Abstract: An obturator assembly includes an obturator positionable within a lumen of a device and movable within the lumen between a first position and a second position. The obturator includes a distal tip portion, wherein, with the obturator in the first position, the distal tip portion limits fluid communication through the lumen and, with the obturator in the second position, the distal tip portion provides fluid communication through the lumen.

Abstract: A smart obturator assembly includes a hub forming a central passage. The hub is configured to couple to a proximal end of a device that forms a lumen such that the central passage is in fluid communication with the lumen. A collar on the hub includes electronic circuitry in signal communication with remote reception circuitry. An obturator is movably positionable within the lumen. The obturator is movable within the lumen between a first position and a second position. The obturator includes a distal end and a sensor at the distal end. The sensor is configured to sense an environmental characteristic within a patient's blood stream, generate a signal representative of the environmental characteristic, and transmit the signal to the electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry is configured to receive the signal and transmit the signal to the remote reception circuitry.

Abstract: A medicine injection catheter includes: a catheter main body formed with a medicine supply lumen; a tubular body connected to the distal end of the catheter main body and having a lumen communicating with the medicine supply lumen; an injection needle connected to the tubular body; a tubular cover member that accommodates the tubular body and that is configured to be advanced and retracted in the axial direction of the catheter main body between a first position where a distal end of the injection needle is accommodated in the tubular cover and a second position where the distal end of the injection needle protrudes forward from the inside space; a closing member to close and open the lumen of the tubular body, a motion conversion mechanism which converts advancing/retracting motion of the cover member into movement of the closing member to close the lumen of the tubular body.

Abstract: Provided is a method performing vascular surgery utilizing a guiding apparatus that includes an adaptor and an introducer, by inserting a longitudinal section of the adaptor into the introducer and operating a valve of the introducer by moving a cursor provided on a side wall of the introducer within a travel region of the cursor. Operating the valve either fixedly attaches or releases the longitudinal section of the adaptor within or from the introducer. The adaptor includes an inner volume that encloses a plurality of ducts and the introducer includes an inner volume that aligns with the inner volume of the adaptor when the valve is fixedly attached the longitudinal section of the adaptor within the introducer, thereby providing ducts that allow an instrument to pass entirely through both the adaptor and the introducer.

Abstract: A resectoscope having a curved sheath that can be made with different lengths, diameters and radii of curvature to better reach the areas of the bladder that are not accessible with a conventional resectoscope. The device is equipped with a fiber optic scope that follows the curved electrode tube and can transmit images for observing the interior of bladder where the surgical procedure is performed. The device of the present invention further comprises a modified obturator to facilitate the movement of the sheath inside the body, and interior guides on the sheath help move the cutting tool and obturator through the curved portions of the sheath.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for resizing a valve annulus are described. An implant is delivered proximate a mitral valve, the implant comprising a tubular body and a plurality of piercing helical anchors, the tubular body comprising an proximal diameter and a distal diameter. Tissue proximate the mitral valve is engaged by rotating the plurality of anchors with corresponding rotational drivers. The tubular body may be transitioned from a first structural configuration having the proximal diameter smaller than the distal diameter to a second structural configuration having the proximal diameter larger than the distal diameter.

Abstract: An obturator assembly includes an obturator positionable within a lumen of a device and movable within the lumen between a first position and a second position. The obturator includes a distal tip portion, wherein, with the obturator in the first position, the distal tip portion limits fluid communication through the lumen and, with the obturator in the second position, the distal tip portion provides fluid communication through the lumen.

Abstract: A smart obturator assembly includes a hub forming a central passage. The hub is configured to couple to a proximal end of a device that forms a lumen such that the central passage is in fluid communication with the lumen. A collar on the hub includes electronic circuitry in signal communication with remote reception circuitry. An obturator is movably positionable within the lumen. The obturator is movable within the lumen between a first position and a second position. The obturator includes a distal end and a sensor at the distal end. The sensor is configured to sense an environmental characteristic within a patient's blood stream, generate a signal representative of the environmental characteristic, and transmit the signal to the electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry is configured to receive the signal and transmit the signal to the remote reception circuitry.

