Abstract: A slit disk having a hole at a specified portion of its flat surface and a plurality of slits at regular intervals at a peripheral portion thereof is mounted to a shaft of an infusion pump. A controller clears a live band determination counter based on a light detection signal from a sensor when the hole is detected, and increments the count value of a live band determination counter when an side edge of one of the plurality of slit is detected. When the count value of the live band determination counter falls within "10" to "24" or "0" to "2", it is determined that the infusion pump is in a live band, and the count value of the live band counter is incremented. Thus an operation amount of the infusion pump in the live band is detected to measure a fluid delivery rate taking a dead band into account.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surgical apparatus for irrigating an operative site during endoscopic surgery. The apparatus comprises a reservoir of irrigation fluid contained within an air actuated pouch, a pump for inflating the pouch so that the reservoir is compressed, pressure control means, a microprocessor for operating the system, heating panels contained within the pouch for providing heated irrigation fluid, and a nozzle and tube for delivering the irrigation fluid to an operative site. The apparatus also provides a stick fitting for attaching tubing to the fluid reservoir. In addition to the stick fitting, the apparatus provides a locking receiver system for insuring that the stick fitting will not disengage during use.

Abstract: A pump assembly (20) employs electrochemistry to selectively control the delivery rate of a dispensing fluid (21) from a dispensing reservoir (24) by selectively controlling the flow rate of a driving fluid (19) from a driving reservoir (23) to a receiving reservoir (33). A partition (25), separating the driving reservoir from the receiving fluid reservoir, includes at least one aperture (28) which is opened or closed depending upon an electrical signal from a remote programming unit. Flow into the receiving reservoir deflects a barrier member to expel dispensing fluid from the dispensing reservoir. The dispensing fluid flow rate can be programmed to provide an appropriate steady or varying flow rate; user-initiated pulses of dispensing fluid can also be provided. A method of controlled infusion of an infusate employing electrochemistry is also provided.

Abstract: A cassette for use in combination with a surgical handpiece and a control console for controlling irrigation and/or aspiration fluid flows in the handpiece having a housing with an external surface and an interface adapted to be held in operative association with the control console, an inlet coupling, a pump tube having an inlet and a discharge line in fluid communication with a waste container and a fluid flow passage in fluid communication with the inlet coupling and the pump inlet consisting of an open channel formed in the external surface and a gasket adhered to the external surface to seal the channel fluid-tight.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for delivering various media, such as medical and/or pharmaceutical media or the like, from a delivery device, such as a syringe, in which the delivery pressure of the medium as it is dispensed from the delivery device is automatically maintained and regulated at a preselected level throughout delivery of the medium from the delivery apparatus. In one embodiment, the skin temperature of the patient is also sensed and the pressure of the medium being administered to the patient is further adjusted in response to the sensed skin temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting in the administration of anesthesia in a portion of a patient's limb distal to a cuff comprises in combination: applied pressure transducing means for generating an applied pressure signal representative of a pressure applied to a limb by a cuff which encircles the limb and applies pressure to the limb; anesthetic pressure sensing means for sensing the pressure of anesthetic liquid in a vein distal to the cuff and for generating an anesthetic liquid pressure signal indicative of the pressure; and alarm means for producing an alarm signal when the difference between the pressures corresponding to the applied pressure signal and the anesthetic liquid pressure signal is less than a preassigned safety limit.

Abstract: An endless loop calibration system comprising a sensor cassette having a flow-through passage and at least one sensor to be calibrated, a chamber coupled to the sensor cassette to define an endless loop, a calibration liquid in the endless loop, and a valve element which is employed to prevent the flow of calibration liquid through the endless loop. This valve element, preferably carried by a housing, urges a tube compressor to squeeze a compressible tube against a curved wall surface sufficiently to prevent fluid from flowing in the compressible tube across the zone, and to maintain the at least one sensor in the sensor cassette wet with calibration liquid for long term storage of the calibration system.

Abstract: Providing fluid to an internal delivery site of a patient includes moving the fluid from a fluid reservoir through a conduit and through a delivery device at the delivery site while maintaining the fluid at a predetermined pressure. The delivery device may comprise an inflatable balloon with apertures formed in its periphery for directing the fluid into the vessel walls. Pressurized fluid is provided through the apertures of the balloon to the vessel wall. The pressure is automatically controlled to avoid both pressure spikes and unacceptable deflation of the balloon during administration of the fluid. A further feature includes comparing the pressure with the volume infused and in the event that pressure decreases while the volume infused increases beyond certain limits, the delivery of the fluid is stopped. Further features include a timer for limiting the inflation time of the delivery device and a volume detector for controlling the amount of fluid delivered.

