Abstract: 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: A catheter assembly for collecting fluid from a tubular organ into a drainage system includes a tubular body portion (12) having an end portion (14) and an intermediate portion (16) adjacent thereto. The end portion (14) includes a retaining balloon (30) for retaining the intermediate portion (16) within the tubular organ. The intermediate portion (16) includes a portion having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the catheterized tubular organ for allowing the free flow of fluid from the tubular organ and over the intermediate portion (16) to maintain the tubular organ infection free. A collection mechanism is operatively connected to the intermediate portion (16) and spaced from the end portion (14). The collection mechanism is insertable into the tubular organ for collecting the fluid flowing over the intermediate portion (16) and preventing fluid from escaping from the drainage system. A method of using the catheter assembly (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter introducer set is disclosed. The device comprises a cannula for insertion into a blood vessel, a tube in fluid communication with the cannula and a needle for assisting in the introduction of the cannula into the vessel. Between the cannula and the tube is an intermediate member which allows the needle to be gripped so that it can be inserted into the blood vessel. The intermediate member preferably has a pair of wings to facilitate the gripping of the needle. The needle has an opening or openings in it to allow a user to observe blood flashback during insertion of the needle into the blood vessel. The intermediate member is made of polyurethane and is provided with a groove to facilitate the gripping of the needle. The wings have ramps on them to facilitate the gripping of the needle. Ribs are also provided between the ramp and the intermediate member to facilitate gripping. The wings describe an angle of less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: An I.V. cannula needle (37) has a base adapter (41) with a sleeve (43) which surrounds a compression spring (53) which urges a barrel (47) and its tapered point (49) to cover and protect the point (39) of the I.V. needle (37) An I.V. cannula (52) slips over the barrel (47) and has a winged base (55) which, when pulled backward, compresses a spring (53) inside a base extension (43) and exposes the needle point (39) for insertion. On withdrawing needle (37) and relaxing pull-back pressure, needle point (39) is automatically shielded by the point (49) of the barrel (47), but the loose-fitting I.V. cannula remains in the patient and is taped down and connected to I.V. tubing. A second embodiment comprises a wire (61) which can be manipulated back and forth through a barrel (81) by a winged member (69) operating within a slot (80) and against a spring (67). The wire (61) can protrude through the needle 81 and provide protection against accidental injury from the needle. An I.V.

Abstract: An intracoronary sheath for use in catheter exchanges has an elongate tubular body with a proximally facing funnel at the proximal end of the sheath. A proximally extending wire for manipulating the sheath is attached to the proximal end of the sheath. The intracoronary sheath is advanced by manipulation of the wire over a first catheter positioned in a guide catheter and extends beyond the distal end of the guide catheter into the patient's vascular system. After the first catheter is removed, a second catheter advanced through a guide catheter is guided by the funnel into the intracoronary sheath and through the vascular system to a desired position in the patient's body. A second embodiment provides for the exchange of a second guidewire for a first guidewire. A first guidewire is positioned within a monorail-type catheter extending into the patient's vascular system.

Abstract: A collapsible sheath secured in seal-tight manner on an arm of a Y-site connector to define a closed chamber for a guide wire. The guide wire is mounted at one end in a seal ring located in a bore of the arm of the connector and can be slid through the ring to be implanted in a body cavity, such as a blood vessel.

Abstract: A combination of a protective tube and guidewire straightener used to locate a guidewire into a patient for introducing a catheter into a patient's bloodvessel. The guidewire straightener has a flexible end that flexes inwardly to lock the guidewire in a fixed position within the protective tube. The protective tube has an opening so that the guidewire straightener can be rotated by the user to align the flexible end with the opening to allow the flexible end to be released outwardly to unlock the guidewire so that it can move within the protective tube. A further opening in the shape of an elongated slot is formed in the protective tube and which allows the user to move the guidewire to advance or retract the guidewire from the protective tube. The positioning of the components are such that a user, by the manipulation of only one hand, can unlock the guidewire from it's fixed position and advance it into the patient, leaving the user's other hand free to carry out other operations.

