Abstract: A container system includes a first container assembly and a delivery device. The first container assembly has an administration port and a medication port. The delivery device is attached to the first container assembly, and includes a housing, a connector, a second container, and a plunger shaft. The housing encloses an interior space with the medication port disposed within the interior space. The connector has at least one cannula defining a first sharp end aligned with the medication port and a second sharp end. The second container has an outlet port aligned with the second sharp end of the at least one cannula and a plunger seal moveable within the second container to force contents of the second container through the port. The plunger shaft assembly has a first end that abuts the plunger seal and a second end connected to a trigger.

Abstract: A manually operable pump includes a fluid line operatively connected to a fluid source, and a manually operable actuator. A facilitator is used to facilitate flow of fluid from the fluid source through the fluid line. The facilitator is operably connected to the manually operable actuator. A piezoelectric system is operably connected to the manually operable actuator, and configured to capture energy from manual actuation of the manually operable actuator and regulate the speed of the facilitator.

Abstract: A plunger activated capping system is disclosed which includes a syringe body defining a fluid reservoir, a plunger assembly including a plunger rod and a sealing member supported on the plunger rod, and a luer cap releasably secured to a distal end of the syringe body. The luer cap includes a luer-type connector member and a fluid outlet. A luer cap plug is releasably supported on a distal end of the plunger rod at a location distally of the sealing member. The luer cap plug is movable into engagement with the luer cap to seal the fluid outlet of the luer cap upon advancement of the plunger assembly from a retracted position to an advanced position. The plunger assembly is configured to effect disengagement of the luer cap from the distal end of the syringe body when the plunger assembly is moved to the advanced position.

Abstract: A topical anesthetic dispenser is releasably attachable to a pre-filled disposable syringe. A pair of clips receive a barrel of the syringe. The clips are on a housing receiving a pre-filled cannister of a topical numbing agent and including a chamber. The cannister includes an aerosol dispensing valve actuated by a button which when pressed moves the cannister with respect to an actuator for the valve.

Abstract: A retractable safety syringe may have a ferrule and needle which are selectively removeable from a distal end of a syringe body. In particular, the ferrule may have an annular flange. A wedge element may be frictionally engaged to the ferrule and a distal end of the syringe body. To retract the needle into the syringe body, a punch of a piston displaces the wedge element off of an annular flange of the ferrule. At about the same time, longitudinally offset tabs engage an annular flange and retract the needle into the syringe body via a retraction force created by a variable vacuum compartment or tension member. Alternatively, the ferrule and needle may be temporarily fixed to the distal end of the syringe body via a detent and/or o-ring which engages a lower undercut groove and an upper undercut groove of the ferrule. An annular ring of the piston may have longitudinal offset tabs which engage an annular ring of the ferrule.

Abstract: A topical anesthetic dispenser is releasably attachable to a pre-filled disposable syringe. A clip receives a barrel of the syringe. The clip includes a receptacle portion receiving a pre-filled cannister of a topical numbing agent, wherein the cannister includes a generally cylindrical chamber portion receivable within the receptacle portion of the clip and a distal neck portion having an outlet allowing contents of the cannister to be dispensed. A dispenser attached to the distal neck portion of the cannister includes an elongated flexible tube surrounded by a rigid tube for at least a portion of a length of the elongated flexible tube. A pivotable lever carries a tube compressor including a pinching member extending through an opening in the rigid tube and spring biased to a position at which the pinching member pinches closed an elongated passageway through the flexible tube.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for implanting helical or dart-like implants into the myocardium or other body tissue. The catheter system includes a helix for fixing the distal end of the catheter to the myocardium, an implant held by the helix, mechanisms for driving the fixation helix into the myocardium, and mechanisms for driving the implant into the myocardium, removing the fixation helix and leaving the implant behind. The implant may be coated, filled, or made of a drug or drug eluting compound, or drug delivery matrix of any composition.

