Abstract: A surgical container for sterilizing, transporting and storing small surgical instruments such as drill, pins, screws and the like. The container comprises a base having at least one well, and includes an apertured plate for holding the instruments, covering the well at least in part. The apertured plate has apertures sized to accommodate selected instruments, and a cover rotatably mounted over the apertured plate. The cover has an opening for providing access to a limited area of the plate and any instruments loaded therein.

Abstract: A decorative, hypoallergenic fabric stethoscope cover is shaped like a stethoscope. The cover covers a central portion of the stethoscope and a conduit leading from the central portion of the stethoscope to a sound-input portion of the stethoscope. The cover has hook-and-loop or alternately snap fasteners for releasably closing the cover, in order to affix the cover to the stethoscope. The cover is useful for preventing allergic reactions, for increasing a stethoscope user's comfort, and for decorating a stethoscope.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit for handling a needle. The kit comprises a shielding device, a protector, and a needle guard. The shielding device protects against needle strikes upon extraction of the needle, the protector protects against needle strikes while inserting the needle, and the guard sheathes the needle prior to use. The shielding device includes a cavity for depositing a used needle therein and a self-closing passageway which permits the needle to enter the cavity but prevents the needle from exiting the cavity. The protector comprises a ring and a shroud. The ring has a central aperture for stabilising the patient's skin and an implanted venous access device. The shroud is joined to the ring and protects the health care worker against needle strikes while inserting the needle. The needle guard comprises a barrel having a longitudinal slit therein which is separable upon insertion of the needle into the patient's skin to permit the needle guard to be shed from the needle.

Abstract: A tray is provided for storing a surgical cable. The tray includes a body portion configured to define a track for receiving the cable, and a lead-in channel configured to guide the cable into the track. The body portion includes a generally circular recessed portion configured to define an annular track extending around an outer periphery of the recessed portion. The lead-in channel is curved so that the cable enters the annular track in a direction generally tangential to the track. The body portion includes a flange configured to be coupled to a cover for sealing the body portion.

Abstract: A heart valve holder and packaging for supporting a bioprosthetic heart valve. The holder is attached to the heart valve, preferably with a single suture, and has a grip for either direct manual manipulation of the heart valve or for the attachment of a removable handle. A clip is provided which attaches to the heart valve holder and suspends the valve holder and the heart valve within a casing or jar. Ethanol or another suitable fluid within the jar protects the heart valve from biologic contamination, while the structure of the heart valve holder and clip protect the heart valve from physical damage. The valve holder, with attached heart valve, and the clip, can be removed from the jar as a single unit, and the clip can be detached from the heart valve holder.

Abstract: A cover-type endoscope apparatus comprising an endoscope cover and a covering endoscope used by inserting said covering endoscope into the endoscope cover. A display means for indicating a fitness of the endoscope cover and the covering endoscope is provided on either the endoscope cover or the covering endoscope.

Abstract: A thermoformed blister package for a surgical instrument. The package has a tray having at least one cavity having at least one undercut and pads for quickly releasing the instrument from the cavity and package without touching the instrument. The package also has an interlocking projection for efficiently storing packages in a dispenser container.

Abstract: A scalpel cradle with a floor and four outwardly inclined sidewalls, with two convex elevations in the floor extending from one lateral side of the cradle to the other side of the receptor and with a rectilinear cap the anterior portion of which is in the shape of a symmetrical letter Y which is compressibly elastic in the vicinity of the leg component of the anterior portion such that the bipartite leg component of the anterior portion is amenable to receipt of the handle of a surgical scalpel resting therein on its bottom side, and with a outwardly directed curvaceous extension affixed to the anterior portion and in the shape of a downwardly directed u-shaped curve.

Abstract: A reusable surgical device which is suitable for carrying elongated surgical instruments having a backing plate which supports a plurality of detachable receptacle members contained on the backing plate in fixed engagement. The device is made of a transparent thermoplastic which is electrically insulating, nonflammable, and which can be sterilized at temperatures above 300.degree. F.

Abstract: A package assembly for packaging an endoscope cover for covering the outer surface of the endoscope is disclosed. The package comprises a cover for an insertion tube section of the endoscope, and a package base member for accommodating the endoscope cover therein, the cover section is accommodated in the package base member so as not to overlap itself while being in the state of packaging.

