Abstract: A device and a method for preparing adipose tissue for transplantation from lobular fat extracted, for instance by liposuction, the fat including a fluid component that have an oily component, a blood component and/or sterile solutions, and a solid component including cell fragments, cells and one or more cell macroagglomerates of heterogeneous size, wherein the device includes at least one washing and separating container having a washing chamber, the container has an inlet and an outlet for the liposuctioned material to enter the washing chamber through the inlet and for at least part of the material to exit the washing chamber through the outlet, the washing chamber including stirring means for forming an emulsion of fluid components.

Abstract: A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.

Abstract: A syringe includes a hollow barrel and a liquid pushing assembly. The barrel has an injection end. The liquid pushing assembly includes a plunger and an elastic jacket. The plunger includes a stopper on a front end thereof. The stopper includes an abutment face. The plunger is received in the barrel. The abutment face of the stopper faces the injection end of the barrel. The elastic jacket includes a through-hole extending along an axis. The elastic jacket is mounted around the plunger. The abutment face of the stopper is exposed outside of the through-hole of the elastic jacket.

Abstract: A vascular access device may include a gas chamber housed between a body and a septum, and a receptacle in communication with the gas chamber. A method of displacing gas in a medical device may include transferring gas between a gas chamber of a vascular access device and a receptacle housed within the vascular access device.

Abstract: An automatic injection syringe assembly having an integrated and tillable medicine container that includes a medicine container within a housing and a conduit assembly. The medicine container includes a piston having an aperture at a distal end thereof for the passage of fluid therethrough. The conduit assembly includes a conduit member that is releasably connected to the housing and has an open proximal end and an open distal end. The open distal end of the conduit member is releasably engaged with the piston and in fluid communication with the piston aperture. The open proximal end and the open distal end of the conduit member are in fluid communication via a conduit within the conduit member.

Abstract: A pierced septum valve is disclosed herein. The pierced septum valve includes a septum that is located within a lumen of a body. A septum activator is positioned proximal the septum within the lumen of the body. A seal is disposed between an outer surface of the septum activator and the body to seal the portion of the septum activator distal the lumen from the portion of the septum activator proximal the lumen. One or more vents are disposed between the seal and the lumen of the body to permits the passage of air but not blood past the seal.

Abstract: A septum activator is disclosed herein. The septum activator has an outer tubular body and an inner tubular body. The outer tubular body and the inner tubular body each have a plurality of openings therein. The inner tubular body has a first position relative to the outer tubular body and a second position relative to outer tubular body. In the first position, the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body do not overlap with the plurality of openings in the outer tubular body. In the second position, the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body overlap with the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A method for assembling a drug delivery device comprising a body (2) retaining a piston rod (3) and a cartridge (5) retaining a bung (6) and holding a drug, said body (2) having a distal end (11) and a proximal end (12), comprises the following steps: A) Providing the cartridge (5) and the body (2) retaining the piston rod (3), wherein the piston rod (3) is plastically deformable, at least a part of said plastically deformable piston rod being manufactured from a plastically deformable material, B) Applying a force on the piston rod (3), at least a part of the piston rod (3) being in a state that allows plastic deformation, so that the piston rod (3) is plastically deformed and an element of the piston rod (3) abuts the bung (6), C) Applying conditions in order to bring the plastically deformed piston rod (3) of step B) into an altered state wherein no further plastic deformation takes place, D) Securing the cartridge (5) to the body (2).

Abstract: A drug delivery system comprises a drug delivery device which comprises a housing and a cartridge. The drug delivery device has a proximal end and a distal end. The drug delivery system further comprises a needle assembly which is attachable to the drug delivery device. The needle assembly and the drug delivery device are configured such that the cartridge is moved in the proximal direction with respect to the housing when the needle assembly is attached to the drug delivery device.

Abstract: The application relates to a device for an intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance, such as insulin, including a base part to which an injection part and a delivery part are fastened. The delivery part includes a reservoir and a pump, and the injection part includes base plate, a cannula part with a body with a through-going opening, and at least one cannula having a proximal end protruding from the lower side of the body and an adhesive portion for fastening the base plate to the skin of the user. The delivery part and the injection part are assembled through a connector having a fluid path leading fluid from the reservoir to the through-going opening in the cannula part.

Abstract: A syringe stopper for use in a syringe having a substantially cylindrical syringe barrel and a piston-like plunger rod for sliding inside the syringe barrel in a fluid-tight engagement. A malleable stopper is located on a distal end of the plunger rod and protrudes outwardly therefrom. The malleable stopper changes shape in response to a pressure applied thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve assembly comprising a male luer end portion and a female luer end portion and a passage for the transfer of fluids extending between the male and female luer end portions, valve means movable between a first position, in which the passage is closed, and a second position, in which the passage is open, biasing means for biasing the valve means toward the first position, and actuating means extending into the male luer end portion and coupled to the valve means to actuate the valve means when a female luer end portion of a medical accessory is engaged with the male luer end portion.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: An injection device is provided. The device includes a housing having a first end defining a first opening. A plunger is received within the first opening of the housing to move between first and second positions. A cartridge is disposed in the housing and has an interior serving as a reservoir for a drug. A delivery needle is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the reservoir via an interruptible fluid channel. A locking mechanism is disposed in the housing. In the first position of the plunger the delivery needle is enclosed by the plunger and in the second position of the plunger the delivery needle is placed in an injection position and the plunger activates the locking mechanism whereby when the plunger returns to the first position the .locking mechanism prevents the needle from being placed in the injection position.

