Abstract: A self-sealing percutaneous tube (e.g. catheter) introducer having a sealing mechanism to prevent blood or fluid leakage that includes spaced sealing gaskets adapted to surround the tube, a distal sealing element being planar and having a slit whereas the proximal sealing element being conical and having an annular opening at its distal and small end, the introducer optionally including a side arm flushing member and/or a female luer lock connection at its proximal end.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a tracheal tube, having a cuff for blocking a bodily passage, such as the passage through the trachea, is provided. The cuff is made of a material having a low diffusion rate for nitrous oxide and oxygen relative to the diffusion rate for nitrogen so that, for example, when nitrous oxide is provided as an anesthetic during a surgical procedure in which the tracheal tube is utilized, excessive pressure build-up does not occur within the cuff and post-operative trauma in the tracheal area is avoided. Polyvinylidine chloride-polyvinyl chloride copolymer is disclosed as a suitable material.

Abstract: In a device for measuring the approximate peak flow rate of a liquid discharge, the improvement comprising an indicating element bearing water-soluble ink.

Abstract: A urine meter comprising, a container having a cavity for collection of urine, and a receptacle having a chamber to receive urine and being closed to the atmosphere in the receptacle. The meter communicates between an upper portion of the receptacle and an upper portion of the container, with a first channel for the passage of urine from the receptacle to the container and a second channel for the passage of air from the container to the receptacle.

Abstract: A device for performing an anesthesia procedure on a patient comprising, a needle assembly having an elongated hollow needle with a distal tip, and a connecting member attached to a proximal end of the needle, with the connecting member having an elongated distally directed control member generally aligned with and spaced from the needle. The device has a sleeve assembly having an elongated hollow sleeve to slidably receive the needle, and an abutment member attached to a proximal end of the sleeve. The abutment member has a first proximal stop member to abut against a distal portion of the control member in a configuration of the needle assembly at a first rotational position with the needle tip retracted within the sleeve assembly, and a guide device to releasably retain the needle assembly at the first rotational position.

Abstract: A low friction syringe comprising, a barrel defining a chamber, a plunger having a distal end received in the barrel chamber, and a plug of elastic material having a body portion secured to the distal end of the plunger. The plug has first and second annular flanges respectively extending forwardly and rearwardly from the body portion. The first and second flanges have an enlarged outer annular lip lightly contacting an inner surface of the barrel, and an annular hinge portion adjacent the body portion to permit flexation of the flanges responsive to differential pressures between a cavity intermediate the flanges and either the chamber or the atmosphere. The flanges also permit free movement of the plug in the chamber under relatively low friction between the plug and the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A folded drape comprising, a sheet of flexible material including a first surface for contacting the body of a patient after placement of the drape, and an opposed second surface. The sheet has first and second spaced lateral fold lines defining a central panel having a fenestration located adjacent a lateral central portion thereof, and a third lateral fold line located intermediate the central panel and one end edge of the sheet, with the third fold line defining an end panel intermediate the one end edge and the third fold line, and with the first fold line being located intermediate the second and third fold lines.