Abstract: A wire containing or dispensing article and method are disclosed. The invention is used to dispense wire from a tubular wire carrier. The invention is particularly useful for containing/dispensing a guidewire, especially a coated guidewire. The article is an elongate dispensing sleeve or collar having an axial hole or bore through which a wire may pass. The sleeve has a cylindrical sleeve body with lateral projections on its outside and a plurality of transverse slits passing through its wall. The lateral projections and slits cooperate to permit wire to be restrictively engaged at the bore and to be controllably dispensed from the carrier by the partial insertion and removal of the sleeve into and out of the carrier. The method is controllable dispensing of the wire from the carrier by utilization of the article.

Abstract: A closed ventilation and suction catheter system for aspirating or suctioning the bronchial tree or trachea of a patient including a dual lumen catheter, the proximal end of the catheter is connected to a dual valve assembly which is connected to separate irrigation fluid and suction pressure sources and the distal end of the catheter is adapted to be slidably positioned in communication with the bronchial tree of a patient. A transparent and flexible envelope surrounds the catheter to protect the catheter from direct exposure to the atmosphere. The catheter is slidable from the inside of the envelope through an adaptor and a tracheal tube to communicate with the bronchial tree or trachea of the patient. A ventilator is connected to the adaptor near the distal end of the catheter to provide for the artificial ventilation of the patient.

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: A guidewire introducer assembly is disclosed, together with a method of introducing a guidewire into a blood vessel. The introducer assembly allows a guidewire to be grasped between the digits of a user, thereby facilitating advancement or retraction of the guidewire. It includes an elongated dispenser tube, a guidewire slidably positioned within the dispenser tube and a guidewire introducer. The guidewire introducer includes or defines an opening through which the guidewire may be grasped. As the guidewire passes through the opening, it can be grasped by a user and advanced or retracted through the guidewire introducer. The guidewire introducer also allows the user to straighten the end portion of the guidewire. This allows the easy insertion of a guidewire having a J-tipped end portion within an introducer needle or catheter.

Abstract: A device for storing and delivering a sensor through a catheter. A sensor delivery device (10, 10') includes an elongate tube (20), which is attached to a rigid housing (22, 22'). A sensor (12), stored within a sterile environment comprising an interior of the sensor delivery device, has an attached signal line (16) that extends along the longitudinal axis of the delivery device and through its proximal end. The proximal end is open when the sensor is in its stored position. An eversible sheath (34) extends between the rigid housing and the signal line, sealingly separating the sterile environment (48) in which the sensor is stored from the open end of the rigid housing. To use the sensor, the signal line is moved into the rigid housing, causing the eversible sheath to turn inside out as the sensor is advanced through the catheter into its use position. The protection afforded by the eversible sheath permits the sensor to be withdrawn through the catheter and then reinserted without introducing contamination.

Abstract: A pusher-vasoocclusive coil assembly that is advanced through a catheter to a site within a vessel and is manipulated to detach the coil from the assembly. The coil has an enlarged member at its proximal end and the pusher has a keyway at its distal end that receives the enlarged member in interlocking engagement. The pusher and coil are coupled by placing the enlarged member in the keyway and enclosing the coupled assembly with a coaxial sleeve. The coil-pusher-sleeve assembly is positioned at the site and the sleeve is retracted to allow the member to move out of the keyway to uncouple the pusher and coil.

Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter into a vessel in the body of a patient comprising 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. 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 valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable between open and closed positions. The valve when open permits the catheter to be inserted into the sheath, and when closed serves to form a hemostatic seal about the catheter.

