Abstract: The methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein generally involve a venous-to-venous delivery of drugs to a targeted region within a patient. A triple lumen catheter device is disclosed that is particularly suitable for delivery of therapeutic drugs via a closed loop, preventing the circulation of toxic agents throughout the body, thereby creating an isolated treatment zone that maximizes local therapeutic concentrations while preventing agents from escaping to the rest of the body.

Abstract: The methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein generally involve a venous-to-venous delivery of drugs to a targeted region within a patient. A triple lumen catheter device is disclosed that is particularly suitable for delivery of therapeutic drugs via a closed loop, preventing the circulation of toxic agents throughout the body, thereby creating an isolated treatment zone that maximizes local therapeutic concentrations while preventing agents from escaping to the rest of the body.

Abstract: A system and method permit monitoring and location of a route in vivo and a visible image of that route for retrograde perfusion of a tumor with a therapeutic agent. Once the route is located, the path for flow of therapeutic agent to the tumor is confirmed as being a closed loop. The therapeutic agent is then introduced into the closed loop through retrograde perfusion to treat the tumor. The number of types and amounts of treating agents may be adjusted and observed as the treatment is in progress.

Abstract: A computerized system collects, organizes and stores various sets of data during several phases of treatment relating to monitoring and location of a route in vivo and a visible image of that route for retrograde perfusion of a tumor with a therapeutic agent and for monitoring treatment procedures during such retrograde perfusion. The data obtained from present and past treatment procedures are stored for analysis and also made available real time to treating physicians during treatment procedures.

Abstract: A computerized system collects, organizes and stores various sets of data during several phases of treatment relating to monitoring and location of a route in vivo and a visible image of that route for retrograde perfusion of a tumor with a therapeutic agent and for monitoring treatment procedures during such retrograde perfusion. The data obtained from present and past treatment procedures are stored for analysis and also made available real time to treating physicians during treatment procedures.

Abstract: A system and method permit monitoring and location of a route in vivo and a visible image of that route for retrograde perfusion of a tumor with a therapeutic agent. Once the route is located, the path for flow of therapeutic agent to the tumor is confirmed as being a closed loop. The therapeutic agent is then introduced into the closed loop through retrograde perfusion to treat the tumor. The number of types and amounts of treating agents may be adjusted and observed as the treatment is in progress.

Abstract: Tumors in the body of a patient are studied in situ by a monitor, such as computer assisted tomography, X-ray or the like, while optimal flow paths through the tumor area are established. A catheter with a suction lumen and an infusion lumen, with seals associated with each, is placed in the patient's vein near the tumor. Flow is then sealed in the vein with the infusion seal. A carrier medium dye is injected into the tumor at selected flow rates and differential pressures. Flow of the dye through the tumor is observed on the monitor to determine optimal retrograde perfusion paths through the tumor for the selected flow rates and differential pressures. Once the optimal perfusion paths are noted, a preferential attack area in the tumor is located using a different, less dense carrier dye and increased fluid back pressure in the infusion system.

Abstract: Tumors in the body of a patient are studied in situ by a monitor, such as computer assisted tomography, X-ray or the like, while optimal flow paths through the tumor area are established. A catheter with a suction lumen and an infusion lumen, with seals associated with each, is placed in the patient's vein near the tumor. Flow is then sealed in the vein with the infusion seal. A carrier medium dye is injected into the tumor at selected flow rates and differential pressures. Flow of the dye through the tumor is observed on the monitor to determine optimal retrograde perfusion paths through the tumor for the selected flow rates and differential pressures. Once the optimal perfusion paths are noted, microspheres with active ingredients, such as chemotherapy, can be selectively perfused through each of the paths in the tumor at desired flow rates, pressures and active ingredient dosages.

Abstract: Catheter feedback methods and systems are disclosed for optimizing the infusion of a drug, such as a chemotherapeutic agent via retrograde perfusion through the venous side of the vascular network to a selectively determined portion of a solid tumor. Monitoring and regulatory capability are provided for controlling the outflow of the drug and thereby for controlling the dose rate, the duration of exposure of the drug, the leakage factor, and the level of systemic toxicity, all critical factors in the successful treatment of solid tumors. A feedback loop for practicing the method comprises two concentric balloon catheters capable of extensive maneuvering and selective placement within the venous drainage of the vascular system, creating a third in-vivo space for repeated perfusion of the selected portion of a diseased organ as often as desired, providing maximum exposure of the chemotherapy to the tumor with minimum exposure to any other portions of the patient's body.