Abstract: A syringe device includes a syringe barrel and piston having a fluid passageway extending from a vial port. Another syringe device includes a syringe barrel, a piston sleeve and an insert. A channel extends along a side of the insert. A valve controls fluid communication between the channel and the syringe barrel. Another syringe device has a syringe barrel, a piston sleeve and an insert. A valve controls fluid communication between a compartment within the insert and the syringe barrel. A method of preparing a medication includes providing a component within a syringe barrel and another component within a compartment of a piston insert. A seal is over-molded onto a tip of the insert and an end of a piston sleeve. The sleeve is rotated relative to the insert to establish fluid communication between the compartment and the barrel chamber.

Abstract: A set of instruments configured to deliver a therapy to a bone can include a cannulated syringe. The cannulated syringe can extend along a longitudinal axis between a proximal and a distal end. The cannulated syringe can have an inner tube and an outer tube that are interconnected at the distal end as a single fixed unit. A first cannulation can be formed along the longitudinal axis of the cannulated syringe within the inner tube and a second cannulation can be formed within an annular space between the inner and outer tubes. The outer tube can define an opening through a sidewall thereof. The cannulated syringe can be closed from fluid communication between the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment or a cartridge comprising a sealing element having an opening for a medium located in the syringe or cartridge or to be introduced into the syringe or cartridge. The attachment is characterized by an actuating device which, in a first functional position, exerts a force on the wall of the opening in such a way that the opening is closed, and leaves the opening open in a second functional position.

Abstract: An interface device is described which includes a body defining one or more cylindrical bores which are dimensioned to receive a standard luer lock syringe. Each bore includes a plunger movably positioned therein from a retracted position to an advanced position. The plunger and the distal end of the bore defines a first fluid reservoir and the standard syringe assembly defines a second fluid reservoir. The interface device and the syringe assembly are operable to sequentially deliver multiple fluids from the interface device to a catheter assembly.

Abstract: A syringe adapter with a ball-typed valve has a base, a dosing tube mounted around the base and a resilient valve mounted in the base and the dosing tube. The base has a guiding groove and an inner liquid channel communicating with each other, as well as an exhaust channel. Liquid medicine injected into the syringe adapter flows through the guiding groove and causes the inner liquid channel to be injected into a patient's body. The liquid medicine remaining in the split is cleaned when cleaning fluid is injected to clean the syringe adapter. Air in the syringe adapter flows out through the exhaust channel and is not injected into the patient's body, so the patient is free from pain. Furthermore, elements and assembling processes of the syringe adapter are simplified and manufacturing cost of the syringe adapter is lowered.

Abstract: A drug solution infusion catheter includes a distal end wall made of an elastic material. The distal end wall closes a distal end surface of the catheter. A center portion of the distal end wall is thinner than a peripheral edge portion of the distal end wall. The center portion of the distal end wall defines a hole or an incision. The hole or the incision closes normally. When a guide wire is pressed against the hole or the incision from an inner side of the catheter or an outer side of the catheter, the hole or the incision elastically opens to allow the guide wire to pass therethrough. An outside of the peripheral edge portion of the distal end wall makes up the distal end surface of the catheter.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a collection vessel by a flexible conduit. The collection vessel can comprise one or more syringe bodies. The syringe bodies are provided with tissue removed from a body using the cannula by a tissue transfer channel. As a result, multiple syringe bodies can be loaded with tissue, without requiring manual handling of that tissue. Alternatively or in addition, a collection bag can be provided for receiving tissue removed from a body using a cannula. The tissue collection bag can include a filter. A collection vessel comprising a collection bag can be used in combination with a collection vessel comprising one or more syringe bodies.

Abstract: A syringe and a method of using the syringe are disclosed. The syringe includes a longitudinal body having proximal and distal ends and including an aperture between the proximal and distal ends. An injectable material, such as an adhesive bone cement, may be loaded into the body of the syringe through the aperture. After the injectable material is inserted, the aperture may be closed by covering the aperture with an aperture cover. The aperture cover may be configured to slide into a position covering the aperture, or the aperture cover may be placed in a position covering the aperture, such as by pivoting about a hinge. After the aperture is closed, the injectable material may be dispensed from the distal end of the syringe body by depressing a plunger. Depressing the plunger may initiate the closing of the aperture, or the aperture may be closed independently of plunger movement.

