Abstract: A single stage venous catheter for use in open heart surgery which has an extended insertion end provided with axially extending open-sided sectorial grooves around a common axis, the grooves terminating in a common receiving chamber surrounded by circumferentially spaced multiple fins or ribs to maintain the proper clearance for the catheter chamber.

Abstract: An aortic root cannula for use in open heart surgery which combines a luer line for connection with an extracorporeal circuit outside the chest cavity with a left heart vent line and a pressure monitoring line all merging into a base unit having a single cannula for heart wall penetration. A composite base unit is formed of two parts integrated to provide the merging passages to perform the multiple functions.

Abstract: A catheter system in which a silicone rubber catheter tube may be secured to the cylindrically shaped relatively smooth stem of a rigid plastic fitting. A rigid plastic sleeve is adapted to extend over the tube when the latter is fitted onto the stem of the fitting to create a fluid tight seal between the tubing and the fitting. In another embodiment, a boot may first be disposed over a portion of the silicone rubber tubing and then extended over the connection of the rigid sleeve and rubber tubing and plastic fitting. In still a further embodiment a combination boot-sleeve may be employed and sealed to a fitting by means of an ultrasonic weld.

Abstract: A surgical knife cleaner and, more particularly, a cleaner for a cautery knife used to clean and cauterize incisions and wounds. A readily attachable base has a cradle to retain a closely coiled strand on an axis parallel to the base. The cradle has edges to limit the introduction of the knife in the direction transverse to the axis of the coil and to clean the edge of the knife.

Abstract: A fluid pumping assembly includes a prepackaged, self-contained fluid circuit module which is selectively movable by an operator into and out of operative association with one or more pump rotors of an associated apparatus. The module includes a housing which supports two or more flexible conduits, which together define a prearranged fluid circuit. Portions of the flexible fluid conduits are outwardly disposed from the housing in upright, freestanding positions, even when the module is out of operative association with the pump rotors. The upright portions are purposely arranged relative to each other to facilitate only a particular operative relationship between the fluid circuit and the pump rotors when the module is subsequently moved into operative association therewith.

Abstract: For use in monitoring the temperature of a heart during open heart surgery involving a cardioplegia system, the invention comprises a housing and mount for a temperature responsive liquid crystal chip or small panel which provides a visual temperature reading in various selected ranges. The housing includes an insulating shell enclosing a heat sink sheet associated with a highly conductive mounting pin which penetrates the wall of the heart and conducts the heart temperature to the heat sink underlying the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: A prepackaged, self-contained fluid circuit module is selectively movable by an operator into and out of operative association with one or more pump rotors. The module includes a housing which supports two or more flexible conduits, which together define a prearranged fluid circuit. Portions of the flexible fluid conduits are outwardly disposed from the housing in upright, freestanding positions, even when the module is out of operative association with the pump rotors. The upright portions are purposely arranged relative to each other to facilitate only a particular operative relationship between the fluid circuit and the pump rotors when the module is subsequently moved into operative association therewith.

Abstract: The blood processing method, and the apparatus for performing the steps of the method are utilized in separating whole blood into its components and include the steps of, or component parts of the apparatus for carrying out these steps of: pumping whole blood from a donor; passing the whole blood through a first chamber in a centrifuge device: centrifuging the whole blood in the centrifuge device to cause sedimentation of red blood cells from the whole blood in, and separation of platelet rich plasma from the whole blood in, the first chamber; pumping the separated platelet rich plasma from the first chamber and out of the centrifuge device where it is monitored and then back into the centrifuge device and through a second chamber in the centrifuge device where the platelet rich plasma is centrifuged to cause sedimentation of the platelets therein while passing the remaining blood fluid though the first chamber and back to the donor; recombining the plasma passed through the second chamber with the blood flui

Abstract: An intervivos blood processing system for centrifugally separating red blood cell and platelet components from whole blood includes a separation chamber for separating red blood cell and white blood cell components, and a collection chamber for collecting platelet components. Each chamber is formed with closely-spaced sidewalls defining respective generally flat interior chambers therebetween and is mounted on a rotatably driven carriage substantially tilted from a parallel arrangement with respect to the carriage axis of rotation at a slight angle whereby the red blood cell component is caused to collect in shoulder regions of the separation chamber and the platelet component is caused to collect on the sidewalls of the collection chamber.

Abstract: A disposable liquid applicator is provided in which the liquid to be dispensed is carried within a prescored container. Absorbent material is fastened to the container overlying the prescored portion. The container and the absorbent material cooperate to cause the liquid to be dispensed into the absorbent material when the container is bent away from the prescored portion and about itself.