Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly including a cannula and a trocar, wherein (1) the cannula has a working channel defined therein through which medical instruments may be advanced, (2) the cannula includes a fluid delivery channel which is distinct from the working channel, and (3) the fluid delivery channel has an exit port. The medical apparatus also includes a chemical container having an interior void defined therein for receiving the biologically active compound. The interior void of the chemical container is in fluid communication with the exit port through the fluid delivery channel, whereby the biologically active compound may be delivered through the fluid delivery channel to an outer surface of the cannula. An associated medical procedure for dispensing a biologically active compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosure of methods and apparatus providing bases for design of compact catheter insertion needle retraction safety devices wherein actuators are displaced away from slender needle sheathing bodies to initiate a needle retraction cycle for safely containing a catheter insertion needle after use. Such actuation guards against inadvertent acts, such as depression of an actuator, which may result in untimely needle retraction. Four embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, needle retracting energy is stored as a catheter insertion needle is extended for use and is expended to retract the needle into safe containment. Other embodiments comprise power assist mechanisms which store energy during an initial phase of needle retraction to be used to enhance and assist needle retraction during a needle retraction completing phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the percutaneous placement of gastro-intestinal tubes, the apparatus comprising a longitudinal penetration device; a hollow, tapered dilator; and a sheath having a central lumen extending therethrough. The penetration device is placed within the sheath, pushed distally to penetrate the target organ, and then removed from the sheath. After the penetration device is removed, the dilator is inserted into the central lumen of the sheath until it penetrates the target organ, so that the sheath and the penetration are radially dilated as the dilator passes through the sheath. The sheath is then pulled in the proximal direction to counter-balance the distal insertion force. A gastro-intestinal tube is inserted into the hollow center, and pushed distally until it exits the distal end of the dilator. The dilator and sheath are then removed from the target organ.

Abstract: A needle tip protective device. In one embodiment the needle tip protective device includes a needle guard that is slidably mounted on a hypodermic needle having a needle tip located at the distal end of the needle. The needle guard contains a movable needle trap that is biased against or toward the hypodermic needle. The needle trap advances over the tip of the needle, entrapping the needle tip as the needle guard is urged forward near the sharpened distal end of the hypodermic needle. A tether, or other limiting means, limits the forward movement of the needle guard along the needle. In one embodiment, the needle guard is manually urged forward along the shaft of the needle by the user. In yet another embodiment, a spring, or other biasing means, is used to move the needle guard along the shaft of the needle.

Abstract: An automatic safety infusion catheter needle including: a trifurcate connector having a first and a second connecting sections coaxially aligned with each other; an infusion soft needle inserted on the first connecting section of the trifurcate connector; and a steel needle having a needle body slidably fitted in a sleeve and axially passed in the soft needle. The sleeve is connected with the second connecting section of the trifurcate connector. The holder body of the steel needle has a projecting post formed with an air guiding hole for exhausting the air outside and making the liquid medicine smoothly flow into the soft needle. An infusion catheter is serially connected with a third connecting section of the trifurcate connector for infusion of liquid medicine through the soft needle into the body of a patient. The steel needle is formed with a latching groove and at least one guiding rib is disposed on a lower edge of the latching groove.

Abstract: Endoscopic surgical instruments in which provision is made for a locking device for a depth gauge or knife and sleeve arrangement which is adapted to be positioned on an endoscope, which provides for latching attachment thereto, and includes stop structure so as to enable the insertion thereof into a slotted cannula to a predetermined depth.

Abstract: A needle protector sheath comprises a body having a top wall, sidewalls and open ends. A slot is formed in each sidewall to slidingly receive a needle wing extending through each of the slots. Typically the slots extend through one end of the protector sheath. The protector sheath also defines an open, bottom aperture extending from end to end of the body, to permit the sheath to be laterally applied to tubing connected to a winged needle and to be advanced to a position where the needle tip is recessed in the sheath and the needle wings extend through the slots. In another embodiment an elongated anchor member may extend forwardly from the body to be manually pressed to retain the protector sheath as the needle is being withdrawn from the skin of a patient. The anchor member may have an outer end portion that bends away from the patient in position of use. Also, a novel sheath design and slot arrangement is disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple sheath catheter is provided for placing an IV catheter or other medical instrument into a blood vessel of a patient. The multiple sheath catheter includes a first stage catheter having a distal end for introducing into a blood vessel, a proximal end, and an internal lumen between the distal and proximal ends. Disposed lengthwise within the lumen of the first stage catheter is a needle for piercing a blood vessel of a patient. The device uses a small diameter needle to gain venous access, thereby reducing the probability of failure. The multiple sheath catheter also includes a second stage catheter or introducer.

