Abstract: A catheter includes a body having an outer surface defining a lumen and an expandable tip on a distal end thereof. The tip includes an opening axially extending therethrough. Upon insertion of a device having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the expandable tip, the opening permits passage of the device therethrough. The tip expands commensurately with a difference between the outer diameter of the device and the inner diameter of the expandable tip. The expandable tip includes a tubular wall having an axially extending weakened portion formed from (1) at least two axially aligned slit segments and (2) at least two axially aligned segments that are strengthened when compared to the slit segments. One of the strengthened segments is positioned between two of the slit segments. Another of the strengthened segments is formed between a distal-most slit segment and a distal end of the expandable tip.

Abstract: A catheter includes a body having an outer surface defining a lumen and an expandable tip on a distal end thereof. The tip includes an opening axially extending therethrough. Upon insertion of a device having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the expandable tip, the opening permits passage of the device therethrough. The tip expands commensurately with a difference between the outer diameter of the device and the inner diameter of the expandable tip. The expandable tip includes a tubular wall having an axially extending weakened portion formed from (1) at least two axially aligned slit segments and (2) at least two axially aligned segments that are strengthened when compared to the slit segments. One of the strengthened segments is positioned between two of the slit segments. Another of the strengthened segments is formed between a distal-most slit segment and a distal end of the expandable tip.

Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A flow control device for a liquid agent administration apparatus includes a body. The body has an inlet port, an outlet passage, and a flow control orifice between the inlet port and outlet passage. A deflection surface is located within the outlet passage and is spaced from the orifice to be impinged by a stream of the liquid discharging from the orifice.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the on-line sterile filling of a container with a sterile solution from a filling nozzle in a filling head. A container having an open end and a hollow body portion for receiving the sterile solution is provided. The container also includes an access passageway tube having first and second ends and a pierceable septum sealing the passageway at an intermediate position within the tube. The first open end of the access passageway tube is sealed in the open end of the container so as to close the hollow body portion of the container, which is then sterilized. Later, before on line filling, the second end of the access passageway tube is isolated from the surrounding environment by axially advancing and sealably seating the filling head at the second end of the access passageway tube. The isolated end of the access passageway tube is then sterilized for a time period sufficient to reduce the viable micro-organism population present to a predetermined level.

Abstract: An irrigation solution re-circulating system comprises a reservoir of irrigation solution, a solution supply line for joining the reservoir in fluid communication with a surgery site for delivering a controlled volume, pressure, and temperature of the irrigation solution to the surgery site, and a return line for further joining the surgery site in fluid communication with the reservoir. A pump, which is preferably non-hemolyzing, is connected to the return line for returning a controlled volume of the irrigation solution from the surgery site to the reservoir. The system further comprises at least one filter connected to the return line for removing contaminants from the irrigation solution prior to return to the reservoir to permit re-circulation of the solution without impairing endoscopic visualization of the surgery site, while providing solution for expanding the surgery site to permit performance of the attendant surgical procedure.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom. A second reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is also wound on the core and is in fluid communication with the water treatment chemicals to receive the chemically purified water for purification of at least a second portion thereof.

Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A terminal reservoir capping device according to the present invention includes a hollow member having first and second open ends. A first plug seals the first open end such that the plug is inwardly displaceable into the hollow member. A second plug seals the second open end. A chamber is defined by the hollow member and the first and second plugs. A reservoir of disinfecting fluid or therapeutic drug is provided in the chamber. Axially extending from the first end of the hollow member is a mechanism for engaging and advancing the tube connector into the chamber so as to inwardly displace the first plug into the chamber. The plug self-releases and allows dispersal of the reservoir fluid into the tube connector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for sterile coupling and decoupling of a first solution system to a second solution system. The first system has a resealable member so as to allow access into the system. The device includes a housing for receiving the resealable member so as to provide a fluid tight cooperating engagement with the resealable member. A penetrable barrier is positioned in the housing across from the resealable member. A conduit in flow communication with the second system is adapted for sterile penetration of the barrier and the resealable member. An inlet and outlet duct provides a passageway between the barrier and the resealable member. The inlet is adapted for fluid flow from a source of sterilizing fluid and optionally a sterile rinsing fluid. The outlet duct receives the sterilizing fluid after is passes across and sterilizes the resealable member facing the barrier.

