Abstract: A system for filtering and processing blood that is simple to implement and that reduces the need for human intervention. The system may be used to collect red blood cells (RBCs). For such a system, a disposable set may be provided with an inlet port, an RBC container, a centrifuge rotor having a variable total volume, and a filter, along with tubing connecting the port, the container, the rotor and the filter. The filter is located in tubing between the inlet port and the rotor. A control unit is also provided and includes a spinner in which the rotor may be held, a flow-control arrangement for controlling flow among the various components of the disposable set, and an electronic controller. The whole blood is directed by the flow-control arrangement from the inlet through the filter to the rotor. The rotor includes an elastic diaphragm, and the control unit's flow-control arrangement includes a pump or other device for applying a positive and negative pressure to the rotor's elastic diaphragm.

Abstract: A system for filtering and processing blood that is simple to implement and that reduces the need for human intervention. The system may be used to collect red blood cells (RBCs). For such a system, a disposable set may be provided with an inlet port, an RBC container, a centrifuge rotor having a variable total volume, and a filter, along with tubing connecting the port, the container, the rotor and the filter. The filter is located in tubing between the inlet port and the rotor. A control unit is also provided and includes a spinner in which the rotor may be held, a flow-control arrangement for controlling flow among the various components of the disposable set, and an electronic controller. The whole blood is directed by the flow-control arrangement from the inlet through the filter to the rotor. The rotor includes an elastic diaphragm, and the control unit's flow-control arrangement includes a pump or other device for applying a positive and negative pressure to the rotor's elastic diaphragm.

Abstract: Disclosed are microbore catheters for spinal anesthesia having one or more side ports provided by a laser beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use as a component part of a catheter system wherein a proximal section is exteriorized above the skin for connection to a liquid drug source, the article comprising a flexible sleeve having an advancement tip at its distal end to facilitate advancement of the sleeve into a passage beneath the skin created by tunneling the catheter subcutaneously to an exit site where the proximal end is exteriorized, the advancement tip having a generally bullet-shaped leading end and a base section having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the sleeve, the advancement tip having a channel extending therethrough for receiving the catheter for passage through the sleeve; an adapter for placing the proximal end of the catheter in liquid communication with the drug source, the adapter having a channel extending longitudinally between the adapter ends, an opening at the distal end of the adapter communicating with the adapter channel and through which the proximal end of the catheter

Abstract: A multilumen catheter having a distal portion with a soft tip and reduced cross-section. The multilumen catheter of the present invention includes a flexible, elongated first catheter tube and a flexible, elongated, dual-lumen catheter tube which has a first and second lumens integrally formed and is disposed within the first catheter tube. The cross-section of the dual-lumen catheter tube is smaller than that of the first catheter tube and therefore, an independent, single lumen is defined in the space between the first catheter tube and the dual-lumen catheter tube. The dual-lumen catheter tube extends beyond the distal end of the first catheter tube thereby providing an overall reduced cross-section of the distal portion of the present multilumen catheter. Furthermore, the dual-lumen catheter tube may be formed from a softer material than that of the first cathether tube thereby providing a softer distal portion of the present multilumen catheter.

Abstract: An adapter kit 32 for a catheter introducer 31 wherein catheter 34 is passed into the body to transmit a medium through lumen 35 in catheter 34. Coupling means 95 is provided for compressing compression glands 48a and 48b against catheter 34 in a controlled manner in a catheter gripping position in FIG. 13, so that maximum resistance to catheter 34 pull-out is provided without distorting any medium transmitted by lumen 35. A related method is provided for sizing and using compression gland(s) 48.

Abstract: A fluid sampling chamber assembly having a housing, a chamber within the housing for temporary storage of sample fluid and a pair of special sensor walls on opposite sides of the chamber for engagement by ultrasonic sensor probes. The sampling chamber is trough-shaped with an open top for both receipt and discharge of sample fluid. An inlet and outlet of the chamber housing are continuously open.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising a receptacle having a front wall, a back wall, and a chamber for collection of liquid therein. The system has a housing secured to an upper portion of the receptacle, said housing having a drip chamber, an annular wall in a lower portion of the drip chamber defining a valve seat, with said seat being disposed at an acute angle relative to the horizontal when the receptacle is in an upright position. The system has an anti-reflux valve comprising a sheet of flexible material having an upper portion and a lower portion and extending across said drip chamber such that the sheet is sufficiently large to engage against said seat peripherally around the drip chamber.

Abstract: A tamper-evident band for a liquid drainage system comprising an elastic catheter having an elongated shaft, a connector adjacent the proximal end of the catheter, and a drainage lumen extending through a major portion of the catheter and the connector. The tamper-evident band comprises elastomeric annular band of stepped diameter which is fit over the juncture between the connector and the proximal end of the catheter. The band has a slot longitudinally arranged on one outer peripheral portion of the band. It also has a semi-circumferential tear tab disposed on one end thereof. To separate the connector from the proximal end of the catheter, the band must be broken. The tab may be pulled and the band separated along its longitudinal slot. A small ring comprising the remaining stepped portion of the band remains on the adapter after the tab has been pulled, the slot fractured and the top band portion removed.