Abstract: A percutaneous aspiration catheter removing thrombus or other emboli from blood vessels and a method of extracting embolus pieces larger than the diameter of the catheter. The percutaneous aspiration catheter has barbs positioned near its end to trap material within the catheter.

Abstract: A multifunctional safety infusion set with injection needle retractable in a wing-equipped sheath. The infusion set includes a connecting tube having an upper and a lower engaging sections respectively near top end and bottom end of the connecting tube. The bottom end of the connecting tube is connected with an infusion tube, while the top end thereof is connected with an injection needle. The infusion set further includes a wing-equipped sheath slidably fitted around the connecting tube. When the sheath is slid downward to engage with the lower engaging section of the connecting tube, the injection needle protrudes outside the sheath for injection. After the injection is completed, the sheath is slid upward to engage with the upper engaging section of the connecting tube so as to totally enclose and hide the injection needle in the sheath without protruding outside. Therefore, the accidental impalement of medical personnel is avoided and the safety is ensured.

Abstract: A winged needle assembly including a cannula 1, a hub 2, a tube 3 and a cylindrical holder 4 provided with wings at the distal end thereof and retaining the hub therein. The hub 2 is slidable along the inner wall of the cylindrical holder 4 from a first position near the distal end of the cylindrical holder 4 up to a second position near the proximal end thereof. Further, between the hub 2 and the cylindrical holder 4, there are provided a first locking arrangement (21,41) for releasably locking the hub 2 at the first position of the cylindrical holder 4 and a second locking arrangement (22,42,23,43) for substantially unreleasably locking the hub 2 at the second position of the cylindrical holder 4. With the above structure, the edge of the needle can be smoothly retracted and protected within the cylindrical holder without any sense of frictional resistance to medical personnel using the needle while the wings are kept fixed to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding butterfly-type needles to protect against accidental needle stick injuries after use. The apparatus includes a locking mechanism for permanently locking the needle within a shield.

Abstract: A modular ventilating/aspirating assembly includes a catheter subassembly, including a sputum trap; an optional valved manifold and a suction control valve with an actuator oriented at an acute angle with respect to the lumen of the valve. The suction control valve includes a connection end which may couple selectively to a catheter subassembly or to other peripheral devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laparoscopic insertion and application of a sheet like material (such as an adhesion barrier) and the like products enables the laparoscopic surgeon to utilize large and full size sheets of Interceed (3".times.4") in abdominal (including pelvic) surgery. In laparoscopy surgery of the abdomen (including pelvis), all instrumentation and all surgical products must be introduced through "ports" consisting of valved sleeved or tubes. To properly and efficiently introduce and apply a large or full size sheet of sheet like material, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for grasping and furling the sheet and then unfurling, releasing and applying it after passage into the patient's abdominal cavity. The instrument consists of an operational grasping and furling portion which is rotated to furl the sheet like material. It is then "backloaded" or drawn into a tubular portion of the instrument, an inserter sheath for passage through the valved "port".

Abstract: A surgical valve prevents loss of insufflation gas (or the like) when no instrument traverses the valve lumen. The valve is suitable for passing surgical implements distally, and for passing enlarged bodies (such as large morcels of severed tissue) proximally. A first set of valve segments angle together along a slit, similar to a duck-bill valve. A second set of valve segments angle outwardly distally, the second segments often having a passage so that distal pressure pushes the first segments together along the slit.

Abstract: A method and device for introduction of a catheter and/or delivering a fluid, such as oxygenated blood, to a patient's vascular system includes a cannula having an expandable portion. The expandable portion is movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position. The expandable portion is inserted into the patient in the collapsed position which facilitates introduction and advancement of the cannula through the patient's blood vessel. After introduction into the patient, the expandable portion is moved to the expanded position. The expandable portion protects the blood vessel against fluid forces when flowing a fluid through the cannula and protects the vessel from contact with the catheter advanced through the cannula.

