Abstract: An automatic catheter exchange syringe has a biasing means which drives the syringe in a fluid expelling stroke at a single touch. The syringe includes a barrel portion with a plunger slidably disposed therein. The biasing means applies a driving force to the plunger to drive the plunger in a fluid expelling stroke at a predetermined rate. The biasing means may include compression or tension springs or a bifurcated compression spring assembly.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a telescoping tip protector for reducing the risk of needle sticks in used catheter introducers. The pair of telescoping members are adapted such that they telescope from a housing which is gripped by the user with one of the telescoping members locking in a position extending from the housing and the second member locks in a position extending from the first member. The second member carries thereon a tip protecting portion which surrounds the cannula tip and prevents the inadvertent jabbing, piercing or sticking of the needle into a person after the use of the introducer and engagement of the protector.

Abstract: A catheter gard unit is disclosed herein which includes a flexible tapered introduction guide. The distal end of the tapered introduction guide, in a sheath procedure, is placed over a guide wire and into a sheath, both of which have been pre-placed within a patient's body. In a sheathless procedure, the distal end of the tapered introduction guide is placed adjacent the skin of the patient and over the pre-placed guide wire. The gard unit comprises a body with a passageway therethrough for the passage of the catheter tube. A resilient slidable seal is mounted upon the tapered introduction guide of the gard unit. The slidable seal is adapted to slid over and seal the connection between the introduction guide, through which the catheter is placed, and a hemostasis valve of the sheath, after insertion of the sheath into the patient's body and thereby form a liquid seal between the introduction guide and the sheath.

Abstract: A tubular guard 14 encircles the needle 6 and exhibits a conical connection surface which, in the protection position, cooperates with a conical connection surface of the joining piece bearing the needle 6. By pushing on the cap 16 covering the needle 6, the joining piece and the associated guard are secured to the handpiece 1. The collar 17 is then pressed onto the guard 14 and frees the guard from the joining piece. The guard 14 is then hooked onto the handpiece 1 by freeing the end of the needle 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon expandable universal access sheath which can be used in surgical procedures such as abdominal aortic grafting. The device allows for great surgical flexibility, ease of insertion and, in addition, the ability to collect and recirculate blood.

Abstract: An apparatus for ventilating and aspirating the respiratory system of a patient, the apparatus having a patient module, a disposable center module, and a vacuum module. The patient module includes tubular connecting means connectable to a supply of air and to the trachea of the patient for involuntarily supplying air to and withdrawing air from the lungs of the patient. The center module includes a first end element connected to the patient module, a second end element, an elongated flexible tubular catheter element permanently connected to the second end element and extending slidably and sealingly through the first end element, and an elongated, collapsible, tubular plastic sleeve connected to the first and second end elements and extending therebetween around the catheter element. The vacuum module is connected to the second end element and adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum for applying vacuum to the catheter element.

Abstract: A steerable first catheter directs the introduction of a guide sheath, which can otherwise be free of any onboard steering mechanism. The guide sheath, in turn, directs the introduction of the electrode-carrying second catheter, which can likewise be free of any onboard steering mechanism. Use of a guide sheath positioned by a separate, dedicated steering catheter to guide a separate, dedicated electrode-carrying catheter results in a significant reduction in the overall size of the system components.

Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding tube removal device is comprised of a hollow cylindrical body, a conical head formed at one end and preferably a cap or top at the other to assist in grasping the tool during use. A sheath covers the remaining body portion and is slideably moveable thereon. In use, the gastrostomy tube is pulled through the device which enters the stomach through an ostomy of the patient. Upon contacting the retention bolster means proximate the inner stomach lining, the plastic sheath is pressed forward against the extended members of the retention means thereby collapsing them and withdrawing them into the sheath. The device is then withdrawn from the patient's body simultaneously removing the tube as well.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies against the A chain of ricin have been found to be ective in protecting mammals from morbidity arising from exposure to ricin toxin. The neutralizing action of the antibodies does not appear to be mediated by complement or by immunoprecipitation. The antibodies of the invention are characterized as of isotype IgG1 having the binding characteristics which include: a) binding specifically to the neutralizing epitope of the ricin A chain and b) providing in vitro protection of at least 95% of EL-4 cells from 100 .eta.g/mL ricin challenge when said antibody is present in the tissue culture at a level of at least 1000 .eta.g/mL.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a container for use in storing, cleansing, and moistening guide wires between uses during angiographic procedures. The container has a base and at least one upwardly and inwardly extending side wall. The container may also have a plurality of standoff members to keep the coiled guide wire from touching the base and side walls of the container. A bathing solution may also be disposed within the container to moisten and cleanse the coiled guide wire.