Abstract: A facilitated procedure for attaching single-use syringes, one at a time, to an intravenous (IV) pump in which each syringe is mounted in the path of the IV pump plunger by clips and within a clear plastic syringe-holding sleeve that overlies the volumetric graduations of the syringe to permit visual monitoring of the exiting flow, and permits an operating mode using plural prefilled syringes for IV therapy using the same IV pump.

Abstract: A method for use in an intravenous tube assembly comprises the steps of automatically monitoring liquid flow along a fluid flow path extending through an intravenous catheter to detect at least a partial cessation of flow along the fluid flow path and, upon detecting a diminution of liquid flow along the fluid flow path, automatically feeding an anticlotting agent to the fluid flow path. An assembly for implementing the method takes the form of a systolic actuator for dividing the fluid flow into successive aliquots which can be timed. The systolic actuator extracts energy from the fluid stream and monitors the stream via the extracted energy. Alternatively, a pressure device is operatively connected to the catheter for automatically detecting at least a partial cessation of liquid flow along a fluid flow path extending through the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes either an elastic distendable membrane, or a thin barrier member which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. The apparatus includes an internal stored energy source which functions to controllably expel the medicinal agents from the apparatus. The stored energy source may comprise either a distendable elastomeric membrane or an expandable sponge like cellular mass.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for driving a plunger 134 of a syringe 16 includes a plate 48 on the top 38 of a frame 36 and a structure 62 on the plate 48 for releasably attaching the cylinder 130 of the syringe 16 to the frame 36 and securing the cylinder 130 against lengthwise movement relative to the frame 36. A lever 76 is pivotably attached to the top 38 of the frame 36 a selected distance from the plate 48. A pair of pivot pins 108,110 releasably pivotably attach the distal end 150 of the plunger 134 of the syringe 16 to the lever 76. In this manner, pivotable movement of the lever 76 is translated into lengthwise movement of the plunger 134. An apparatus 10 for transferring a measured amount of fluid from a first fluid supply 14 to a fluid reservoir 170 includes a syringe 16, the syringe driving apparatus 12 and a two-way check valve 18. The fluid supply 14, the fluid reservoir 70 and the syringe 16 are maintained in fluid communication through the two-way check valve 18.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting access to a septum in a body implanted device. The apparatus includes a screen member which covers the septum. The screen member has a plurality of openings which are sized such that needles larger than a predetermined size will not pass through the openings. Needles of a size less than the predetermined size of the openings will pass through and be provided access to the septum.

Abstract: Apparatus located in an implantable medication infusion pump for quickly and easily detecting a condition adversely affecting medication delivery in the implantable medication infusion pump is disclosed which can reliably detect occurrences including an occluded catheter, the presence of air in the pumping mechanism, and the failure of the pumping mechanism. The system uses the amplitude of an acoustic signal generated by operation of the pumping mechanism as compared with a baseline signal to detect an encapsulated or occluded catheter or air in the fluid line. In addition, the system can detect a partially encapsulated or occluded catheter by detecting repeated downward slope patterns during repetitive, closely spaced pumping cycles.

Abstract: A laparoscopic irrigation system and bottle pump for controlling a source of gas pressure driving a source of irrigation solution that includes a monitor for monitoring the gas pressure and indicating when the gas pressure falls below a predetermined value. Also, the liquid level of the source of irrigation solution is monitored and when the level falls to a predetermined value it is detected and a visual and an audible signal is actuated. Further the level of gas pressure driving the source of irrigation solution is controllable.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely contolled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: A variable ratio, blood-additive solution, mixing device and delivery system that permits the varying of the ratio of blood to solution from either all blood to pure solution and any ratio of the two, either continuously or intermittently, prior to or during cardiovascular and cardiac perfusion procedures, particularly warm or cold cardioplegia procedures for open heart surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a casing having a plurality of sources of pressurized liquid. The sources of pressurized liquid are preferably contained in at least one elastomeric bladder. Housing is provided to establish fluid communication between the sources of pressurized liquid. Additionally, at least one flow restrictor is provided to regulate the flow of pressurized liquid. A single or a plurality of flow restrictors can be used to regulate the flow of liquid between the sources of pressurized liquid. The plurality of sources of pressurized liquid can be contained under different pressures which can be provided by varying the size of the elastomeric storage area. The casing further contains an inlet port and an exit port in fluid communication with the sources of pressurized liquid to provide for filling and dispensing of the fluid.