Abstract: A non-contaminating catheter includes a hollow tube having an axial lumen extending along the length thereof, and an elongated, tubular, flexible membrane disposed within the lumen. The leading end of the membrane is circumferentially folded back over the leading edge of the tube and fixed to a guide assembly. As the catheter is inserted into a patient, the membrane is drawn through the tube and out the leading edge of the tube. Once the catheter is fully inserted, the membrane circumscribes the tube; thus, contact between the tube and the patient is substantially, if not entirely, prevented during insertion of the catheter over the length of the membrane. More particularly, the membrane is laid out as the catheter is urged along the anatomical canal and thus remains interposed between the exterior wall of the catheter and the patient's internal organs (e.g., the urethra).

Abstract: A non-contaminating application of a medical catheter into a body canal, in particular a urethra catheter, and of the kind provided with a friction-reducing surface coating, is effected by placing the catheter in a packaging designed as an applicator and composed of two essentially rectangular plastic foil blanks which are joined in essentially linear peeling zones extending along their edges, the catheter being placed with its distal insertion end positioned opposite a predetermined first zone of the edge joint. By the application, the walls are separated gradually and completely in peeling zones in the direction away from the first zone during simultaneous insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: Catheter management system including a housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a chamber extending therethrough. A side port extends from the housing. A proximal fitting couples to the side port. A distal fitting is provided for coupling the chamber in fluid communication with a guide catheter. A releasable seal is positioned within the distal fitting for sealing about a device passing therethrough. A catheter storage mechanism is located at the housing proximal end in communication with the chamber.

Abstract: An intravascular device having an elongated flexible tube sized for insertion into a coronary vessel beyond a distal end of a guide catheter. In use, the flexible tube has its proximal end within a guide catheter and has its distal end extending to a treatment site in a coronary artery. The device also including a push rod attached to a proximal end of the flexible tube to facilitate placement of the flexible tube within the coronary artery requiring treatment. In certain applications, the intravascular device is used as a drug (or other fluid) delivery device or as an aspiration device. In other applications, the intravascular device is used as a guiding means for placement of an angioplasty device, such as a guide wire or a balloon catheter. Additionally, an attachment tube may be provided which is designed to couple with a proximal end of the flexible tube to provide a continuous conduit for aspiration or fluid delivery to a treatment site in a coronary artery.

Abstract: A protective positionable flexible cover or sleeve for suction apparatuses where a suction catheter or other suction device is covered prior to and subsequent to suction procedures to prevent contamination of the suction catheter or other suction device for subsequent use, and for prevention of contamination transfer to medical workers and health facility environs.

Abstract: A protective device (2) for a conventional catheter assembly (4) of the type used by blood banks and including a needle mount (12), a forwardly extending needle (10), and a rearwardly extending conduit (14), the protective device comprising: a sleeve member (6) adapted to be slidably supported on the conduit in a first non-shielding position, and adapted to be forwardly displaced relative to the catheter assembly from the first non-shielding position to a second non-shielding position wherein the sleeve member is restrained relative to the catheter assembly, and adapted to be forwardly displaced relative to the catheter assembly from the second non-shielding position to a shielding position wherein the needle is shielded.

Abstract: A catheter hub to nose engagement for securely engaging the hub of a catheter to the nose of a catheter emplacement unit is described. The attachment mechanism may be as simple as an elastic tube which provides an interference fit between the catheter hub and the nose of the emplacement unit. In an alternate embodiment the nose has a longitudinal slot to provide a split nose tip. The split nose tip is held in a separated position by the passage of a cannula therethrough and an enlarged burr end securely engages the hub and nose together. In another embodiment the nose has a longitudinally tapered nose tip and the tapered nose tip has an enlarged burr end to securely engage the hub and nose together. In a further embodiment the nose has an internal undercut in which an elastic plug is secured which is positioned between the catheter hub and nose.

Abstract: An improved system for removing thrombus from blood vessels comprising a catheter shaft having proximal and distal ends, designed to be advanced through a hemostasis valve and guide catheter and over a guidewire for placement of its distal end at a point proximal to a thrombus, the catheter shaft defining at least one longitudinally-extending lumen, the catheter having a guidewire retainer which retains the guidewire within the catheter in a peripheral or non-centered part of the catheter cross-section, the distal tip of the catheter being angled back from the guidewire retainer to allow the catheter to follow the guidewire around tight bends and across restrictions easily; a suction device in fluid communication with the proximal end of the catheter for providing vacuum down the catheter lumen to the distal tip, for drawing thrombus into the lumen; and the lumen terminating in an angled tip at the distal end, the angled tip improving the removal of thrombus adhering to the vessel wall and reducing clogging o

