Abstract: This invention provides a guidewire adapted for the catheterization of very small vasculature of the neonates, infants and children. In one embodiment of the invention, a guidewire of 0.010 inch diameter is described. The present invention also provides an alignment adaptor that facilitates catheterization of small vasculature utilizing said guidewire, and method of using the same.

Abstract: This invention provides a guidewire adapted for the catheterization of very small vasculature of the neonates, infants and children. In one embodiment of the invention, a guidewire of 0.010 inch diameter is described. The present invention also provides an alignment adaptor that facilitates catheterization of small vasculature utilizing said guidewire, and method of using the same.

Abstract: A needle assembly (100) having a hollow needle (110) with a pointed distal end (112) and a proximal end (114). The assembly also includes a needle hub (120) having a distal hub end (122) fixedly connected to the needle (110), a proximal hub end (124) having an opening, and a passageway (126) extending therethrough between the distal end and the proximal end. A valve (140) is disposed within the passageway (126), wherein the valve comprises a sealing member (142) having at least one through-opening (150) disposed therein and a plunger (146) disposed proximate the sealing member (142) and slidable between a first position wherein the at least one through-opening (150) is closed such that the hollow needle (110) and the proximal hub end (124) are not in fluid communication with each other and a second position wherein the plunger (146) biases the at least one through-opening (150) to an open position, such that the hollow needle and the proximal hub end are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A needle assembly having a hollow needle with a pointed distal end and a proximal end is disclosed. The assembly also includes a needle hub having a distal hub end fixedly connected to the needle, a proximal hub end having an opening, and a passageway extending therethrough between the distal end and the proximal end. A valve is disposed within the passageway, wherein the valve comprises a sealing member having at least one through-opening disposed therein and a plunger disposed proximate the sealing member and slidable between a first position wherein the at least one through-opening is closed such that the hollow needle and the proximal hub end are not in fluid communication with each other and a second position wherein the plunger biases the at least one through-opening to an open position, such that the hollow needle and the proximal hub end are in fluid communication with each other. A method of using the needle assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable transducer manifold assembly is provided which includes a tubular manifold formed within a frame and having an inlet and provided with at least one sensing port. The sensing port is enclosed by a chamber defined by a housing integrally formed within said frame. A pressure sensing transducer in the form of a microchip sensor is located within said housing such that a sensing surface is adapted for direct exposure to fluid in said tubular manifold through said sensing port. Electrical cable connection means are provided which extend outwardly from the housing for electrically connecting the pressure sensing transducer to a monitor.