Abstract: An access port (10) for implantation adapted for providing repeated access to specific tissue within a patient and communicating with the tissue by an internal implanted catheter (52). The access ports according to this invention incorporate an enlarged entrance orifice (13) with a funnel shaped internal cavity that narrows down to a reduced diameter passageway (18). An articulating catheter valve (24) is provided within the passageway which normally prevents the flow of fluids through the valve but which can be penetrated by an external introduced filament (32) such as a catheter. After implantation, an external filament (32) is introduced into the port (10) and guided by the passageway into registry with the catheter valve (24). Continued feeding of the filament (32) causes the filament to pass through the valve (24). Thereafter, with a catheter (32) inserted, therapeutic agents can be infused into the patient, or body fluids can be withdrawn.

Abstract: A venous reservoir bag subassembly is provided which is adapted to cooperate with a mounting assembly having a bracket frame and a front plate reproducibly relatively movable to enable constant accurate blood volume readout, cooperating means between the subassembly and the mounting assembly to provide against unduly low blood volume, and angled conduit means cooperating with the bag and recesses in the subassembly and assembly to provide further failsafe against passage of the undesirable gas.

Abstract: A suction control valve is disclosed which includes a primary suction device access and an ancillary suction device access. The valve includes an actuator which is movable between a first position in which the primary access is closed against suction pressure therethrough, to a second position in which the primary access is open to suction pressure therethrough, or alternatively, to a third position in which the primary access port remains closed to suction pressure therethrough and the actuator becomes locked against movement into the second position. When the actuator is in the first position, atmospheric air can pass through the valve and into the suction pressure source in such a manner that a "hissing" auditory signal is generated, indicative of the presence of suction pressure within the valve. When the actuator is in the second or third positions, the "hissing" is prevented.

Abstract: A medical lavage apparatus for body cavities comprising a housing having parallel irrigation and aspiration cylinders with captive plungers extending in bores thereof from a first end and pairs of check-valves positioned in parallel, smaller, offset cylinders located at second ends such that reciprocal movement of the each plunger in each cylinder performs the function of a one-way pump. The plungers are held captive and aligned by guide-stops proximally disposed in each cylinder. Each plunger comprises a seal disposed at the distal end thereof which inhibits communication between the pairs of check-valves in each cylinder when the plunger is fully seated in the cylinder. Novel jam-free dome shaped, slit check-valves are disposed to be the pair of check-valves in the aspiration cylinder in one embodiment and in irrigation cylinders as well in other embodiments. The dome shaped valves are described for use in other medical fluid control applications, as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for topical targeted delivery of a substance to generally the ntire or selected portions of the internal body tissues and walls of a tracheal-intubated patient's upper airway is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tube member for ventilating or oxygenating a patient's lungs that has an annular inner surface, an annular outer surface having a plurality of opening extending over a major portion of the axial extent of the annular outer surface, and at least one first conduit member that is positioned generally at least in part between the annular inner surface and the annular outer surface. The first conduit member extends over the major portion of the axial extent of the annular outer surface of the tube member. The first conduit member has a plurality of perforations in alignment with the openings of the annular outer surface for effecting delivery of the substance to the surrounding internal body tissues and walls of the patient's upper airway.

Abstract: A closed system for flushing an IV site comprises a unitary reservoir assembly of a first fluid reservoir for containing a first flush fluid, a second fluid reservoir for containing a second flush fluid, a tubing array for connecting the first and the second reservoirs to an IV site comprising a common tube having a connector on one end thereof for connection to the site, and mounted in a housing having depressible panels for selectively controlling the flow of a fluid from each of the first and the second reservoirs.

Abstract: A fluid sampling method in which a variable volume chamber between a needle site and a syringe creates a negative pressure at the tip on its removal from the needle site to reduce the exposure to liquid at the time of removal.

Abstract: A medical lavage apparatus for body cavities comprising a housing having parallel irrigation and aspiration cylinders with captive plungers extending in bores thereof from a first end and pairs of check-valves positioned in parallel, smaller, offset cylinders located at second ends such that reciprocal movement of the each plunger in each cylinder performs the function of a one-way pump. The plungers are held captive and aligned by guide-stops proximally disposed in each cylinder. Each plunger comprises a seal disposed at the distal end thereof which inhibits communication between the pairs of check-valves in each cylinder when the plunger is fully seated in the cylinder. Novel jam-free dome shaped, slit check-valves are disposed to be the pair of check-valves in the aspiration cylinder in one embodiment and in irrigation cylinders as well in other embodiments. The dome shaped valves are described for use in other medical fluid control applications, as well.

Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (1) having a rapidly releasing coating (4) containing the agent on its exterior surface or by means of an inserter (27) carrying an agent containing dose of agent (31) which can be displaced into the urethra.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for the delivery of a fluid substance, such as a medicament, in a spray form to the ear of a user comprising a fluid receptacle, a pump, a delivery tube bent at an angle of approximately 90.degree. and a nozzle which is dimensioned to prevent damage to the external organs of the ear when introduced therein.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument for performing a cholangiogram during a laparoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. The instrument includes a pistol-shaped housing having a cannula mounted at a forward end. Centrally located within the cannula and extending into the housing is a hollow catheter. Mounted within the housing are an advancing mechanism, a locking mechanism, and an injection system. The advancing mechanism incrementally extends the catheter from one end of the cannula and the locking mechanism holds the catheter at the extended position. The injection system expels contrast media from a reservoir within the handle of the housing into the catheter for injection into a cystic duct. Each of the systems within the housing can be independently operated by the hand holding the instrument. The end of the cannula distal from the housing includes a threaded bulge which is rotated by a wheel extending through the housing.

Abstract: An aspirator device for removing body fluids is disclosed as having a fluid collector with an air-type chamber that communicates with a first sealed passageway in an elongated flexible tube to be inserted in a body cavity for fluid communication with body fluids, and a second sealed passageway which connects the air tight chamber with a manually operable vacuum device or squeeze bulb. The manually operable vacuum means or squeeze bulb is operatively associated with first and second one-way valve which open in the same direction, the first valve establishing a vacuum in the first and second sealed passageways for remvoing and depositing harmful body fluids in the fluid collector, and the second valve means not only working to establish the vacuum, but also serving as an overflow valve for fluids overflowing the fluid collector.

Abstract: An improved medical lavage apparatus (10) includes guide/lock/stop tabs (122) which are inserted through a medical lavage syringe housing (20) into irrigation and aspiration bores (30, 34) thereof for engaging longitudinal ribs (68a-d, 69a-d) of irrigation and aspiration plungers (24, 26) to prevent their rotation and a circumferential latch rib 134a of the aspiration plunger for locking the aspiration plunger in an inserted position. The tabs also contact end circumferential ribs 70' of the plungers for providing stops to prevent the plungers from being removed from their respective bores. The tabs comprise two legs (126) which straddle the longitudinal ribs, with a longitudinal rib 68a of the aspiration plunger having a notch (140) at the tab in the aspiration bore to allow rotation of the aspiration plunger when it is in the inserted position for engaging the legs with the circumferential latch rib.

Abstract: A hand-held aspirating device comprising a main housing having a handle and a barrel, said barrel having a front end and a rear portion, said handle having a lower end and an upper end communicating with said rear portion of said barrel; actuating means extending from said main housing beneath said barrel, means operatively associated with said actuating means to normally maintain said actuating means in an extended position, said actuating means being actuable in a direction generally parallel to said barrel to move said actuating means rearwardly toward said handle; suction means including a suction chamber disposed within said housing and responsive to the actuation of said actuating means for creating a suction within said suction chamber; a container means for receiving aspirate, said container means being removably connected to said handle; a first conduit within said housing, said first conduit having two ends, one of said ends normally being in fluid-flow communication with said container means and th

Abstract: A kit for preventing or treating arterial dysfunction resulting from an angioplasty procedure and particularly, in myocardial angioplasty procedures in human beings. The kit provides the materials necessary to introduce a selected amount of an intraarterial prostaglandin compound into an artery, such as a coronary artery, in which an angioplasty procedure is to occur and an intravenous prostaglandin compound. The prostaglandin compound will provide cyto-protection and provide antithrombotic effects and antiplatelet effects and antispasmatic effects. A composition is also provided for reducing dysfunction in angioplasty procedures and comprises a selected amount of a carrier and a prostaglandin compound carried in a specified amount and which carrier does not alter the prostaglandin compound and releases the prostaglandin compound at a rate sufficient to dilate blood vessels to thereby produce the required efficacy.

Abstract: An aspirator including a container having two separate chambers with one chamber having a suction tube connected to a closed bellows within the chamber for creating a vacuum, and the second chamber having a patient tube for insertion into the body cavity of a patient for sucking removal of mucus and other excess bodily fluids by the vacuum, with the two containers being connected for gaseous communication. The aspirator further includes an injection port by which mucus may be removed from the container and a pressure relief valve to permit air to escape from the container as the flexible bellows expands to its equilibrium state. The suction tube further includes a moisture trap to occlude gaseous flow to the mouthpiece in the event moisture enters the suction system. The apparatus further includes a clip to occlude fluid flow through the patient tube when the operation is completed. The patient tube may include a Yankauer tip.