Abstract: An infusion pump system provides a display to indicate to the physician the proper advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) procedures for a given protocol of ACLS heart disorder. The infusion pump is to be located by the bed side of a patient in critical care, such as in the intensive care unit of a hospital. The system monitors certain physiological characteristics as sounds an alarm if any of the measured characteristics have values outside of an acceptable range for each characteristic measured. The infusion pump system would be connected to the patient via an intravenous connection when it is determined that the ACLS procedure is to be administered. By pressing certain buttons, therapeutic agents are administered to the patient. A complete record of the heart activity, the blood pressure, and the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin of the patient, along with which drugs were administered and in what amounts, is continually printed out during the ACLS procedure.

Abstract: A syringe pump is disclosed having a transducer for detecting the force on the syringe pusher. The detected force is translated into a pressure which is continuously displayed so that the user can anticipate the occurrence of an occlusion. The syringe pump also has a device for pre-selecting a range of acceptable pressures.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in a peristaltic pump 20 which prevents an inadvertent free flow condition prior to loading or after removal of an I.V. tube 26 in the peristaltic pump 20 and which also prevents the inadvertent occlusion of a loaded I.V. tube 26 in the peristaltic pump 20. A standard I.V. tube 26 has a slide clamp 109 provided thereon. The apparatus includes an I.V. tube groove 29 into which the I.V. tube 26 is positioned, a slide clamp receiving area 62 into which the slide clamp 109 is inserted, and a biased sliding member 81 which the inserted slide clamp 109 engages such that the I.V. tube 26 cannot be loaded into the apparatus without the slide clamp 109 occluding the I.V. tube 26. The present invention also contemplates a slide clamp 109' compatible with the apparatus having a surface pad 125 for facilitating automated identification of the slide clamp 109' in cooperation with a non-obstructive sensor 85 in the safety apparatus.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly (20) is provided which employs electrochemistry to selectively control the delivery rate of a dispensing fluid (21) from a dispensing reservoir (24) by selectively controlling the flow rate of a driving fluid (19) from a driving reservoir (23) to a receiving reservoir (33). A partition (25), separating the driving reservoir from the receiving fluid reservoir, includes at least one aperture (28) which permits flow communication therebetween. As the receiving reservoir increases or expands in size due to receipt of the driving fluid, a barrier member (32) communicates with the dispensing reservoir to expel the dispensing fluid therefrom. The infusion pump assembly includes a disposable infusion pump unit (36) and a separate and remote programming unit (37) operably coupled to a plug member (30), blocking the aperture, for control of the driving fluid flowing through the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A calibration system comprising a sensor cassette including at least one sensor to be calibrated and a housing having a liquid passage including a chamber. The housing is coupled to the sensor cassette to place the liquid passage in fluid communication with the sensor cassette. The housing has a gas injection passage through which a gas can be injected into the liquid passage to mix with a calibration liquid in the housing. A gas vent vents the gas from the housing. Porous media is provided in the chamber. The gas and calibration liquid pass through the porous media, and the porous media assists in rapid mixing of the gas and the calibration liquid.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring device for indicating to the administrator of an injection to a patient that an excess of force has been exerted on the plunger and thereby the fluids contained within the syringe.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder infusion pump which may be used for delivering a pharmaceutically active material to a patient at a substantially constant flow rate. A unitary internal stress member or mandrel is disposed within the bladder, prestressing the bladder in both the axial and radial dimensions.

Abstract: A negator spring-powered I.V. pump of compact size resulting from imparting a non-circular, rather than a linear configuration to the negator spring; the non-circular configuration taking up less size or linear dimension which, added to the linear dimension of the syringe of the pump, results in an optimum reduced overall pump size that is convenient for portable ambulatory I.V. therapy.