Abstract: A radially adjustable catheter apparatus and valve therefor is disclosed. The catheter apparatus used to provide percutaneous access to inner body cavities. The catheter apparatus is includes a tubular sheath, a tubular dilator extending through and beyond the sheath member and a flexible guide wire extending through the dilator. The sheath and dilator each extend from hollow housings, which interlock and fixedly retain the dilator within the sheath. The sheath further includes at least one pleat or fold along its longitudinal axis for expanding the diameter of the sheath. Disposed within the sheath housing are a hemostatic valve and a diaphragm, which effectuate hemostatic seals around the dilator and sheath, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, there is a pair of slidable plates, each having a semicircular aperture equal in diameter to the open end of the pleated sheath, affixed to the open end of the sheath member which is within the housing.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for removing tissue, which includes (i) an elongated body defining an opening at a distal end and forming a tissue receiving cavity in communication with the opening (ii) a blunt dilator at least partially disposed in the tissue receiving cavity and (iii) a cutting member operatively movable transverse to the elongated body in proximity to the opening.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for administering local anesthetics and therapeutic medications during endoscopic surgery. The method of administering the medication includes inserting an endoscope having a hollow channel through a nasal cavity of a patient, inserting a syringe through the hollow channel and into a selected anatomical site, and inserting medicine into the selected anatomical site through the syringe. The apparatus used for administering the medication includes a tip portion, an outer flexible tube and a flexible member disposed at least in part within the flexible tube. The flexible member has a distal end and is connected to the tip portion at the distal end thereof. The flexible member may also be movable in an axial direction relative to the outer flexible tube such that in a first position the tip portion is disposed within the outer flexible tube and in a second position the tip portion is extended out of the outer flexible tube.

Abstract: An intravascular needle with a removable safety shield is disclosed. The arrangement is such that there is little or no impediment of the needle tip control required to efficiently start a needle into the vein.

Abstract: A delivery system for implantation of a medical device in a body lumen consists of an elongate flexible catheter for delivering the medical device a predetermined location in a lumen. The medical device surrounds the flexible catheter near its distal end and is held in a delivery configuration where the medical device has a reduced radius along its axial length by a storage sleeve. The storage sleeve surrounds the medical device. Where the catheter has an outer sleeve, the storage sleeve not only provides a means for retaining the medical device in its delivery configuration, but also protects the outer sleeve from creep during storage and/or elevated temperature conditions. The storage sleeve is removed from the system prior to use.

Abstract: A device for sampling biological materials having a tube having a front segment and rear segment, wherein the outer diameter of the front segment is smaller than the outer diameter of the rear segment. The inner diameter of the front segment is smaller than the inner diameter of the rear segment. The front segment has a distal opening. A rod having a piston having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the rear segment, wherein the rod is engaged within the tube, the piston is positioned within the rear segment, such that when the rod is partially withdrawn from the tube, a negative pressure is created in the front segment that is greater than the negative pressure created within part of the rear segment by the partial withdrawal of the rod, thereby enabling the sampling of the biological materials through the distal opening.

Abstract: A catheter-advancement actuated needle retraction system is disclosed herein. The invention includes a generally hollow barrel that houses a needle hub, which can include a flashback chamber. A needle is affixed to the distal end of the needle hub and is aligned to extend through an opening in the distal end of the barrel. The needle extends through a catheter hub and catheter affixed to the catheter hub. A spring is disposed in the barrel lumen to cooperate with the needle hub to urge the needle hub toward the proximal end of the barrel. A latch actuator is releasably engaged with the catheter hub. A latch which cooperates with the latch actuator is movable between one position which maintains the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the barrel and a second position allowing the spring to urge the needle hub to the proximal end of the barrel. A mechanism may be provided to cushion the needle hub as it contacts the proximal end of the barrel by the force of the spring.

Abstract: A sterile envelope-dispensing catheter introducer. A tubular introducer, through which a catheter is passed, dispenses a membranous shroud, or envelope, from within and out a distal opening thereof. The shroud is withdrawn by manipulation or by the urging of a body organ pressing against a shroud entrainment device. Interposition of the convolutionally rearward transported shroud over (and between) the introducer's distal portion (and the body internal organ surfaces) assures a sterile catheter passage through the introducer and into the organ.

