Abstract: A self priming tubing set for infusing a medical solution from an infusion device to a patient includes a supply tube, an air/particle filter, and a restrictor tube. The air/particle filter is adapted to remove air, particularly air contained in the supply tube at the initiation of fluid flow. The air/particle filter also removes particles from the medical solution. The restrictor tube is adapted to reduce the pressure of the medical solution from the delivery pressure of the infusion device to about a mean venous pressure of the patient. The length and inside diameter of the restrictor tube are calibrated to achieve a desired pressure drop dependent on design criteria of the system. The tubing set also includes a slide clamp for closing fluid flow from the supply tube and a connector for connection to a patient interface such as a hypodermic needle or cannula.

Abstract: In a device for conveying liquids having an intermittently energized pump and a filter for retaining air bubbles preceding the input side of the pump, the filter contains an admission opening in the form of a long gap and the gap volume is greater than the conveying volume of the pump given a single pump action. Even an air bubble that nearly completely covers the gap cannot be conveyed therethrough as long as the gap is in contact with the liquid to be pumped at some location.

Abstract: A reservoir for use in an extracorporeal blood circuit including a rigid shell forming an enclosed reservoir. A filter unit divides the reservoir into an inlet chamber and outlet chamber. Cardiotomy blood filtering and defoaming means and venous blood filtering and defoaming means are located within the inlet chamber.

Abstract: An intravenous set includes a spike or luer connector for receiving pharmaceutical product solution, a pumping section, an air eliminating filter, an anti-siphon valve and a connector for an IV access device. The air eliminating filter includes an in-line hydrophilic membrane and a hydrophobic membrane upstream thereof to vent trapped gases to the atmosphere. The anti-siphon valve has a positive crack pressure and is located downstream of the air eliminating filter.

Abstract: A pneumoperitoneum needle comprises a lumen defining a passageway through which pneumoperitoneum gases may pass to the peritoneal cavity, a handle mechanism attached to a proximal end portion of the lumen and a filtration unit housed within the handle mechanism for filtering the pneumoperitoneum gases to be passed through the lumen. The filtration unit preferably includes a hydrophobic filter fabricated from a polytetrafluoroethylene material having a pore size ranging in value from about 0.2 to 0.5 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the filtration unit is incorporated within the handle mechanism of a Veress-type needle.

Abstract: A device for reducing the amount of a gas contained in a liquid includes a central core with an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and a transverse channel. A first chamber is formed on a first side of the core for receiving the liquid from the inlet channel, and a second chamber is formed on the opposite side of the core for receiving the liquid after it has passed through the first chamber. Each of the chambers includes a hydrophobic membrane for allowing gas that has separated from the liquid to pass to the atmosphere. The two chambers are arranged such that gas escaping from the liquid rises to the top of at least one of the chambers for any orientation of the device. The device, accordingly, is not dependent on orientation for effectiveness.

Abstract: Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies decrease the leucocyte content of a biological fluid in an extracorporeal circuit. These filter assemblies are suitable for use in an extracorporeal circuit. Methods for removing leucocytes and other deleterious matter are also disclosed. The removal medium used in these assemblies and methods may be pleated structures which have been subjected to gas plasma treatment, improving the amount of leucocytes removed and increasing the amount of platelets which pass through the medium.

Abstract: The disclosure of this application is directed to a clean air tube which provides a constantly renewable source of purified air for loading into a medicament syringe prior to use of the syringe for withdrawing liquid medicament from a multi-dose vial. The tube is fitted with a clean-filtering membrane, through which ambient air is filtered upon being drawn into the tube. The disclosure also describes the sequence of steps involved in loading the syringe with clean-filtered air.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a check valve comprising a structure for channeling a flow of a first fluid and first and second porous elements for permitting flow of the first fluid and substantially preventing flow of a second fluid. The first and second porous elements extend across the channeling structure, engaging and sealing against the channeling structure to define a pocket between the first and second porous elements. The pocket contains the second fluid.

