Abstract: A prosthesis delivery and deployment device includes an elongated and flexible outer catheter. The outer catheter has a tubular wall of layered construction, including a translucent inner liner running the complete catheter length, and three outer layers including a translucent distal layer, an opaque medial layer and an opaque proximal outer layer. The outer layers are adjacent one another and are bonded to the liner. A braid composed of helically wound metal filaments is disposed between the liner and the proximal and medial outer layers, and includes a distal portion between the liner and a proximal portion of the distal outer layer. The liner and distal outer layer provide a translucent distal region of the catheter that is adapted to constrain a radially self-expanding prosthesis in a radially reduced, axially elongated state. Because the stent constraining region is translucent, an endoscope can be used to visually monitor the stent when so constrained.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for cannulating a heart vessel includes a guide handle having proximal and distal ends, a lumen open at least at the distal end of the guide handle, and a stop member disposed within the lumen at a distal end of the guide handle. A catheter of the assembly has a proximal end disposed within the lumen of the guide handle and a preformed distal end. The catheter is longitudinally displaceable within the guide handle to adjust an exposed length of the distal end of the catheter. The stop member is engagable with the proximal end of the catheter to prevent the proximal end of the catheter from passing out of the guide handle. A locking mechanism within the guide handle to selectably prevents and permit axial rotation between the guide handle and catheter while permitting longitudinal displacement of the catheter within the guide handle.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for use with a guidewire is disclosed. The catheter has a body with a balloon located thereon, preferably at the distal end. A lumen within the catheter body communicates with the interior of the balloon which can be inflated by known methods with saline solution. A series of sleeve members of predetermined lengths and sizes are coupled to and positioned along the length of the catheter body. One or more of the sleeve members can span the length of the balloon. Each sleeve member has a passageway and both an exit and entry port so that the guidewire can pass therethrough. Instead of a balloon, the catheter can include a device member that forms a chamber which can store medicine until discharged at the desired site within the blood vessel. Apertures or pores on the catheter body allow for the perfusion of blood or the delivery of medicine to the site of the blood vessel. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular introducer assembly is disclosed that includes a dilator, a sheath having an axial lumen for accommodating the dilator, a locking collar for securing the dilator and the sheath to one another and an adjustable hemostatic seal for preventing fluid egress from the axial lumen and restricting insertion of instruments through the axial lumen.

Abstract: A syringe assembly is provided which includes a hollow barrel that has an interior wall. The interior wall defines a chamber that retains medication. The hollow barrel also includes a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the hollow barrel has a passageway that is in contact with the chamber. The proximal end of the hollow barrel has an aperture. The syringe assembly also includes a primary plunger tip that is slidably positioned, in fluid tight engagement, with the interior wall. The primary plunger tip has a receptor to engage an engager of an elongated tip plunger rod. The syringe assembly also includes a secondary plunger tip that is slidably positioned, in fluid tight engagement, with the interior wall. The secondary plunger tip also has a receptor to engage an engager of a tip plunger rod. The secondary plunger tip is disposed between the primary plunger tip and the proximal end of the hollow barrel.

Abstract: Described is a catheter system for implanting embryos into a woman's uterus. The catheter system utilizes a protective catheter sleeve for introducing a catheter into the uterus without mucus contamination of an inner catheter. Once the sleeve containing the inner catheter is introduced into the uterus, the protected inner catheter, carrying the embryos, is pushed through a swivelable distal end cap on the sleeve to a desired implanting location. The distal end of the inner catheter has a protective cap and a side opening for embryo release. Also, stiffness and indicia features of the outer sleeve and inner catheter assist in the physician's handling of the catheter system and in ensuring a desired uterus location for implanting.