Abstract: A medical needle protector sheath having slotted sidewalls to receive a winged needle. The sidewalls define at least one catch projection and preferably one in each sidewall, spaced from closed ends of the slots in the sidewalls, to prevent needle wings occupying the sheath adjacent the closed ends from easily sliding away. The catch projection defines an elongated member having a first end that defines a wing catching tip extending into one of the slots. The elongated member is attached to the sidewall only at an elongated member end that is opposed to the first end. This permits the elongated member to flex in the sidewall plane, providing improved receipt and retention of the needle wings.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a container for use in storing, cleansing, and moistening a guide wire or other flexible, elongated medical device between uses during medical procedures. The container has a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. A continuous side wall extends upwardly from the base forming a basin for retaining a coiled, flexible medical device such as a guide wire. A retaining flange is attached to the side wall and extends across at least a portion of the base to retain the free ends of the guide wire in the basin. A guide arm is attached to the side wall, and extends across at least a portion of the base so that the guide arm guides the coiled medical device onto the upper surface of the base as the medical device is inserted. The container may also have a plurality of ribs to keep the coiled guide wire from touching the base of the container.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly including a cannula and a trocar. The medical apparatus further includes a sleeve having a number of sealing members extending therefrom, and a passageway extending therethrough, with the trocar assembly being positioned within the passageway of the sleeve. The sleeve is positionable within an opening defined in a wall of a body cavity. Moreover, the sealing members are movable between (1) a first orientation in which the sealing members are positioned to facilitate advancement of the sleeve into the opening, and (2) a second orientation in which the sealing members are positioned to prevent fluid communication between an area inside of the body cavity and an area outside of the body cavity through a space defined between the opening of the body cavity and the sleeve. A medical procedure which uses the medical apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Catheter systems comprising a base catheter and a sleeve catheter are modified to have reduced sliding friction therebetween. The sleeve catheter is received over the base catheter, and an inner luminal surface of the sleeve catheter or outer surface of the base catheter is modified to have surface irregularities to reduce sliding friction. Preferably, the surface irregularities are circumferentially spaced-apart V-spaced peaks. Such peaks may be formed by fabricating tubular catheter bodies in an extrusion tool having a mold or die with correspondingly shaped V-shaped grooves therein. Alternatively, the surface irregularities may be imparted using a mold or mandrel which is placed over or in a tubular catheter body, where the desired geometry is transferred by heating the catheter.

Abstract: A infusion set which comprises a base (11) which is adapted to be capable of being manipulated by a user to effect insertion or removal of the infusion set and supporting a hollow needle (12) where the hollow needle has a pointed free end (18) and the other end of the hollow needle is supported from the base, a flexible delivery tube having one end connected to the other end of the needle and a portion at a position spaced from its one end being supported from a housing (14) and where a flexible duct (23) is concentrically provided over the flexible tubing (13) between the base (11). The flexible tubing being capable of slidable movement within the duct to cause slidable movement of the needle (12) in the base (11). The housing (14) has an engagement means (27) movable on the housing (14) and in engagement with the flexible tubing (13) to cause the slidable movement of the needle (12) in the base (11) between an extended position and a retracted position on movement of the engagement means.

Abstract: A process for inducing cardioplegic arrest of a heart in situ in a patient's body, comprising maintaining the patient's systemic circulation by peripheral cardiopulmonary by-pass, occluding the ascending aorta through a percutaneously placed arterial balloon catheter, venting the left side of the heart, and introducing a cardioplegic agent into the coronary circulation. This procedure readies the heart for a variety of surgical procedures that can be performed percutaneously through lumina in the catheter. An aortic catheter for use in the process is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a hypodermic needle comprising: a needle base disposed over a segment of the needle at the proximal end thereof, a needle portion shield comprising at least two generally flat wings having proximal and distal ends and being made of a flexible material, at least two hinges, with one said hinge connecting the proximal end of each said wing to said needle base, and a movable member having an axial opening therethrough at least partially delimited by generally flat surfaces, so as to be disposed over the wings along the axis of said needle portion, between upper and lower positions, wherein in the upper position, the movable member is above the hinges and in the lower position, the movable member is substantially at the distal end of the wings and its flat surfaces coact with an exterior surface of the wings to cause pivotally downward movement of the wings to draw them up to the needle portion along its axis when the movable member is moved from its upper to its l

Abstract: A biopsy instrument 40 includes a handle 1 and a disposable biopsy needle set or needle cartridge 20. The needle set includes a cannula 9 with a cannula hub 8 and a stylet 7 with a stylet hub 6. The needle set 20 is positionable within the handle 1 and actuatable thereby for purposes of taking a biopsy tissue sample. The needle set 20 and in particular the hubs 6, 8, in combination with the handle 1, perform the actuation sequence which allows the needle to be projected into the tissue to be biopsied and the cannula to be subsequently urged over the needle to collect the tissue.