Abstract: A device for de-aerating liquids flowing in medical liquid systems and in particular infusible liquids to be administered from a gravity-operated infusion set, comprises a hollow chamber through which the infusible solution flows and whose wall contains at least one aperture in which is inserted a liquid-tight, air-permeable de-aerating unit. By means of the device, air bubbles can be removed automatically from infusible solutions being administered.

Abstract: An improved infusion needle device of the type including a liquid delivering passage and an air introducing passage extending in parallel with each other includes a tubular needle, a bottom portion into which the rear part of the tubular needle is immovably fitted, a flange portion made integral with the bottom portion, a cover member airtightly secured to the flange portion and a valve disc received beneath a circular projection on the flange-shaped part of the cover member. As air enters through an air inlet port on the flange portion, the valve disc is raised up so that air is introduced into the interior of the parenteral liquid container via a cutout on the circular projection, a clearance between the bottom portion and the cover member and an annular clearance between the tapered foremost end of the cover member and the tubular needle.

Abstract: An aseptic solution for IV administration is prepard by thrusting a drug vial over a needle of a connector having a valve provided with a sterilizing air filter. In a first position of the valve, the communication to the IV container is blocked, but the vial is connected to the atmosphere through the sterilizing air filter to allow equalization of the atmospheric pressure with the pressure in the vial. In the second position, the communication with the filter is cutoff and the vial is connected to the IV container to allow IV solution to enter the vial and solution to be transferred between the vial and the IV container. In a final position, the ports of the valve are all blocked to close off the vial in which the sterile air is now trapped so that loss of the IV solution into the vial will be prevented.

Abstract: The intravenous (I.V.) system provides for successive administration to a patient of two or more solutions but at different flow rates. Such system includes a primary or first intravenous set including tubing which at one end thereof enters a container having a first solution at a predetermined level and which extends from that point towards the patient. The tubing of the primary set includes a check valve above the connector site. A secondary set may be temporarily or permanently connected to the connector site and includes tubing attached to a second container having a second solution at a level above the level of the first fluid.

Abstract: A multidose liquid dispenser for maintaining the sterility of solutions without a preservative has been developed. The dispenser includes a filter assembly having a hydrophobic filter and a hydrophilic filter in tandem with the hydrophobic filter located near the dispensing tip. The use of the hydrophobic exterior filter and the hydrophilic interior filter permits excellent liquid flow while precluding the growth of bacteria on the filter. The inability of the bacteria to attach to the exterior hydrophobic filter prevents clogging of the pores.

Abstract: An air elimination device includes a plenum arranged to cause a reduction in flow velocity of a physiological fluid whereby air bubbles form and rise to the top of the plenum. A hydrophobic membrane covers the top of the plenum, and the pressure in the fluid is greater than that which is required to drive the released air through the membrane and into the atmosphere. The air which collects at the top of the plenum forms a protective surface on the bottom of the hydrophobic membrane to prevent its being clogged by cellular materials. A support stand engages the air eliminator to hold it in the desired orientation whereby the air bubbles form at the top of the plenum.

Abstract: A method of reducing the adhesion of bubbles to the surfaces of a medical administration set with which a parenteral liquid comes in contact prior to its introduction into a patient by treating the surfaces of the medical administration set with which the liquid comes in contact to increase the critical surface tension thereof prior to contacting the surfaces of the medical administration set with the liquid, preferably by radiation grafting with a solution of a monofunctional monomer compound.

Abstract: A universal piercer device for a parenteral fluid dispensing container can be vented and non-vented, alternatively, for use with rigid and collapsible dispensing containers. The universal piercer device includes a venting passage with an air filter, and a reusable, fluid impermeable, pressure-sensitive adhesive seal. The venting passage can include a check-valve.