Abstract: An accessory tray for use in supporting surgical pads, the accessory tray adapted for connection to a surgical stand wherein the accessory tray comprises a support section having an outer surface for receiving the surgical pads, a connection section extending from the support section, the connection section including an attachment means for removably connecting the support section to the surgical stand wherein the support section is disposed at an acute angle in relation to the surgical stand.

Abstract: A sterile blade dispenser facilitates removal of dulled used blades, as well as the mounting of sharp unused blades, on a scalpel during a surgical procedure being conducted in an operating room or similar environment. Preferably, the scalpel has a sliding retractable guard, and the combination of the guarded scalpel and the blade dispenser precludes inadvertent cuts or nicks during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a cup when taking urine samples comprising an elongated cylindrical central component having a distal end and a proximal end; a support ring in a generally circular configuration with a circular cross section secured at one exterior peripheral extent at its proximal end to the distal end of the central component, the ring component having an opening extending therethrough at about ninety degrees from the point of contact between the central component and the ring component, the opening constituting about one and ten degrees of the ring; and a handle in a generally rectangular configuration having a proximal end and a distal end with the distal end being coupled with respect to the proximal end of the central component.

Abstract: A sterilization case 1 having one or more brackets 10 which are designed to enhance the steam sterilization of a medical apparatus 30 being held in the bracket 10. The bracket 10 is designed to provide cutout areas 51 to create a gap or gaps 52 between the surface of the apparatus 30 being held and the recess in the bracket 10, and yet still securely grip and hold the apparatus 30 in the bracket. The invention is adaptable to a wide variety of different shaped apparatus 30.

Abstract: A foldable package for an endoscopic suturing device is disclosed. The package comprises a base panel having opposed major sides and opposed minor sides. First and second package closure panels are mounted to one major side, while a mounting panel is mounted to the other major side. A retention panel is foldably connected to the mounting panel. Top and bottom tabs secure the suturing device. An optional needle park is mounted to the mounting panel.

Abstract: A thermoformed blister package for a surgical instrument. The package has a tray having at least one cavity having at least one undercut and an instrument can be quickly released from a cavity and from the package without touching the instrument. The package also has an interlocking projection for efficiently storing packages in a dispenser container.

Abstract: A cassette for retaining medical, dental and veterinary instruments during fluid-carried ultrasonic vibration cleaning comprising generally rectangular, registered top and bottom interiorly open solid frames formed of synthetic organic plastic material having a tendency to dampen ultrasonic vibrations and molded to define interior instrument supports and resistant to cleaning conditions and defining a recess sized to receive the instruments, a series of separately formed and movable instrument support brackets, a series of support bracket mounts within the cavity integrally formed with the frames in opposed registration for mounting the support brackets in instrument receiving relation; a hinge linking like ends of the top and bottom frames for hinged pivoted movement opening and closing the cassette to receive and disgorge the instruments, the hinge comprising on each of the top and bottom frames a hinge pin and flange arrangement and an elongated link having an intermediate extent and terminal portions jour

Abstract: The present invention is a kit for handling a needle. The kit comprises a shielding device, a protector, and a needle guard. The shielding device protects against needle strikes upon extraction of the needle, the protector protects against needle strikes while inserting the needle, and the guard sheaths the needle prior to use. The shielding device includes a cavity for depositing a used needle therein and a self-closing passageway which permits the needle to enter the cavity but prevents the needle from exiting the cavity. The protector comprises a ring and a shroud. The ring has a central aperture for stabilizing the patient's skin and an implanted venous access device. The shroud is joined to the ring and protects the health care worker against needle strikes while inserting the needle. The needle guard comprises a barrel having a longitudinal slit therein which is separable upon insertion of the needle into the patient's skin to permit the needle guard to be shed from the needle.

Abstract: A non-contact protector for a medical device, including a head portion and a generally cylindrical neck portion attached thereto. The protector comprises a top portion, a pair of opposed side portions flexibly hinged to the top portion, a pair of bottom portions, and a stabilizing means. The opposed side portions include locking means for retaining the protector in the closed position and side surfaces which are configured such that when the protector is in the closed position, the surfaces surround but do not contact the head portion.

Abstract: A filter (32) is provided for a medical sterilization container (10) having a port (18,22,24) allowing fluid communication between the interior of container (10) and the surrounding environment. A peripheral frame (44) is adapted to cooperate with the port (18,22,24). A plurality of cross-members (54) span an aperture (48) formed by a frame (44). A filter medium (58) is disposed across the aperture (48) so as to be interposed between the interior of the container and the cross-members (54).

