Abstract: A syringe purging device comprises a closed chamber into which air and/or any excessive amount of a hazardous liquid, such as a chemotherapy drug, is ejected from a syringe to overcome the health hazard created by openly purging syringes into the air or into a pad of gauze material. A sharp open end of a hollow needle of a syringe is sealingly inserted into the chamber and the syringe is activated to purge any air and/or excess liquid into the chamber which expands as necessary. Preferably, the chamber is then further expanded to reduce the pressure therewithin to better ensure clean withdrawal of the needle from the chamber or extension of the needle beyond the chamber and retention within the chamber of any fluids ejected from the syringe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device for detecting the presence of air in the fluid line of an IV infusion device comprises a transmitter and a receiver which are positioned to pinchingly engage a portion of the fluid line therebetween. Both the transmitter and receiver have convex-shaped lenses which contact and cause a slight indentation of the tube for enhanced coupling therebetween. The device may also have a pair of diametrically opposed pedestals which contact and engage the tube from a direction substantially at right angles to the axis defined by the transmitter and receiver. These pedestals help hold the tube between the transmitter and receiver. The device also includes self-testing electronic componentry which compares the transmitter-off output with the transmitter-on output to determine whether operation is normal or should be stopped because either there is air in the line or the electronic circuitry is faulty.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a flexible tube having a liquid-receiving lumen therethrough. The tube has a proximal end for receiving liquid into the lumen and has a closed, but penetrable, distal end. The catheter assembly also comprises an adapter which includes a body operatively, but preferably removably, positioned on the distal end of the tube. A hollow cannula is mounted in and supported by an air purging element, so that the cannula extends through a passageway in the body and through the distal end of the tube in fluid communication with the lumen. The cannula provides a path to the outside environment for purging air from the lumen as liquid is introduced into the lumen. The distal end is sealable to retain liquid within the lumen after the air purging member is removed from the tube.

Abstract: An injection set for delivering a fluid to a subcutaneous injection location in a patient is disclosed which has a soft cannula projecting from a bottom surface of a holding pad. An insertion needle is initially inserted through a septum located between a catheter hub and a retaining cap mounted on the holding pad. The insertion needle extends through a fluid chamber defined by the septum and the catheter hub and then through a lumen of the soft cannula, with the sharpened tip of the insertion needle extending beyond the end of the soft cannula when the insertion needle is fully inserted. The insertion needle, which allows priming of the injection set, may be removed following installation of the injection set without kinking of the soft catheter, and fluid may be supplied to the injection set for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A liquid-gas bubble separator comrising a container having an inlet for a fluid which includes liquid and gas bubbles, an outlet and upstream and downstream vents. A filter element is provided in the container between the inlet and the outlet. The filter element permits the passage of the liquid and inhibits the passage of the gas bubbles. The filter element is between the upstream and downstream vents so that gas bubbles which do not pass through the filter element can be vented through the upstream vent, and any gas bubbles downstream of the filter element can be vented through the downstream vent. A bypass passage is provided around the filter element. A portion of the filtered fluid is recirculated through the bypass passage to prevent forward flow through the bypass passage when the filter element is clean, and such recirculating flow is terminated when the filter is clogged to a predetermined degree to thereby open the bypass passage for forward flow.

Abstract: The air check valve has a one-piece housing provided with a pair of coaxial passageways and radiating ports which are closed over by an elastic sleeve. When the pressure in the upstream passageway is greater than in the downstream passageway and the crack or opening pressure of the sleeve is exceeded, the sleeve expands radially so as to permit communication between the two passageways for the conveyance of fluid.The air check valve may also be provided with a one-way valve in a partition between the two passageways to permit withdrawal of fluids from a patient.

Abstract: Methods for preventing the introduction of air into the vascular system of a patient during intravenous or intraarterial procedures, as well as for preventing the reflex of fluids into the body of a patient. Also, novel fluid directing means and catheters which include integal or attached fluid flow control means for use in these methods.

Abstract: A noninvasive apparatus for temporarily assisting in the treatment of a sucking chest wound wherein a dome-shaped element having a one-way valve therein or connected thereto is positioned over the wound and strapped in substantially fluid-tight relationship with the patient's body.