Abstract: A closed system suction catheter assembly has a catheter that is protected along its length by a flexible sleeve. The catheter extends through a patient connecting member by which the assembly is connected to a tracheal tube. Within the connecting member there is a sliding seal support with a groove in which is located a rib that extends along the outside of the catheter. The rib follows a sinusoidal path so that the catheter is twisted backwards and forwards as the catheter is pushed or pulled through the patient connecting member.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a catheter and a sheath enclosing the catheter to preserve the sterility thereof, the sheath being provided with a plurality of fold lines which form accordion-like pleats to enable a collapse of the sheath at a point of insertion of the catheter into a patient. The sheath is provided at a distal end of the catheter with a flange for engaging a patient during an insertion of the catheter into the patient. A catheter assembly also comprises an anchor balloon attached to the catheter at a distal end thereof, an ancillary balloon attached to the catheter at a point spaced in a proximal direction from the anchor balloon, a tube connecting the ancillary balloon to the anchor balloon so as to enable communication therebetween, and a flow stop mounted to the catheter for preventing fluid from returning to the tube from the anchor balloon upon a pressurization of the anchor balloon with fluid forced from the tube by an application of pressure to the ancillary balloon.

Abstract: A film covering for protecting a surgical instrument such as an endoscope from contamination, includes a tubular film having an inlet opening and an outlet opening disposed opposite to the inlet opening. The outlet opening is formed by an elastic membrane with an aperture, an outer edge of the elastic membrane being stretched and held in a frame which also distends the tubular film.

Abstract: The catheter assembly has a shielded unit in which a distal end of a catheter is sealed within a collapsible sheath in a sterile manner. One end of the sheath is secured to a hub which is slidable on the catheter in seal-fit relation and the other end of the sheath is secured to a connector which contains a hollow needle for passage of the catheter and a sealing membrane to seal off the connector. The catheter assembly also has an introducer which is provided with a sealing membrane which can be pierced by the hollow needle as the connector is coupled with the introducer. A container assembly is also provided which has a pierceable membrane through which the hollow needle of the connector may pass to permit pre-inflation of the balloon for use in conjunction with a flow directed type catheter for viewing the expansion of the balloon-tipped end of the flow directed type catheter within the sealed chamber of the container assembly.

Abstract: A one-use flexible elastic impervious protective sleeve adapted to be readily placed on a handle of a dental or medical instrument to prevent the transmission of bacteria from one patient to another. The sleeve is provided with finger engaging ring-shaped retention members to aid in placing and expanding the sleeve from a collapsed position over the handle to expose only the patient-engaging portion of the instrument. After use, the rings are utilized to remove the sleeve.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe includes an elongate housing having rear and forward ends and a piston chamber which slidably supports the piston to define an innoculant storage space within the housing, a hollow needle supported by the plunger assembly and in communication with the storage space. The needle is extendable from the forward end of the housing and retractable into the housing during an injection stroke and a safety device is provided for preventing re-use of the syringe after completion of the injection stroke. The safety device includes an override chamber at the rear end of the housing and adjoining the piston chamber, the override chamber having a greater width than the piston chamber, and a displaceable diaphragm located at or adjacent the juncture of the piston and the override chambers to partition and seal the override chamber from the piston chamber, the diaphragm being displaced by the piston and the piston entering the override chamber at the end of the injection stroke.

Abstract: A wound clotting device is disclosed comprising a clotting device for dispensing a clotting agent onto a selected location in a patient while being retained adjacent to that location, comprising a tube having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; means defining an inflation lumen in said tube extending between said proximal and distal end portions; inflatable retention means carried by said tube at said distal end portion for retaining said distal end at a selected location within the body of a living patient, said retention means being in fluid communication with said inflation lumen; means defining a second lumen in said tube extending between said proximal and distal end portions; means for receiving a quantity of clotting agent located within said second lumen; and means disposed within said second lumen for dispensing said clotting agent from said distal end of said second lumen to deposit said clotting agent at said selected location within a patient.

Abstract: The device for use with a catheter includes a sleeve 21 for assembly onto the shaft of a catheter 1, between the catheter shaft and a Tuohy-Borst connector 3. The internal diameter of the sleeve 21 is complementary with the external diameter of the catheter 1 so that the catheter is movable within the sleeve. The external diameter of the sleeve is such that when the Tuohy-Borst connector is closed, a seal is formed between the sleeve and the connector. A flange 24 is provided at one end of the device for engagement with the connector, to prevent movement of the sleeve with the catheter. The internal diameter of the sleeve 21 is also complementary with the external diameter of the catheter 1 so as to provide an annular space about the catheter whereby, in use, a controlled amount of backbleed of blood is allowed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a slidable protective sheath for use with needles that are attached to plastic guide tubes, i.e., the tubes attached to blood or serum bags. The slidable sheath protects the operator from injury from the needle when the needle is not in use. When the needle is in use, the sheath is moved along the guide tube away from the needle.