Abstract: A safety syringe with a hollow barrel housing and a retraction trunk coaxially formed within the housing to forming an annular chamber between the inner surfaces of said outer elongated hollow barrel and the outer surface of said retraction trunk. A needle cannula carriage is held within the distal end of the retraction trunk by a latching means and a biasing means. A needle cannula module is suitably fixed to the distal end of the needle cannula carriage wherein a cannula or passage provides fluid communication from the needle cannula module, through the needle cannula carriage, through the retraction trunk and into the annular chamber. An annular plunger is provided between the inner surfaces of the outer elongated hollow barrel and the outer surface of the retraction trunk, wherein said annular plunger forces fluid through said annulus and into a body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a single-use device for injecting a dose of a medicinal product, comprising a syringe (1) and a piston rod (7) provided with a collar (9) housed in a casing formed of two parts, a front part (11) and a rear part (10), fitted inside each other and capable of sliding in relation to each other over a short traverse between two positions, a retracted position and a forward position. This device additionally includes means (35) for supporting the collar (9) of the piston rod (7) arranged so as to permit, on the one hand, injection under the effect of a propulsion spring (50) in the forward position of the parts (10, 11) of the casing and, on the other hand, backward movement of the syringe (1) inside the casing, after injection, in the retracted position of the said parts of the casing. It also includes means (28, 29) for viewing the supporting means (35) at the end of injection.

Abstract: A method of forming a balloon for medical purposes comprising co-extruding in a tubular shape a base structural layer of a member selected from the group consisting oft polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters and copolymers thereof and a heat sealable layer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and copolymers thereof. The tubular member is then biaxially oriented by inflating the tube with a gas to a predetermined central diameter greater then the initial diameter of the tube and simultaneously heating the inflated tube to a temperature sufficient to biaxially orient the base structural layer. The member is then cooled the inflated tubular member and then elevated in temperature for a second time to the biaxially orienting temperature. The twice-heated tube is allowed to cool and the gas is withdrawn whereby the tubular member will assume a generally tubular shape and the main structural layer will remain biaxially orientated and the heat sealable layer will not be biaxially orientated.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic obstruction for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially obstruct aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Partial obstruction of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter and a distally mounted expandable member. The expandable member may comprise one or two balloons. Other medical devices, such as an angioplasty, stent, or atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the expandable member to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gauging system and method for using the same for determining the size of a lesion within a patient's body prior to stenting the lesion. In one embodiment the gauging system includes a catheter having an elongated shaft with proximal and distal ends, and an outer sheath formed of a compliant material and disposed about at least a portion of the catheter elongated shaft and being slidable over the same. In another embodiment, the gauging system further includes a radially expandable member formed of the same or different compliant material mounted on a distal section of the shaft and has an interior chamber in fluid communication with an inflation lumen extending within at least a portion of a distal shaft section to a location spaced proximally from the shaft distal end.

Abstract: A device in the form of a conversion adapter for reducing an internal lumen of a catheter so as to accommodate a guidewire having a diameter substantially smaller than the internal lumen of the catheter as well as a catheter system including such a conversion adapter is provided. The adapter is positionable within the internal lumen of the catheter. The adapter has an external diameter which is substantially equal to the internal lumen of the catheter and further includes a smaller internal lumen which is substantially equal in diameter to the guidewire and is therefore capable of accommodating the smaller diameter guidewire therethrough. Preferably, the adapter extends within the internal lumen of the catheter along the entire length thereof, and preferably extends beyond the length of the catheter, including a flexible tapered tip at the end portion.

Abstract: A laminate balloon comprising at least two layers of separately oriented thermoplastic polymer material, which are coextensive over the body of the balloon. The two layers may be made of different polymer materials, including an underlying layer made of a low compliant, high strength polymer, such as PET, and an overlying layer of a softer and more flexible polymer material relative to the first polymer material, such as a polyester-polyether block copolymer. The balloon structures have an additive burst pressure, meaning that they are stronger than a single-layer reference balloon corresponding to the underlying polymer layer. The balloons are characterized by a combination of flexibility and surface softness which allows catheters to track down into lesions relatively easily, puncture resistance, abrasion resistance and refoldability, in addition to low compliance and high burst strength. The balloons may be prepared with generally linear or with stepped compliance profiles.

Abstract: A single-use safety syringe assembly comprises an elongated, generally cylindrical barrel which forms a hollow nozzle located at the distal end of the barrel and which opens into the interior of the barrel. A plunger is slidably mounted in the barrel and forms a longitudinal cavity. A needle holder carries a hollow needle on the distal end, and the needle holder is slidably mounted in the longitudinal cavity of the plunger. The needle holder includes a lateral arm which extends between the plunger cavity and the barrel. A spiral guide slot through a wall of the barrel extends along a proximal end portion of the barrel for engaging the lateral arm of the needle holder and retracting the needle holder within the barrel in response to relative rotational movement between the barrel and the needle holder. A pair of longitudinal ribs strengthen the proximal end portion of the barrel.