Abstract: This invention introduces a new means and units that are to allow a rapid and clean insertion of bladder and similar catheters. These units will isolate and cover the contaminated surrounding areas by a cover made from synthetic or natural materials and their combinations. It also introduces a series of catheter covers that will cover the bladder catheters and will prevent it from being contaminated. These units also may use means that allows the support of the catheter to be done easily. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Abstract: An infusion or transfusion needle assembly includes a hollow needle fixed to a needle holder. The needle holder is surrounded by a sheath such that the sheath and the needle holder are axially slidable relative to one another. Releasable detent locking means are provided between the needle holder and the sheath to positively prevent axial movement of the needle holder and needle relative to the sheath, thereby locking the needle in an extended position for insertion into the skin of a patient. Unlocking means are provided for releasing the releasable detent locking means, thereby permitting axial movement of the needle holder and needle relative to the sheath so that the needle is movable from the extended position to a fully retracted position within the sheath. Once the needle is fully retracted, permanent detent locking means become operative to positively and permanently maintain the needle in the retracted position.

Abstract: A catheter placement unit comprises an introducing needle (2) having a pointed tip (6) for introducing a catheter (4) into a desired position in a patient's body, a needle hub (3) for mounting the needle (2) so that the needle extends through an axial bore in the catheter (4) during introduction of the catheter into the patient's body and so that the needle can subsequently be withdrawn from the catheter bore leaving the catheter in position in the patient's body, and a needle tip protector (10) on the needle for shielding the needle tip (6) when the needle has been withdrawn from the catheter bore. The needle tip protector (10) includes a guard element (16) which is held against a resilient bias in a cocked position to one side of the catheter (4) while the catheter is introduced into the patient's body and which, on subsequent withdrawal of the needle (2) from the catheter bore, is moved laterally by resilient action from the cocked position into a guard position in which it shields the needle tip (6).

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 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.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter is provided with a cannula and a needle-guide for the cannula. A support carries the needle-guide, and has a first end from which the needle-guide extends. The support is carried in a sheath, having a diameter sufficient to permit sliding of the support and having a length sufficient to accept the full length of the needle-guide. A retractor continuously urges the support to a position in which the needle-guide is withdrawn into the sheath. The sheath has a first end which defines an opening through which the first end of the support extends, and the sheath is capable of reducing the size of the opening upon insertion of the first end of the sheath into the cannula to grip the support, and returns to its original size upon withdrawal of the first end from the cannula to release the support and permit the withdrawal of the needle-guide into the sheath under the action of the retractor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of effecting the non-surgical transplant of embryos into the uterus of an animal. The method involves the use of a long tubular gripping instrument having an open forward end and an external gripping formation generally adjacent its forward end. A probe with a long tubular body having an open forward end extends axially inside the gripping instrument. A probing member projects in a generally non-axial direction from the probe body generally adjacent its forward end. The method comprises the steps of inserting the gripping instrument, forward end first, into a cervix of the uterus, and establishing a grip between the walls of the cervix and the external gripping formation on the gripping instrument. While maintaining said grip, the gripping instrument is pulled in a rearward direction to straighten the cervix.

Abstract: A gastric access device having an external bolster and a tubular body. The tubular body has an integral bolster portion at one end and an integral dilator portion at an opposite end. An incision extending from an external body surface to an internal body cavity is formed and the gastric access device is inserted through the incision such that the bolster portion is in contact with an inner body surface surrounding the internal body cavity, the tubular body lies within and projects outwardly from the incision, and the dilator portion is on the outside or exterior of the body. The external bolster is slid or pushed down over the dilator portion and the projecting portion of the tubular body and into contact with the external surface of the body. The projecting portion of the tubular body is clamped and subsequently severed to disconnect the dilator portion from the tubular body.

