Abstract: A catheter movement control device is presented having therein a resilient biasing member and a tube gripper which mount on a catheter tube. The biasing member and tube gripper are contained within a housing having a shoulder proximate the catheter tube. As the catheter tube is free to move in a forward direction through the housing, upon attempted rearward movement the biasing member engages the tube gripper causing it to pivot against a shoulder within the housing. Upon pivoting the tube gripper tightly engages the catheter tube preventing any further rearward movement of the catheter tube.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for guiding a medical instrument to a predetermined target location within the periurethral tissues of a patient. The apparatus directs the instrument along a predetermined path with respect to the patient's urethra and limits penetration of the instrument to a predetermined depth. The disclosed embodiment comprises an apparatus for implanting inflatable prostheses within the periurethral tissues to coapt the urethra and thereby manage incontinence.A method for effecting coaptation of a urethra of a patient is also disclosed. According to this method, a pair of working channels are formed within the periurethral tissues, and an inflatable prosthesis is introduced into each working channel. The prostheses are inflated only after both working channels have been formed, and preferably after both prostheses have been positioned within their respective working channels. The inflated prostheses confront the urethra and effect coaptation of the urethra.

Abstract: An improved venipuncture device comprises a catheter having a catheter hub at one end with a needle having a needle hub at one end and a sharpened tip at the second end extending through the catheter and catheter hub. The needle is adapted for insertion and removal from the catheter. The improvement comprises a penetrable elastic sealing member sealed within the catheter hub. A compression mechanism compresses the sealing member in the same direction as the axis of the sealing member, thereby effectively resealing the opening through the sealing member created by withdrawal of the venipuncture needle.

Abstract: A gravitational flow system for the sequential administration of medical liquids to a patient comprises a primary container connected to a primary tube, a secondary container connected to a secondary tube, and a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve which connects them and is in fluid communication with a common tube extending to the patient. A primary flow control device is positioned in the primary flow path and a secondary flow control device is positioned in the secondary flow path. In operation, the system dispenses primary liquid unless interrupted by a flow of secondary liquid. In that instance, primary liquid flow is cut off by an air capturing pocket. At the same time, a plurality of air barriers prevent infusion of air into the patient.

Abstract: A sterile container for a medicinal material which is to be intermixed in an I.V. solution wherein the container serves as a mixing device as well as a portion of an I.V. administration apparatus. The device of this invention includes a container which is closed at opposing ends by pierceable diaphragm portions. Extending from one end is a piercing pin having a diaphragm piercing portion which can pierce the diaphragm when it is moved inwardly into the container and also provide a fluid passageway for the container contents. At the opposing end a diaphragm is housed in a closure with a flexible end wall and a tubular guide section for the piercing pin of an I.V. administration set. The container therefore serves a dual function of holding a fluid material such as a powder in a sterile condition yet serving as a component of an I.V. set to thereby afford a quick and simple procedure for mixing additive components into an I.V. administration set.

Abstract: A needle-inside, catheter placement assembly including a spliced, two-part needle and a catheter unit comprising a catheter, winged catheter insertion means, flexible tubing and tube hub, wherein axial and rotational alignment of the needle and catheter unit are maintained by mechanically interlocked complementary portions of the needle and lumen of the winged catheter insertion means.

Abstract: A continuous low flow rate dispenser of the syringe type wherein a fluid medicament can be administered at a slow and controlled rate to a patient over a long period of time. A syringe carrier having biasing means in the form of spiral coiled springs will be placed under tension as an abutment member is moved away from an opposing slidable driver member. A standard syringe has the plunger moved to an activated position and placed in the syringe carrier with the abutment member in contact with the engagement surface at the end of the plunger rod and the opposing slidable driver member in contact with the engagement surfaces (finger flanges) on the barrel member. A control means is placed in a closed position which will hold the fluid medicament in the syringe barrel but under the biased tension of the biasing means.

Abstract: A pressurized additive transfer device for storing and transferring of a fluid material to a solution container such as a rigid container or an I.V. bag having an exposed pierceable closure or port. The transfer device is self-pressurized and includes a closure with channel portions to permit the introduction of a pressurizing media. The closure also has a central opening in alignment with a pierceable diaphragm. A piercing member having a double pointed end is disposed in the central opening which affords a movement of the piercing member toward the pierceable diaphragm to pierce it. Frictional engagement elements are provided between the piercing member and the central opening to hold the piercing member when it punctures the diaphragm as well as the solution container closure or port. In one embodiment, a vent slot is provided in the piercing member to serve as a vent for the solution container.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids allow primary liquid to be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid. The sets include a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing device to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when secondary liquid is depleted. The device also prevents the flow of primary liquid when secondary liquid is being dispensed.

Abstract: An improved venipuncture device comprises a catheter having a catheter hub at one end, with a needle having a needle hub at one end and a sharpened tip at the second end extending through the catheter and catheter hub. A resilient reseal is mounted in the catheter hub for sealing the catheter upon removal of the needle. The improvement comprises a wing hub having an axial bore adapted for telescopic reception and attachment to the catheter portion. A pair of oppositely extending flexible wings are integrally formed and extend from the wing hub. An area of reduced thickness on each of the flexible wings along a portion of the width of the wings adjacent to the wing hub allows the wings to be easily folded upward. As a result, the wings may be pinched together between the thumb and index finger, thus, making it easier to insert the needle into the vein of the patient.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids allow primary liquid to be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid. The sets include a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing device to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when secondary liquid is depleted. The device also prevents the flow of primary liquid when secondary liquid is being dispensed.

Abstract: A flow control device for regulating the flow of fluid through a flexible tubing wherein a roller is employed with a grooved surface for incrementally controlling the flow of fluid through the tubing. In order to properly orientate the groove of the roller during its path of travel through the clamp body and over the tubing, a flat segment or interrupted surface portion is provided on the roller and an interfering member is provided in the base of the clamp. In addition, and to improve the efficiency of the clamp, additional features such as a relief surface in the roller, centering lugs for the tubing to position it in the clamp body, as well as circumferential ribs on the roller are provided.

Abstract: A gravitational flow system for the sequential administration of medical liquids to a patient comprises a primary container connected to a primary tube, a secondary container connected to a secondary tube, and a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve which connects them and is in fluid communication with a common tube extending to the patient. A primary flow control device is positioned in the primary flow path and a secondary flow control device is positioned in the secondary flow path. In operation the system dispenses primary liquid unless interrupted by a flow of secondary liquid. In that instance, primary liquid flow is cut off by an air capturing pocket. At the same time, a plurality of air barriers prevent infusion of air into the patient.