Abstract: A brand new device and a method to do arteriographies which allow simultaneous angioplasties by using a catheter and a balloon capable of copying the narrowed portion of the artery under study, providing the contrast required to view the artery via a contrasting medium which is circumscribed within the diagnosis balloon and which is not in relationship with the patient's tissue; therefor, the catheter has a diagnosis balloon which may be filled with the contrasting medium.

Abstract: An exogenous stimulus is applied to tissues or cells which are at risk in a subsequent surgical procedure or other intervention which induces a response by the cells that minimizes reaction to the subsequent procedure. Stimuli can be chemical, physiological or physical. Examples include those stimuli known to induce expression of stress response proteins or heat shock proteins, especially heat shock protein 70 (hsp 70) and hsp 90, for example, exposure to heat or dilute hydrogen peroxide, or direct administration of exogenous heat shock proteins, or those stimuli which act to inhibit or reduce heat shock protein expression, for example, treatment with flavonoids.

Abstract: A system for repairing body lumens including a modular graft and a method for deploying the graft within the body lumen. The modular graft includes a first component having first and second leg portions which mate with second and third graft components, respectively. The second leg portion has a bell bottom shape. The modular graft further includes expandable members which aid in implanting the modular graft as well as facilitates the mating of its components. In order to repair the body lumen, the first component is placed at the repair site and thereafter, the first and second legs are advanced to the repair site and attached to the first component.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a catheter shaft with an oblong transverse cross-section with one transverse dimension in a first direction being significantly larger than a second transverse dimension in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension is about 1.1 to about 3 times greater, preferably about 1.2 to about 2.5 times greater than the second dimension. In one embodiment, a length of the distal shaft section has inner and outer tubular members where about 30% to not more than about 90% of the inner periphery of the outer tubular member takes the shape of and is secured to the exterior of the inner tubular member. In another embodiment the flexible distal shaft section is an extruded section having an oval or elliptical transverse cross-section. Preferably a pseudoelastic hypotube of NiTi alloy defines at least part of the inflation lumen within the catheter shaft.

Abstract: The invention comprises a safety syringe having a barrel containing a fluid receiving cavity, a plunger, a needle and a blunt sheath. The needle is connected to the plunger so that when the plunger is retracted, the needle is retracted. The sheath extends from the barrel and is circumferentially positioned about the needle. When fully extended, the sharp end of the needle extends from the sheath, but upon retraction, the sheath covers the sharp end. The external diameter of the sheath is sized to allow the sheath to be inserted hypodermically with the needle. Upon insertion of the needle and sheath into the patient, the plunger may be withdrawn. This will create a vacuum and will cause the needle to be retracted into the sheath. Fluids will flow through the sheath and the needle into the fluid receiving cavity because of the vacuum. When fluid collection is complete, the syringe may be withdrawn with the needle already safely encased in the blunt sheath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the stimulation through the sphenoid sinus, the pituitary gland and the adjoining brain structures. The apparatus consists of an inflatable balloon and which is inserted into the sphenoid sinus and inflated. The balloon will stimulate by pressure, heat, cold or electricity, the structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus. The balloon is controlled via connecting tubes and control wires. This method and apparatus has application in the treatment of pain and a number of other maladies of the nervous system.

Abstract: A syringe comprising a tubular body (11) closed at one end (12) and open at the other end (13), a plunger (14) receivable in the body (11) to define a chamber (16) of variable volume, a needle support (24) adapted to support and accommodate a hollow needle, said needle support (24) being supported from or in the wall of the body (11) and being movable in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis of the body (11) between a first position at which the needles extends from the one end of the body (11) and the interior of the needle is in communication with the chamber (16), and a second position at which the outer end of the needle is in a retracted position, said needle support (24) having a protrusion (28) which is selectively engageable with the wall of the body (11) at the first and second positions to be able to be retained at said positions and receivable through the wall of the body (11) when at the second position to be engaged with the plunger (14) to prevent axial movement of both the needle