Abstract: A transseptal left atrial cannulation system which provides drainage of left atrial blood without the need for thoracotomy. A guide wire and a long needle assembly are inserted into a catheter. A cannula rides over the exterior of this catheter. The guide wire may be advanced past the needle assembly and through a catheter through the distal end of the catheter to assist in directing the system to the right atrium. The cannulation system is inserted in a femoral vein located in the groin. Both the guide wire and needle assembly are long enough to allow a substantial length to extend out of the body at the groin for manipulation even when the distal ends of the guide wire and needle assembly are positioned in the heart. When the catheter distal end is positioned adjacent the septum in the right atrium, the guide wire is withdrawn from the catheter orifice and the needle assembly moves past the guide wire and through the catheter orifice to a position adjacent to the septum.

Abstract: A device for applying an aneurysm clip includes a novel lockable steerable endoscope (12), having steering mechanism (14), and a novel surgical device for applying the clip including an applicator (22) for the clip (24) comprising a remote actuator in the form of a flexible shaft (44) inside a flexible conduit (42), both running inside the endoscope, and jaws for holding the clip at the distal end of the shaft. The endoscope is steered to the site of the aneurysm and locked in position. The applicator is introduced into the endoscope, and moved to the site of the aneurysm by driving both the shaft and the conduit by drive mechanisms in the housing (20). The clip, when in position around the aneurysm, is actuated by movement of the shaft out of the conduit to open the jaws and release the clip which closes around the aneurysm.

Abstract: System for measuring a characteristic of flow of liquid in a vessel of a patient comprising a transducer positioned in a vessel in a patient for supplying ultrasonic energy. The transducer produces a substantially uniform beam which encompasses the vessel. The transducer receives ultrasonic energy back scattered from the red blood cells and provides an electrical output signal. A first moment detector is provided which receives the electrical output from the transducer and provides a first moment signal. Normalization is provided to the output of the first moment detector to provide an electrical output representing a characteristic of the flow of the liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: An endoscope cover comprising a cylindrical end rigid cover portion composed a flexible material, which is fitted to an endoscope to cover a distal end rigid portion of the endoscope. A transparent window arranged on a closed face formed on the distal end of the rigid cover to confront at least an observation port and an illuminating port, which are arranged on the distal end of the endoscope, and a bag-shaped covering member having a length covering at least an intermediate conduit portion of the endoscope, which is attached to the rear part of the endoscope. A groove or notched face is formed in the longitudinal direction of the outer periphery of the distal end rigid portion of the endoscope and an anchoring groove is formed on the circumferential face portion. Anchoring projections are formed at confronting positions on the inner circumferential face of the rigid cover and are fitted in the anchoring groove formed in the distal end rigid portion to attach the rigid cover to the top end rigid portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catheter tube which is used for visualizing or medically treating the interior of a body cavity having a relatively small diameter, typically a blood vessel by inserting and leaving it in the body cavity.The catheter tube of the invention includes at least one inflatable/contractible balloon disposed adjacent the distal end thereof, and its tube body is formed with a lumen for inflating the balloon, a lumen for injecting a liquid into the body cavity, and a lumen for accommodating a visualizing or therapeutic instrument.

Abstract: An adjustable catheter contamination shield includes a distal fitting, a proximal fitting and a collapsible shield, disposed between said distal and proximal fittings, for enclosing an adjustable space therebetween and for preventing contact with a portion of the catheter disposed between the distal and proximal fittings. The shield is supported in a collapsed configuration and controlled expansion thereof is provided when the distal and proximal fittings are moved apart from one another, the controlled expansion enabling visual observation through an expanded portion of the collapsible shield when the distal and proximal fittings are moved apart from one another.