Abstract: A dispenser device comprising a pistol housing, a needle direction control mechanism, a boost mechanism, a quantification control mechanism, and a combination of the pistol housing, the needle direction control mechanism, the boost mechanism, and a syringe positioning mechanism or a holding ring embodies the present invention with features and advantages shown as follows, (1) Uniform injection of agents synchronously mixed by not less than two contents; (2) Mixed agents not exposed in air; (3) Uniform injection, high air tightness, injection direction controlled by easy turning, smooth and convenient operation, high powerful operation via shifts of a push rod driven by a pressed trigger, promoted yield rate, assembly easily constructed, reduced manufacture cost, and convenient maintenance.

Abstract: A needle insertion assistance device is provided to easily hold a needle device, which comprises a syringe and a needle having a needle wing and being attached to the syringe, in order to more reliably control the advancement of the needle during insertion of the needle into a targeted part of a human body for many medical purposes. One embodiment of the needle insertion assistance device may comprise a supporting plate, a base connected hingedly to a rear surface of the supporting plate, and a syringe holder securely affixed to a top surface of the base to slidably hold the syringe on the base and prevent the syringe from moving from side to side. This embodiment of the needle insertion assistance device may further include a needle blocker, a handle, and an angle adjusting assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a packaging and administering device for administering a hydro-alcoholic solution by passing through a mucous membrane, the device comprising a deformable container for receiving at least one first fraction of the solution, a base that is secured to the container, and an administering tube that is secured to the base and that is suitable for receiving at least one second fraction of the solution, and that includes a cap. The tube includes a chamber for containing the at least one second solution and that is defined by two membranes, and the cap is movable in translation between two extreme positions and includes a needle for coming to pierce the two membranes in one of the extreme positions.

Abstract: An aspiration apparatus includes handles with two members. Each of the handle members includes a proximal actuation end and an opposite distal connection end. The members of the handles are associated with one another (e.g., pivotally, etc.) in such a way that movement of the proximal actuation ends in first directions (e.g., toward one another, away from one another) causes the distal connection ends to move in opposite second directions (e.g., away from one another, toward one another). The distal connection end of the first member may configured for association with the barrel of a syringe, while the distal connection end of the second member may be configured for association with the plunger of the syringe. Association of one or both of the distal connection ends with its respective syringe element may be pivotal. Aspiration methods, including, but not limited to, methods of using such an aspiration apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hazardous agent injection system including from about 0.02 ml to about 4.0 ml of methotrexate at a concentration of from about 7.5 mg/ml to about 150 mg/ml; a needle-assisted jet injector including a container configured to contain the methotrexate; a injection outlet member associated with the container; an injection-assisting needle coupled to the injection outlet member; a firing mechanism associated with the container; an energy source associated with the firing mechanism; and a trigger mechanism associated with the firing mechanism, wherein the needle-assisted jet injector is configured to eject the methotrexate from the injection outlet member such that the Cmax, Tmax and bioavailability of the needle-assisted jet injected methotrexate falls between about 80% and about 125% of the Cmax, Tmax and bioavailability of methotrexate delivered by a hand-powered syringe.