Abstract: A flexible tube is mounted on top of the drip chamber. The top of the tube is connected to the spike via a one-way ball-type valve. The bottom of the tube is connected to the drip chamber via a duck-bill-type valve inside of the drip chamber. The duck-bill is held closed against head pressure by a metal spring clip acting on the lip. The duck-bill will open when the tube is squeezed and fluid will be injected into the drip chamber.The drip chamber is charged bubble-free by the use of an output tube open to the chamber and joined to the flexible tubing carrying the hypodermic needle. During the initial fill the output tube is positioned above the fluid level and air in the chamber vented via the output tube, the flexible tubing and the hypodermic needle. When the desired level is reached, the output tube is submerged and bubble-free fluid fills the output tube, the flexible tubing, and the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: This invention is shown with two modes of construction and use. In the first arrangement, there is provided a dual tubular fluid conductor in which the blocking filter is positioned at the entering end of a second fluid conduit leading from a catheter to a transducer. In the second arrangement, the blocking filter is disposed at the fast-flush device and insures an absence of bubbles in a fluid conductor from the device to a transducer. The blocking filter is positioned so as to be in the fluid-conducting path from the patient to a transducer, with this blocking filter of hydrophilic material so that pulse signals sent to and through the fluid conductor connected to the transducer ar not distorted by the presence of air bubbles.

Abstract: This device relates to an improvement on mechanical enhancement of the pumping action of the human heart, which is achieved by an external venting source, such as a pump joined to an instrument insertable into a patient's heart or aorta and serving to vent excessive gases from the heart, thereby improving brain and lung functions in a closed-loop fashion, by improving the pumping ability of the human heart.

Abstract: A device for separating gas bubbles from infusion fluids or human-body fluids by means of fluid-repellent, gas-permeable, microporous degassing elements with a casing, which has an inlet opening for the fluid to be degassed, an outlet opening for the degassed fluid, and at least one outlet opening for gas. The degassing element is disposed at least in the area of the casing in which gas bubbles occur, wherein the degassing element comprises at least one degassing capillary whose inner cavity is closed against the passage of fluid, and an outlet opening for the gas. Preferably, this device is used as an infusion filter, in which case a wettable, gas-impermeable microporous filter is additionally disposed in the casing. The wettable, gas-impermeable microporous filter may comprise filter capillaries, in which case the filter capillaries and the degassing capillaries can be disposed in such a way that they have only one common embedment.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively blocking passage of lipids in a liquid flow path. A baffle interposed in the liquid flow path is of nonpolar material and is arranged to permit liquid flow therethrough with contact of said liquid with the nonpolar material of the baffle for removing lipids from the flow. In one embodiment, the baffle is interposed between the wound drain connection and vacuum connection in a drain reservoir and protects the hydrophobic filter which is at the end of the vacuum passage communicating with the interior of the drain reservoir bottle. The baffle enables use of a nonpolar material for the hydrophobic filter and avoids coating and thereby clogging of the hydrophobic filter by lipids in the liquid drained from a wound.

Abstract: A device for use in the sampling or infusion of liquids from or to the human or animal body, comprising a chamber for receiving fluid, a cannula in communication with the chamber, at least one valve means operable in an open condition to connect the chamber with a source or drain of liquid and in a closed condition to seal the chamber therefrom, and chamber venting means allowing the escape of air from the chamber while preventing the escape of liquid therefrom.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a molded vent needle housing which is adapted to retain a hydrophobic filter that removes unwanted impurities from the outside air and feeds air to and from the interior of a stoppered vial. This assembly includes a needle and a hub portion in flow communication therewith, this hub adapted for attachment to a syringe. The hydrophobic filter is secured in the molded housing and may be a disc or a cylindrical configuration. The housing has a bore in which the needle shank passes and a rigid sleeve member is secured to provide a small passageway for air flow. Several embodiments are shown, with some having a resilient seal and one having a shrink-wrap protector for both the exposed filter portions and providing a retaining member for an inserted O-ring. The outer sleeve member is removed so that the injecting needle and filled syringe are now ready for use.

Abstract: A fluid T-coupling comprising a through fluid flow path, and an intersecting vent path, wherein the vent path is integrally molded within the filtered bayonet connector to be used with an aspirator to control the level of vacuum communicated to an irrigation/aspiration handpiece during eye surgery.

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: A refill unit for a negative pressure type implanted infusion device includes a hollow cylindrical housing member which is adapted to receive at one end a bottle of vacuum conditioned medication. As the bottle is inserted first and second needles or tubes penetrate the closure member of the bottle, the shorter one of these needles being positioned to receive medication inside the bottle and the longer one extends into the ullage space of the bottle when it is inserted and held vertically. The shorter needle communicates with a refill needle, which extends downwardly from the other end of the cylindrical member, through a membrane type filter which is hydrophilic to the medication and has a micron rating such that the filter once it is wetted can pass air bubbles but only at a differential pressure substantially greater than the negative pressure differential of the implanted device.