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

Abstract: A needle-syringe assembly, operable in a normal mode and convertible to a retraction mode, comprises an elongated, generally cylindrical barrel, a plunger slidably mounted in the barrel, and a needle holder carrying a hollow needle on the distal end thereof. The barrel forms a hollow nozzle located at the distal end of the barrel. The plunger forms a coaxial cavity extending therethrough, and the plunger includes a helical slot exposing a proximal portion of the coaxial cavity. The needle holder is slidably mounted in the coaxial cavity of the plunger. During the normal mode, a distal portion of the needle holder is engaged within the nozzle by a taper lock. To switch from the normal mode to the retraction mode, the taper lock is disengaged by rotary movement of the plunger relative to the barrel.

Abstract: Devices for providing polymeric layers on the interior surface of body lumens and spaces are disclosed. The devices can include proximal and distal occlusion elements to define the treatment space and an optical emitter to provide light for a photopolymerization procedure. The devices may include a molding member for providing a thick polymeric gel. Alternatively, devices without a molding member may be used to carry out an interfacial polymerization procedure.

Abstract: An intraurethral catheter includes an elongate shaft and a tip comprising a unitary member including a curved tip portion and an inflatable balloon portion mountable on a proximal end of the catheter shaft. The present invention simplifies manufacture of the catheter by permitting an inflatable retention balloon and a curved insertion tip to be simultaneously secured on a proximal end of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A laryngoscope having a rigid shaft, an image bundle, and a movable distal end member connected to the distal end of the shaft. The distal end of the image bundle is located in the distal end member such that the field of view can be changed by moving the distal end member without having to move the rigid shaft. The shaft and distal end member can also have a channel for passing a placement device therethrough such that the positioning of an object at a target area can be controlled by moving the distal end member without having to move the rigid shaft.

Abstract: The drug loaded stent includes an expandable stent structural member, and a planar sheet of polymeric material attached to the outside of the expandable stent structural member. The polymeric material is preferably bioabsorbable, and loaded or coated with a therapeutic agent or drug to reduce or prevent restenosis in the vessel being treated. The polymer material can be attached to the metal stent at one or more points, and wrapped in a coil around the stent in an unexpanded state, to uncoil and expand in diameter to substantially match the expanded diameter of the metal stent; or can be wrapped tightly around the stent structural member and attached to itself, to stretch radially when the stent structural member is expanded. In another currently preferred embodiment, a combination of a stent structural member and a polymeric film wrapping can be provided with a coating of lubricious material.

Abstract: Graft having a bifurcation for repairing an aneurysm in the vicinity of an aortic bifurcation in a patient comprising a main tubular body and first and second tubular legs joined to said main body in a bifurcation. The main body and the legs are formed of a flexible surgically implantable material. The main body and each of the first and second legs having an opening therein in communication with the other openings. Expandable spring attachments are secured to the main body adjacent the opening in the main body. An additional expandable spring attachment is secured to one of said legs adjacent the opening in said one leg.

Abstract: A medical device such as a catheter is described having a stiff, preferably metallic, proximal tube. The distal portion of the proximal tube may have a plurality of perforations or slots formed therein to increase its flexibility. This provides a smooth transition between the relatively stiff proximal tube and a more flexible distal polymeric tube.

Abstract: A phlebotomy system including a needle assembly, a retraction assembly, and a cylindrical barrel. The needle assembly includes a needle cannula with first and second ends, a needle sleeve for supporting the needle cannula and having a flared proximal end, and a hub into which the needle sleeve is inserted. The cylindrical barrel is threadedly secured to the hub. The retraction assembly includes a central plate with a central opening through which the needle sleeve extends. When a downward force is applied to the retraction assembly, the retraction assembly to moved to an active position such that a locking port is axially aligned with and thereby engages the needle sleeve. Hence, the locking port engages the flared proximal end of the needle sleeve when the retraction assembly is moved rearward and the needle cannula is retracted into the barrel.

Abstract: A single-use safety syringe comprising an outer cylindrical body provided with an end spout, a needle provided with a joint adapted to releasably engage the inner wall of the end spout, and a plunger provided with a fore end adapted to releasably inwardly engage the joint of the needle so as to allow the plunger to move into the syringe and engage the end spout to make the injection. The joint has an inner seat with a widening plug projecting downwardly from a base of the seat and projections extending from walls of the seat. The fore end of the plunger has a conical axial cavity open at a frontal face of the fore end and cuts along its generatrix and a groove there around.