Abstract: A new torque drive mechanism is disclosed between a reversible rotatable square bar means for rotating a washer while providing free longitudinal movement of the square rod in the washer, and for providing free passage of liquid therebetween the bar and the washer.

Abstract: Method for assembling a self-cleaning helical spring sand screen for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The basic method comprises (1) attaching a helical spring sand screen to the lower end of a production tube for being lowered into a well to the liquid level for producing sand-free liquid from the production tube, (2) mounting a spring biased valve means on the production tube, (3) providing valve means for the production tube for controlling the outlet thereof, and (4) connecting a source of high pressure liquid to the spring biased valve means for storing energy in its spring, for expanding its helical spring sand screen, and for ejecting liquid into its helical spring sand screen for expansion and cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A method for cleaning sand from a helical spring sand filter and a self-cleaning helical spring sand filter for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The filter comprises a helical spring connected in tension at each end to an elongated perforated sleeve for spacing apart all convolutions by a predetermined distance for forming the filter. One or more washer shaped cleaning rings with square holes therein are mounted between adjacent convolutions at one end of the spring for being rotated by a square ended rod supported by a sucker rod in a well between all of the convolutions to the spring other end for scraping off all foreign material from between the convolutions. The spring sand filter can be cleaned for as many times as there are cleaning rings instead of making trips to the surface for unclogging.

Abstract: A self-cleaning helical spring sand screen for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The sand screen comprises a hydraulically actuated, spring based spool valve connected to the upper end of the sand screen for receiving liquid under high pressure, for storing energy in the spring, for expanding the helical spring sand screen, and for ejecting liquid into the helical spring sand screen for cleaning thereof. Then upon ceasing of flow of the high pressure liquid, the stored energy in another spring contracts the helical spring sand screen for restorating production of sand-free oil from the production tube. A second modification is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning sand from a helical spring sand filter, methods for assembling a self-cleaning helical spring sand filter, and a self-cleaning helical spring sand filter for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The filter comprises a helical spring connected in tension at each end to an elongated perforated sleeve for spacing apart all convolutions by a predetermined distance for forming the filter. One or more washer shaped cleaning rings with square holes therein are mounted between adjacent convolutions at one end of the spring for being rotated by a square ended rod supported by a sucker rod in a well between all of the convolutions to the spring other end for scraping off all foreign material from between the convolutions. The spring sand filter can be cleaned for as many times as there are cleaning rings instead of making trips to the surface for unclogging.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a helical spring screen that has become clogged up while filtering liquid deep in a well and while simultaneously producing filtered liquid from the well comprises (1) positioning a cleaning washer with a large opening therein between two coils at one end of the helical spring screen, and (2) rotating the cleaning washer with a rotatable rod of a smaller circumference between all of the coils to the other end of the spring screen for cleaning all foreign material from between the coils of the spring screen, and for simultaneously producing filtered liquid through the cleaning washer large opening while sliding over the rod from one end to the other. A method for forming or assembling a self-cleaning helical screen and two modifications of a new and improved self-cleaning helical spring screen are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning sand from a helical spring sand screen for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are the basic steps: (1) ceasing flow from the production tube, (2) injecting high pressure liquid into a reciprocal valve means for expanding the helical spring sand screen, and (3) injecting more high pressure liquid into the helical spring sand screen for cleaning thereof. Then upon ceasing of flow of the high pressure liquid, the stored energy in another spring contracts the helical spring sand screen for restoring production of sand-free oil from the production tube. A second modification is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a helical spring screen that has become clogged up while filtering liquid deep in a well and while simultaneously producing filtered liquid from the well comprises (1) positioning a cleaning washer with a large opening therein between two coils at one end of the helical spring screen, and (2) rotating the cleaning washer with a rotatable rod of a smaller circumference between all of the coils to the other end of the spring screen for cleaning all foreign material from between the coils of the spring screen, and for simultaneously producing filtered liquid through the cleaning washer large opening while sliding over the rod from one end to the other. A method for forming or assembling a self-cleaning helical screen and two modifications of a new and improved self-cleaning helical spring screen are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning sand from a helical spring sand filter, methods for assembling a self-cleaning helical spring sand filter, and a self-cleaning helical spring sand filter for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The filter comprises a helical spring connected in tension at each end to an elongated perforated sleeve for spacing apart all convolutions by a predetermined distance for forming the filter. One or more washer shaped cleaning rings with square holes therein are mounted between adjacent convolutions at one end of the spring for being rotated by a square ended rod supported by a sucker rod in a well between all of the convolutions to the spring other end for scraping off all foreign material from between the convolutions. The spring sand filter can be cleaned for as many times as there are cleaning rings instead of making trips to the surface for unclogging.