Abstract: Apparatus and method for introducing a catheter into a surgically implanted port. The apparatus has a housing attached to a styler, with the stylet being received in a catheter. Also provided in the apparatus is a casing with a protective cap that slidably fits within the housing. Also disclosed is a method of catheterizing a surgically implanted port by means of inserting a stylet encased in a catheter and retracting the stylet.

Abstract: A needle-safe flashback chamber for vascular/venous access devices wherein the needle cannula is automatically captured within a protective sheath upon being withdrawn from the patient to prevent accidental exposure of administering personnel to substantial health risk, such as that associated with the AIDS virus, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases is comprised of a needle cannula; a substantially transparent reservoir in fluid communication with the needle cannula; a vent formed in the cavity; and a substantially transparent sheath, sized and configured to slidably receive the needle cannula and cavity. The transparent reservoir can be partially withdrawn from the sheath, simultaneously withdrawing the needle cannula into the sheath.

Abstract: A vascular/venous access device is comprised of a catheter having a stop formed at the distal end thereof, and a needle cannula having a corresponding stop formed at the distal end therof, the needle cannula being disposed within the catheter such that the catheter stop and needle cannula stop abut to prevent the catheter from traveling axially upward relative to the needle cannula during the insertion process. The catheter stop may comprise a material which softens when exposed to blood such that the stop is generally rigid during insertion of the catheter into a vein and becomes more flexible after the catheter resides in the vein. The catheter stop may comprise a region of reduced diameter and the cannula stop may comprise a region of increased diameter.

Abstract: A vascular/venous access device is comprised of a needle cannula disposed within the central bore at the distal end of a catheter. The distal end of the needle cannula extends outwardly from the central bore at the distal end of the catheter and the proximal end of the needle exits the central bore of the catheter through an aperture or slit formed in the wall of the catheter. A gripping member selectively holds the needle cannula in place within the bore of the catheter during insertion of the needle cannula and catheter into a patient's vascular system. After entry into the vascular system, the needle cannula is withdrawn from the catheter side wall and any desired length of the catheter may then be advanced into the vascular system. The catheter includes a relatively rigid end portion disposed along a substantial length of the needle cannula to prevent buckling and axial compression of the catheter during the insertion process.

Abstract: An assembly of a hub, biased valve and catheter is provided for insertion therethrough with a hub and attached needle. The hub, valve and catheter assembly defines an exit bore which is sealed at its entrance by the valve when biased into its normally closed position. When the needle is inserted into the hub assembly, it will contact and unseat the closed, biased valve. After the needle unseats the valve, it will enter and seal the exit bore and then engage the catheter. The needle and catheter portion of the assembly are then inserted into a patient. The needle is then withdrawn and discarded, and the catheter portion of the assembly will remain in place in the patient. As the needle is withdrawn back along the exit bore, it will move out of contact with the valve. This enables the valve to be biased back into its closed position against the entrance of the exit bore, thereby sealing the hub, valve and catheter assembly against blood flashback.

Abstract: Disclosed is an "over-the-needle" type catheter assembly which incorporates a shield operative to prevent inadvertant needle trauma after the needle has been withdrawn from the surrounding catheter sheath. The device of the invention comprises a tubular catheter sheath having an elongate piercing member (e.g. a needle) initially disposed in an "assembled" position within the lumen of the tubular sheath. The elongate piercing member is subsequently withdrawable to a "retracted" position outside the lumen of the tubular sheath. A shield is incorporated into the catheter assembly and is operative to attach to and shield the tip of the elongate piercing member when it is withdrawn from its initial "assembled" position within the tubular sheath. Such shield thereby serves to prevent the elongate piercing member from causing inadvertant puncture wounds and the like.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter comprising a cannula for insertion into a vascular system of a patient coated with hydrophilic polymer containing, in the polymer, an effective amount of polymyxin to prevent the growth of microorganisms is disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly of a needle, catheter, and a device for selectively protecting the needle tip from inadvertent needle sticks is disclosed, characterized by use of elongate housing, having a needle extending therefrom, and a needle guard adapted for sliding movement relative the housing. The needle guard is formed to carry a catheter hub and catheter thereupon, and includes an actuation tab to enable selective sliding movement of the needle guard relative the housing and along the length of the needle. The housing is adapted to be held within one hand to permit insertion of the needle and catheter into a patient, and after insertion, the needle may be withdrawn from the patient and covered by the needle guard merely by pressing against the actuation tab with the index finger of the hand of a user, while slidably retracting the housing and needle relative the needle guard by use of the thumb and middle finger.

Abstract: A catheter constructed of a polymeric material that is produced by dip coating over a mandrel or needle, is disclosed. The catheter which is formed is then removed by expansion upon contact with a liquid containing water, or by applied manual pressure. The integrally formed assembly has fewer component parts and has a more accurately shaped catheter tip and tapered end.

Abstract: A one-way septum valve in a connector device to maintain sterility is provided. The device prevents the backward flow of blood and body fluids through the connector to an injection device such as a syringe, I.V. unit, and the like.The valve includes a slit, resilient septum mounted within the connector, and a moveable plug spaced a short distance from the septum and adapted to move forward slightly upon contact with the injection device.When the injection device is moved forward, it will contact and drive the plug a short distance into the septum causing it to open and deform inwardly. This enables fluid from the I.V. unit, syringe, etc., to be fed through the septum opening and into a patient. When the injection device is retracted out of contact with the plug, the septum resiliency forces the plug back out of the septum which then closes and seals.