Abstract: The multidose syringe is provided with two pistons which are attached by a string to move simultaneously. A groove in the barrel for delivering fluid into and from the innermost fluid chamber is provided with baffles to create turbulence in the fluid flow to preclude entry of air into the fluid chamber between the pistons during filling of the syringe.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a flexible tube having a liquid-receiving lumen therethrough. The tube has a proximal end for receiving liquid into the lumen and has a closed, but penetrable, distal end. The catheter assembly also comprises an air purging member including a body operatively, but preferably removably, positioned on the distal end of the tube. A hollow cannula extends through the distal end of the tube in fluid communication with the lumen. The cannula provides a path to the outside environment for purging air from the lumen as liquid is introduced into the lumen. The distal end is sealable to retain liquid within the lumen after the air purging member is removed from the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for the rapid infusion of physiologic solutions into the human body which have been warmed by said apparatus to normothermic temperature. The apparatus includes an extracorporeal heat exchanger which warms cold bank blood and other physiologic solutions to normothermic temperature. Bank blood and blood products enter the apparatus through a filtered infusion line. Crystalloids and synthetic colloids enter the apparatus through an unfiltered infusion line. Bank blood, blood products, crystalloids, and synthetic colloids flow through PVC tubing, filtered drip chambers, and the extracorporeal heat exchanger at a rapid rate to restore and maintain the normal circulating blood volume of a patient in hypovolemic shock. The flow rate is regulated by PVC tube clamps and a fluid shut-off valve. The apparatus also embodies a macrodrip administration set for the infusion of drugs and other physiologic solutions at a slower infusion rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting a contrast media having means for preventing, operation thereof until the plunger of a syringe cartridge has been first placed in the fully extended position.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an improved winged catheter unit characterized by a combination of beneficial and advantageous features enabling the user to introduce intravenous (I.V.) fluids into a patient while permitting the technician to control air venting at the onset of the I.V. introduction and during change of I.V. bottles without removal of the catheter while at the same time promoting a higher confidence level of avoidance of air embolism(s). This combination also reduces the number of venipunctures necessary to secure placement and maintenance of the needle and catheter tubing. This improved winged catheter unit is characterized by a combination comprising an integral molded deck unit having centrally located therein a tapered tubular inlet portion having a larger inner diameter opening at one end through which an I.V.

Abstract: In general, the confirmation of a puncture in a blood vessel is made through a visual check of flush back of the blood from the blood vessel into a puncture needle assembly. The conventional puncture needle assembly incorporates a membrane filter permeable to air but impermeable to blood, in order to prevent the blood from flooding outside. The conventional puncture needle, however, cannot be used suitably for the puncture of a blood vessel deep in the tissue. In the puncture needle assembly of the invention, an air relief opening is formed in a portion of a puncture needle hub, catheter hub or an end plug attachable to the puncture needle hub or the catheter, hub other than the portion which constitutes a pressing surface on which the thumb of the user is placed to exert a thrust force for puncturing the tissue and the blood vessel, as in the case of ordinary syringes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating secreted fluids from a wound is disclosed which involves the placement of a drain into a wound via the tissue adjacent the wound. After the wound is closed, a secretion aspiration and collection device, which is connected to the drain via a tube, is placed into operation. The device is designed to have a suction effect controlled between a minimum value and a maximum value according to the quantity of secreted fluid to be aspirated. This is achieved by one or more sensors which control a tube pump. When a second sensor is used, the pump will not be shut off by a passing air bubble in the fluid. A sleeve may also be provided to facilitate introduction of the drain into the wound. Additionally, a needle may be detachably connected to the sleeve to aid the insertion of the sleeve.

Abstract: An anti-air embolism device for use between a patient's CVP catheter and source of fluid comprising inlet connection mean adapted to connect said device with a source of fluid; an outlet means including means for locking said device to the patient's CVP catheter; a passageway connecting said inlet and outlet connection means for fluid passage, and an occluder interposed within said passageway to prevent the entrainment of air within the patient's CVP catheter upon disconnection of a source of fluid at said inlet connection means.

