Abstract: A clamp for the rapid and accurate positioning of a threaded fixation pin has a central body defining a channel therethrough for receiving a fixation pin. The clamp also includes a locking member with a lower surface adapted to engage and mate with the threads of the fixation pin. Thus, the fixation pin can be rapidly inserted into the desired bone structure by rotating the fixation pin, and as the fixation pin is rotated, it also advances forward due to the engagement of the threads of the fixation pin with the locking member of the clamp. If the forward advance caused by the engagement of the threads of the fixation pin with the locking member can not keep pace with the cutting action, the resultant resistance to insertion in the form of a rearward directed force will cause the locking member to rise up and disengage the threads of the fixation pin.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting extravasation of injected liquid from the blood vessel of a patient. The system operates by monitoring electromagnetic microwave emission from the patient at the injection site by means of a microwave antenna assembly and processing apparatus connected to the antenna assembly for responding to changes in the microwave emission characteristics representative of extravasation. The antenna assembly has a reusable antenna element connected to the processing apparatus, a disposable attachment element for adhering to the patient's skin, and interfitting male and female coupling formations on the attachment element and the antenna element respectively for releasably coupling the reusable element to the disposable element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a catheter guidewire and a method for manufacturing the guidewire. In one embodiment, the guidewire is developed from a coiled semi-rectangular flatwire which has been coated with a surface lubricant such as Teflon prior to winding. In another embodiment, the flatwire is wound, polished by abrasion and then electropolished. A combination safety core wire extends longitudinally within the coiled guidewire and is welded to the respective ends of the guidewire. The safety core wire is a cylindrical wire whose uniform main body is smoothly tapered into an ultra-flexible flattened distal tip by means of combined mechanical metal forming and electro-etching techniques.

Abstract: There is disclosed a catheter guidewire and a method for manufacturing the guidewire. In one embodiment, the guidewire is developed from a coiled semi-rectangular flatwire which has been coated with a surface lubricant such as Teflon prior to winding. In another embodiment, the flatwire is wound, polished by abrasion and then electropolished. A combination safety core wire extends longitudinally within the coiled guidewire and is welded to the respective ends of the guidewire. The safety core wire is a cylindrical wire whose uniform main body is smoothly tapered into an ultra-flexible flattened distal tip by means of combined mechanical metal forming and electro-etching techniques.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multiwall catheter and a method for the manufacture thereof. The catheter comprises two co-extensive elongated continuous plastic tubes having an intermediate braid sheath extending to within a few inches of the composite tube end where the composite tubing is formed by a modified pultrusion process. The first tube is preformed, encased in a non-metallic braid and pulled through a heated die to form a composite tube. The composite tube is then encased in a second preformed tube and the assembly is pulled through a second heated die to form the multiwall catheter. Multiple mechanical advantages for catheter rotation are provided by three varying diameters on the proximal end of the catheter. Also, the technique of making the outside surface of the catheter of a microporous plastic material to act as an anticoagulant reservoir is described.