Abstract: A medical monitor (1) comprises a recess (6) in its bottom side. A lateral wall (9) of this recess (6) is oriented in the same direction as the front panel (2) of medical monitor (1) and carries connectors or jacks. If the medical monitor is operated in a vertical position, its rear panel becomes its top panel. The rear panel does not comprise any connectors, and the connectors at lateral wall (9) as well as patient connectors (3a, 3b, 3c, 4) are oriented downwards. Therefore, the monitor is safe against sprayed or spilled fluids even if operated in vertical position.

Abstract: The packaging for a catheter comprises a flat air tight support member and a cover member formed of an air tight and flexible sheet adhered by its periphery on the support member. A vacuum is exerted between the support member and the cover member by connection of a duct to a vacuum pump, and the duct is then sealed. The cover member thus takes the relief of the shapes of the catheter whatever they are.

Abstract: An outer package for a thermoformed blister package, wherein the blister package has an outwardly extending flange. The outer package has foldably connected inner flange support members to support the outwardly extending flange of the blister package and stiffen the package.

Abstract: A packaging comprises a sealed peel-apart flexible pouch in which the preshaped stem of a medical appliance is maintained by elastic pressure of the walls of a sheath open at its ends formed by a wall having two parallel lateral edges forming slides in which are engaged the lateral edges of two spaced apart portions of a second wall. The two walls are flat and deformable by their own elasticity. A retaining window is provided in one of the walls for a handling and connecting hub connected to the stem of the medical appliance to extend therethrough.

Abstract: An organizer device for orthopedic equipment normally found in cast removal situations comprising a plastic box with a closed lower surface, an opened upper surface and a peripheral wall therearound, the box being vacuum formed with recesses and projections therein, a central recess having a semi-cylindrical end formed into one peripheral wall for the receipt of the cord of a saw, the central recess having a semi-cylindrical central extent extending to a central extent of the container, and the central recess having enlarged projections extending upwardly from the end of the recess remote from the end recess for supporting the head of a saw; and a plurality of supplemental recesses formed on opposite sides of the central recess.

Abstract: A sterilization and storage cassette formed of heat-resistant plastic and having two identical tray halves. In one embodiment, at least one tray half includes a rotatable retaining member for retaining dental instruments within the tray. In a second embodiment, a clamping member is inserted in one tray and at least one and preferably a plurality of instrument supports is inserted into the other tray. When the trays are closed together, the clamping member presses down upon and retains dental instruments placed on the supports. The trays are detachably connected through a hinge mechanism. Each tray has separate, distinct hinge members on one of its sides, and a set of separate, distinct latch members on another of its sides.

Abstract: A closure cap for protecting a capillary tube incorporates a hollow body member is dimensioned to fit within a container. The container and closure cap are used in shipping micropipets in a impact absorbing, sterile environment. An elongated tube retaining portion is centrally positioned within the hollow body member and extends at least a substantial portion of the length of the body. The tube retaining portion has a centrally disposed channel with at least one open end for receiving and retaining a tube in a friction fit. The air tight seal allows for sterility. A plurality of radially extending, equally spaced, retaining webs connect the tube retaining portion and the body along at least a major portion of the length of the tube retaining portion. The closure cap is air impermeable, flexible and formed of an inert material which is heat and radiation resistant.

Abstract: Operating room sponge retainer device including a flexible planar base having a selected number of pockets on one side of the base. Each pocket receives a sponge during the course of an operating procedure. A receiving pocket is provided at, at least one end of the device on the either side of the plane of the device and adapted to receive a portion of the device above the pocket where the portion is rolled and inserted into the receiving pocket.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for holding at least an operational part of an endoscope is provided as a removable unit of an endoscope system storage rack. An endoscope storage case in which an insertion tube of an endoscope hung on the holding apparatus is removably provided in the storage rack below the holding apparatus. The endoscope storage case stores at least a used endoscope.

Abstract: There is contained a first package for holding the surgical instruments. The package contains a blister, with a flange surrounding the blister cavity, and an adhesive sealed lid attached to the blister flange. There is also contained a second package which has a lower surface, a pair of side walls extending perpendicularly from the lower surface, a pair of back walls perpendicular to both the side walls and the lower surface, and four inner walls each of which is parallel to one of the side walls or the back walls. A top surface connects the inner walls to one of the side walls or the back wall. The inner walls abut one another to form a "well" through which the blister can be displayed. Finally, the flange of the first package fits between each of the inner walls and the lower surface of the second package.