Abstract: A venous reservoir is provided in which a blood inlet (42) is located at an inlet end (70) of the container (48) which extends upwardly with a fast rise and for a sufficient distance to allow the blood entering the inlet to enter a large volume and to expand rapidly. The top (74) of the inlet end wall (70) of the container communicates with a vent outlet (46) whereby a sharp decrease in the velocity of the blood flow resulting from its rapid expansion provides buoyancy to air in the blood causing air bubbles to rise to the top of the container and be vented through the vent opening. A top wall (76) of the container extends from the vent opening and toward a blood outlet (44), with the top wall being curved in a manner to prevent the velocity of blood from increasing until the blood is substantially at the blood outlet.

Abstract: A connecting method and a container wherein a connecting tube of a blood pump or humor circulating circuit is connected to a tube such as a cannula mounted on a circulatory system organ in such a way that no bubbles enter the tubes, in order to pour blood or humor substitution fluid into the circulatory system organ.

Abstract: Apparatus for the rapid infusion of physiologic solutions into the human body which have been warmed by said apparatus to normothermic temperature. The apparatus includes an extracorporeal heat exchanger which warms cold bank blood and other physiologic solutions to normothermic temperature. Bank blood and blood products enter the apparatus through a filtered infusion line. Crystalloids and synthetic colloids enter the apparatus through an unfiltered infusion line. Bank blood, blood products, crystalloids, and synthetic colloids flow through PVC tubing, filtered drip chambers, and the extracorporeal heat exchanger at a flow rate of approximately 1500 milliliters per minute or greater. Said flow rate is regulated by PVC tube clamps and a fluid shut-off valve. The apparatus also embodies a macrodrip administration set for the infusion of drugs and other physiologic solutions at a slower infusion rate.

Abstract: In a blood reservoir comprising a hollow rectangular container for containing blood therein, a projected portion is provided on one vertical side of the container that is remoter from blood inlet means and nearer to blood outlet means by projecting into the container space substantially from the intersection between the one side and a horizontal extension of the blood inlet.

Abstract: A drip chamber apparatus wherein the base of the drip chamber includes an apertured disk with a series of concentric stepped recesses against which is positioned a valve diaphragm. There is provided a pre-biasing member which applies pressure to the valve diaphragm to maintain the valve seated in a closed position. The pre-biasing member is axially adjustable to vary the pre-biasing pressure.

Abstract: An implantable medication infusion device wherein a generally cylindrical manifold is employed having a shallow recess on one face thereof. A flexible diaphragm is positioned to form with the face of said manifold a medication reservoir. A circular cover member is positioned over the diaphragm to form with said diaphragm a pressure stabilizing chamber within which is positioned a two-phase fluid for maintaining a constant pressure on said diaphragm. A permanent magnet is positioned at the center of said diaphragm and is movable therewith. A Hall effect transducer positioned on said manifold opposite said permanent magnet is employed continuously to measure the position of said diaphragm and provide an indication of the amount of medication in said reservoir.A method of filling and sealing the pressure stabilizing chamber which insures that a small bubble of two-phase fluid is present in said chamber at all times.

Abstract: A central venous pressure catheter has a long flexible tube containing at least three channels or lumens. At a tip end of the catheter a balloon surrounds the tube and is inflatable via one of the channels. A distal port and a proximal port in the wall of the tube are located on either side of the balloon, respectively, and are connected to the other two channels, respectively. The tip end of the catheter may be inserted via a jugular vein into a patient's superior cava vein near the heart. The balloon is inflated to partially obstruct the flow of blood and to increase the blood pressure at a site of surgery at the head or neck of a patient in the upright position to avoid air embolism as well as to prevent bleeding there. The differential pressure, e.g. in cm H.sub.2 O, between the two ports is made equal to the vertical distance between the distal port and the site of surgery by adjusting the size of the balloon.

Abstract: An improved conduit (50) communicating between a pressurized source (10) of solution and a partially filled reservoir (34) associated with a drip chamber (24) in a continuous-flush system. The conduit comprises a tube (54,56) that is bent at approximately a 45 degree angle so that solution discharging from the conduit (50) is diverted to impinge against the interior wall (58) of the reservoir (34) before interfacing with the solution (62) accumulated therein. The arrangement reduces bubble formation normally associated with turbulent discharge flow during filling and flushing of the system.