Abstract: Tourniquet apparatus for use in intravenous regional anesthesia and limb surgery includes a pressurizing cuff for substantially encircling a limb and applying a varying pressure to an underlying vein in response to variations in a pressure control signal, applied venous pressure sensing means for producing an applied venous pressure signal representative of a pressure applied by the cuff to the underlying vein, venous fluid pressure estimation means for producing a venous fluid pressure signal representative of the pressure of fluid in the vein distal to the cuff, and pressure control means responsive to the venous fluid pressure signal and applied venous pressure signal for generating a pressure control signal to maintain a predetermined relationship between the applied venous pressure signal and the venous fluid pressure signal. The apparatus automatically controls the introduction, retention and release of anesthetic fluid in the limb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensed member and sensing member for use on a medical fluid infusion device and support device wherein the fluid infusion device is usable in a conventional manner such as on an IV pole and in an ambulatory manner such as in a support device for use in an ambulatory backpack. The sensing member of the present invention detects when the fluid infusion device is to be used in an ambulatory manner to adjust the operation of the infusion control member to account for the difference in fluid flow rates caused by the different fluid pressures within the fluid delivery set when the fluid infusion device is used in a conventional manner and an ambulatory manner.

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion system includes a spring-pressurized reservoir to facilitate portable use of the system. The system includes a liquid-filled flexible container, and a pair of opposed platens between which the flexible container is removably positionable. Energy-storing, clip-like biasing springs act against the platens to urge them toward each other, thereby effecting pressurization of the liquid within the container. A tubing set of the system preferably includes a non-adjustable flow restrictor, which may be sized for relatively low flow rates to permit the system to be used for catheter patency maintenance.

Abstract: The device consists of a permanent module (10) and a removable cassette (11). The permanent module comprises a housing (12) with control keys (13) and physical value indicators (14), and two drive hubs (20, 21) for driving two peristaltic pumps mounted in a cassette. The inlet duct (15) of the first pump is connected to a container of physiological liquid, the outlet duct (16) of this pump supplies said liquid to the operating zone, and the duct (17) of the second pump is connected to an operating instrument to drain off the liquid, the duct (18) of this second pump being coupled with a drainage circuit.

Abstract: An infusion pump system, comprises disposable tubing having an elastic segment and one-way check valves at each end of the segment for conveying intravenous fluid from a source to a patient, a compact, portable housing having an open receptacle for removably receiving a segment of the disposable tubing, a reciprocating ram mounted in the housing for periodically engaging and compressing the segment of the disposable tubing for pumping fluid therethrough, a motor mounted in the housing for driving the ram upon energization thereof, a control system mounted in the housing for receiving input signals and energizing the motor so that the fluid is pumped through the disposable tubing in accordance with pre-selected delivery rate parameters.

Abstract: A device for determining the concentration of at least one substance in organic tissue includes a subcutaneous needle for insertion into the tissue and a pumping and suction unit which is controlled by a microprocessor and is used for delivering a perfusion fluid and draining it after its partial equilibration with the tissue. The device further includes a sensing unit connected to the microprocessor for determining the concentration of the substance to be analyzed and one or more marker variables. The perfusion fluid, a calibrating solution and at least one drug are provided in replaceable metering ampoules sealed with membranes, whose metering plungers can be actuated by a drive unit controlled by the microprocessor. The metering ampoules communicate with a master capillary leading from the pumping and suction unit to the subcutaneous needle; communication is established via capillary tubes piercing the membranes.

Abstract: An infusion pump, suitable for medical applications, has a movable carriage which is arranged gradually to depress the plunger of a syringe. The carriage moves along a fixed rod at a rate determined by the rotation of a lead screw. Any excess pressure in the infusion line produces a back-pressure on the plunger which causes an axial force to be exerted on the carriage and thus on the lead screw. When this force exceeds a predetermined value, indicative of an occlusion of he infusion line, the lead screw will move axially so compressing a spring and causing a clutch to become decoupled, causing infusion to cease and an alarm to sound.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a liquid containing a drug includes a first diaphragm within a housing defining a first contractible-chamber on one side of the diaphragm for holding a supply of the liquid to be delivered, and a second contractible chamber on the opposite side of the diaphragm including an electrolytic cell capable of generating a gas according to the electrical current passed through the cell electrolyte. The device further includes a second diaphragm, a control valve, and a spring, for compensating the rate of delivery of the liquid for variations in ambient pressure and temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support device for use with a fluid delivery system which includes a fluid delivery set and an infusion pump. The support device allows simple attachment of various types of fluid delivery sets and infusion pumps thereto and is adapted for use with bed ridden patients in a traditional manner, or for ambulatory patient use. The support device includes a compartment for securely holding an infusion pump and a separate compartment for securely holding a fluid container of the fluid delivery set. The device further includes an elongate channel into which the tubing of the fluid delivery set can be inserted and subsequently protected from kinking or inadvertent occlusion, and is adapted for use with rigid bottle, flexible bag, burette, spike sets, or other standard types of fluid delivery sets. The device may be used on an infusion pole in a standard manner, placed on a horizontal surface such as a table, or enclosed in a carrying case for ambulatory use.