Abstract: A package assembly for a plastic film bandage includes a plastic film bandage having skin adhesive on one side thereof, with a support sheet removably attached to the other side of the bandage and extending beyond the edge of the bandage in at least one area. A tube typically communicates across an end of the bandage with a portion of the tube being positioned against the one side thereof. Means are provided for anchoring the tube into the above-described position. Peel-away protection sheet means are releasably attached to the bandage, covering the one side of the bandage and that portion of the tube which is positioned against the one side. Hinge means are provided, attaching the support sheet and at least a portion of said peel-away protection sheet means at a peripheral position spaced from the bandage. Thus, upon opening, at least a portion of the protection sheet means may be removed from the bandage and may serve as a grippable extension of the support sheet as the bandage is applied to a patient.

Abstract: A storage system (10) includes an interior envelope (12) and an exterior envelope (14). Tissue or other material to be stored may be placed in interior envelope (12), sealed and placed in exterior envelope (14). Exterior envelope (14) is sealable in a first sealed position that allows gas sterilization of the interior of exterior envelope (14) and the contents contained therein. After sterilization, exterior envelope (14) is sealed in a gas impermeable position. Each of interior and exterior envelopes (12, 14) have one side which is transparent. A grid (22) may be provided on the transparent side of interior envelope (12) for sizing tissue contained therein.

Abstract: A blood component collection system and method each utilizes centrifugation to first separate whole blood into red blood cells and platelet-rich plasma. Noncentrifugal separation is then utilized to further separate the platelet-rich plasma into platelet concentrate and plasma which is virtually free of platelets. The system and method are applicable for use in association with both batch and continuous flow procedures.

Abstract: A tubular fluid transfer device is operative by itself to seal the end of a conduit. By coupling two of the devices together, a fluid path can be selectively established between two conduits by applying heat energy. The device includes a generally planar surface having a meltable region. The generally planar surface of one device is slidable against the generally planar surface of another one of the devices to bring the meltable regions into registration. The device includes a coupling mechanism which guides the meltable regions into the desired alignment as registration occurs. Furthermore, as the meltable regions register, the coupling mechanism generates forces which bias the meltable regions into intimate contact. The coupling mechanism thereafter releasably retains the devices in this snug interlocked relationship, so that the energy can be applied to jointly heat the meltable regions and melt open a fluid path between the two devices.

Abstract: A fluid processing system includes an integral flow control and distribution manifold for establishing fluid communication between conduit segments of the system. In use, the fluid manifold is received in an actuator head of an associated processor apparatus, wherein valving elements selectively crimp valving passageways in the manifold to perform the procedure. The fluid circuit of the system accommodates multiple procedures, obviating the need to stock multiple systems and enabling manufacturing economics to be realized from higher production volumes.

Abstract: A single needle batch-type blood fractionation system for separating plasma from whole blood includes a disposable flow system having a single-lumen phlebotomy needle and associated donor conduit, a flow-through plasma separation filter, and an in-process fluid reservoir. During an initial draw cycle whole blood is pumped through the filter to the in-process reservoir by a peristaltic-type inlet pump operating at a predetermined draw rate. When a predetermined volume of filtered plasma-deficient blood has been collected in the reservoir, as sensed by the weight of the reservoir, the system reverts to a return cycle wherein a portion of the plasma-deficient blood in the reservoir is pumped back to the donor conduit by a peristaltic-type return pump operating at a predetermined return rate higher than the draw rate of the inlet pump.

Abstract: A fluid processing apparatus for use in conjunction with a prepackaged disposable fluid processing module of the type which includes an integral housing wherein fluid containers, tubing segments, and other components required in processing a fluid are contained, and wherein fluid communication between the containers, components and tubing segments is provided by a fluid circuit formed within the housing by a first relatively inflexible fluid-impervious sheet member and a second relatively flexible fluid-impermeable sheet member. The fluid circuit includes pump and valve elements which operate in response to pressures applied to the second sheet member. Upon installation of the system in the processing apparatus pneumatic actuator ports apply pressures to the second sheet member through access apertures in the housing to circulate fluid through the fluid circuit.