Abstract: A bi-directional perfusion cannula is provided that includes an elongate tube for insertion into an artery. The elongate tube has a first aperture at a distal end of the tube which is forward during insertion and configured so that blood can flow into the artery in the direction of insertion, an elbow formed in the elongate tube, and a second aperture formed in or slightly rearward of the elbow and configured for supplying blood into the artery in a second direction which is generally opposite to the insertion direction.

Abstract: A bi-directional cannula for perfusing blood in two directions. The cannula has a distal opening in fluid communication with a cannula first lumen. The cannula has a secondary opening proximal of the distal opening, and may include a movable tubular extension selectively extendable from the cannula via the secondary opening. The tubular extension may be in fluid connection with the cannula first lumen and/or a cannula second lumen. The tubular extension may have distal and/or side openings, with the openings providing antegrade fluid perfusion. The cannula second lumen may be separate from the first lumen, so that perfusion can be selectively provided to just the cannula distal opening, just the secondary opening/tubular extension, or simultaneously to both the distal opening and secondary opening/tubular extension.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for parenterally transferring fluid to and/or from a patient includes a housing, a needle, and an occlusion mechanism. The housing defines a fluid flow path and is couplable to a fluid reservoir. The needle has a distal end portion that is configured to be inserted into the patient and a proximal end portion that is configured to be fluidically coupled to the fluid flow path of the housing, and defines a lumen therebetween. The occlusion mechanism selectively controls a fluid flow between the needle and the fluid flow path. The occlusion mechanism includes an occlusion member that is movable between a first configuration where the lumen of the needle is obstructed during insertion into the patient and a second configuration where the lumen of the needle is unobstructed after the needle has been inserted into the patient allowing fluid transfer to or from the patient.

Abstract: A steerable intravascular catheter is disclosed which includes an elongated sheath having a tubular body wall defining a central lumen and a deflectable distal end portion, a pair of laterally opposed elongated pull wires extending through the tubular body wall of the sheath and terminating within the distal end portion thereof, and a handle assembly having a longitudinal axis and operatively associated with a proximal end portion of the sheath, the handle assembly including an rotatable control knob for controlling bi-directional deflection of the distal end portion of the sheath, wherein bi-directional angular rotation of the control knob about the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly effectuates corresponding reciprocal axial movement of the laterally opposed pull wires in opposed axial directions and corresponding bi-directional deflection of the distal end portion of the sheath.

Abstract: An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient including a catheter having an interior surface, a needle disposed within the catheter, and/or a needle cap defining at least one capillary space and including a flexible seal surrounding the at least one capillary space. The flexible seal may engage the interior surface of the catheter. A method of controlling exposure to a liquid from an extravascular system including providing a wicking material positioned adjacent to a flow channel such that any fluid located external to the flow channel is retained by the wicking material. The wicking material may be incorporated into any extravascular system where exposure to liquids is undesirable.

Abstract: The invention includes a universal transvalvular insertion tool for providing a passage through a multiplicity of differently designed hemostatically valved introducers, each having a valve within a valved body coupled to a cardiac introducer. The tool includes a longitudinally rigid sheath having a lumen and for insertion through the valve of any one of the multiplicity of differently designed hemostatically valved introducers to provide a substantially obstruction free path for delivery of a lead or vascular device through the valve and valved body to the introducer, the sheath having a length selected to extend through the valve without substantial deformation of the lumen of the sheath. A mechanism is provided for separating the rigid sheath to allow removal from the lead or device without removal of the transvalvular insertion tool over either end of the lead or vascular device.

Abstract: A feeding tube and method for introducing a feeding tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, whereby the feeding tube is introduced by using a variation of the Ponsky “pull” method of feeding tube placement. The feeding tube comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and proximal end. The feeding tube also comprises a coupling structure for coupling the feeding tube to a pull wire, the coupling structure be proximal of the distal end of the feeding tube shaft. The feeding tube further comprises a guiding structure for aligning the pull wire with the distal end of the shaft. The feeding tube is introduced within the patient by attaching the previously placed pull wire to the coupling and guiding structures of the feeding tube, and then pulling the pull wire so as to pull the feeding tube into and through the gastrointestinal tract of the patient.