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: This invention discloses a ventilating needle having a membrane-type filter stretched across the communication passage of a hub portion of the needle. In this invention, the membrane-type filter is of 2-ply type composed of a reinforcement layer and a water-repellent filter having a higher melting point than said reinforcement layer. This membrane-type filter is thermally adhered to a step portion formed in the inner wall of the hub portion through interfusion of the reinforcement layer and the step portion. This invention also discloses a method of assembling the ventilating needle in which a membrane-type filter is adhered to a step portion formed in the inner wall of the hub by means of ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A method for reducing the risk of particle (bacteria) contamination of parts of the body or body fluids by entraining particles in a fluid injected in the part of the body or body fluid by means of a fluid supplying instrument through a fluid inlet associated therewith is characterized in that after injection of the fluid through the fluid inlet, a fluid- and particle-absorbing, vapor-permeable body is inserted in the inlet so as to be exposed with the instrument, while an instrument, such as a cannula, catheter etc., for introducing fluid in parts of the body or body fluids is characterized in that such a fluid- and particle-(bacteria-) absorbing body is provided in the fluid inlet of the instrument.

Abstract: In a blood reservoir comprising a hollow housing and filtration/defoaming and blood collecting sections therein; the blood collecting section is located below and separated from the filtration/defoaming section receiving bubbled blood and has a sufficient capacity, typically 500 to 2,500 ml, to keep blood collected therein out of contact with the filtration/defoaming section; guide means in the form of a cone-shaped deflector is disposed between the filtration/defoaming section and the base of the housing to lead along its inner surface defoamed blood from the filtration/defoaming section to the collecting section without dripping.

Abstract: A small micron filter unit comprising a main body connector unit, a single structure filter element, and an adapter unit for complementary engagement with the connector and for receiving and holding the single filter element. Preferably, the adapter unit is of soft material, such as flexible PVC, which allows the adapter unit to expand and receive a ring with ridge of the single filter element within a recess thereof. The ridge on the external circumference of the filter element ring forms a resilient indent in the flexible PVC material of the adapter. The compressive force exerted by the adapter around the filter ring functions to securely retain it in place and also forms a fluid and air axial seal. After assembly of the adapter unit within the connector body unit, an overall leakproof component filter device is formed.

Abstract: A cardiotomy reservoir for separating air from blood including a housing having top, bottom and side walls and defining upper and lower cylindrical chambers. A defoaming element comprising an annulus of sponge material is disposed in the upper end of said lower chamber and extends around the periphery of the housing. The upper chamber includes a channel for directing blood to the sponge annulus whereby the blood flows through the latter to the lower chamber, the sponge annulus including an antifoaming agent for causing air bubbles in the blood to coalesce and form larger air bubbles as the blood flows through the sponge annulus. A passage is disposed between the sponge annulus and the upper chamber whereby large air bubbles exit the sponge annulus and move through the passage to the upper chamber where air but not blood is vented automatically to the atmosphere through a hydrophobic membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively blocking passage of lipids in a liquid flow path. A baffle interposed in the liquid flow path is of nonpolar material and is arranged to permit liquid flow therethrough with contact of said liquid with the nonpolar material of the baffle for removing lipids from the flow. In one embodiment, the baffle is interposed between a wound drain connection and vacuum connection in a drain reservoir and protects a hydrophobic filter which is at the end of a vacuum passage communicating with the interior of the drain reservoir. The baffle enables use of a nonpolar material for the hydrophobic filter and avoids coating and thereby clogging of the hydrophobic filter by lipids in the liquid drained from a wound.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for the measurement and replacement of physiological fluids including a meter for measuring the amount of a physiological fluid flowing through the meter, a first conduit for continuously delivering the physiological fluid to the meter, a second conduit for replacing the measured amount of physiological fluid with a corresponding amount of a replacement fluid, and a pressure equalizer associated with the first conduit for equalizing the pressure in the physiological fluid flowing through the first conduit whereby the flow of the physiological fluid through the meter is substantially unaffected by pressure variations in the physiological fluid itself.

