Abstract: Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies having a connection mechanism for securely connecting a hub to fluid storage containers in a luer slip relationship are described. An exemplary medical device includes a hub forming a cavity, a second indicating element disposed within the cavity that engages the hub. Additional features of the medical device include a second indicating element contoured to form a line contact with the hub. In a specific configuration, the hub includes a first indicating element attached to the hub and extending proximally into the cavity having a protrusion. In a more specific configuration, the medical device includes a fluid storage container that has an indication system for visually indicating optimal fluid-tight engagement of the hub and the fluid storage container.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies having a connection mechanism for securely connecting a hub to fluid storage containers in a luer slip relationship are described. An exemplary medical device includes a hub forming a cavity, a second indicating element disposed within the cavity that engages the hub. Additional features of the medical device include a second indicating element contoured to form a line contact with the hub. In a specific configuration, the hub includes a first indicating element attached to the hub and extending proximally into the cavity having a protrusion. In a more specific configuration, the medical device includes a fluid storage container that has an indication system for visually indicating optimal fluid-tight engagement of the hub and the fluid storage container.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies having a connection mechanism for securely connecting a hub to fluid storage containers in a luer slip relationship are described. An exemplary medical device includes a hub forming a cavity, a second indicating element disposed within the cavity that engages the hub. Additional features of the medical device include a second indicating element contoured to form a line contact with the hub. In a specific configuration, the hub includes a first indicating element attached to the hub and extending proximally into the cavity having a protrusion. In a more specific configuration, the medical device includes a fluid storage container that has an indication system for visually indicating optimal fluid-tight engagement of the hub and the fluid storage container.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: A dental scaler system consisting of an ergonomically designed body and interchangeable tip assemblies designed to minimize fatigue due to prolonged strain from instrument grip and use. The device has a centrally located opening shaped to receive the index finger for a comfortable reduced strain grip. The opening is shaped such that it is possible to maneuver and rotate the device around the index finger allowing the user to change from one working end to the other in a single handed manner while continuing to hold the device. The device is designed to utilize detachable and interchangeable tips including spacers to adjust the overall length of the device or as a one piece unit with fixed instrument tips.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies having a connection mechanism for securely connecting a hub to fluid storage containers in a luer slip relationship are described. An exemplary medical device includes a hub forming a cavity, a second indicating element disposed within the cavity that engages the hub. Additional features of the medical device include a second indicating element contoured to form a line contact with the hub. In a specific configuration, the hub includes a first indicating element attached to the hub and extending proximally into the cavity having a protrusion. In a more specific configuration, the medical device includes a fluid storage container that has an indication system for visually indicating optimal fluid-tight engagement of the hub and the fluid storage container.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies having a connection mechanism for securely connecting a hub to fluid storage containers in a luer slip relationship are described. An exemplary medical device includes a hub forming a cavity, a second indicating element disposed within the cavity that engages the hub. Additional features of the medical device include a second indicating element contoured to form a line contact with the hub. In a specific configuration, the hub includes a first indicating element attached to the hub and extending proximally into the cavity having a protrusion. In a more specific configuration, the medical device includes a fluid storage container that has an indication system for visually indicating optimal fluid-tight engagement of the hub and the fluid storage container.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies having a connection mechanism for securely connecting a hub to fluid storage containers in a luer slip relationship are described. An exemplary medical device includes a hub forming a cavity, a second indicating element disposed within the cavity that engages the hub. Additional features of the medical device include a second indicating element contoured to form a line contact with the hub. In a specific configuration, the hub includes a first indicating element attached to the hub and extending proximally into the cavity having a protrusion. In a more specific configuration, the medical device includes a fluid storage container that has an indication system for visually indicating optimal fluid-tight engagement of the hub and the fluid storage container.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies having a connection mechanism for securely connecting a hub to fluid storage containers in a luer slip relationship are described. An exemplary medical device includes a hub forming a cavity, a second indicating element disposed within the cavity that engages the hub. Additional features of the medical device include a second indicating element contoured to form a line contact with the hub. In a specific configuration, the hub includes a first indicating element attached to the hub and extending proximally into the cavity having a protrusion. In a more specific configuration, the medical device includes a fluid storage container that has an indication system for visually indicating optimal fluid-tight engagement of the hub and the fluid storage container.

Abstract: A sensing device is provided. The device comprises a gas permeable member, a sensing member and optical means. The gas permeable member is arranged to receive gas from a substance to be tested. The sensing member is located adjacent to the gas permeable member and comprises a sensing substance. A property of the sensing substance is modified when it is brought into contact with the gas received by the gas permeable member. The optical means comprises a light source which is arranged to irradiate the sensing substance together with a first sensor which is configured to detect a change in the aforementioned property of the sensing substance.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies having a connection mechanism for securely connecting a hub to fluid storage containers in a luer slip relationship are described. An exemplary medical device includes a hub forming a cavity, a second indicating element disposed within the cavity that engages the hub. Additional features of the medical device include a second indicating element contoured to form a line contact with the hub. In a specific configuration, the hub includes a first indicating element attached to the hub and extending proximally into the cavity having a protrusion. In a more specific configuration, the medical device includes a fluid storage container that has an indication system for visually indicating optimal fluid-tight engagement of the hub and the fluid storage container.

Abstract: A method for performing a coronary artery bypass graft procedure on a patient to connect a bypass vessel to a target vessel includes the steps of creating an opening in the patient that communicates with the thoracic cavity of the patient; providing a bypass vessel having a lumen and at least one free end; passing the free end of the bypass vessel from the thoracic cavity through the opening to a position outside the body of the patient; attaching a connector to the free end of bypass vessel while the free end of the bypass vessel is outside the body of the patient; passing the free end of the bypass vessel from the position outside the body of the patient through the opening and into the thoracic cavity; and connecting the free end of the bypass vessel to a target vessel with the connector.

Abstract: Impression devices are provided for making an impression of a desired feature. The impression devices include: a flexible bladder having a cavity formed therein, the flexible bladder being capable of conforming to the details of the desired feature; a rheological material, such as a magnetorheological fluid, disposed in the cavity of the flexible bladder; and an activator for applying an external stimulus to the rheological material to change the state of the rheological material and thereby capture an impression of the desired feature.