Abstract: A protective sheath for an endoscope probe comprises a pair of elongated plastic sheets peripherally sealed together at the sides and distal ends thereof, while being unsealed at the proximal ends. A first of the sheets is transparent, having greater optical clarity than the other sheet. The other sheet has better frictional slip characteristics than the first sheath. Also, an intermediate plastic sheet may be provided between the pair of plastic sheets, so that the endoscope probe slides into the sheath between the other sheet and the intermediate sheet. The intermediate plastic sheet may have better frictional slip characteristics than the first sheet, to render easier the advancement of the probe into the sheath. The intermediate sheet terminates short of the distal ends of the sheet pair.

Abstract: A clamshell package supports a hip prosthesis so that modular pads and/or a modular distal sleeves can be added during surgery so that sterility is maintained while achieving a custom fit for the patient.

Abstract: A package for a device having a sharp cutting edge, such as a bone saw, includes a tray having a bottom surface, a top surface and side walls. The side walls are connected between the bottom surface and the top surface. The top surface includes an upwardly facing central recessed portion for engaging a device such as a bone saw. The tray defines a downwardly facing recessed area adjacent the central portion. A protective strip of cushioning material is disposed within the downwardly facing recessed area and extends above and below the central portion. The protective strip prevents the device from engaging the side walls and is formed of a plastic sponge material which is soft, resilient and tear-resistant. A cover secured to the bottom surface of the tray retains the protective strip in operative position.

Abstract: A single size, universal-type container capable of receiving any one of a variety of elongated medical devices such as rotatable arthroscopic shaver blades, drills, pins, wires and the like. The container has a generally trapezoidal transverse cross-section tapering inwardly from an open end at which a cover or lid may be heat-sealed. The trapezoidal shape enables the container to receive elongated cylindrical devices having different diameters. The container is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced locking stations, each provided with a plurality of opposed arcuate wall sections for engaging opposite sides of the elongated medical device. The arcuate wall sections of each locking station vary in size from the bottom opening of the container such that the smallest diameter elongated medical devices are retained deep within the container while the largest diameter medical devices are retained closer to the opening of the container.

Abstract: A package for an endoscopic suture system, the system including an elongated body, a suture, a needle attached to the suture, and a suture retainer, the suture further being connected to and extending from the elongated body, extending into a suture retainer and terminating in the needle. The package includes a first channel for receiving the elongated body and which is formed in a first plane. A second channel for receiving the suture retainer is formed in a plane below the first plane. A first plurality of flanges retain the elongated body in the first channel and a second plurality of flanges retain the suture retainer in the second channel.

Abstract: A package for a surgical device such as a stapler is described. The package includes a top portion, a bottom portion, sidewalls which define a cavity that receives the stapler, bearing surfaces to abut the stapler and a flexible cover. The package also includes a conformable member situated between the cover and the stapler which deforms about the stapler to hold the stapler relative to the package when the cover is attached to the top portion, and which is released from the stapler when the cover is removed from the top portion.

Abstract: Packaging for retaining a component together with an instrument package is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a foldable package made from a sheet of cut and folded paperboard material is used to retain an endoscope introducer and attach the introducer to an instrument package containing an instrument that is used with the introducer. The disclosed foldable package comprises openings and flaps that retain both the proximal and distal ends of the introducer, and a proximal flap overlies the introducer. The proximal flap is used to release the package and expose the introducer, permitting it to be removed in one smooth motion. Methods of providing prepackaged surgical instruments for a procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container for medical and surgical instruments comprising a box with a bottom part and a cover for sealing the bottom part in a germ-tight manner, the side walls of the bottom part of the box have openings covered on the outside with germ-tight but sterilization gas permeable filter layers which are held in position by retaining plates mounted on the side walls, the cover of the box being locked to the bottom part by a locking structure formed at one end of the box at which the cover and bottom part includes retaining structures receiving a safety tag which covers the locking structure when the cover is closed in such a way that the safety tag is firmly positioned in front of the locking structure and the locking structure is only accessible by destroying the safety tag.