Abstract: An IV filter and pump assembly having first and second bodies secured into a unitary assembly. The first and second bodies provide a chamber. One of the bodies has an opening therein in communication with said chamber and an inlet port therein. The other of the bodies has an outport therein. The inlet and outlet ports are in communication with the chamber. An inlet valve controls the flow of liquid through the inlet port and an outlet valve controls the flow of liquid through the outlet port. A hydrophobic filter is carried by the unitary assembly and is in communication with the upper portion of said chamber for venting to ambient small quantities of air in said chamber. An actuator supplies a pumping action to the liquid in the chamber so that liquid is caused to be moved out of the chamber through the outlet valve and into the chamber through the inlet valve.

Abstract: There is shown and described a tubular flexible filter membrane disposed within a flexible conductor such as IV tubing. This flexible filter membrane is sufficiently smaller in its outer diameter than the inner diameter of the flexible conductor so that a space is provided for the flow of fluid. This flexible filter is hydrophilic and has one end closed to exclude fluid flow to the interior of the filter. The other end of this filter membrane is secured to a tubular conductor and at this secured portion is made non-conductive as to gas and fluid flow through the filter wall. A method of attaching this filter membrane end by heating the thermoplastic filter membrane so as to cause thinning of the wall of the filter membrane and making this thinned portion non-conductive as to gas flow is shown. Potting, using polyurethane compounds, may be used but is time-consuming and costly.

Abstract: A vented cone filter for use with intravenous liquids which may contain undesired particles as well as gas such as air therewith. A vented chamber of elongated tubular construction and provided with a pointed input opening at one end thereof receives a complementary mating end cap having an output opening therewith. Mounted within the chamber of the main body and supported by the end cap is a cone filter of plastic framework supporting a hydrophilic filter element therewith. Around the ouside of the chamber body appropriate openings are provided and a hydrophobic membrane encompasses same for allowing blocked gas within the chamber to be vented to the outside. Preferably, a sleeve is molded over the hydrophobic membrane once installed for securement and protection thereof.As well as the structure of the present invention, the method of making of same is also encompassed by this invention.

Abstract: A blood filter such as may be used in a cordiopulmonary bypass system includes a housing having upper and lower chambers with a cylindrical filter element disposed in the lower chamber. The inlet to the housing is in the upper chamber, which is upstream of the lower chamber, and the outlet is through the lower chamber and communicates with the interior of the filter element. Thus, blood enters the upper chamber and flows to the lower chamber where it passes through the filter element from the outer side to the interior to remove microemboli such as gas bubbles, fat emboli and agglomerates, the filtered blood exiting through the outlet. In order to remove a substantial amount of the gas in the blood, and particularly gross bubbles, upstream of the filter element, the upper chamber is cylindrical and the inlet directs the blood tangentially to flow around the periphery of the chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for eliminating gas bubbles from a liquid. The liquid enters a chamber through an inlet port. The chamber has two outlet ports, the first bounded by a hydrophilic filter which passes liquid but not gas, and the second bounded by a hydrophobic filter which passes gas but not liquid. Entrapped gas bubbles entering the chamber pass through the hydrophobic filter to the atmosphere. The degassed liquid passes through the hydrophilic filter into tubing leading to the desired receptacle. This apparatus and method are particularly suitable for intravenous infusions and other medical applications in which the degassed liquid passes directly into the blood vessels of a patient.

Abstract: A device for releasing active ingredient into a liquid flow passing through a system for parenteral application of the ingredient comprises a receptacle composed of two half shells. The receptacle is subdivided by a ribbed aluminium foil into two chambers and has an inlet at its upper end and an outlet at its lower end. The two chambers have vent means at their upper ends. One of the chambers contains two overflows a first one of which empties into the outlet while the second one empties into the other chamber. In the latter chamber there is present a further overflow which also empties into the outlet, as well as a plate-shaped carrier charged with the active ingredient to be released. The liquid flows from the inlet via the first chamber and the second overflow therein into the other chamber and from there upwardly past a carrier charged with active ingredient, and onward via a third overflow in the other chamber into the outlet.