Abstract: A catheter balloon made of a polymer and comprising a cylindrical portion of a substantially uniform diameter, tapered portions at the front and rear of the cylindrical portion and connecting portions at the front and rear of the tapered portions, wherein the wall thicknesses (B) of the middle parts of the tapered portions are equal to or smaller than 1.2 times the wall thickness (A) of the cylindrical portion (B/A.ltoreq.1.2), and the wall thickness of the front tapered portion is less than the wall thickness of the rear tapered portion.

Abstract: A balloon angioplasty catheter system comprising a flexible guide wire, balloon catheter and slide handle. The balloon catheter has a shaft with a guide wire lumen that includes a guide wire removal slit which extends along a portion of the shaft. The slide handle is configured to open the slit as the handle slides along the catheter. The handle includes a separate passage for the catheter and guide wire and is provided with a fitting for connecting the handle to the "Y" adaptor of a guide catheter. The system provides a arrangement with the advantages of both an over-the-wire and monorail catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device for the automatic injection of at least one injection liquid, comprising an assembly of a discharge mechanism, a cartridge holder and a cartridge slidably accommodated in the cartridge holder, the discharge mechanism comprising an outer sleeve wherein the cartridge holder is slidably adapted. A protective cover is provided on the front of the device, covering the front portions of the cartridge holder and the outer sleeve in such a manner, that unintentional backward movement of the cartridge holder in the outer sleeve, resulting in activation of the device, is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention involves an integrated double-ended needle and blood collection device assembly which is convenient to use, safely contained and ready for disposal after use. The device allows the user to expose and resheath potentially infectious needles without bringing the user's fingers or hands into close proximity with sharp or broken needle tips. After removing the needle from the patient, the needle is safely resheathed by retracting the needle into the device, thereby reducing the risks of accidental needle wounds and infection. The device also serves as a holder for blood collection tubes which can be easily inserted and removed for multiple sampling.

Abstract: A parenteral device (10) for the transfer of fluids to or from a living body. The device (10) comprises a body (11) having a chamber (18) and an opening (17) provided in the wall of the chamber (18). A hollow needle (19) is open at its outer end and is slidably mounted to the body (11) for axial movement therein. The needle (19) is movable between a first position in which it extends through said opening (17) such that its outer end extends beyond the body (11) and a second position in which the outer end of said needle is located innermost from said opening (17). A second aperture (21) in the wall of the needle (19) provides communication between the chamber (18) and the lumen of the needle (19) when in the first position.

Abstract: A prosthesis for use in preventing re-stenosis after angioplasty is formed of plastic or sheet metal, and is expandable and contractible for placement. The prosthesis can be inserted while in a collapsed position, then expanded and locked at the larger diameter. Spring force can be provided by the material itself, or metal springs can be embedded within the walls of the prosthesis. Preferably, the walls have holes therethrough to promote tissue growth; and, in one embodiment, the holes are in the form of slots so that the prosthesis is segmented and can bend longitudinally.

Abstract: The present invention involves an integrated double-ended needle and blood collection device assembly which is convenient to use, safely contained and ready for disposal after use. The device allows the user to expose and resheath potentially infectious needles without bringing the user's fingers or hands into close proximity with sharp or broken needle tips. After removing the needle from the patient, the needle is safely resheathed by retracting the needle into the device, thereby reducing the risks of accidental needle wounds and infection. The device also serves as a holder for blood collection tubes which can be easily inserted and removed for multiple sampling.

Abstract: A medical device particularly adpated for use with a blood collection tube including a nonlinear needle having first and second needle points wherein the first needle point is selectively protected by a movable protective shield and the second needle point is designed to pierce the stopper of an evacuated blood collection tube. The needle guard is movable axially along a portion of the nonlinear needle between a needle tip exposing retracted position and a needle covering locked extended position.