Abstract: An aspirator device for removing body fluids is disclosed as having a fluid collector with an air-tight chamber that communicates with a first sealed passageway in an elongated flexible tube to be inserted in a body cavity for fluid communication with body fluids, and a second sealed passageway which connects the air tight chamber with a manually operable vacuum device or squeeze bulb. The manually operable vacuum means or squeeze bulb is operatively associated with first and second one-way valve which open in the same direction, the first valve establishing a vacuum in the first and second sealed passageways for removing and depositing harmful body fluids in the fluid collector, and the second valve means not only working to establish the vacuum, but also serving as an overflow valve for fluids overflowing the fluid collector.

Abstract: The implantable device for the repeated injection of medicament (20) in unitary does in at a frequency which is a function of the therapeutical treatment needs comprises essentially: a flexible reservoir (6) for the storage of the medicament. A first flexible connection tube (7) connecting the reservoir to an injection site (5) a small flexible balloon for the predosing and controlling of the injection of the medicament, a second flexible connection tube (9) connecting the small balloon (10) and the reservoir (6), a valve fitted with valve means (16) of the type responsive only to the pressure exerted to small balloon means (11) for controlling the flow rate for filling the small balloon (10), and provided on said second connection tube (9), a non-return valve (21) provided immediately upstream of the control balloon (10). Application to therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: A container and finger-depressible pump combination having improved non-leaking characteristics when the container holds a fluid (e.g., a volatile fluid such as nail polish remover) is described. The container which holds the fluid has a finger-depressible pump joined to its opened upper neck with the portion of the pump normally extending into the fluid in the container being encased in a closed but removable shroud which encases and isolates that portion of the pump and the adjacent portions of the pump from contact with the fluid. The shroud is a generally tubular structure being closed at its lower end and having circumferential flange means at its opposed open upper end which are adapted to be seated upon the upper land surface of the container neck underneath a portion of the cap holding the pump.

Abstract: An aspirator includes two closed containers with one container having a suction tube connected to a closed bellows within the container for creating a vacuum, and the second container having a patient tube for insertion into the body cavity of a patient for sucking removal of mucus and other excess bodily fluids by the vacuum, with the two containers being connected for gaseous communication.

Abstract: An aspirator includes two chambers with one chamber having a suction tube connected to a closed bellows within the chamber for creating a vacuum, and the second container having a patient tube for insertion into the body cavity of a patient for sucking removal of mucus and other excess bodily fluids by the vacuum, with the two chamber being connected for gaseous communication.

Abstract: An aspirator includes a closed container having a suction tube connected to a closed bellows within the container for creating a vacuum, and a patient tube for insertion into the body cavity of a patient for sucking removal of mucus and other excess bodily fluids by the vacuum. An upstanding partition inside the container creates a fluid collection chamber separate from the vacuum chamber, but in gaseous communication therewith. A valve system insures only vacuum pressure in the patient tube.

Abstract: A syringe injector to hold a syringe that comprises a barrel and a plunger. The plunger includes a piston received in the barrel. The injector comprises a support frame with a cradle to receive the syringe barrel at one end of the support frame. The plunger is held and there is a lever pivotally attached to the frame. A connecting rod extends from the lever to the holding means. In use, movement of the lever moves the plunger of the syringe and affords mechanical advantage to the user.

Abstract: An allergy testing method and apparatus for testing a patient for a plurality of allergies at substantially the same time, comprises a carrier for receiving a plurality of allergen applying devices, each allergen applying device including a source of an allergen and a movable pricking needle which is movable from an inactive position out of contact with the skin of a patient to an active position for pricking the skin of a patient and applying its associated allergen to the pricked skin when moved from the inactive position to the active position. The carrier holds and supports the plurality of allergen applying devices with a given spacing between each of the pricking needles, and an actuator is coupled to the carrier for moving the pricking needles from their inactive positions to their active positions to prick or pierce the skin of a patient and to thereby apply a respective allergen to the skin of the patient via the pricking needles.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed herein for patient care in connection with syringe and catheter drainage and feeding procedures which includes an elongated, flexible extension tube having an adapted plug or fitting at each end and a control clamp operably carried along the length of tube. Each plug or fitting is provided with a pair of dissimilar sized connections adapted to insertably receive a plurality of sized syringe or catheter dispensing nozzles or tips. Caps are provided for covering the connections and a flexible clip is employed for releasably attaching the device to a support or to the clothing of an attending nurse or the patient himself.

