Abstract: A regulating device for adjusting the length of a combined spinal epidural needle and the method of practicing same is disclosed. In one variant, the regulating device features a pair of substantially concentrically disposed sliding members to which each of the epidural needle and spinal needle may be fitted. A locking actuation tab fitted to one of the sliding members is provided to control axial movement between the sliding members, thereby regulating the extension of the spinal needle relative to the epidural needle. The sliding members may be configured in a variety of shapes or dimensions to accommodate various combinations of spinal and epidural needles. The device may be provided pre-assembled with either one or both of the spinal needle or epidural needle, or it may be employed with a spinal needle, epidural needle, or both separately sourced.

Abstract: Improved detachment and sealing mechanism for a balloon catheter assembly utilized in diagnostic and therapeutic environments in connection with very small human vessels. The assembly is of the type including a resilient elongated catheter having means at one end for attachment to a source of pressurized fluid. A small inflatable tubular balloon is detachably connected at the other end of the cannula and is in fluid communication therewith. The detachment and sealing mechanism includes a self-sealing plug positioned in the balloon adjacent the end of the cannula. A circumferential band is on the outer surface of the inflatable balloon in concentric position with respect to the plug.

Abstract: A syringe for sequentially injecting at least two volumes of liquid with a minimum amount of intermixing prior to and during injection. This is accomplished by means of concentric plunger rods attached, respectively, to adjacent coaxial plungers. A first chamber is filled by drawing back on one plunger, and drawing the liquid through a communicating channel in the other plunger. When the first chamber has been filled to the desired capacity, a second chamber is filled by drawing back on this other plunger. The injection process reverses the previous filling stages, with the most forward plunger being depressed first to inject the fluid in the second chamber adjacent to the tip of the syringe, and the other plunger then being depressed to inject the contents of the first chamber through the communicating channel of the forward plunger and the tip of the syringe.

Abstract: A method for determining cardiac output by use of thermodilution principles and by utilizing a catheter assembly with a passageway therethrough. The catheter assembly is introduced at least into close proximity to the right heart. A small balloon tipped catheter is inserted through the passageway of the catheter assembly and is guided thereby with the balloon uninflated and with a thermistor attached thereto to the desired location. The balloon tipped end of the small catheter is passed out of the passageway through the catheter assembly into the bloodstream and the balloon is inflated so that it is flow directed away from the catheter assembly into the desired position in the heart and spaced a substantial distance from the catheter assembly. The small balloon tip catheter has a central lumen therethrough to effect the inflation and deflation of the balloon.

Abstract: A multi-component flow directed catheter system for use in the determination of physiological parameters in the vascular system. The system includes a catheter assembly and a central component in the form of a balloon tipped central catheter whose primary purpose is to, by means of its flow directed balloon tip, form or act as a passageway from outside of the body to the interior of the heart, in particular, the right heart including the right atrium, the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. The catheter assembly includes two or more concentric tubes with the inner tube extending distally beyond the outer tube. An inflatable balloon is attached distally to the outer surface of the inside tube to seal the distal portion of the balloon and is proximally attached to the outer surface of the outer tube to seal the proximal portion of the balloon. Inflatation and deflation of the balloon is effected by injecting fluid into the annular space between the two tubes.