Abstract: A sheath which contains a catheter or guide wire is provided with a connector at one end which, in turn, has a sealing membrane which can be pierced by a hollow needle when the catheter/guide wire is to be expelled from the adaptor assembly. An introducer, which is to be implanted in a body cavity such as a blood vessel, also has a hub with a sealing membrane disposed across the hub so as to abut the sealing membrane of the adaptor assembly. This membrane is also pierced by the hollow needle when the connection is made prior to insertion of a catheter or guide wire into the blood vessel. In one embodiment, a syringe may be provided with a connector and mounted on the hub of the introducer.

Abstract: A wire gripping handle for attaching to and detaching from wires defines a first tubular member, and a second tubular member which receives the first tubular member in generally coaxial relation. Both tubular members define a longitudinal slot so that, when the slots are aligned, a wire may be placed into the bores of the joined tubular members in lateral fashion. Then, upon relative rotation of the tubular members, a portion of one of them may be radially collapsed into gripping relation with the wire.

Abstract: A vent cycle indicator for a suction catheter formed by a sleeve connected between a collar having a wiper seal and a crosspiece. The suction catheter includes a vacuum connection member having a normally closed valve. A catheter tube is connected to the vacuum connection member and extends through the collar and crosspiece. The crosspiece is for connection to a ventilator such that during ventilation the indicator sleeve expands and contracts during the inspiration and expiration cycles. The protective sleeve may be provided between the collar and the vacuum connection member to keep the catheter tube enclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for respiratory therapy, which is particularly useful in a neonatal context, and related methods, the apparatus comprising an adaptor for connection to the exposed fitting of an indwelling endotracheal tube of any one of several types to an aspirating apparatus which may include ventilating capacity. The adaptor includes an appendage by which a lavage solution can be selectively introduced into the lungs of a patient through the indwelling endotracheal tube to loosen secretions without necessarily interrupting the ventilation cycle or requiring that the ventilating circuit be broken. The apparatus also comprises a fitting at one end of an aspirating/ventilating apparatus which has low dead space, alleviating the incidence of inadvertent disconnection and trauma induced by unintended displacement of the end fitting and accommodating not only aspiration and ventilation but also monitoring of certain vital indicators to allow prompt medical response to contraindications.

Abstract: A wound clotting device is disclosed comprising a clotting device for dispensing a clotting agent onto a selected location in a patient while being retained adjacent to that location, comprising a tube having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; means defining an inflation lumen in said tube extending between said proximal and distal end portions; inflatable retention means carried by said tube at said distal end portion for retaining said distal end at a selected location within the body of a living patient, said retention means being in fluid communication with said inflation lumen; means defining a second lumen in said tube extending between said proximal and distal end portions; means for receiving a quantity of clotting agent located within said second lumen; and means disposed within said second lumen for dispensing said clotting agent from said distal end of said second lumen to deposit said clotting agent at said selected location within a patient.

Abstract: One end of a tee adaptor connects to the proximal end of an endotracheal tube. The other end of the adaptor connects to one end of an elongate transparent flexible bag. The other end of the bag is attached to a catheter tube at a point remote from the adaptor and remote from the distal end of the catheter tube so the catheter tube is sheathed by the bag. A reed valve is between the distal end of the catheter tube and the adaptor connection to the endotracheal tube. The distal end of the catheter tube can be pushed through the reed valve and through the endotracheal tube into the lung for suctioning. The catheter tube has a lumen in its wall through which irrigation fluid is delivered to the distal end as suctioning occurs.

Abstract: A device for feeding a spring wire guide with a single hand. The device comprises a longitudinal having an rear end member connected to a source of spring wire guide; a second end forming a barrel with an axial bore for feeding and straightening the spring wire guide as it is fed toward syringe; a central open section separating the first and second ends and providing thumb and forefinger access to the spring wire guide; and a handle affixed to said base proximate to said central section for enabling the spring wire guide feeding apparatus to be held and supported by the middle, ring and small fingers of the administering medical professional.

Abstract: A guidewire straightener that is adapted to fit on the end of a protective tube containing a guidewire used for introducing a catheter into a patient's bloodvessel. The guidewire straightener has a flexible end that flexes inwardly to grasp the guidewire when the guidewire is inserted into the end of the protective tube. The guidewire is thus prevented from migrating with respect to the protective tube during packaging, shipping and handling.

