Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles for providing an antimicrobial composition to the proximal elements of a trans-dermal catheter and into the lumen of the transdermal catheter are disclosed. In an embodiment, an antimicrobial composition on surface a cap element transfers antimicrobial to the proximal end of the transdermal catheter. The system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter, the elongate member containing an antimicrobial.

Abstract: A system, method, and article for delivering an antimicrobial agent into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter, and the elongate member containing an antimicrobial. In the alternative an antimicrobial agent can be placed on an interior surface of a retaining ring.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles for delivering an antimicrobial composition into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter and to proximal elements of the transdermal catheter are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter, the elongate member containing an antimicrobial. In an alternative embodiment, an antimicrobial composition placed on an interior surface a cap element, and transfers antimicrobial to the exterior of the proximal end of the transdermal catheter.

Abstract: Vascular access systems for performing hemodialysis are disclosed. The vascular access system contemplates a catheter section adapted for insertion into a vein and a graft section adapted for attachment to an artery. The catheter section may have metal or polymer wall reinforcements that allow the use of thin-walled, small outer diameter conduits for the vascular access system. One or more of the adhered, embedded or bonded conduit reinforcement structures may be removable without significant damage to the conduit sections to facilitate attachment of the sections, or to a connector between the sections. Various self-sealing materials are provided for use in the vascular access system, as well as temporary access sites and flow control/sensor systems.

Abstract: Vascular access systems for performing hemodialysis are disclosed. The vascular access system contemplates a catheter section adapted for insertion into a vein and a graft section adapted for attachment to an artery. The catheter section may have metal or polymer wall reinforcements that allow the use of thin-walled, small outer diameter conduits for the vascular access system. One or more of the adhered, embedded or bonded conduit reinforcement structures may be removable without significant damage to the conduit sections to facilitate attachment of the sections, or to a connector between the sections. Various self-sealing materials are provided for use in the vascular access system, as well as temporary access sites and flow control/sensor systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of an elongate member into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a protective sheath configured to at least substantially surround an elongate member; and slidable member configured to travel along the protective sheath, the slidable member operatively coupled to the elongate member; wherein the elongate member is insertable into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter by moving the slidable member along at least a part of the length of the protective sheath.

Abstract: A system for delivering an antimicrobial agent into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In an embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter; an expandable portion of the elongate member, said expandable portion configured to increase in diameter upon exposure to an aqueous fluid; and an antimicrobial composition positioned to be delivered into the catheter. In another embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter, said elongate member comprising a hydrogel; and an antimicrobial composition positioned to be delivered into the catheter; wherein the elongate member defines a volume of liquid that is at least substantially contained within the lumen of the trans-dermal catheter.

Abstract: A light delivery system for use in irradiating vascular tissue includes a balloon catheter with a working lumen for receiving an optical fiber therein and an inflation/flushing lumen adapted to receive a liquid at a proximal end and leading to a space defined within the balloon member attached to a distal end of the catheter. The balloon member has a pattern of holes or pores in the wall thereof through which the saline may flow when the balloon is inflated, causing any blood or other absorbing substances that may interfere with good radiant energy transmission to be flushed away from the treatment site.

Abstract: A light delivery system for use in irradiating vascular tissue includes a balloon catheter with a working lumen for receiving an optical fiber therein and an inflation/flushing lumen adapted to receive a liquid at a proximal end and leading to a space defined within the balloon member attached to a distal end of the catheter. The balloon member has a pattern of holes or pores in the wall thereof through which the saline may flow when the balloon is inflated, causing any blood or other absorbing substances that may interfere with good radiant energy transmission to be flushed away from the treatment site.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector polishing fixture for polishing optical fibers which are to be connected with other optical fibers includes synthetic ruby balls symmetrically aligned on an aluminum substrate which is configured to permit a ferrule and its outer housing to be inserted for polishing. The ruby balls define a polishing plane axially spaced from the substrate for polishing an optical fiber which is longitudinally disposed within the ferrule. The ruby balls and ferrule are moved along an abrasive material until the ferrule and optical fiber are suitably polished.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is crimped to a fiber optic connector using a crimp sleeve having an insertion tube which is inserted between the optical fiber and reinforcement yarns of the cable. A flange projecting from the tube flares the yarn upon insertion of the tube into the cable. Subsequent insertion of the crimp sleeve and cable into a housing causes the flared yarn to fold back onto the cable avoiding contact of the yarn with adhesive in the connector.

Abstract: A rotary fiber optic switch switches a first optical fiber among a plurality of second optical fibers. The switch is calibrated with a control mechanism such that movement of the rotated fiber to a prescribed position achieves a maximum power transmission between the first fibers and an opposing one of said plurality.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule received within a ferrule holder. The ferrule holder is provided with venting to evacuate air from an adhesive receiving chamber to avoid air pocket formation in adhesive.

Abstract: In an optical fiber connector subassembly, a ferrule is received within a hollow cylindrical crimp. The ferrule has a bore extending through the ferrule with a longitudinal slot formed within the ferrule exposing a portion of the bore. The crimp is provided with first and second crimping portions. The first crimping portion extends into the slot and opposes the ferrule bore. The second crimping portion is diametrically opposed to the first crimping portion and opposes an exterior surface of the ferrule. Application of a force to the sides of the crimp causes the first and second crimping portions to be spaced apart a distance sufficient to insert a fiber within the ferrule bore. Release of the force causes the first and second crimping portions to be biased toward one another to securely crimp the fiber within the ferrule.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector is shown with connector elements dimensioned and having material selected to accommodate thermal expansion to certain alignment of elements. Also, the elements are selected to accommodate compressive force to ensure a desired distribution of compressive forces between a ferrule and a fiber. The balancing ensures that the fiber and the ferrule retain a desired alignment with desired opposing forces. Also, a non-circular split sleeve of uniform wall thickness dimensions is provided to ensure uniform pressure distribution on a fiber ferrule. The split sleeve is also offset to accommodate offsetting tendencies of fibers being aligned within the split sleeve.

Abstract: In an optical fiber connector subassembly, a ferrule is received within a hollow cylindrical crimp. The ferrule has a bore extending through the ferrule with a longitudinal slot formed within the ferrule exposing a portion of the bore. The crimp is provided with first and second crimping portions. The first crimping portion extends into the slot and opposes the ferrule bore. The second crimping portion is diametrically opposed to the first crimping portion and opposes an exterior surface of the ferrule. Application of a force to the sides of the crimp causes the first and second crimping portions to be spaced apart a distance sufficient to insert a fiber within the ferrule bore. Release of the force causes the first and second crimping portions to be biased toward one another to securely crimp the fiber within the ferrule.