Abstract: An IV infusion or collection device with a needle being manually extended to a locked extendable position while extending a resilient member, and a lock-release mechanism for releasing the lock, whereby the resilient force retracts the needle into a shielding housing.

Abstract: A needle blunting assembly for use with intravascular introducers, needles and other cannula which are insertable into the bodies such that they become contaminated with body fluids. The blunting apparatus comprises an elongate blunting member which is disposed within the bore of the needle or other tubular cannula, and is axially moveable from a "nonblunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting member is positioned within the bore of the needle or cannula, and a "blunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting member protrudes out of and beyond the distal tip of the needle or cannula.

Abstract: Guidewire holders to store one or more coiled guidewires substantially immersed in a storage fluid are provided. Some embodiments are more suited to storing a single guidewire holder while other embodiments are designed specifically to hold a plurality of guidewires. The guidewire holder is generally configured as a shallow pan in a circular or ovoid shape with a periphery to hold the coiled guidewires. At least a portion of the guidewire holder is shaped so that the coiled guidewire is held away from at least the outer periphery of the holder. This enables a healthcare professional to reach into the guidewire holder and grasp a portion of the guidewire in order to easily extract the coiled guidewire from the holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction catheter device usable with a respiratory support system which includes a catheter enveloped in a sleeve having a proximal end connector for connection to a suction source through a suction control device such as a suction control valve, and a distal end connector for attachment to a manifold of the respiratory support system. The proximal end connector includes a normally closed valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until a suction control device is attached thereto. The proximal end connector may also be adapted for use on a dual lumen catheter and thereby include a fluid injection passage having a one-way check valve therein. The distal end connector of the suction catheter device includes a magnifying window through which a portion of the catheter within the connector can be viewed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which a closed ventilating system accommodates multiple access to the respiratory system of an intubated medical patient without comprising the closed character of the system. Access to the respiratory system through one or more access sites of the closed system apparatus is provided at proximal adapter ports to ventilate the lungs of the patient with gas or gases, to aspirate secretions from the lungs, to oxygenate the lungs to eliminate or reduce residual co.sub.2 therefrom, to visually inspect selected parts of the respiratory system, to sample sputum and gases, to sense parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature, to flush with washing solution, and/or to administer medication, gases, and/or lavage.

Abstract: Hematoma-preventing cannula assemblies (36, 79) are provided which comprise an elongated cannula (10, 80) preferably equipped with a blood-conveying sleeve (38) positioned about the cannula shaft (12, 82) and presenting a plurality of axial blood flow passageways (46). The cannula (10, 80) is inserted in the usual fashion with the distal end thereof passing through an opening (22a) of a blood vessel (14) and the proximal end outside the patient's body; this creates a gap (32) between the exterior surface of the cannula shaft (12, 82) and the adjacent margins of the opening (22a). The sleeve (38) is percutaneously located with the inner end (42) thereof adjacent opening (22a) and gap (32), whereas the outer end (40) of the sleeve (38) is located adjacent the proximal end of the cannula (10, 80). In use, seepage flow of blood through gap (32) exteriorly of the cannula shaft (12, 82) is directed through the passageways (46) and thus cannot collect in tissue adjacent the vessel (14) to form a hematoma.

Abstract: Filtration and closure barriers are disclosed which prevent passage of gas-carried contamination between the atmosphere and a collapsible sheath, which surrounds a catheter tube, during insertion and/or removal of the catheter tube from the respiratory tract of a medical patient.

Abstract: A medical needle protector sheath which comprises a body having a top wall, side walls, an open first end, and slot formed in each side wall to receive a needle wing extending through each of the slots. The slots extend from the first end toward a second sheath end opposed to the first end, with the slots terminating in the side walls at end points which are spaced from the second end. Typically, first portions of the slots adjacent to the end points slope away from the top wall as the slots extend toward the second end. Other portions of the slots slope toward the top wall as the slots extend to the second end. Various improvements are described which result in safer-and easier use of the needle protector sheath.

Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system.

Abstract: An injection device for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of solid or semi-solid medicaments is disclosed. The device includes main body member having a needle attached thereto. A protective sleeve covers the needle and retracts into the main body member when the device is pressed against the skin of a patient. A plunger with an attached rod maintains the medicament in the patient as the needle is withdrawn.