Abstract: An arterial catheter system for removing plaque from the aorta and other arteries is disclosed. The system typically includes an elongate catheter member, a filtration apparatus disposed within the distal region, and an atherectomy assembly which includes a mechanism for trapping and holding mobile or fixed plaque and an excising mechanism for removing the plaque. In use, the catheter is positioned so that the atherectomy assembly lies within a region of interest, the filtration apparatus is deployed downstream of the region of interest, the plaque is trapped and held by a snare, vacuum, or other trapping means, and then the excising mechanism is activated to remove the plaque. Methods are also disclosed for removing plaque from the aorta and other arteries.

Abstract: A detector having a plurality of densely packed x-ray detectors arranged into an array. Each detector preferably includes a scintillator element which is optically coupled to a photodetector element, preferably with a fiber optic link. Each photodetector element is preferably optically separate from adjacent photodetector elements. The detector array preferably includes integral an alignment structure to align the scintillator elements with the photodetector elements. The scintillator array elements are preferably formed from materials which possess a fast response and a minimum afterglow time.

Abstract: A pumping system for positive displacement, volumetric liquid control includes a pump having a pumping chamber with a pumping chamber inlet and a pumping chamber outlet. The pumping system further includes a liquid supply inlet for receiving liquid from a liquid supply, and an detector for detecting air in liquid flowing through the liquid path. A liquid valve actuator regulates liquid flow through the liquid supply inlet and a second valve actuator regulates liquid flow through the pumping system outlet. A controller is responsive to an output from the detector to control the pump, the first valve actuator and the second valve actuator such that liquid is directed through the liquid supply inlet and the pumping system outlet during an initial priming sequence until the quantity of air in liquid at the pumping system outlet corresponds to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A identification system for a cassette pump wherein a plurality of different types of cassettes administer different types of drugs, and each type of cassette is characterized by a different type determinative indicia carried by the cassette, and the cassette pump includes a prime mover for actuating the plurality of different types of cassettes corresponding number of different operating modes, each operating mode being used with a corresponding different type of cassette, wherein the pump-cassette interface for receiving and actuating each of the different types of cassettes includes a sensor disposed at the pump-cassette interface, and when the sensor is engaged by the type determinative indicia of a cassette, the pump is able to identify the particular type cassette inserted into the pump, and initiate the operating mode of the pump associated with the specific type of cassette positioned at the pump-cassette interface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining leakage, particularly of valves, in a pumping cassette. A cassette (70) includes a primary valve (34) and a secondary valve (36), which may be selectively activated to control the source of fluid input to the cassette. The cassette also includes an inlet valve (48) and an outlet valve (56) disposed on each side of a pumping chamber (52). Downstream of the outlet valve is disposed a pressure sensor (60) which produces a signal indicative of the pressure of fluid within the cassette at that point. The cassette also includes an air-in-line sensor (40), disposed between a manifold line (38) that connects the primary and secondary valve in fluid communication with an air trap reservoir (44). Leakage in the inlet or outlet valves is detected by closing both valves, pressurizing fluid in the pumping chamber for a predetermined period of time, and then opening the outlet valve.

Abstract: A liquid flow regulator has a housing including an axial bore, an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of axial grooves opening endwise of the inlet and laterally of the housing into the bore. The grooves, which have different axial lengths, taper axially so that the cross-sectional area of each groove gradually decreases from the inlet to nothing at a point where the groove merges with the bore. An elastomeric stock fits within the bore. A plunger for expanding the sock radially outward into sealing engagement with the housing adjacent the bore is axially movable within the bore. Flow through the grooves and the bore is regulated by the axial position of the plunger and the minimum cross-sectional area of the tapered, axial grooves at the axial location where the sock seals the bore. Axial adjustment of the plunger sequentially opens and closes passage from the grooves through the bore to the bore outlet.

Abstract: A fluid infusion pump driver device for pumping fluid from the chamber of a disposable cassette. The pump driver includes a reciprocatable plunger which is driven by a stepping motor. The motor and plunger are coupled through a universal joint which provides a threaded connection translating the incremental angular movements of the motor into incremental linear movements of the plunger, and the plunger is coupled directly to the frame through a flexible leaf spring to prevent wear in the threaded connection from generating undue noise or creating accuracy problems.

Abstract: A liquid flow regulator has a housing formed by two parts that snap together. The housing defines an axial bore, an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of axial grooves opening endwise of the inlet and laterally of the housing into the bore. The grooves taper axially so that the cross-sectional area of each groove gradually decreases from the inlet to nothing at a pont where the groove merges with the bore. The grooves have different axial lengths. An elastomeric sock fits within the bore. Means for expanding the sock radially outward into sealing engagement with the housing adjacent the bore is axially movable within the bore. Flow through the grooves and the bore is regulated by the axial position of the sock expanding means and the minimum cross-sectional area of the tapered, axial grooves at the axial location where the sock seals the bore. Axial adjustment of the sock expanding means sequentially opens and closes passage from the grooves through the bore to the bore outlet.

Abstract: An improved intravenous metering device (1a) having a measuring chamber (77) for use in measuring the discharge pressure of fluid exiting the device (1) is disclosed. The discharge pressure measuring chamber (77), which operates in conjunction with a pin (63) and flexure beam (65) arrangement to provide an indication of fluid discharge pressure, is incorporated into the fluid flow path through the device in order to permit sweeping of gas bubbles from the chamber (77) during device priming operations. Thus, complete removal of gas bubbles from the device (1a) prior to employing the device with a patient is more easily attainable.

Abstract: A device for precise metering of liquids for intravenous delivery to a patient, the device including a pumping chamber with a reciprocable diaphragm positioned therein. The device also includes check valves positioned at the pumping chamber inlet and outlet, and a gas retention chamber located upstream of the pumping chamber and having an upper portion providing for the formation of a gas-liquid interface and a lower portion from which liquid free of gas bubbles may be removed and directed into the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A device for precise metering of liquids for intravenous delivery to a patient, the device including a pumping chamber with a reciprocable diaphragm positioned therein. The device also includes valves positioned at the pumping chamber inlet and outlet, the valve at the pumping chamber inlet being operated independently of the pressure within the pumping chamber. The device also includes a gas retention chamber having an upper portion providing for the formation of the gas-liquid interface and a lower portion from which liquid free of gas bubbles may be removed.

Abstract: A device for precise metering of liquids for intravenous delivery to a patient and its method of use, the device including a pumping chamber with a reciprocable diaphragm positioned therein such that the cross-sectional area of the liquid flow path through this chamber is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the inlet and outlet of the chamber. The device also includes check valves positioned at the pumping chamber inlet and outlet and a gas retention chamber having an upper portion providing for the formation of the gas-liquid interface and a lower portion from which liquid free of gas bubbles may be removed.