Abstract: A method is described for coating a hydrophobic filter membrane so as to render said membrane hydrophilic. This method is particularly for treating polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene in which the filter membrane is contemplated to have a pore size not larger than two (2) microns. The treating solution has Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) as the active ingredient. This treatment may use heated air (125.degree. to 200.degree. F.) as a drying assist which renders the membrane to have a substantially instantaneous "wet-out".

Abstract: In a parenteral solution administration set, the porous hydrophilic filter member which can control the liquid level and prevent the passage of gas downwardly through the set can be located adjacent the lower end of the drip chamber to control flow out of the lower end and to be submerged in liquid held in the drip chamber during operation thereof. Significant advantages are obtained. Particularly, the set becomes conveniently usable with parenteral solution pumps. Also the drip chamber may contain an elongated member projecting inwardly of the lower end of the chamber and carrying indicia along its length to indicate liquid volume in the chamber as a function of liquid level.

Abstract: An improved surgical drain of the Abramson type having a triple lumen catheter with a drainage lumen, an irrigation lumen, and an air ventilation lumen. The improved drain is interfitted with a connector providing a suction port for the drainage lumen, an irrigation port for the irrigation lumen, and an air intake port for the air ventilation lumen. Closure plugs for each port may also be provided. The improved drain further includes a suture means for securing the drain in place and stabilizing it and a softened distal end portion to reduce tissue necrosis upon insertion of the drain into the patient's body.

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 gravitational flow system for the sequential administration of medical liquids to a patient comprises a primary container connected to a primary tube, a secondary container connected to a secondary tube, and a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve which connects them and is in fluid communication with a common tube extending to the patient. A primary flow control device is positioned in the primary flow path and a secondary flow control device is positioned in the secondary flow path. In operation, the system dispenses primary liquid unless interrupted by a flow of secondary liquid. In that instance, primary liquid flow is cut off by an air capturing pocket. At the same time, a plurality of air barriers prevent infusion of air into the patient.

Abstract: An automatic intravenous flow regulator for regulating the infusion rate of a parenteral solution flowing from an intravenous fluid container to a patient. When the level of parenteral solution in the container is above a threshold level, the infusion takes place at a first flow rate. When the level of fluid in the container drops below the threshold level, fluid flow continues but at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate. The flow rate is controlled principally from outside the IV container; while in a second embodiment, the flow rate is controlled from within the IV container. Other embodiments are disclosed including one in which the initial flow rate may be adjusted; one in which the fluid is filtered prior to delivery to the patient; one in which the initial flow rate is maintained at a constant value with time, secondary flow rate remains fixed, and complete filtration of the intravenous solution being infused is provided.

Abstract: A wound drainage device is provided which includes a manually operable suction pump having inlet and outlet ports, and a pliable fluid storage bag having a pair of plastic sheets in face-to-face contact and an inlet. The pump inlet port is adapted to be connected to a wound suction catheter for removing drainage fluid from the wound. The pump outlet port is connectable to storage bag inlet for discharging drainage fluid into the storage bag without disconnecting the suction catheter. The bag has an upper foldable portion between the main storage portion and the bag inlet to close fluid communication to the bag and can serve as an added protection against drainage fluid flowing back to the suction pump. The storage bag can be used to receive drainage fluid and thereby provide a relatively large storage capacity without requiring a relatively large suction pump.

Abstract: Apparatus provides a controlled flow of fluid at particular rates from a source to a patient at controlled pressures of low value. The apparatus includes an input line connected to the source. An output line extends to the patient and implementing means such as a pump implements the flow of fluid from the input line to the output line at a particular rate. The source is disposed a particular distance above the implementing means to produce a particular pressure of the fluid at the implementing means and to provide this particular pressure to the fluid flowing to the patient.A bypass line is connected across the implementing means. Means in the bypass line, such as a chamber and a flexible diaphragm in the chamber, isolate the input side of the bypass line against the flow of fluid to the output side of the bypass line.