Abstract: A flow control device which consists of a tubular body having radial sets of orifices therein covered by a resilient member which defines an annular space to which the orifices are connected. The resilient member permits positive pressure to drive fluid through the orifices but prevents negative pressure from sucking air through the orifices. A spring urges the resilient member against one of the sets of orifices.

Abstract: A cardioplegia system in which cardioplegia medication or a mixture of arterial blood and medication is delivered to the heart of a patient undergoing open heart surgery, which includes a bubble trap in conjunction with the delivery system. The bubble trap separates bubbles from the cardioplegic solution and when formed at least partially of transparent material, provides a visual indication of the air removed from the infusion liquid.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for permitting relatively free flow in a flow path in a first direction and for preventing flow in the path in a second, opposite direction. The assembly includes a resilient flow regulator including a pair of lips arranged in a converging relationship to define a normally closed slit at the outer ends of the lips. An annular flange extends outwardly about the opposite end of the regulator. A housing outlet portion defines a housing interior approximating the shape of the regulator. The housing outlet portion further includes an annular collar disposed outwardly adjacent the base of each planar surface. The regulator is diposed within the housing outlet portion with the flange contained within the collar, and with the lips being adjacent to but not in contact with the interior housing surface. A cover plate is attached to the collar for securing the regulator and for sealing the housing.

Abstract: Bubble detecting infusion apparatus for infusing a liquid from a source into a patient through the lumen of a light transmissive conduit member, which lumen has a flat wall surface portion contacted by the liquid in the lumen, the conduit member having an operative position within a yoke in which it is removable disposed, the yoke having a light source for directing a light beam through the conduit member wall toward the flat lumen wall surface portion thereof and having a light sensor positioned to receive light from the source reflected through the conduit member wall by the flat lumen wall surface portion, the angularity between the incident light beam and the normal to the flat lumen wall surface portion being such that when a gas bubble is in contact with the lumen flat wall surface portion, substantially all light from the source incident thereon is reflected by said surface portion toward the light sensor, and when a bubble-free liquid is in contact with the lumen flat wall surface portion, said surfac

Abstract: A drip chamber assembly is provided which includes a chamber that is flexible but is non-collapsible under a negative pressure condition. The chamber, being flexible, yields to priming easily, but when restriction is added to the inlet port the chamber will not collapse and aspirate air to the patient. A flexible chamber is formed of a vinyl plastic material having a thickness of about 0.04 inch to 0.08 inch and a durometer reading of about 61 shore A to 81 shore A. End caps rigidly support each of the ends of the chamber with the end caps each having a contact length along the chamber of at least 0.2 inch.

Abstract: A closed emergency heart bypass system is disclosed herein for extra-corporeal blood circulation use which employs a minimum of components arranged in a series relationship. The components include a non-occlusive blood pump aspirating venous blood from an appropriate cannula for introduction to an oxygenator and a bubble-trapping device followed by return to a patient's body via an arterial cannula. Tubing interconnects the components and a bypass loop selectively joins the tubing adjacent to the venous and arterial cannulas for air displacement during initial pump priming and tube purging. Arterial blood can be accessed for sampling and for distal limb perfusion and a blood flow and monitoring console may be included in the system.