Abstract: A device for storing and delivering a sensor through a catheter. A sensor delivery device (10, 10') includes an elongate tube (20), which is attached to a rigid housing (22,22'). A sensor (12), stored within a sterile environment comprising an interior of the sensor delivery device, has an attached signal line (16) that extends along the longitudinal axis of the delivery device and through its proximal end. The proximal end is open when the sensor is in its stored position. An eversible sheath (34) extends between the rigid housing and the signal line, sealingly separating the sterile environment (48) in which the sensor is stored from the open end of the rigid housing. To use the sensor, the signal line is moved into the rigid housing, causing the eversible sheath to turn inside out as the sensor is advanced through the catheter into its use position. The projection afforded by the eversible sheath permits the sensor to be withdrawn through the catheter and then reinsertd without introducing contamination.

Abstract: A retractable intravenous needle assembly wherein a cannula is mounted on a hub within an interior passage formed in a housing in which the cannula and hub are slidably mounted so as to have the cannula point manually extend beyond the housing. Flexible wings extending laterally from the housing are manually folded upwardly to release a locking stop formed in the interior passage from engaging a locking lug on the hub. The cannula point is then manually retracted into the housing until the locking lug engages a locking recess formed in the interior passage to lock the hub in the housing. The locking recess is so located in the passage that the housing completely encloses the cannula point when the locking lug is locked in the locking recess, thus facilitating handling and disposal of the used assembly without endangering hospital personnel.

Abstract: A closed system canulating device for arterial and venous catherization, which includes a reservoir attached to the hub of a needle assembly and provided with an internal wire guide and valve to facilitate canulating an artery or vein with the needle and containing blood flashback in the reservoir during the canulation procedure. After canulation of the artery or vein is accomplished, a catheter guide wire is inserted through the valve and the wire guide located in the reservoir, into the needle hub and needle and finally into the artery or vein, to facilitate completion of the catherization procedure.

Abstract: System for measuring a characteristic of flow of liquid in a vessel of a patient comprising a transducer positioned in a vessel in a patient for supplying ultrasonic energy. The transducer produces a substantially uniform beam which encompasses the vessel. The transducer receives ultrasonic energy back scattered from the red blood cells and provides an electrical output signal. A first moment detector is provided which receives the electrical output from the transducer and provides a first moment signal. Normalization is provided to the output of the first moment detector to provide an electrical output representing a characteristic of the flow of the liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: A preformed one-piece plastic dispensing tray includes a storage compartment for retaining an elongated, flexible pacing lead therein. A series of spaced apart dividers extend upward from the storage compartment to engage successive serpentine loops of the pacing lead retained in the storage compartment. The construction of the storage compartment permits the pacing lead to be withdrawn therefrom with negligible resistance, and with no twisting, binding, or interference as the lead is inserted into a patient.

Abstract: An autoinjector particularly suited to be carried on the person of a user comprising a housing defining an exterior configuration of a size and shape approximately the same as that of a conventional fountain pen including a housing body assembly of elongated generally cylindrical configuration and a separate housing cap structure of elongated generally cylindrical configuration having an elongated clip thereon. The housing cap structure is detachably secured to the housing body assembly in open ended telescopic relation with an opposite end portion thereof preferably by a childproof connection. A medicament cartridge assembly is mounted in a storage position within a forward end of an interior chamber within the housing body assembly and a releasable stressed spring assembly is carried by the housing body assembly adjacent the rearward end thereof.

Abstract: A stressed spring assembly for providing an operative stroke in cooperating relation with a medicament cartridge assembly of an auto-injector so as to inject a liquid medicament of the medicament cartridge assembly through a hypodermic needle of the medicament cartridge assembly into an injection site of the user. The stressed spring assembly includes a cap structure serving the plural purposes of (1) facilitating the securement of the cap structure and remainder of the auto-injection with the user's pocket, (2) alleviating the likelihood of an unwanted release of the releasable mechanism of the stressed spring assembly with a resultant unwanted movement of the hypodermic needle and an unwanted movement of the liquid medicament outwardly of the hypodermic needle by requiring two different manual movements for its removal, and (3) protecting against an unwanted contact with the hypodermic needle while in extended operative position after withdrawal from the injection site.