Abstract: An irrigation tool that includes a handle configured for grasping by a hand of a user of the tool having a handgrip displaceable using the hand in a manner that selectively controls the rate of flow of irrigation fluid discharged from the tool. The handgrip includes a compressible chamber mounted to the handle via at least one fluid coupling with the chamber compressible by manually squeezing the handgrip to discharge irrigation fluid. The chamber can be provided by a bulb in operable cooperation with a fluid coupling that provides an irrigation fluid flow-modulating control valve arrangement responsive to the magnitude and rate of applied squeezing force. The tool can include an aspirator having a suction passage integrally formed in the handle with a suction control valve operable using the same hand used to control irrigation fluid flow producing a hand-held hand operated combination irrigation and suction tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drug infusion system comprising a drug infusion device having a reservoir, a window for viewing the contents of the reservoir, a cannula arranged to be deployed beneath the skin of a patient, and an actuator configured to be manually actuated to drive a medicament from the reservoir to the cannula. The system also has a cannula cover and a needle handle that holds a needle for insertion into the patient. The cannula cover and needle handle are detachably attached to the drug infusion device, and each is attachable to the other. The device further comprises a septum and a septum pincher to seal the device. The device also comprises a pumping mechanism, part of which are a last-dose lock-out mechanism and an occlusion detection mechanism, both of which operate on the same actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for percutaneous delivery of a sealant comprising: at least two fluid reservoirs, an introducer needle having a distal tip that is in fluid communication with at least one reservoir, a fluid delivery tube that is in fluid communication with a second reservoir, wherein the fluid delivery tube has a tip and wherein the fluid delivery tube is configured so that the tip of the fluid delivery tube does not extend past the distal tip of the introducer needle during use.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a hypodermic syringe comprises a flexible tongue (48) allowing the actuating mechanism to be bent to receive a cartridge (10) of injectant closed at its forward end with a septum (14) and at its rearward end with a slidable bung (18). The forward end of the cartridge (10) is fitted into a socket (36) wherein the tail (34a) of a hypodermic needle (34) pierces the septum (14) to access the injectant. With the cartridge (10) fitted, the tongue (48) is straightened, and a spring clip (50) holds the cartridge (10) in position. A plunger (38) can then be depressed, though a guide (42), to drive the bung (18) forward and make the injection. The cartridge (10), which may be a conventional cartridge of any kind, keeps the assembly rigid in use, and the whole assembly is disposed of after a single use, without dismantling.

Abstract: A locking syringe with an integrated bias member, for delivering medical fluids at high pressure, can include a housing, a shaft, a piston, a cap assembly, a bias member, and a locking member. A distal end of the housing can interface with a patient delivery apparatus. A piston can be connected to the distal end of the shaft and can include a peripheral sealing surface that can slidably engage the inside surface of the housing to form a movable seal. The cap assembly at the proximal end of the housing can engage the shaft. A base cap can secure the piston within the housing. The bias member can have a distal end coupled to the piston and a proximal end restrained, such as to help pressurize the internal cavity. The user-actuatable locking member can user-selectively engage and inhibit unwanted movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A method and kit for treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: A device includes at least one housing, a first input line operatively connected to a fluid source that is external to the at least one housing, and a second input line operatively connected to the fluid source. The device further includes a first fluid reservoir operatively connected to the first input line and a second fluid reservoir operatively connected to the second input line. An output line is operatively connected to the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir. An actuator is configured to facilitate a flow of fluid from the fluid source, through the first input line and second input line, and through the first fluid reservoir and second fluid reservoir. Each of the first and second input lines remains operatively connected to the fluid source during operation of the actuator.

Abstract: According to the invention, first and second locking means (16, 12) are conformed to engage with each other and to permit the locking of an activation means (4) in at least one intermediate position between first and second positions of the activation means (4). The first and second locking means (12, 16) are conformed to be disengaged from each other when the protection member (3) is in a first position, in which a movement of a vessel contained in the device (1) is possible from an initial position to a position for inserting a needle contained in the vessel, and to be engaged with each other when the protection member (3) leaves said first position.

Abstract: Improved fluid delivery devices and systems are disclosed, including drug delivery devices and systems, and methods that permit, inter alia, the rapid sequential delivery of two or more fluids to a single external fluid flow or intravenous line.