Abstract: The present application includes a sheath that is suitable for use in a variety of medical procedures. In one or more implementations, the sheath includes a shunt member, and a curvable portion. The curvable portion may be configured in various orientations to facilitate an intervention, such as a hemodialysis intervention, or the like, by an operator. The curvable portion may be configured to bend between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration. In implementations, the sheath may be configured to have detachable and/or interchangeable components (e.g., shunt member, curvable portion, etc.).

Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments, a needle with gated stylet is provided that is useful for controlled fluid transfer with a patient's body. Preferably, the needle with gated stylet includes a hollow core needle providing a needle tip and at least two fluid transfer apertures with the stylet removably disposed within the needle. In an alternate embodiment, a needle providing a hollow core, an insertion tip, and a fluid transfer aperture adjacent the insertion tip and communicating with the hollow core, and a stylet disposed within the hollow core, cooperating with the fluid transfer aperture to preclude fluid flow through the fluid transfer aperture when the stylet is in a first position adjacent the insertion tip and promote fluid flow through the transfer aperture when the stylet is in a second position adjacent the insertion tip.

Abstract: An insertion device for applying an infusion set to the body of a patient, wherein the device has two actuation members which have to be actuated simultaneously to trigger an insertion movement by which a cannula of the infusion set is introduced into the body and wherein, in some embodiments, one of the actuation members is a securing slide including a contact face to be placed on the body of the patient, the securing slide being actuated by the insertion device being pressed, via the contact face, against the body of the patient.

Abstract: A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.

Abstract: A needle assembly including a positive flush mechanism for use with a vascular access port. The needle assembly is configured to supply fluid to the port and to provide a positive flush to overcome negative pressures in the port that can potentially occur during withdrawal of the needle from the port.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing with a passage through which a catheter is received. A valve body is mounted in the passage, and, as the catheter penetrates through the valve body, the valve body conforms to the outer wall of the catheter to maintain a fluid tight seal between the valve body and the catheter. When the valve body is unstressed before being mounted in the passage, the valve body has a first planar dimension and a second planar dimension that is less than the first planar dimension.

Abstract: Devices and methods for guidewire assisted placement of catheters into blood vessels are described. Some of the devices and methods relate to automated or partially automated or assisted insertion and placement of an intravenous catheter into a vein or artery of a patient. Other of the devices are blood draw devices and methods for insertion and placement of an intravenous device into a vein or artery of a patient or to withdraw a blood sample from the patient. The devices also provide for guide wire tip inspection after use.

Abstract: In a control valve (3) for a medical suction device (1), it is provided that a coupling location (4) of the control valve (3) is includes a guide (8) which, when the control valve (3) is being plugged or fitted into a coupling seat (5) of the medical suction device (1), cooperates with a mating guide piece (9) of the coupling seat (5) for axial guiding and which, in a position turned away from the plugging-in orientation, cooperates with the coupling seat (5) for axially locking the control valve (3) on the coupling seat (5).

Abstract: A method of forming and enlarging a percutaneous penetration is provided. The method includes the step of providing a radially expandable dilation assembly having a needle assembly removably inserted in a axial lumen thereof. The radially expandable dilation assembly includes a radially expandable sleeve body defining a lumen and an introducer seal disposed across the lumen and defining an opening formed therein. The method further includes the steps of penetrating the radially expandable dilation assembly and needle assembly through tissue to a target surgical site, withdrawing the needle assembly from the radially expandable dilation assembly, and inserting an expansion assembly through the opening formed in the introducer seal and into the axial lumen of the radially expandable dilation assembly.