Abstract: A self-contained, independently operable closed wound suction evacuator which is comprised of a box-like internal body structure disposed within a fluid tight, flexible outer pouch. The pouch includes an inlet/outlet valve for providing communication between the interior of the pouch and the atmosphere of the interior of the pouch and a drainage tube. The box-like internal body structure is capable of being in an engaged position or in a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the internal box-like structure can remain in a flat condition without causing the tensioning member to be stretched or activated. When ready for use, the internal structure can be manually expanded into its box-like structure. When fully expanded the internal structure will become engaged, hence engaging the tensioning member. Subsequent compression of the internal structure to its flat position stretches the tensioning member and activates the evacuator.

Abstract: For the supply, control or taking of a medium contained in an implanted container the valve has a valve body (2) in which the flow channel (3) is formed by two pocket bores running into each other at an angle. The first pocket bore serves as an introduction channel (5) for the injection needle (15) and is outwardly provided with a conical widening (4). Into the second pocket bore (6) a particularly spherical closure member (7) is inserted which projects into the introduction channel (5) in the closed condition and whose part protruding into a chamber (11) connected with the container is acted upon by an elastic element (9). Preferably an O-ring sunk into an annular groove of the second pocket bore (6) serves as valve seat (8) for the closure member (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to "insemination guns" comprising an elongate body (1) at the front end of which is fixed an insemination tube (10) ("paillette") and within which is slidingly mounted an ejection rod for ejecting the tube, while an air supply is connected by an air flow passage to the tube (10) at the front end (5a) of the body.The problem posed is to provide such an apparatus which is easy to manipulate and simple to maintain.According to the present invention, the ejection rod (6) has at least one flat (16) cooperating with the circular section wall of the conduit (5) in which the ejection rod is mounted to define the air flow passage (17) beside the ejection rod (6) in the conduit.The invention is especially applicable to inseminating turkeys.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for artificially inseminating humans and other animals of the type having a reproductive system which includes a vagina and a uterus. The apparatus consists of a locating tube which is adapted to be inserted into the vagina of the human or animal and one end of the tube located against the cervix of the uterus around the cervical canal. A delivery member is adapted to be passed along the locating tube and into the uterus for delivery of semen into the uterus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for radiolabeling red blood cells is provided which includes a syringe holder, a vial containing heparin, a vial containing technetium-99m and a catheter. The vials and catheter are connected to channels within the syringe holder and a valve positioned at the intersection of the channels is capable of effecting selective communication between the catheter and either vial or none of the vials. The catheter is filled with heparin and a blood sample is drawn from the patient through the catheter and into the vial containing the technetium-99m. The catheter then is filled with heparin and the blood sample is incubated. The labeled red blood cells then are injected into the patient through the catheter.

Abstract: An evacuator system comprising a compressible container inside of which is positioned a vacuum assist device. The vacuum assist device aids in the expansion of the container and in developing a vacuum in the container upon expansion. The vacuum assist device within the evacuator acts to maintain a substantially constant level of vacuum as the evacuator expands while drawing fluids from a closed wound and collecting the fluids in the evacuator container. The evacuator includes an outlet for providing communication between the interior of the container and the atomosphere, and an inlet providing communication between the interior of the container and a drainage tube. The evacuator may include a novel valve mechanism which enables the evacuator to be activated, held in an activated position until needed, and then released from the held position for use to draw fluid from a patient.

Abstract: A suction type urinating aid comprises a urine transport tube connected at one end through a urine detecting cylinder with a urine receiver provided with an air suction hole and a urine suction opening to be applied to a urinating region, and connected, at the other end, with a urine tank. A suction tube communicating to a vacuum device, is connected to the upper part of the urine tank. This urine detecting cylinder is composed of a pair of electrodes placed at an interval inside an electrically insulating cylinder. Wires connected to the respective electrodes are connected to a control device of the vacuum device, so that when urine exists in said urine detecting cylinder, electric current flowing through the urine between the electrodes may be detected by the control device, to start the vacuum device by the control device.

Abstract: A microsyringe includes an elongated hollow tube having no piston, plunger or the like positioned in its lumen. A needle cannula is at one end of the tube in fluid communication with the lumen. A connector hub is at the other end of the tube for attachment to a device for providing a fluid movement force into the lumen.