Abstract: A needle guard is provided to protect against accidental needle stick injuries following use, and to provide a cover for the needle when shipping.The needle guard is rotatably mounted at the base of the needle and defines a longitudinal slot which coincides with the needle. When the needle is ready for use, the needle guard is rotated away from the needle; following use, the guard is rotated back to partially enclose the needle. A slotted cylinder is then moved forwardly along the needle guard and is rotated for a short distance to lock and permanently enclose the needle, and particularly the tip portion thereof.In another embodiment, a rotatable sleeve is provided to interlock with the needle guard and permanently enclose the needle.The device may be adapted for use with over-the-needle catheters, and its use facilitates attachment of other devices such as vacutainers to the needle and hub assembly.

Abstract: An assembly of a needle and a device for protecting the needle tip is disclosed. The assembly comprises an elongate housing which mounts the needle. A needle guard is slidably mounted within the housing and is adapted to be moved forward along the needle. Following use, the needle and housing are retracted and the needle guard becomes permanently locked with the housing while it occludes or covers the needle.

Abstract: A grooved stylet having a puncture point aligned with the stylet axis is mounted through a catheter to form an assembly. The aligned puncture point enables more accurate piercing of a vein, and reduces the possibility of double piercing the vein.The stylet near its proximal end is provided with a circular shoulder which abuts the proximal end of the catheter, and the catheter end is positioned on the stylet so that only the stylet puncture point projects beyond the catheter.The catheter is constructed of a hydrophilic polymer which expands away from the stylet and permits the stylet to be withdrawn from the puncture site, leaving the catheter in place in the vein.If desired, a plurality of bores may be provided in the catheter for separate attachment to different I.V. solutions; this enables various solutions to be fed at different rates to the patient through a single I.V. puncture site.An assembly of the catheter may be used either with a stylet or with a needle.

Abstract: An assembly of a needle and a device for protecting the needle tip is disclosed. The assembly comprises an elongate housing which mounts the needle. A needle guard is slidably mounted within the housing and is adapted to be moved forward along the needle. Following use, the needle and housing are retracted and the needle guard permanently locks with the housing while it occludes or covers the needle.

Abstract: A needle guard is provided to protect against accidental needle stick injuries following use, and to provide a cover for the needle when shipping.The needle guard is rotatably mounted at the base of the needle and defines a longitudinal slot which coincides with the needle. When the needle is ready for use, the needle guard is rotated away from the needle; following use, the guard is rotated back to partially enclose the needle. A slotted cylinder is then moved forwardly along the needle guard and is rotated for a short distance to lock and permanently enclose the needle, and particularly the tip portion thereof.The device may be adapted for use with over-the-needle catheters, and its use facilitates attachment of other devices such as vacutainers to the needle and hub assembly.

Abstract: An assembly of a breakaway needle and catheter is provided for injection by the user, using only one hand. The needle and catheter are inserted by the user, and the needle is then retracted from the puncture site leaving the catheter in place. As the needle is retracted, it breaks apart and separates from the catheter.The assembly includes adhesive coated taping wings to which the catheter is attached. Hence, when the taping wings are attached to the user's body following splitting of the needle, the catheter will be secured in place for long term use.

Abstract: A grooved stylet having a puncture point aligned with the stylet axis is mounted through a catheter to form an assembly. The aligned puncture point enables more accurate piercing of a vein, and reduces the possibility of double piercing the vein.The stylet near its proximal end is provided with a circular shoulder which abuts the proximal end of the catheter, and the catheter end is positioned on the stylet so that only the stylet puncture point projects beyond the catheter.The catheter is constructed of a hydrophilic polymer which expands away from the stylet and permits the stylet to be withdrawn from the puncture site, leaving the catheter in place in the vein.If desired, a plurality of bores may be provided in the catheter for separate attachment to different I.V. solutions; this enables various solutions to be fed at different rates to the patient through a single I.V. puncture site.

Abstract: An angioplasty device is disclosed comprising a woven tube of metal or plastic fibers and a retraction stylet that are attached at one end to a catheter tube for insertion into a vein, artery and the like for the removal of plaque and similar material. One or more guide wires or a stylet may be attached to the woven tube for rotation and manipulation inside the artery. When the stylet or guide wires are retracted, the woven tube expands and contacts the interior, plaque-coated wall of the artery. Movement of the guide wires and expanded woven tube will abrade atherosclerotic plaque from the artery to form particles which are trapped within the tube. An expandable fabric within the woven tube which opens and closes with the corresponding expansion and closure of the woven tube may be used to collect the trapped particles. Removal of the angioplasty device from the artery will them remove the atherosclerotic particles from the patient.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator providing a removeable and reuseable heat exchanger is constructed from a hollow, aluminum extrusion of circular cross section having integrally formed, external, spirally wound fins.A dual sparger system is used to supply a combination of O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 plus O.sub.2 to the blood in different bubble sizes to enhance O.sub.2 absorption and CO.sub.2 removal.

Abstract: A grooved stylet having a puncture point aligned with the stylet axis is mounted through a catheter to form an assembly. The aligned puncture point enables more accurate piercing of a vein, and reduces the possibility of double piercing the vein.The stylet near its proximal end is provided with a circular shoulder which abuts the proximal end of the catheter, and the catheter end is positioned on the stylet so that only the stylet puncture point projects beyond the catheter.The catheter is constructed of a hydrophilic polymer which expands away from the stylet and permits the stylet to be withdrawn from the puncture site, leaving the catheter in place in the vein.