Abstract: An obturator is provided which allows for placing and withdrawing of a single catheter obturator over an extended period of time so as to allow spaced intervals of use, and non-use of a catheter while in place in the patient's skin, while at the same time doing away with cumbersome, costly and time consuming administration and maintenance of saline and heparin locks. The device feeds the obturator in place for occluding the catheter lumen, when no fluids are being administered to the patient, and then may be retracted to a position allowing fluid feed through a supply tube connection to the catheter. The device includes a coating on the obturator rod which swells in contact with aqueous fluids to seal completely the catheter lumen which coating includes heparin to prevent clotting. Moreover, the entire internal functioning arrangement remains sterile during the entire period of use, thus avoiding infection.

Abstract: A thin covering is used for protecting an elongated surgical instrument, and is initially in a telescopically folded configuration prior to insertion of the surgical instrument therein, comprising: an elongated tube having an insertion opening region; two resiliently deformable leaf-shaped lining members connected to the elongated tube disposed in the insertion region, the lining members each having a central portion and a pair of sides edges. A first of the pair of side edges of one of the lining members is substantially congruent to a first of the pair of side edges of the other of the lining members, and a second of the pair of side edges of the one of the lining members is substantially congruent to a second of the pair of sides edges of the other of the lining members. Upon application of forces urging each of the first and the second pair of side edges together, the central portions are spread apart to form a jaw for receiving the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A lockable sleeve drainage catheter is disclosed for percutaneous insertion into a patient and drainage of fluid therefrom. The drainage catheter includes a flexible distal end that is preformed for retaining the distal end of the catheter that is inserted in the patient. For insertion, the distal end is straightened with the use of a stiffening cannula that is inserted through the hollow passageway of the catheter. When the catheter is inserted in the patient, the stiffening cannula is removed, and a flexible tension member positioned within the passageway of the catheter is drawn to position the distal end in the desired retention configuration. A lockable sleeve positioned at the proximal end of the catheter draws the flexible tension member through the passageway of the elongated member tube to position the distal end in the retention configuration. The catheter also includes a locking collar at the proximal end of the elongated member tube having an annular recess formed therein.

Abstract: An obturator is provided which allows for placing and withdrawing of a single catheter obturator over an extended period of time so as to allow speed intervals of use, and non-use of a catheter while in place in the patient's skin, while at the same time doing away with cumbersome, costly and time consuming administration and maintenance of saline and heparin locks. The device feeds the obturator in place for occluding the catheter lumen, when no fluids are being administered to the patient, and then may be retracted to a position allowing fluid feed through a supply tube connection to the catheter. The device includes a coating on the obturator rod which swells in contact with aqueous fluids to seal completely the catheter lumen which coating includes heparin to prevent clotting. Moreover, the entire internal functioning arrangement remains sterile during the entire period of use, thus avoiding infection.

Abstract: A needle assembly of the so-called butterfly type in which the needle is retractable into its holder by pulling rearwardly on the flexible feed tube. The rearward movement of the needle is stopped by a turned portion of the holder which is turned after the needle is assembled into the holder.

Abstract: An arrangement for the instillation of fluids in a urethra comprising a tube of rigidity and diameter to be capable of being introduced into the urethra. The invention is characterized in that the length of the tube is a fraction of the length of the urethra, or approximately one decimeter. Along most of its length the tube is executed with an inflatable sac with elastic walls. This exhibits straight cylindrical form in its uninflated state, and in its inflated state has a slim, conical form, the base of which is situated at the end of the tube, and the tip of which is attached to a flange near the other end of the tube. Near the flange the sac has a connection via which the sac can be inflated with and emptied of air. The arrangement also comprises a device adapted to suit the opening of the urethra, made of an elastic material, and anchored to the flange. The device is executed with a connection leading to a vacuum source.