Abstract: A kit for performing a medical procedure comprising, a procedure tray having a plurality of recesses to receive procedural components. The kit has a prepping tray having a plurality of recesses to receive prepping components, with the prepping tray being disposed in a side-by-side relationship with the procedure tray. The prepping tray has an outwardly directed upper transparent flange which is sufficiently large to cover the procedure tray.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a urine meter comprising a first container having a compartment to receive the liquid, and a second container having a cavity alongside the first container, with the first container having an opening adjacent an upper portion of the first container communicating between the compartment and cavity to permit passage of liquid between the compartment and cavity. The system has a receptacle having a chamber supported below the urine meter, a first conduit communicating between the compartment and receptacle chamber, and a second conduit communicating between the cavity and the receptacle chamber. The system has a device for simultaneously opening and closing the first and second conduits to empty the contents of the compartment and cavity into the receptacle chamber.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber for collection of liquid therein. The system has a housing secured to an upper portion of the receptacle and having opposed ends. The housing has a pair of opposed elongated flexible handle members extending from the housing ends, and a device for interlocking the outer ends of the handle members together to serve as a handle for the receptacle.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive and collect the liquid. The system has a drip chamber having a vent with a bacteria filter covering the vent, and an annular wall having a lower edge defining a valve seat, with the seat being disposed at an acute angle relative to the horizontal when the receptacle is in an upright position. The system has an anti-reflux valve comprising a sheet of flexible material extending across the drip chamber such that the sheet is sufficiently large to engage against the seat peripherally around the drip chamber. The system has a device for retaining an upper portion of the valve against an upper portion of the seat, such that a lower portion of the valve flexes away from the seat when the receptacle is placed in an upright position, and the lower portion of the valve flexes against the seat when the receptacle is disposed in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive the liquid, and a drainage tube communicating with the chamber. The system has a formed sheet of flexible material, with the sheet being of one-piece construction. The sheet has an elongated bar received in an upper portion of the receptacle, a first connecting portion extending from one side of the bar at a generally central location thereof, a first hinge extending across the sheet at an outer end of the first connecting portion, and a second elongated connecting portion extending from the first hinge on a side of the first hinge opposite the first connecting portion. The second connecting portion is flexed about the first hinge to align the first and second connecting portions in a facing relationship. The sheet has second and third hinges extending along opposed sides of the second connecting portion, and first and second hook members connected to the second and third hinges.

Abstract: A device for collecting body fluids from a patient comprising, a container having a chamber to receive the body fluids. The device has a receptacle associated with the container and having a cavity to retain an antiseptic agent, with the receptacle cavity communicating with the container chamber through a relatively small opening, and a device for generating pressure in the receptacle cavity to cause passage of the agent from the receptacle cavity to the container chamber through the opening.

Abstract: A device for collecting body fluids from a patient comprising, a container having a chamber to receive the body fluids. The device has a receptacle permanently secured to a wall of the container and having a cavity to receive a liquid agent, with the receptacle cavity communicating with the container chamber through a relatively small opening adjacent a lower portion of the cavity. The receptacle has an aperture in an upper portion of the receptacle communicating between the cavity and the outside of the receptacle.

Abstract: A device for collecting body fluids from a patient comprising, a container having a chamber to receive the body fluids. The device has a receptacle associated with the container and having a cavity to retain an antiseptic agent, with the receptacle cavity communicating with the container chamber through a relatively small opening, and a device for generating pressure in the receptacle cavity to cause passage of the agent from the receptacle cavity to the container chamber through the opening.

Abstract: A urine receptacle comprising, a container having a chamber for collection of urine, and a pocket on an outer surface of the container, with the pocket having an open end. The receptacle has a tubular section having an inner end attached to a lower portion of the container and communicating with said chamber, and an outer end. The receptacle has an elongated projection extending from the container in the pocket and being removably receivable in a lumen of the tubular section in the outer end in a storage position of the tubular section in the pocket. The projection has a device for contacting an inner surface of the tubular section and for retaining an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A urine receptacle comprising, a container having a chamber for collection of urine, and a tubular section having an inner end attached to a lower portion of the container and communicating with the chamber, and an outer end. The receptacle has a member for contacting a surface of the outer end of the tubular section and for retaining an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A vent for a liquid drainage system comprising, a conduit having a lumen for drainage of liquid, and a filter pervious to air and substantially impervious to the passage of bacteria, with the filter communicating with the atmosphere. The vent has a valve assembly communicating between the lumen and the filter, with the valve assembly being movable between a first closed position to prevent passage of liquid from the lumen against the filter, and a second open position to permit passage of air between the atmosphere and the lumen through the filter.