Abstract: A cannula is provided with a balloon tip at an implantable end thereof. The balloon tip comprises a sealed, flexible, inflatable portion adapted to receive an inflating material via a lumen in fluid communication therewith. The lumen comprises a gap formed in the tubular wall of the cannula, and may be defined by a supply tube disposed within the lumen and extending between an inflatable material source and the balloon tip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful apparatus and method for absorbing and collecting blood and other fluids which accumulate in a patient during surgical procedures. An absorbent portion is connected to a suction source. When the absorbent portion is placed in contact with the fluid to be collected, the fluid is absorbed by the absorbent portion. Operation of the suction source provides a vacuum which draws the fluid away from the absorbent portion and out of the body. The fluid can be drawn into a receptacle for later cleansing and reuse. A flexible backing plate is attached to the absorbent portion. Channels formed a long the backing plate direct the vacuum evenly across the absorbent portion of the device such that fluid is drawn evenly from the absorbent portion. Suction tubing connects the absorbent portion to the suction source. The absorbent portion and attached backing plate can be folded to fit into small areas.

Abstract: A novel fluid flow regulating device for varying the rate of flow of fluids for infusion to a patient at extremely low but constant flow rates. The regulator device is interposed at a point on a supply tube between a fluid reservoir and a patient. An input port directs fluid to a fluid metering groove of variable cross-sectional area on a metering plate which is formed as a part of the output port. The metering plate is rotated axially, relative to the input port, allowing fluid to enter the fluid metering groove at any point and flow toward the output port through a fluid metering groove which increases in depth or cross-sectional area at an essentially constant rate. Depending on the point at which the fluid enters the fluid metering groove flow path, the flow rate selected can be any rate from full off to full flow.

Abstract: A ventilated skin guard apparatus for protecting areas of sensitive skin is disclosed. The apparatus has two longitudinal end support members to which are connected a series of laterally placed arcuate members. Single arcuate members may be removed from the apparatus without removing the entire apparatus from the portion of the user's body having the sensitive area of skin.

Abstract: A detachable balloon catheter apparatus and method. The apparatus includes an introducer catheter which is attached at its trailing end to a source of pressurized fluid. The leading end of the catheter is attached to an inflatable balloon which may be inflated as the pressurized fluid is injected through the introducer catheter. A valve mechanism is positioned inside the assembled introducer catheter and balloon and the leading end of the valve mechanism is bonded to the interior of the balloon. As the balloon is inflated by the pressurized fluid, a forwardly directed lateral force is exerted on the valve mechanism so that it is pulled forward into fluid-tight engagement with the valve seat placed at the opening of the balloon. Once the valve mechanism is pulled into fluid-tight engagement so as to close off the opening of the balloon, further injection of the pressurized fluid serves to detach the inflated balloon from the introducer catheter.

Abstract: A detachable balloon catheter apparatus and method. The apparatus includes an introducer catheter which is attached at its trailing end to a source of pressurized fluid. The leading end of the catheter is attached to an inflatable balloon which may be inflated as the pressurized fluid is injected through the introducer catheter. A valve mechanism is positioned inside the assembled introducer catheter and balloon and the leading end of the valve mechanism is bonded to the interior of the balloon. As the balloon is inflated by the pressurized fluid, a forwardly directed lateral force is exerted on the valve mechanism so that it is pulled forward into fluid-tight engagement with the valve seat placed at the opening of the balloon. Once the valve mechanism is pulled into fluid-tight engagement so as to close off the opening of the balloon, further injection of the pressurized fluid serves to detach the inflated balloon from the introducer catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering fluids that are parenterally administered to a patient. The fluid metering device consists of a plastic housing having a primary fluid channel formed therein that is in fluid communication with a fluid source. A secondary fluid channel is also formed in the housing and is connected at one end to the primary fluid channel so as to be in fluid communication therewith. Fluid flows through the primary fluid channel and through a fixed resistor that is in series with the primary fluid channel. The fluid then flows through a drip tube in series with the fixed resistor. From the drip tube, the fluid is collected in a drip chamber. The secondary fluid channel is vented into the drip chamber so that the pressure at the open end of the stationary fluid channel will be the same as the pressure in the drip chamber. Thus, the fixed resistor will cause the fluid to back up, entering the secondary fluid channel.