Abstract: Syringe having a plunger, a barrel and a restrictor mechanism between the shaft of the plunger and the barrel and including a first part engaged with the barrel for limiting movement of the first part with respect to the barrel in a first direction, and a second part. The restrictor mechanism and/or plunger shaft carries a formation for limiting movement of the restrictor mechanism with respect to the plunger in the first direction. The restrictor mechanism as a further member which restricts movement of the restrictor mechanism with respect to the barrel or plunger shaft in a second direction. A latch member prevents he further member from restricting movement of the restrictor mechanism with respect to the barrel or plunger shaft in the second direction until a predetermined point in an operation cycle of the syringe.

Abstract: A disposable syringe (2) is disclosed. Withdrawal of a plunger handle (18) in the direction of arrow B to fill the syringe causes a moveable safety bobbin (20) to lock, and shaft (16) slides in the direction of arrow B relative to safety bobbin (20) and washer (22). Subsequent depression of plunger handle (18) in the direction of arrow A causes safety bobbin (20) to move along barrel (4), from which position it can not be withdrawn. This therefore prevents subsequent withdrawal of piston (14) and therefore prevents re-use of the syringe.

Abstract: A catheter or similar device, particularly a female transient urinary catheter (1), comprises a rigid polypropylene tube having a saw tooth formation (4) providing a flexible region which separates a handle portion (2) from an insertion portion (3). In the insertion portion are formed apertures (6, 9) in the distal tip of the catheter and in the side of the catheter (1) towards the distal end. The tip aperture (6) has a rolled over edge (7) and the side apertures (9) are formed in recesses (8) in the external profile of the catheter. A scaling portion (10) comprises a sinusoidal undulation in the catheter wall which effects an improved seal between the catheter and the wall of the urethra.

Abstract: A catheter or similar device, particularly a female transient urinary catheter (1), comprises a rigid polypropylene tube having a saw tooth formation (4) providing a flexible region which separates a handle portion (2) from an insertion portion (3). In the insertion portion are formed apertures (6, 9) in the distal tip of the catheter and in the side of the catheter (1) towards the distal end. The tip aperture (6) has a rolled over edge (7) and the side apertures (9) are formed in recesses (8) in the external profile of the catheter. A scaling portion (10) comprises a sinusoidal undulation in the catheter wall which effects an improved seal between the catheter and the wall of the urethra.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for use in transcutaneous surgical procedures, such as transcutaneous catheterization and surgical biopsy.To provide that the operative parts of instrumentation to be introduced into the patient's body are shielded from contact with the patient's skin, and thereby to inhibit transfer of micro-organisms from the skin into the body, there is provided a transcutaneous indwelling shield device for insertion into a skin aperture, comprising a transcutaneous distal portion providing an instrument access port, connecting to a proximal portion of shallow dished form of substantially greater dimension than said access port, the proximal portion tapering inwardly to said distal portion to readily guide the distal tip of the instrument to said access port.