Abstract: A system and method of topically applying an anesthetic, or other medication, to one or both lips of the mouth. An applicator device is provided that has a curved first wall, a curved second wall, and a horizontal shelf that joins the first wall to the second wall. The first wall, the second wall and the horizontal shelf combine to define either one or two curved lip compartments. A volume of the anesthetic, or other medication, is placed within the curved lip compartments. The applicator device is partially placed in a person's mouth so that the second wall is positioned between the back of the lips and in front of the teeth. While in this position, the lip of the user passes into the curved lip compartment and is contacted by the anesthetic.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an ophthalmic injection device may include a dispensing chamber to hold a substance (e.g., a drug) to be injected into an eye, a thermal feedback layer with at least one thermal sensor, and a temperature control layer to apply or remove heat from the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, the thermal feedback layer and the temperature control layer may be coupled to each other and/or coupled to the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, at least one of the thermal sensors may be secured between the temperature control layer and the dispensing chamber using a thermal adhesive.

Abstract: A fluid drug delivery system comprises a rigid shell having an inner sidewall, an opening and a passage as well as a collapsible cartridge with a distal end and a proximal end. The collapsible cartridge is arranged within the shell with its distal end being closer to the opening than the proximal end. It further comprises a first portion including the proximal end and a second portion including the distal end. The second portion is recoilable from the inner sidewall to urge a fluid, which comprises a drug and is contained in the collapsible cartridge, to the passage of the rigid shell. Further, the rigid shell and the collapsible cartridge are co-extruded.

Abstract: A method of repairing a defect in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, without excising the entire nucleus pulposus of the disc. The method includes inserting an introducer needle through the annulus fibrosus by puncturing the annulus fibrosus with the introducer needle, injecting an in situ curable, bio-compatible polymerizable or polymeric material composition into the disc through the introducer needle directly or indirectly so that the in situ curable composition contacts a defect in the annulus fibrosus; and curing said material in situ.

Abstract: A manual intravenous pump includes an input line, a fluid reservoir operatively connected to the input line, and an output line operatively connected to the fluid reservoir. The manual intravenous pump further includes a manually operable actuator, configured to facilitate the flow of fluid from the input line, through the fluid reservoir, and to the output line.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for protecting against needlestick injuries, including a syringe, a sheath, an actuator, and a button. The syringe has a tube, plunger, and a needle in a hub. The sheath covers the needle in a first position, and the needle protrudes from a hole in the sheath in a second position. The plunger can be pressed to dispense from the tube in the second position. The actuator controls the movement between positions, and the button is the manual control for activating the actuator. The syringe extends through the sheath and actuator, such that the sheath and actuator can be adjusted for any type of syringe. A single hand can operate the button and the plunger.

Abstract: An adapter cap is configured to convert a plastic water or drinking bottle into a nasal washing device. The cap has a connector portion or mechanism configured for engagement with the neck of a plastic water bottle in place of a conventional bottle cap, and a tapered applicator or spout portion having a tip with an opening which is configured for placing into a nostril of a user during a nasal washing procedure.

Abstract: A device (100) for delivering a medicament into a patient's body by injection into or through the patient's skin, including a main body having a top enclosure (116) and a bottom enclosure (104), a reservoir (160) disposed within the main body for containing the medicament, and an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of the patient, the needle (152) having a lumen and selectively communicating with the reservoir (160). The device also includes a pressurizing system (600, 140) for selectively pressurizing the reservoir (160). In a pre-activated position, the pressurizing system (600, 140) contacts and compresses the reservoir (160) to reduce the initial volume of the reservoir (160), thereby allowing for partial filling of the reservoir (160).

Abstract: A refillable injection device (1) having a dose setting mechanism with a dose setting member (4) and a dose rod (11). The dose setting member and the dose rod engage during normal operation of the injection device, and they do not engage during change of cartridge. The dose setting member and the dose rod need to be moved into engagement when a new cartridge is inserted in the injection device. Thereby there is a risk that stress is build-up in the piston rod. In order to prevent this, the cartridge holder is operatively connected to the dose rod in such a manner that when a cartridge is being inserted in the cartridge holder, the dose rod is caused to move along with the piston rod in an axial direction, at least while the dose setting member and the dose rod are moved into engagement.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump are provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir and engage a cap. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base is in a first detent position, and the needle pierces a reservoir septum when the base is in a second detent position. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. In some embodiments, an integral connector couples directly to the reservoir.

