the innermost surface of which partially defines the lumen and is contiguous therewith to establish and maintain the isodiametric fluid flow path.

Abstract: An elongate vial of glass or other breakable material includes upper and lower portions which are separated by a weakened portion to facilitate breaking of the vial at the weakened portion. Flexible sleeves surround the upper and lower portions of the vial adjacent the weakened portion and cover the weakened portion. The sleeves are deformable across the break in the portions of the vial when the vial is broken to minimize injury to persons who come into contact with the broken vial and damage to a catheter which might be inserted into the vial. The deformed portion of the sleeve which remains on the lower portion of the vial defines an opening to permit access to the contents of the lower portion of the vial.

Abstract: A reference electrode catheter for use for in vivo measurement of body fluids. The catheter includes a small diameter cylindrical tube having a reference electrode assembly disposed on the distal end thereof. The reference electrode assembly includes a hollow cylindrical housing and an electrode element positioned within the housing mounted on and supported by a retainer member. The electrode element is connected to an electrical conductor which extends out of the housing and through the passageway of the tubing to the proximal end of the tubing. An electrolytic material, such as gelled Ringer's solution, is disposed within the housing, and a membrane formed of hydrogel is positioned across an aperture in the housing so as to form an ion diffusion barrier between the body fluids to be measured and the electrolytic material within the housing.