Abstract: An introducer sheath for inserting a catheter into a circulatory vessel, such as the femoral artery. The introducer sheath is in the form of a tube having an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a lumen through which a device such as a catheter can be passed. The introducer sheath is provided with at least one, preferably multiple, fenestration through the tube wall, preferably at the outer radius of curvature of the introducer sheath where the sheath bends to transition from lying parallel to the femoral artery to being at an angle so as to exit the femoral artery, tissue and skin, such that blood can flow through the introducer sheath and continue to the extremities after the introducer sheath is inserted.

Abstract: A safety syringe including a generally cylindrical needle body having first and second opposite ends, the first end being open, a needle member extending from the second end of the needle body, a plunger having a central bore and piston secured to an end of the plunger, the plunger and piston being inserted through the first end of the needle body, the piston sealingly engaging an inner surface of the needle body, a stylette having a sharp point, the stylette extending through the needle member, penetrating through and frictionally engaging the piston and extending into the central bore of the plunger, wherein the sharp point of the stylette is normally retracted into the needle member to prevent needle-stick injuries, and extends from the needle member upon applying a biasing force to the piston by depressing the plunger, whereby frictional engagement between the piston and the stylette forces the sharp point to be exposed from the needle member.

Abstract: A needle catheter particularly for endovasal use, including a needle-guide or metallic mandrel (1) fitted with an end grip (2), and a catheter (4) with an end casing (5). Between the end grip (2) of the metallic needle (1) and the casing (5) of the catheter (4), there is an extensible element (9), (9') acting as a cover for the metallic needle (1) after its extraction. A tap, a ball or at least one vane is provided for blocking the lumen of the casing, movable from a position where it does not obstruct the lumen (11) of the catheter, to a position where it occludes the lumen.

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: 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 sheath introducer for a catheterization or similar procedure comprises a body having a upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being angled with respect to the upper portion; a curved tapering channel extending through the upper and lower portions; a cannula with a tapered distal end extending at an angle with respect to the upper portion a hemostatic valve having an access port and a fluid tight slit opening and seated within the upper portion and maintained by a cap; and an angled sideport in fluid communication with the channel. Optionally, a wiper flange extends inward within the valve access port which provide an additional fluid tight seal when a catheter is slidingly inserted, removed or maintained within the valve. A dilator can be adapted for use with the introducer by having a bend in the tube portion of the dilator.

Abstract: An indwelling injector needle assembly having wings includes a cannula or needle body, a hub supporting a proximal end of the needle body, a tube in fluid communication with the needle body, a cylindrical holder having a distal end from which the wings protrude, and a latching mechanism. The hub can slide along an inner periphery of the holder between a first position near the distal end of the holder and a second position near a proximal end of the holder. The latching mechanism is formed in and disposed between the hub and the holder so that the hub is inhibited from moving from the first position toward the second position, and vice versa. The needle edge can be retracted within the holder while its wings remain fixed to a patient's skin.

Abstract: A safety stop push button mechanism is disclosed that prevents unwanted activation of the push button. The safety stop push button has particular applicability to a catheter and spring activated safety introducer needle assembly. A projection extending from the activation latch engages the catheter hub to prevent inadvertent activation of the safety mechanism until the catheter has been at least partially advanced distally over the needle.

Abstract: A closed system suction catheter assembly has a protective sleeve enclosing a suction catheter that can be advanced through a patient connecting member coupling the assembly to a tracheal tube. Within the patient connecting member there is an integral valve and wiper seal assembly formed from a one-piece moulding with a central aperture providing the wiper seal and four duck-bill valve arranged around the periphery. The duck-bill valves are of oval shape and have their smaller dimension aligned radially.

Abstract: A hand-held spring wire guide feeding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal base having an attached rear end having an opening for feeding a spring wire guide; a flexible tube for holding a spring wire guide and having a proximal end attached to said attached rear end, the longitudinal base having a forward end affixed to a removable tube, the removable tube having a coaxially extending bore for receiving and straightening said spring wire guide as it is fed from said rear end.