Abstract: An intraosseous injection device includes a tool having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a solution dispensing opening. The distal portion has one or more cutting surfaces. The tool can be coupled with a protective carrier. The tool can be rotatably coupled to a tool actuation mechanism. A housing has a distal end and a proximal end. The housing releasably receives a solution cartridge containing a solution. A solution dispensing mechanism dispenses solution from the solution cartridge. A gripping member grips a proximal portion of the tool. A rotation device rotates the gripping member and thereby rotates the tool about an axis. The proximal portion of the tool connects directly to the solution cartridge such that solution from the cartridge can be delivered through the solution dispensing opening. The tool is configured to rotate relative to the solution cartridge.

Abstract: A system consisting of a hand-piece with a lever operated hydraulic pump and a fluid reservoir, a connecting tube and a remote connector which will seal to a syringe body which contains a viscous material. The pump expels fluid from the reservoir into the top of the syringe via the connecting tube where the fluid presses on the syringe plunger expelling the viscous material from the primary chamber of the syringe.

Abstract: An enema includes a liquid in a dispenser having a bottle, a nozzle attached to the bottle, and a valve. The valve may be a membrane having a slit and a thickness of at most 0.90 mm. The valve may be attached to the bottle or it may be attached to the nozzle. The enema can be administered more easily, with a lower amount of force. A method of bowel cleansing includes inserting the enema into a rectum and applying a compression force to the enema bottle.

Abstract: A syringe assembly comprises a syringe barrel having an elongated body defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end, a distal end and a frusto-conically shaped tip extending from the distal end and having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber has an inside diameter of at least 13.5 mm. A stopper is in fluid-tight engagement inside the barrel. An elongated plunger rod extends proximally from the stopper through the open proximal end of the barrel. A flange is positioned at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The flange is shaped and positioned to limit the distal motion of the plunger rod in the barrel by contacting the proximal end of the barrel. A tip cap is releasably connected to the tip for sealing the passageway and the chamber contains injectable liquid.

Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices, in particular pen-type injectors, wherein a number of pre-set doses of medicinal product can be administered. In particular, the present invention relates to such drug delivery devices where a user may activate the drug delivery device.

Abstract: A dose display mechanism for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The display mechanism has an elongated dose setting dial with both an external helical thread and external linear grooves extending from one end to the other end. A counter ring is mounted surrounding the setting dial. The counter ring has ribs on its inner surface which engage the grooves and permit the counter ring to move axially along the setting dial but prevent it from rotating relative to the setting dial. Indicia, in the form of digits, are arranged helically on the outer surface of the dose setting dial. The digits are spaced at a pitch which corresponds to the pitch of the external helical threads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit for parenteral administration of drugs, particularly a kit for the infusion of those medicaments dissolved in solvents that extract toxic components from PVC, which is also suitable for the infusion of highly active medicaments, said kit ensuring a safe administration both for the patient and for healthcare staff.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for operating a medical device with or without a cassette in place. A method is disclosed for adding additional VTBI to an ongoing infusion without stopping the infusion and with maintaining the infusion parameters. A method and system is disclosed for changing the CCA without having to interrupt or completely stop an ongoing infusion. Quick titration buttons are provided to allow improved navigation between various delivery display screens.

Abstract: A piston adapter, which can be easily removed even when it is mounted on a piston member of a rodless syringe and pressed in a cylinder member, is provided. In piston adapter 200, when manual operation member 230 is manually rotated relative to adapter rod 210, adapter shaft 220 is also rotated to turn the trailing end of flange engagement member 240 engaging with an engagement open/close mechanism near leading end of the flange engagement member, thereby piston adapter 200 can be easily put on and removed from the piston member of the rodless syringe its leading end by manually operating the trailing end of piston adapter 200.

Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.