Abstract: A method of pumping fluid from an IV bag with a volumereducible chamber capable of holding the bag. The method includes the steps of placing the bag in the chamber and reducing the volume of the chamber according to calculations from known values in the controller memory to compensate for the nonlinear relationship between the reduction of bag volume corresponding to reduction in chamber volume. The next step is actuating the motor which controls the volume to reduce the volume of the chamber according to the calculations. A method of pumping from a flexible bag also is contemplated where the controller also or alternatively controls the rate of the reduction of the chamber rather than the volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for infusing TPN fluids to a patient includes a source of fluid, a pump for infusing fluid from the source to the patient, and a computer for controlling the operation of the pump. During the operation of the apparatus the infusion rate of the pump is varied according to an infusion regimen that is based on the volume of fluid to be infused and the time during which the fluid is to be infused. This regimen is characterized by a trifurcated ramp up region having interrelated incremental rates of infusion which transition the pump from a zero rate of infusion to a steady state rate of infusion. The infusion regimen is also characterized by a period of steady state infusion which follows the ramp up region, and a ramp down region in which the infusion rate is decremented from the steady state rate based on the remaining volume of fluid to be infused to the patient and the remaining time for infusing this remaining volume of fluid.

Abstract: A transfusion pump 10 is that 1 when the door 13 is opened to set the tube, the clamping member 53 is retained in engagement with the first unclamp retaining portion 61 by manual operation so as to be set at the unclamp position, 2 when the door 13 is closed after the tube has been set, the clamping member 53 is released from its engagement with the first unclamp retaining portion 61 by the first unclamp releasing portion 63, and retained in engagement with the second unclamp retaining portion 64 so as to be set at the unclamp position, and 3 when the door 13 is opened after its closing, the clamping member 53 loses its engagement with the second unclamp retaining portion 64 so as to be set at the clamp position.

Abstract: An infuser with a balloon for continuously infusing a drug in liquid form comprises a tubular main body (1) having in axial alignment, a first portion (12) at a first end of the tubular main body, a second portion (13) at a second end of the tubular main body opposite the first end, a control portion (3) intermediate the two ends, and a balloon coaxial with the first portion (12). The first portion (12) has a check valve (121) which allows the drug to be infused therefrom into the infuser which is at the first end of the tubular main body (1) and has a flow path (11) for the drug. The second portion (13) allows the drug to be injected therefrom at the second end of the tubular main body (1). The control portion (3) for controlling outflow of the drug is provided in such a manner as to be adjacent to the second portion (13) allowing the drug to be injected therefrom. A plurality of holes (111) are formed in the tubular main body in such a manner as to extend through a wall thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining whether an IV infusion set has infiltrated the tissue of a patient includes a pump for pumping fluid through the IV set into the patient and a pressure transducer operably engaged with the IV set between the pump and patient. The pressure transducer is electrically connected to a microprocessor, and the microprocessor is electrically connected to the motor of the pump to control the pump to alternately withdraw from and infuse into the patient a predetermined volume of fluid.This predetermined volume of fluid is withdrawn from the patient by the pump at a preselected withdrawal pressure, while the pump infuses the predetermined volume of fluid into the patient at a preselected infusion pressure. The microprocessor measures both the time period for infusing the predetermined volume of fluid and the time period for withdrawing the predetermined volume of fluid. Based upon these time periods, the microprocessor evaluates whether the IV set has infiltrated the patient's tissue.