Abstract: An elongate member housing tool assembly includes a distal end side tubular member disposed on the distal end side and a proximal end side tubular member disposed on the proximal end side, which accommodate an elongate member, and a liquid inlet port to which a liquid supplying tool for supplying liquid into the distal end side tubular member is removably connected and which is provided on the distal end side tubular member. The distal end side tubular member and the proximal end side tubular member are wound spirally, and the proximal end of the distal end side tubular member and the distal end of the proximal end side tubular member are disposed in a spaced relationship from each other. A distal portion of the guide wire is accommodated in the distal end side tubular member, except possibly the most distal portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient that is made up of first and second stand-alone, interconnectable assemblies. The first of these assemblies comprises a fluid reservoir assembly that houses a fluid reservoir defining component while the second assembly comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the first assembly toward the patient via a plurality of fluid flow control passageways. Because the stand-alone fluid delivery and control assembly is initially totally separate from the fluid reservoir assembly of the apparatus, the fluid flow passageways of the fluid delivery and control assembly can be effectively sterilized using conventional gamma ray sterilization techniques without adversely affecting the medicament contained within the fluid reservoir of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting a catheter into a patient, the system comprising a frame including a catheter hub configured to provide a first anchoring point on a patient and receive a catheter insertable in the patient at an insertion site, a stabilization hub configured to provide a second anchoring point on the patient, and a flexible tubular lateral member, extending between the catheter hub and the stabilization hub; a fluidic channel configured to fluidically communicate with the catheter and transfer fluid to the catheter; a flush fluid source configured to couple to the fluidic channel and supply flush fluid to the catheter; a housing comprising a needle mount and a flash chamber; and needle having a distal end insertable through the frame and the catheter and a proximal end coupled to the needle mount, wherein the needle is configured to provide a fluid path to the flash chamber.

Abstract: Pneumoperitoneum needles for providing and/or insufflating a corporal and/or abdominal cavity are provided. The pneumoperitoneum needle can include a housing, an elongate tubular body extending from a distal surface of the housing, and an elongate hollow tubular rod slidably received within the tubular body. The tubular body preferably includes a passage formed therethrough for connection to a gas administration system. The tubular rod preferably includes a blunt distal end defining an opening, and a proximal end portion defining an opening formed therethrough.

Abstract: A trocar cannula assembly can have a retention mechanism for advanced fixation. The retention mechanism can include a first, or distal balloon, and a second or proximal balloon to retain the position of the trocar cannula assembly with respect to a body wall of a patient. An inlet can be fluidly coupled to the retention mechanism via a fluid conduit so that the balloons can be selectively inflated and deflated. The retention mechanism can be coupled to the cannula, forming an integrated cannula assembly, or the retention mechanism can be removably attached to the cannula. Where the retention mechanism is removably attached to the cannula, it can include a double layer inflatable member with an outer layer including the first and second balloons, and an inner layer for retaining the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical portal assembly provides access to underlying tissue. The surgical portal has a seal which includes a gel layer and a fabric layer. The seal includes internal surfaces defining a passage for reception and passage of a surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) having an outer catheter (12) and an inner catheter (14) extending coaxially through the outer catheter, and a hub (16). The inner catheter (14) is axially movable within and with respect to the outer catheter (14) by use of an actuator assembly (130) such that the catheter assembly has an opened condition permitting fluid communication with vasculature of a patient, and a closed condition preventing fluid communication with the vasculature of the patient. The opened condition permits the intended use of the catheter assembly such as for hemodialysis of the patient. In the closed condition, locking solution may be maintained in the catheter assembly and later removed therefrom, with essentially no locking solution leaving the catheter assembly or entering the patient. The actuator assembly (130) is secured to a proximal end portion (128) of the inner catheter (14) as it protrudes proximally from the hub (16), where it is accessible to the practitioner.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A long catheter can be inserted into a patient while eliminating the need for a sterile field by incorporating the long catheter into an infusion tubing and carrying it in with the infusion. The long catheter has a structure that prevents it from leaving the infusion tubing when fully extended and therefore becomes a connector for fluids to transfer down the long catheter by infusion through the infusion tubing. Use of an adjustable seat connector allows the long catheter to be stopped at varying points during insertion and even to allow the long catheter to be reversed by pulling suction on the infusion tubing and retracting the long catheter back into the infusion tubing. The long catheter also remains within the sterile confines of the infusion tubing and therefore is prevented from becoming contaminated.

Abstract: A needle assembly for introducing an indwelling catheter into a blood vessel is provided. The needle assembly may include a handle including a flashback chamber configured to allow inflow of flashback blood, and a needle hub. The handle and the needle hub may each be configured with through holes to allow flashback of blood from a needle to the flashback chamber without a mediating member between the through holes.