Abstract: Microneedle devices for transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue, are provided. The microneedle devices permit drug delivery or removal of body fluids at clinically relevant rates across skin or other tissue barriers, with minimal or no damage, pain, or irritation to the tissue. Microneedles can be formed of biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymeric materials or metals. In a preferred embodiment, a microneedle device includes a plugging element comprising a platform including a plurality of microneedle plugs for preventing skin or other tissue barriers from entering the hollow microneedles. In another preferred embodiment, a microneedle device includes a plurality of bioerodible elements for temporarily plugging the hollow microneedles, thereby preventing skin or other tissue barriers from entering the hollow microneedles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering liquid within an orifice of an animal is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hollow syringe defining a vessel having an open end; a plunger, slidingly and sealingly disposed within the vessel; and a flexible delivery tube, having a first end sealingly coupled to the open end and a delivery end for dispensing the liquid proximate the orifice. A light source directing light to the delivery end of the flexible tube may also be included.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid product having a dispensing outlet from which the fluid product is dispensable, a supply of the fluid product, a dispensing member mounted for movement in a dispensing direction along an axis X-X from a first position to a second position which causes a dose of the fluid product in the supply to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet, and a finger-operable actuator member mounted for movement in an actuating direction which is generally transverse to the axis.

Abstract: Method of producing an administering device for infusing or injecting a product, whereby in order to mold a housing shell (1) serving as a case for components of the administering device in a multi-component injection molding process at least one pre-molded, transparent insert part (22, 23) made from a first plastic material is inserted in an injection mold molded to a shape matching the shape of the housing shell (1), a dimensionally stable, curable second plastic material is injected into the injection mold around the insert part (22, 23) to render it watertight and an opening left free in the second plastic material is closed to render it watertight by injecting on an elastomeric third plastic material.

Abstract: An injection device of the kind having a main housing (4) is disclosed and includes a drive mechanism (42) to expel selectively a dose of medicament from a medicament cartridge (40) through a needle unit (22) and an electronic control unit to control the drive mechanism (42). The injection device further comprises a prime button (26) which causes a prime signal to be sent to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit actuating the drive mechanism (42) to expel a predetermined small dose of medicament on receipt of the prime signal. In this way removal of entrapped air from the medicament cartridge (40) is obtained.

Abstract: A flow delivery system including a syringe that includes an outer plastic shell, a leur and a plunger; and a needle and/or a catheter that embodies a hub and a cannula which delivers a solution of a material. Various structures are included to provide locking engagements, torque sensitive connections, sufficient interfacing between components and visual conformation of connectors. The syringe assembly can also include an approach to a filter. Moreover, an approach to sterilization is provided.

Abstract: An auto-injection syringe is provided that includes an injection assembly and a retraction assembly operatively securable to the injection assembly. The retraction assembly includes a hypodermic needle having a needle hub, an end cap having a lower seal through which a portion of the hypodermic needle can pass, a retraction spring disposed between the needle hub and the end cap and maintained in a partially compressed condition therebetween, an upper seal urged against a facially sealing surface of the retraction assembly by the force of the retraction spring on the needle hub so that a sealed area is defined between the upper and lower seals, and a vent device in fluid communication with the sealed area for pressure equalization between the sealed area and an exterior of the retraction assembly.

Abstract: An adapter for a “LUER LOK” receptacle includes a housing having an internal recess configured to engage a hub of the receptacle. The adapter also includes a fitting attached to the housing, and to a medical instrument such as a cannula or a needle. The fitting includes a tapered recess configured to engage a tapered post of the receptacle. The fitting also includes a male end portion configured to engage female threads on the hub of the receptacle. The male end portion can include threads or alternately a flange. The adapter strengthens and rigidifies the receptacle, and allows the medical instrument to be aggressively manipulated, with less chance of damage to the receptacle and fluid leakage therefrom. In an alternate embodiment adapter, the tapered post of the receptacle is removed to provide an enlarged opening for the receptacle. The enlarged opening permits fluids, tissue and cells to be transferred with less damage and less resistance.