Abstract: A valve assembly for permitting relatively free flow in a first direction and for preventing flow in a second, opposite direction in a flow path includes a housing having first and second ports and defining a housing interior having an interior surface. A resilient flow regulator includes a pair of lips arranged in a converging relationship to define for the regulator an open end and a normally closed end. At the normally closed end, the lips are disposed adjacent each other to define a normally closed slit therebetween, and to define inner and outer surfaces for the lips. The regulator further includes at least one side wall interconnecting the lips. The regulator is secured within the housing interior so that flow in the first direction is from the first port, through the open end, through the normally closed end, and to the second port.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for use within a flow path for permitting relatively free flow in said flow path in a first direction and for preventing flow in said path in a second, opposite direction. The assembly includes a resilient flow regulator including a pair of lips arranged in a converging relationship to define a normally closed slit at the outer ends of the lips. An annular flange extends outwardly about the opposite end of the regulator. A housing outlet portion defines a housing interior approximating the shape of the regulator, having a pair of planar surfaces corresponding to the pair of lips. The housing outlet portion further includes an annular collar disposed outwardly adjacent the base of each planar surface. The regulator is disposed within the housing outlet portion with the flange contained within the collar, with the lips being adjacent to but not in contact with the planar surfaces. A cover plate is attached to the collar for securing the regulator and for sealing the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is an introducer catheter apparatus having a body with a first bore along a longitudinal axis and a second bore in fluid communication with the first bore and extending from the first bore to the exterior surface at the side of the body, a fluid delivering means disposed on the second bore as the exterior surface of the body and the fluid communication with the second bore, and a flexible hollow tube means disposed in the first bore, a deformable sealing means disposed in the first bore between the second end of the body and the position within the first bore where the second bore connects to the first bore and a retractable needle means extends through the body including the deformable sealing means and a flexible hollow tube means and the tip of said needle when therein disposed extends past a distal end of the flexible hollow tube means.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump in which fluid is displaced towards the outlet of the pump by a rotating member which engages a section of tubing. The tubing comprises an outer tubing and an inner tubing with an annular airspace maintained therebetween and vented to atmosphere. When a positive hydrostatic head is maintained above the pump head level, the inner tubing will expand and fill. When the fluid level drops below the pump head level, the inner tube collapses, closing off the tube so there is no fluid volume to displace and the pump output stops to prevent entrainment of air into the patient's circulation. An occluding valve having a normlly closed position may also be provided at the inlet to the pumping section.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of gas bubbles passing through an infusion tube (10). Sensing means (24, 26) responsive to fluid flow through the infusion tube develop a signal having a characteristic representative of a gas bubble to start a counter (28) which counts timing signals which also drive the pumping means (12, 14, 22) which force infusion liquid through the infusion tube. After a predetermined number of timing signals have been counted corresponding to a gas bubble having a size which may cause injury to a patient being infused, an alarm (30) is actuated.

Abstract: A tubage for use in an intubation is provided. The tubage comprises a tubular body having a first conduit and a second conduit which are formed therein to extend in a longitudinal direction, a flange portion formed to extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a side hole which is formed in the first conduit at a predetermined distance from the flange portion.

Abstract: A yoke shaped collapsible blood reservoir having first and second yoke legs joined by a yoke midsection. A filter element is positioned in the yoke midsection and across the blood flow path between an inlet at the base of the first yoke leg and a blood outlet at the base of the second yoke leg. An angular blood inlet and a gradual increase in cross-sectional area from the blood inlet to the yoke midsection decreases turbulence and assists in bubble separation.

Abstract: A bubble detector system is provided which dynamically responds to changes in energy transmission efficiency. The output of a detector is coupled to a dynamic reference level circuit, which develops a reference level that changes slowly in a time-varying manner with changes in the energy level received by the detector. The output of the detector is also coupled to a bubble detector circuit which produces a detection signal that changes rapidly when gas is present between an energy source and the detector. The detection and reference levels are compared to detect the presence of gas in the flow of fluid between the energy source and the detector.