Abstract: A flow element (50) for use with flexible needles and flexible needle assemblies (10) to minimize flow occlusion within a flexible needle (15) is provided. The flow element (50) is particularly suited for uses with a flexible needle (15) for minimizing incidence of post-dural puncture headache. The flow element (50) includes a body having an internal flow path for conducting a fluid through a flexible needle, and an anti-restriction member (56). The anti-restriction member (56) includes an elongated body (58), a proximal end (70) coupled to the body within the internal flow path, and a distal end (60) for positioning at least a portion of the elongated body within a flexible needle.

Abstract: A catheter insertion apparatus with visual indication of needle penetration of a blood vessel and placement of the catheter cannula within the blood vessel, using blood vessel pressure to indicate needle penetration by the presence of blood within a transparent chamber within the apparatus and the displacement of a plunger to create a negative pressure on the cannula and thus allowing blood to be visible within the catheter hub thereby indicating the introduction of the cannula into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A cannula assembly adapted to facilitate the percutaneous introduction of surgical instrumentation. In particular, the cannula assembly includes a cannula housing and a cannula member incorporating an restrictor hinge. The restrictor hinge is configured and dimensioned to transition from a first, initial stage in which an initial internal dimension is defined, to a second, expanded stage, such that the proper orientation of any surgical instrument inserted into the cannula may be achieved and a substantially fluid-tight seal may be formed therewith.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus having a disposable cutting element and a reusable handpiece is disclosed. The disposable cutting element includes an inner cannula that defines an inner lumen and terminates in a cutting edge. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within an outer cannula that defines an outer lumen that has a tissue-receiving opening. The inner cannula is driven by a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. Both motors are constructed of a MRI compatible material.

Abstract: An exemplary infusion system for accessing an implanted device is disclosed comprising an insertion assembly, a hub comprising a sealable path configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, a flexible catheter attached to the hub and configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, and an extension tube attached to the hub. The hub may comprise a manifold element configured to provide fluid communication between the flexible catheter and the extension tube. The hub may also comprise a septum configured to seal the sealable path upon removal of the insertion assembly from the flexible catheter. The extension tube may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly. Exemplary methods of providing a fluid communication path to an implanted device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-extravasation sheath includes a tube sized and dimensioned to permit fluid flow between the inner surface of the tube and an outer surface of an arthroscopic instrument when the arthroscopic instrument is disposed within the tube. A plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the inner surface of the tube and running longitudinally along the tube form a seal between the outer surface of the arthroscopic instrument, thus defining outer lumens between the outer surface of the arthroscopic instrument and the inner surface of the tube. At least one drainage lumen extending longitudinally along the tube and disposed within the ribs is in fluid communication with at least one drainage aperture disposed on the central portion of the tube.

Abstract: An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while providing fluid management during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope thereby creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site.

Abstract: A breakaway hemostasis hub for a catheter or introducer sheath includes a splittable or separable housing, a seal within the housing, an actuator partially slidably disposed within the housing, a pair of spring retainer members in the housing each adapted to receive at least one spring, and a pair of actuator retainer members adapted to retain the seal, the actuator, and the spring retainer members in the housing. The actuator is operable to assume a closed position and an open position and includes a dilator member configured to dilate the seal when the actuator is in the open position. The hub is splittable or separable into two generally symmetrical sub-assemblies to facilitate cutting the catheter for retraction from the patient's body without displacing its payload.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A safety needle device and method of supplying fluid to a vascular access port is described. The device may include a base member, a handle member, and a compressible member positioned between the handle member and a compression plate. The compressible member is coupled to a proximal end of a needle. Following the delivery of fluid to a vascular access port, the needle is removed by moving the handle member away from the base member, which collapses the compressible member, flushing fluid into the vascular access port to substantially replace a volume of the needle.

Abstract: A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings in said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and said rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between said body first and second portions, said side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion.

Abstract: A catheter for providing blood flow includes first and second lumen parts having a distal portion with at least one port for delivering and receiving flow from a patient and a non-linear profile along the distal portion.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve collar, a rotatable valve control member, and a flexible valve member disposed therebetween. The valve control member and the valve collar are aligned to define an elongated passageway, and the flexible valve member is disposed along the passageway. The valve collar is structured such that at least a portion thereof is capable of radial flexure upon engagement with a mechanism on the rotatable valve control member. One end of the valve member is secured to the valve collar, and the other end is secured to the rotatable valve control member.