Abstract: A double lumen cannula mounted upon a hub and constructed to penetrate the human vascular system, the cannula assembly having an interior cannula and an exterior cannula spaced from the interior cannula. A bushing is normally situated in the space between the interior and exterior cannula which bushing facilitates venipuncture without damanging the tissue. After venipuncture, the bushing is removable from the space between the interior and exterior cannulae by withdrawing the bushing from the cannulae through the hub.

Abstract: Needle restraining apparatus is provided which serves to prevent a stylet needle of a venipuncture device which fits telescopically within a catheter of the venipuncture device from longitudinally moving with respect to the catheter during venipuncture. In one embodiment, the needle restraining apparatus provides a collar constructed of heat-shrinkable plastic releasably conforming to a needle hub and the hub of a tube adaptor of the venipuncture device. The collar is shrunk so that the leading and trailing ends of the collar form a non-slip fit over the irregular contour of the hub of the tube adaptor and the hub of the stylet needle. In a second embodiment of the invention, the collar is constructed of rigid plastic and preformed to engage the hub of the tube adaptor of the device and the hub of the stylet needle thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the stylet needle relative to the catheter.

Abstract: An autologous blood system comprising at least two interconnected blood receptacles, the first of which is evacuated and connected to a suction device for aspirating blood. The second receptacle takes blood from the first by overcoming the vacuum in the first without interrupting the ability of the suction device to simultaneously aspirate blood. An infusion set is connected to the second receptacle to permit simultaneous collection of the blood from the patient and infusion of the blood back into the patient. The method includes aspirating blood from the patient and collecting blood in the first receptacle. Blood is thereafter transferred to the second receptacle by overcoming the vacuum in the first receptacle without interrupting the ability of the suction device to simultaneously aspirate blood. Blood is then returned to the patient either with or without disconnecting the second receptacle from the first, the infusion step taking place concurrently with blood collection.

Abstract: An autologous blood transfusion system having at least two interconnected blood receptacles and an associated filter assembly, the first receptacle being evacuated and connected to a suction device for aspirating blood. The second receptacle takes blood from the first by overcoming the vacuum in the first with a greater vacuum in the second without interrupting the ability of the suction device to simultaneously aspirate blood. The second receptacle may comprise a transfer bag for reinfusion into the patient or an infusion set may be connected to the second receptacle to permit simultaneous collection of the blood from the patient and infusion of the blood back into the patient. In either case, the second receptacle is selectively exposed to positive pressure to force blood through the filter assembly and expel the blood from the second receptacle into the transfer bag or patient. The method includes aspirating blood from the patient and collecting blood in the first receptacle.

Abstract: An autologous blood transfusion system comprising at least two interconnected blood receptacles, the first of which is evacuated and connected to a suction device for aspirating blood. The second receptacle takes blood from the first by overcoming the vacuum in the first with a greater vacuum in the second without interrupting the ability of the suction device to simultaneously aspirate blood. The second receptacle may comprise a transfer bag for reinfusion into the patient or an infusion set may be connected to the second receptacle to permit simultaneous collection of the blood from the patient and infusion of the blood back into the patient. In either case, the second receptacle is selectively exposed to positive pressure to expel the blood from the second receptacle into the transfer bag or patient. The method includes aspirating blood from the patient and collecting blood in the first receptacle.

Abstract: A self-sustaining rigid body drainage collector including two or more sections each equipped with means for interlocking with another section when snapped together to provide a fluid tight joint; one of said sections having fittings for connection to the patient and to a vacuum line. The collector may be disposed of, empty or full, in an asceptic manner or emptied and reused on the same patient.