Abstract: A noninvasive seal for a sucking chest wound has a rectangular base portion with an aperture in its center, and which is covered with an adhesive substance on its bottom surface. A one-way check valve has an outwardly extending horizontal flange at its lowermost portion, this flange is mounted on the underside of the base portion around the aperture in such a matter that a central opening in the valve body and the aperture in the base portion register with each other. The body of the check valve is made of a Teflon coated rubber to prevent blood from adhering to its inner walls. A seal ring made of Karaya-type gum having a diameter approximately equal to the length of the flange is mounted under the flange, and by adhering to it assures a fixed position of the check valve about the base and therefore about a wound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for filling a cartridge which can be subsequently capped and closed. This is done by filling to a discrete level and then applying a closure. A displacement dome is provided at the lower portion of the syringe cartridge closure to first displace a predetermined amount of air or gas and then to displace a minor amount of fluid upon closure to seal the cartridge, and insure zero head space. The entirety of the process of filling is done in a vented environment, and the closure applied at ambient. The invention also provides an apparatus which includes a syringe cartridge having its open lower portion closed by a plunger piston. The upper portion is closed by a syringe cartridge closure having a leur tip cap. Means are optionally provided interiorly of the tip cap to retain a hollow needle, which is held in position by a leur tip, the latter being vented and provided with a seal for the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous flow fractionation of whole blood incorporates motor driven whole blood, anticoagulant and replacement pumps, negative and positive pressure monitors, and a dual bubble detector which function in conjunction with a disposable single-use flow system and a hollow fiber filter to separate and collect plasma from whole blood. Operation of the pump motors, pressure monitors and bubble detector is controlled by a control circuit within the apparatus to provide one of several operator-selected operating modes, including run, prime and reinfuse modes. The control circuit provides an alarm which can be cancelled by the operator when certain system parameters fall outside of normal operating limits, and interrupts operation of the pumps when the parameters exceed maximum limits. A failsafe circuit independent of the control circuits interrupts power to the pump motors in the event the motors do not stop upon detection of a bubble or fluid absence in the flow system.

Abstract: An intravenous administration set assembly (10) is disclosed which is capable of introducing fluid from a plurality of sources of intravenous fluids into a patient and which allows the various sources of fluid to be easily attached and detected from the assembly without the necessity for intravening safety steps, such as purging the system, and yet without any possibility of air or bacteria being introduced through the system into the patient. An air-eliminating filter (32) is attached to a manifold formed of fittings (26) which are connected through inlet adapters (28) to the sources of intravenous fluid. The air-eliminating filter (32) ensures that air or bacteria introduced into the assembly (10) through attaching or detaching sources to the assembly does not pass to the patient and also ensures that a head pressure is maintained relative to the venous pressure of the patient to prevent a back flow of blood from the patient into the assembly.

Abstract: A bubble trap for a cardioplegia system in which cardioplegia medication or a mixture of arterial blood and medication is delivered to the heart of a patient undergoing open heart surgery which includes a bubble trap in conjunction with the delivery system which separates air from the arterial flow and provides visual indication of an increase of air in the system, together with a flow means for lengthening the path of flow through the trap to achieve maximum separation of air from the arterial flow.

Abstract: Flow-through chambers, such as drip or expansion chambers, which are intended to form part of a duct for blood or other such sensitive fluids, are disclosed. The chambers include a housing, an inlet, an outlet, and a flow directing portion of the housing for directing the flow of the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The flow directing portion of the housing is formed in a manner so as to deflect the flow of the fluid from the inlet towards the outlet in a gradual manner so as to protect the fluid within the chamber.

Abstract: A bypass valve assembly is provided in a medical fluid administration set to prevent rupture of a hydrophilic membrane valve of a burette in the administration set, eliminating the need for additional procedural safeguards by medical personnel during priming of the set.

Abstract: A pressure diaphragm, wherein at least a portion of an elongate fluid channel is formed diametrically across, and is open through, a flat raised surface of a substantially rigid, disk-like body, and wherein a flexible membrane overlies the raised surface and is sealed to a surrounding flange. The fluid channel communicates with fluid inlet and outlet fittings carried by the body, which are adapted for connection with the tubes of an IV set, and the cross-sectional flow area of the fluid channel is substantially equal to or less than the cross-sectional flow area of any IV tube adapted for connection to the fluid inlet fitting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectively eliminating the risk of introducing air bubbles into a fluid delivery system such as to administer parenteral fluids to a patient. The apparatus comprises a baffle positioned within a drip chamber for deflecting fluid expelled from a fluid resistor in order to eliminate turbulence and the formation of micro-bubbles during rapid filling or flushing of the fluid delivery system. The drip chamber also comprises a filter membrane positioned across the outlet of the drip chamber. The filter membrane is attached to a filter carrier assembly which enables the filter membrane to be momentarily displaced so that air bubbles trapped beneath the filter membrane may escape.