Abstract: An intubation instrument has an abraded and adsorbent sheath that is telescoped both internally and externally of a tube. The sheath is provided with a handle to facilitate retraction thereof as the tube is inserted into a body cavity, thereby minimizing transportation of pathogens into the body.

Abstract: A cased suctioning catheter assembly with a protective flexible sheath around the catheter tube, has a thumb or finger operable pump located near the patient end of the catheter assembly. This pump receives irrigation fluid from a bag hanging on an IV stand and, when operated, pumps it into an irrigation lumen in the suction catheter on an as-needed basis during suctioning. Thereby one hand of the administrator can both stabilize the cross piece at the patient end of the suction catheter assembly and operate the irrigator, while the other hand controls vacuum flow as needed for the suctioning function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sputum trap for an aspiration a respiratory support system which includes a sleeved suction catheter device, a suction control valve, and a ventilator manifold. The sputum trap allows collection of sputum directly from a patient through a suction catheter without causing a loss of PEEP in the respiratory support system. The sleeved suction catheter device includes a sputum trap/suction control valve end connector having a valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until the sputum trap or suction control valve is attached thereto. The manifold includes a one-way check valve which is opened upon insertion of the manifold end connector of the sleeved suction catheter therein. The suction control valve includes an actuator which is linearly movable between a first position in which suction therethrough is prevented, to a second position in which the valve is open to suction therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sanitary simultaneous removal of a plurality of indwelling tubes from an implantation site in a patient comprises a tube adapter that is connectable to the indwelling tubes. An impervious sleeve is fan-folded into a hub which extends around the tube adapter. In assembly the folded sleeve is retained by a shrink-wrapped plastic film. The sleeve can be extended for receiving the indwelling tubes therethrough and to encompass the implantation site. The indwelling tube and the implantation site are isolated from the environment when the distal open end of the sleeve is extended and applied about the implantation site and the indwelling tube is withdrawn into the sleeve. A drawstring is provided for closing the distal end of the sleeve after the tube has been withdrawn. The indwelling tubes can be maintained under suction or in connection with a drain during the removal operation.

Abstract: An ingestible rejuvenation composition is injected into an enteral feeding tube to clean remnant food from the tube and decontaminate the tube. The rejuvenation composition includes a carrier, edible acids, enzymes for degrading the remnant food, and an edible antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A medico-surgical suction system has a container with an outlet connected to a vacuum pump and an inlet connected to a suction catheter via a dual-lumen tube assembly one end of which is connected to the container and the other end of which is has a suction control and a coupling for the catheter. A valve located in the outlet of the container is connected to the suction control via a minor lumen of the tube. A side lumen enables the vacuum pump to apply reduced pressure to one end of the valve which holds the valve off against the action of a spring. Actuation of the suction control allows air to flow to the valve via the minor lumen so that the effect of the reduced pressure is overcome and the spring opens the valve.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is hemispheric in profile and contains a slot which conforms to the geometry of the cutting tip. The rounded distal end enables the shield to spring forward to shield the cutting tip as soon as the tip perforates the tissue. A valve is located at the proximal end of the trocar tube to seal the end of the tube. The valve is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trocar tube. The valve is controllable by an external lever which will hold the valve open or permit it to spring shut. An incremental advancement mechanism cooperates with the obturator to permit only incremental advance of the obturator. Instead of using a discrete shield component the shielding function may be provided by spring-loading the trocar tube itself to spring forward and shield the obturator tip after the tip penetrates tissue.

Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The expandable sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. The sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable to an open position.