Abstract: An injection device which is devised to be safer in use than many prior such devices comprises a generally cylindrical barrel section which is substantially closed at its first end but has an aperture in that end to allow an injection needle to pass through it, a needle support member to slide within the barrel section and shaped to receive one end of a liquid container such as an ampoule of anaesthetic, and a plunger mounted at the other end of the barrel section for axial movement in said section. The plunger is adapted both to express liquid from the liquid container when the plunger is advanced within the barrel and also to interconnect with either the needle support member or the liquid container, whereby withdrawal of the plunger withdraws both the liquid container and also the needle and its support member into the barrel section for disposal.

Abstract: A syringe is provided which has a barrel, a plunger having a hollow center, with the needle stored in the hollow center. A storage compartment is used to encase the needle and keep it sterile while being stored within the plunger. A cap on the tip of the barrel having a protruding shoulder securely engages the tip of the barrel while being stored, and assists in preventing leakage of inoculant from the barrel of the syringe.

Abstract: An automatic injector for injecting one or more different injection liquids, comprising a combination of a substantially cylindrical means containing a discharge mechanism and a plurality of cartridge elements. The cartridge elements comprise a piston in the substantially cylindrical means, a sealing stopper, a number of separating stoppers equal to one less than the number of the liquids, and a needle holder with injection needle. The needle holder comprises a stopper that is movable in the substantially cylindrical means and comprises a longitudinal bore. The injector comprises a by-pass means for injection liquid in front of the sealing stopper.

Abstract: A syringe assembly having a cylinder adapted to receive a hypodermic needle at one end thereof and a piston reciprocably movably disposed in the cylinder. The exterior of the piston is at least partially threaded and it includes a longitudinal, exterior groove extending over the length of the thread. The cylinder includes a piston thread engaging section which is integrally constructed, e.g. molded with the cylinder, and hingeable relative to the cylinder so that the thread engaging section can be moved through a cutout in the cylinder into engagement with the piston thread. The cylinder has an integrally constructed collar at its open end and forms a detent that can be resiliently biased against the piston so that upon rotation of the piston about its axis the detent engages the longitudinal groove and thereby generates a signal each time the detent engages the groove, i.e. each time the piston is rotated through a predetermined arc and dispenses a predetermined, measured amount of liquid.

Abstract: One step manually activated injection apparatus capable of injecting multiple pre-measured doses of liquid medicaments without visibility of needle. It is composed of cylindrical housing unit with small aperture at bottom and removeable manual plunger unit at the top, and within housing unit there is a syringe unit composed of a piston, ampule with pre-measured liquid medicament, needle covered with sterile sheath and clip apparatus attached onto the ampule. The injection apparatus is placed in ready position by contacting the bottom of housing unit against a skin surface. One forward manual push on manual plunger unit performs two distinct functions. First, the manual plunger unit engages the clip apparatus attached to syringe ampule, permitting forward movement of syringe unit within housing unit, allowing needle to pierce sheath and pass externally through aperture of housing unit without visibility into the skin.

Abstract: A single use disposable medical syringe is constructed and operated in a manner which prevents transmission of infection by the syringe after its use for inoculation. The syringe is marketed in a sterile package ready for use. The syringe needle is then covered by a shield. The syringe plunger assembly is then releasably locked to the barrel of the syringe. Following opening of the sterile package and removal of the needle shield, the plunger assembly is operated to fill the syringe barrel with medication and to inject the patient. Following injection, a piston head housing is unlocked from the syringe barrel and the plunger assembly is retracted toward the rear of the barrel and becomes automatically locked in this position with the piston head housing. The needle is disposed within the barrel rearwardly of a safety shield on the forward end of the barrel containing a safety membrane.

Abstract: A prefillable type of hypodermic syringe assembly is disclosed herein. This assembly utilizes an open-ended glass barrel in combination with a rubber sealing bung located across the front end of the barrel and a rubber plunger slidably disposed within the barrel behind the sealing bung so as to define an internal medication chamber. In this way, medication stored within the chamber comes in contact with glass and rubber only until the syringe assembly is used. At that time, a syringe needle is placed in fluid communication with a cooperating opening through the sealing bung which serves to pass medication from the internal chamber to the needle. Until the syringe assembly is used, the sealing bung is maintained in a collapsed condition to close its through opening, thereby ensuring that only rubber and glass come in contact with the stored medication.