Abstract: A sterile blade dispenser facilitates removal of dulled used blades, as well as the mounting of sharp unused blades, on a scalpel during a surgical procedure being conducted in an operating room or similar environment. Preferably, the scalpel has a sliding retractable guard, and the combination of the guarded scalpel and the blade dispenser precludes inadvertent cuts or nicks during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A foldable package for an endoscopic loop and cannula assembly. The package has a central panel having a pair of opposed major sides and a pair of opposed minor sides. The central panel also has a top tab extending from the top, minor side for retaining a suture loop. At least one extension panel is foldably connected to the bottom minor side of the central panel. A bottom tab is foldably connected to the bottom-most extension panel for retaining the proximal end of the cannula. A suture retaining panel is foldably connected to one major side of the central panel along the upper portion of that side. The package closure panel is foldably connected to the other major side of the panel, along the upper portion of the side, substantially opposite to the suture retaining panel. The cannula can be retained by a U-shaped slot in the bottom tab for receiving and engaging the proximal end of the cannula and a U-shaped slot in the suture retaining panel having at least one tab extending from the slot.

Abstract: A medical stamp system and method of use, the system comprising, in combination, a stamp having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion terminating in a planar surface, a dye on the lower surface with indicia indicative of an intended course of medical action; and a box having a first region for receipt of the stamp and a minor region coupled to and offset from the major region, the minor region having a recess and ink pad within the recess for the receipt of indelible ink, the recess and pad being of the size to receive the planar surface and dye of the stamp, the box also having a lid to cover the first and second regions of the box with indicia of the responsible position on the exterior surface of the box.

Abstract: A sterile package for endoscopic devices. The package includes a foam member that holds the endoscopic device in a stable position within the package. The package includes at least one sterile overwrap member and one non-sterile overwrap member.

Abstract: A venous reservoir bag subassembly is provided which is adapted to cooperate with a mounting assembly having a bracket frame and a front plate reproducibly relatively movable to enable constant accurate blood volume readout, cooperating means between the subassembly and the mounting assembly to provide against unduly low blood volume, and angled conduit means cooperating with the bag and recesses in the subassembly and assembly to provide further failsafe against passage of the undesirable gas.

Abstract: A retainer for an elongated surgical implement, includes a middle panel and distal and proximal end panels which are foldably connected to the middle panel so as to be movable to an overlap configuration. The proximal end panel has gussets for dividing the panel into two portions, one of which contacts a surface of the middle panel and the other of which is spaced apart from the surface of the middle panel to create a cavity within which the instrument is positioned. The retainer includes tabs for locking the end panels in their overlap configuration.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin device includes a sanitary napkin having a curved, trapezio-pyramidal shape closely complementary to the female anatomy and a towelette hermetically sealed in an elongate sheath releasably attached to an impermeable member of the sanitary napkin by an adhesive strip extending longitudinally of the sanitary napkin. The towelette contains an aseptic solution which helps clean the female genital area and leaves a coating for preventing the proliferation of undesirable organisms.

Abstract: A disposable laryngoscope blade cover that includes a flexible sleeve and a resilient slide band for use in conjunction with a laryngoscope having a blade and a handle. The sleeve has an open end and a closed end. The open end is received by the blade and the handle. The sleeve covers the blade and at least a portion of the handle. The resilient slide band is fixedly attached to the sleeve. The band engages the handle to maintain the sleeve on the laryngoscope. After the cover has been used, the band can be disengaged from the handle for removal of the sleeve from the laryngoscope. The invention is also directed to a method for maintaining the sterility of the cover.

Abstract: A cassette for the sterilization and storage of dental or medical instruments includes a lower tray and an upper cover hingeably joined together for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position. Both the tray and the cover have instrument positioning racks mounted therein to position the instruments in side-by-side relation within the tray and the cover. The cover is provided with an instrument retainer for simultaneously retaining the instruments in the positioning racks in the tray and the cover when the cassette is in the closed position. The instrument retainer includes an instrument retaining bar pivotally mounted at one end thereof within the cover and releasably fastened at the other end thereof to the cover. A resilient retaining member is mounted on the retaining bar and transversely pressingly contacts the instruments to retain them in the positioning racks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for holding a medical instrument. The medical instrument is held in a cradle (112) having first and second interlockable regions (114, 116). The cradle (112) is coupled to a first mating element (124). The first mating element (124) is coupled to a second mating element (126) through a selected aperture (128) of a platform (16), such that the cradle (112) is coupled to the platform (16). The platform (16) has multiple apertures (128, 130, 138).

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization processing pouch is provided having a sterile processing indicator protected between the walls forming the pouch to register sterilizing processing of the medical instruments.