Abstract: A guard for a cannula is characterized by an outer tubular sheath slidably disposed about the cannula. The tubular sheath includes first engagement tabs to engage the cannula and facilitate insertion of the cannula into a patient. Simultaneously with removal of the cannula from the patient, the cannula and specifically its distal end may be slidably withdrawn into the outer sheath. Second engagement tabs permit permanent retention of the distal end of the cannula within the outer sheath. The first engagement tabs are preferably demountable from the sheath to facilitate ease of disposal of the used components.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulated breathing tube arrangement to prevent heat loss from the inhalant gas in a recirculatory aided breathing circuit thereby reducing internal vapor condensation commonly associated with such breathing circuits while also stabilizing the relative temperature and humidity within such breathing circuits. The insulated breathing tube arrangement includes a thin flexible partially longitudinally compressed casing surrounding a thicker corrugated tube. The thin casing allows for hairpin bending of the breathing tube arrangement and provides an insulating dead air space around the corrugated tube. In another arrangement selected enlarged corrugations are provided in spaced relation along the corrugated tube to engage the inner surface of the casing in a preselected spaced arrangement with respect to said corrugated tube to compartmentalize insulating dead air spaces between the tube and the casing.

Abstract: A trocar and catheter assembly for automatically disarming the trocar after placement of the catheter into a patient's blood vessel includes a spring urging retraction of the trocar and a releasable retainer mechanism for maintaining the trocar in an extended position during insertion of the catheter into the blood vessel. In one embodiment, the catheter is removably mounted to a handle which defines an internal passage. Disengaging the handle from the catheter after placement of the catheter into the blood vessel actuates the releasable retainer mechanism for allowing the trocar to be drawn into the handle passage under the influence of a spring, to enclose the sharpened end of the trocar after use. In another embodiment, the insertion device is in the form of a pair of wings which are movable between a closed position and an open position. The wings are in their closed position and grasped by the user when inserting the catheter into the blood vessel, and are thereafter moved to their open position.

Abstract: An Urethral Catheter Holder is a device that has two semicylindric elements hinged with each other by a flexible living hinge on one edge. It has a single non adjustable male and female locking tooth on the other edges opposite to the living hinge. It has a semicylindric rim extension at one end of the device that extends to a diameter larger than said semicylindrical segment. There is a wedge defect at the living hinge side of the rim extension. The defect of the rim extension is covered by the curve extension cover. There is a compressible foam pad lining the surface of the semicylindric element and rim extension. The foam pad on the rim extension is impregnated with antimicrobial agent. When the device is placed in operative position, it forms a lumen inner to the foam pads able to hold and affix the Foley catheter without compromising and distorting the lumen of the catheter and the balloon inflation and deflation tube.

Abstract: A trocar is formed from a cannula and an interfitting obturator for penetrating body cavity walls in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The obturator is provided with an improved piercing tip having a pointed blade and an improved locking shield design. The locking mechanism must be actuated before the shield will retract to expose the piercing tip. The shield is located inside the obturator sheath and provides faster coverage of the piercing tip after the body cavity wall has been penetrated. The cannula has an improved thread design to more easily and securely hold the cannula in the incision of the body cavity wall. A one piece inner housing is used in the cannula to reduce the need for welding to prevent gas leakage. The cannula also has improved seals to maintain insufflation of the body cavity and an automatic insufflation valve to facilitate connection to an external gas supply.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for the sanitary removal of an indwelling tube from an implantation site in a patient, comprising a tube adapter that is connectable to the indwelling tube. An impervious sleeve is fan-folded into a hub which extends around the tube adapter. In assembly the folded sleeve is retained by a shrink-wrapped plastic film. The sleeve can be extended for receiving the indwelling tube therethrough and to encompass the implantation site. The indwelling tube and the implantation site are isolated from the environment when the distal open end of the sleeve is extended and applied about the implantation site and the indwelling tube is withdrawn into the sleeve. A drawstring is provided for closing the distal end of the sleeve after the tube has been withdrawn. Embodiments are shown for removing a plurality of indwelling tubes in one operation, and for maintaining the lumen of the indwelling tube under suction or in connection with a drain during the removal operation.

