Abstract: A fluid separation device and in-line orifice mixer system is disclosed. The fluid separation device utilizes a syringe, which is used for obtaining a fluid sample such as blood, in a centrifugation device, and further utilizes the syringe as a source of a separated fluid portion for storage and transfer for subsequent applications. The syringe containing the separated portion source and a second syringe containing a second source are connected to the in-line orifice mixer device. The mixer device comprises a plurality of orifice walls each providing an orifice non-aligned with adjacent orifices to homogeneously mix the plurality of components. The mixer device may further comprise an exit orifice wall with one or more orifices for discharge of the homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: A bioresorbable and hemostatic plug for embolization made from a collagen piece is compressed so as to be longitudinally insertable into a tubular biological vessel such as a blood vessel to be occluded. The collagen piece is capable of expanding radially inside the vessel by absorbing fluid such as the blood and thereby providing mechanical fixation in and occlusion of the vessel. Two such collagen pieces may be used with a spacer of a different material in between. Different kinds of therapeutic agents can be bonded to or physically absorbed by the collagen pieces so as to be delivered to the site of occlusion.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing nonwoven, nonbiodegradable tissue ingrowth-inducing, tissue-interfacing substrates with predetermined oriented uniform pore diameter, pore density and pore depth. Pins are inserted to a predetermined depth into a softened thermoplastic substrate or, heated pins are inserted into the substrate, then removed to form the predetermined pore pattern.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing nonwoven, nonbiodegradable tissue ingrowth-inducing, tissue-interfacing substrates with predetermined oriented uniform pore diameter, pore density and pore depth. The substrates have pores which have advantageous tissue ingrowth-inducing properties.

Abstract: A percutaneous access device for aseptically introducing catheters or other tubes into the body, is disclosed. In one aspect, the device comprises a valve housing having a tapered inner bore; a tapered tubular valve means which is inserted into the valve housing bore and comprises one or two valves; and a valve cap which is screwed into the valve housing behind the valve. The valve means, housing and cap have bores along a common axis to permit the insertion of a tube such as a catheter through the device and into the body. The cap and valve housing cooperatively compress the valve means to selectively seal the valve bore about the catheter, close the valve bore when the catheter is removed, and provide anti-microbial wiping action of the catheter during insertion. The valve means may comprise two valves, a hemostatic sealing valve and an anti-bacterial squeegee valve which provides accelerated release of the anti-bacterial agent under mechanical compression.

Abstract: A surgical cutter device for producing a skin incision of controlled length and depth at a guidewire skin puncture location is described. The cutter is particularly useful for making incisions for the insertion of catheters. In addition, there is described a device which takes full advantage of such precisely formed skin incisions, comprising a subcutaneous cuff for sealing the entrance incision for a catheter and providing antimicrobial action at the sealed entrance, and an introducer for inserting the cuff subcutaneously along the associated catheter. A preferred method for using the cutter, cuff and introducer is also described.

Abstract: An antimicrobial catheter shield is provided comprising an elastomeric catheter collar and a planar porous elastomeric peripheral flange, with an absorbent patch containing an antimicrobial agent attached to the surface of the flange opposite to the collar. A radial slit extends through the collar, flange and patch and the collar is adapted with a means for securing a catheter to prevent longitudinal motion of the catheter through the collar. The catheter shield provides an antimicrobial patch, as well as a longitudinal and lateral anchor for the catheter, which is easily applied and readily replaced.

Abstract: An antimicrobial orthopedic pin percutaneous protection kit is provided comprising a shield and a pad and patch combination. The shield comprises a central elastomeric collar having a longitudinal orifice and having one end of the collar substantially orthogonally disposed to an elastomeric peripheral flange, the flange extending around the end of the collar, with a radial slit extending through the collar and flange from the longitudinal orifice of the collar to the outer edge of the flange. The shield is adapted with a means for securing the collar around an orthopedic pin to prevent longitudinal motion of the pin. The patch contains an antimicrobial agent and is centrally attached to a porous pad. The pad and patch have a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on the exposed surfaces.