Abstract: Medical infusion apparatus comprises a housing in which a standard flexible liquid reservoir is disposed. A constant-force spring applies pressure to the reservoir to force liquid out of the reservoir and along a conduit to a patient. The spring is energized by the opening of a lid of the housing which permits replacement of the reservoir.The liquid flowing out of the reservoir passes through a molded conduit part which is configured so that it is positioned at a predetermined location with respect to a flow monitor. The flow monitor injects a pulse of heat, and detects the rate at which the heat pulse travels along the conduit. A microprocessor uses the sensed flow rate to control a stepper motor which regulates fluid flow by squeezing the conduit via a spring-biased member. The apparatus has active and standby modes in which the monitor is operated respectively more and less frequently.

Abstract: A fluid metering device useful in implantable drug delivery systems is coupled between a pressurized fluid source and an outlet conduit to provide discrete flow pulses at a predetermined rate. The metering device consists of a first movable member constrained within a housing and a second movable member retained in a cavity by the first. Alternate positioning of the first member simultaneously fills and empties the cavity in which the second resides, discharging fluid through the conduit. The first movable member can be a planar slider, an axially translatable cylinder or a rotatable cylinder. The second movable member may be a flat shuttle, a sliding bar or a diaphragm.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: An infusion pump includes a piezoelectric actuator located in a housing and operable to deflect a flexible wall of a detachable pump body. The pump body defines a chamber of variable volume with non-return inlet and outlet valves. The pump body is disposable and connected to the housing by a releasable connector which biases the wall into operative engagement with the transducer. The transducer is provided with sense electrodes to measure the amplitude of deflection which is used to trigger alarms indicating the presence of bubbles in the chamber or of occlusion.

Abstract: A microsurgical irrigation/aspiration system is provided, including a controller having a pump roller head, actuators for occluding fluid lines, a suction sensor, and means for mounting a pump cassette. The system cassette is suitable for mounting on the controller and has an opening with a pump segment passing along an arcuate wall of the opening. When the cassette is mounted on the console, the roller head is engaged in the cassette opening and compresses the pump segment against the arcuate wall. An infusion line passes through the cassette and is occludable by one of the actuators, and a vent line connected to the pump segment is occludable by a second actuator. A suction sensing port on the cassette couples with the suction sensor in the controller. In an alternate embodiment, a cassette is disclosed within which both vacuum and peristaltic pumping is possible. Latching may be accomplished by a plunger attached to the sensory port of the cassette.

Abstract: A pack for slow administration to a patient of extremely accurate volumes of sterile, for example pharmaceutical, nutrient or energy-source liquid, comprises in combination at least three systems adapted to be interconnected. The first system is a flowrate regulator. The second system is, for each sterile liquid administered, a sterile bag with a mobile, flexible and continuous wall which delimits an internal cavity in which is at least one opening enabling it to communicate selectively with the exterior. The third system is a solid or fluid piston operating on the interior or exterior side of the wall of said bag to vary its volume, and, in the case of a fluid piston, at least one alarm means indicating any leak in the wall or one of the walls of the bag, adapted by its existence or its properties to convert non-perceptible leakage into a perceptible phenomenon.

Abstract: An intravenous metering device is provided which includes an air retention chamber in downstream fluid communication with a source of fluid and in upstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. A first valve is provided between the air retention chamber and the pumping chamber to control access to the pumping chamber. A second valve is provided to control the exit of fluid from the pumping chamber. The valves include a shared diaphragm portion. A safety mechanism as provided to prevent accidental free flow of fluid through the metering device. In a first preferred embodiment of a safety mechanism, a gradually tapered priming stem is provided attached to the diaphragm portion of the second valve. In a second preferred embodiment of a safety mechanism, a priming stem is provided attached to the diaphragm portion of the second valve and a priming stem release mechanism is further provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring the extracorporeal circulation of fluids, which is particularly useful in controlling and monitoring the circulation of blood and cardioplegia solution in surgical procedures. A set of perfusion assemblies are mounted in a transportable console, each perfusion assembly having a separable pump and control module pod. Virtually all the instrumentation for the monitoring and controlling of the pump and the fluid being pumped by that perfusion assembly are present on the pump and control module pod for that perfusion assembly, without the need for any separate control screen. Further, the perfusion assembly uses removable circuit cards and associated instrumentation strips to custom configure the perfusion assembly for each application. The perfusion assembly thereby provides complete information at a glance and complete control of the perfusion assembly by using dedicated controls that are grouped to each perfusion assembly.