Abstract: An enclosed guidewire exchange system is described which utilizes a flexible sterile barrier which is preferably tubular and folded or rolled prior to use. The barrier functions to enclose the old catheter as it is being withdrawn from the patient. The system also provides a sterile barrier for enclosure of the guidewire upon removal of the old catheter from over the guidewire. Thus, the system preferably includes a guidewire container containing a flexible guidewire. The container includes a connector which may be a threaded female end for attachment to the pilot tube luer of the distal port of the multilumen catheter or other indwelling catheter. The guidewire container preferably includes an interrupted portion such as a window to allow the physician to contact the guidewire within the container so as to advance the guidewire into catheter once the container has been connected to the luer of the catheter.

Abstract: Containment sacs insertable into a body cavity through a minimal access incision for purposes of containing, manipulating, treating and/or extracting material from the body cavity. The sac may comprise a flexible sac body having at least one opening thereinto and a resilient or spring loaded rim member disposed about the opening to urge the opening to an open configuration when deployed in the body cavity. The containment sac may be further utilized in combination with a dedicated introducer sheath through which the containment sac may be inserted and extracted. A valving member may be positioned on the introducer sheath to prevent escape of gas from a pressurized body cavity such as a pneumoperitoneal. The containment sac may incorporate a grasping member whereby the containment sac may be grasped and inserted using a standard forecep/grasper instrument. Alternatively, the containment sac may be attached to an elongate rod member usable to insert and extract the containment sac.

Abstract: Apparatus for irrigating and suctioning a patient during ventilating wherein in one operation the irrigation fluid is directed solely to the patient and in another operation the irrigation fluid is directed solely to flush the internal lumen of the catheter and in another operation suctioning of the patient is permitted.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a pulmonary catheter assembly including a tube assembly for insertion into a patient for providing oxygen and suction thereto and a flexible sleeve enclosing said tube assembly. The sleeve is secured to one end of the tube assembly and extends toward and beyond the end which is inserted into the patient. The sleeve is inflatable to permit easy introduction of the tube assembly into the patient.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus comprising a hub that includes an annular container disposed about a central aperture for receiving an exterior portion of an indwelling tube therethrough to engage a bottom portion of the container in sealing contact with the implantation site. An extensible impervious membrane is folded within the container and is in sealing contact therewith, the membrane being arranged to form an open sleeve for receiving the tube and being coextensible therewith during withdrawal of the tube. A tie is provided to seal the sleeve about the exterior wall of tube, leaving the free end of the tube accessible to the operator. The indwelling tube can then be withdrawn through the central aperture into the coextending closed sleeve. A plastic film that adheres to the bottom portion of the container is provided for closing the central aperture to enclose the removed tube in the sleeve.

Abstract: A ventilator manifold is disclosed which includes a port for attachment and detachment of an accessory device thereto without interruption of continuous respiratory support of the patient. A particular embodiment of an accessory device described herein includes a suctioning device for removal of fluids from a patient's lungs during respiratory support. The manifold includes an accessory access port which has a normally closed valve therein which remains closed regardless of the pressure changes within the manifold. The normally closed valve is positioned in the port such that placement of a specially designed adaptor therein located on the suctioning device forces the normally closed valve to an open position, thus allowing passage of a suction catheter through the manifold into the patient.

Abstract: An endotracheal respiration system is disclosed which includes a respirator manifold which includes a port for attachment and detachment of an accessory device thereto without interruption of continuous respiratory support of the patient. A particular embodiment of an accessory device described herein includes a suctioning system for removal of fluids from a patient's lungs during respiratory support. The manifold of the respiration system includes an accessory access port which has a normally closed valve therein which remains closed regardless of the pressure changes within the manifold. However, the normally closed valve is positioned in the port such that placement of a specially designed male adaptor located on the suctioning device forces the normally closed valve to an open position, thus allowing passage of a suction catheter through the manifold into the patient.

Abstract: A seal for a medical device such as a catheter is formed between two parts of the device which are capable of movement relative to each other, either axially, rotationally or both. The seal is formed by opposing sealing surfaces on each of the two parts, the surfaces being sufficiently smooth and of sufficiently close proximity that liquids having viscosities on the order of those normally used in catheters will not pass between the surfaces due to such effects as surface tension and friction. In certain embodiments, the surfaces are arranged to permit liquid to pass at a controlled rate for purposes of perfusion when desired, or the surfaces can be moved relative to one another to achieve this capability.