Abstract: A device for applying a lock solution in a catheter or other access system comprises a syringe (302) having an expulsion arrangement (305, 311) for expelling the lock solution from the device, said expulsion arrangement including a plunger (305) arranged in a housing (304), further comprising a sterile connector (303) for connecting the syringe (302) to the catheter. The connector (303) is arranged to engage a tip (307) of the expulsion arrangement (305, 311) tightly when the syringe (302) is inserted in the connector (303). The connector (303) is arranged to prevent the tip (307) of the expulsion arrangement (305, 311) from entering the catheter. The tip (307) is frangible. A method of applying a lock solution in a catheter or other access system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a syringe for storage, mixing and dispensing of multi-component paste materials, and more precisely to a syringe for two or more components of a paste material which are to be mixed together. The syringe may be activated so that the chambers containing the components are opened, and the components may be mixed together and extruded through a mixing tip.

Abstract: Injection shut off valve devices and methods are provided for limiting flow and pressure from a pharmaceutical composition on injection. In some embodiments, the injection shut off valve is coupled to a syringe and can be used to monitor and avoid maximum pressures that can cause damage on injection.

Abstract: The production of a protein free synthetic polyisoprene which has both low levels of chemical impurities and good physical properties has yet to be realized. It has now been envisioned that the use of neodymium catalyzed polyisoprene will offer the combined advantages of both a clean, as well as, high cis-1,4 polymer. Synthesis of polyisoprene rubber using a neodymium based catalyst system is described.

Abstract: A valved medicament delivery device including a housing having a chamber including coaxially aligned inlet and outlet, a medicament cartridge located within the chamber having a passage therethrough and membranes sealing the passage having a burst pressure of less than 10 atmospheres, a manually actuatable fluid delivery device having an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a manually actuated valve located between the outlet of the fluid delivery device and the chamber inlet for delivery of fluid under pressure to the valve. The medicament delivery device of this invention may be utilized to deliver a controlled unit dose of a medicament on demand by first pressurizing a pressure chamber in the pressure delivery device upstream of the valve, then opening the valve to open the membranes and express the medicament through the chamber outlet.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: Syringe (1) including a cylinder (2) and a piston (4), in which the outlet end (6) of the cylinder (2) is integrated with a valve male luer lock connector (7).

Abstract: In order to improve a surgical sealing element, in particular, for a trocar and/or for sealing shafts of elongated surgical instruments during insertion into a human or animal body, wherein the sealing element defines a longitudinal axis, is provided with an opening, which is variable in diameter and is oriented transversely or essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis and through which an instrument can be inserted, and comprises a flexible wall which is closed annularly, wherein the wall has a first and a second edge each closed upon itself and wherein the first edge limits the opening, such that all instruments currently available can be reliably sealed irrespective of the diameter of their instrument shaft it is suggested that the wall be foldable in a wave-like manner and in a sealing position be folded in a wave-like manner without kinks with fold lines extending in the direction towards the first edge in such a manner that the first edge defines a wave line which is located entirely on a cylind

Abstract: A medical valve includes a housing having an interior forming an inlet and an outlet. A longitudinally movable member is secured within the interior of the housing. External to the movable member and within the interior is a fluid path. Movement of the movable member controls fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet via the fluid path. The outlet produces no greater than a negligible drawback or positive push during withdrawal of a nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the transplantation of tissue from a donor site in a body to a recipient site. The device includes an outer chamber having an interior volume in which a perforated inner chamber can be placed. During the aspiration of tissue, a vacuum is formed in the interior volume of the outer chamber, to draw tissue from a cannula into the perforated inner chamber. The perforations are sized such that fat is collected within the inner chamber, while fluids and other materials are drawn through the perforations, away from the collected fat. For reinjection, the inner chamber can be removed from the outer chamber, and a sleeve positioned to cover the perforations and thereby form a syringe body that can be interconnected to a needle and plunger for reinjection of the collected fat.

Abstract: A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a washing reservoir by a flexible conduit. The washing reservoir has an outlet that is connected to the inlet of a tissue collection reservoir. Washed tissue can be removed from the washing reservoir by tipping or otherwise causing the outlet of the washing reservoir to be covered by washed tissue. Tissue collected in the tissue collection reservoir can be readied for injection into a body by removing an inner or filter chamber from an outer chamber and blocking holes in the body of the inner chamber to use the inner chamber as part of a syringe.

Abstract: A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a collection vessel by a flexible conduit. The collection vessel can comprise one or more syringe bodies. The syringe bodies are provided with tissue removed from a body using the cannula by a tissue transfer channel. As a result, multiple syringe bodies can be loaded with tissue, without requiring manual handling of that tissue. Alternatively or in addition, a collection bag can be provided for receiving tissue removed from a body using a cannula. The tissue collection bag can include a filter. A collection vessel comprising a collection bag can be used in combination with a collection vessel comprising one or more syringe bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used in a urological procedure. The apparatus includes a sheath capable of insertion into a passageway within a patient. A filter is provided that includes a mesh that retains any particulate matter that is entrained with the liquid and allows the liquid to pass therethrough. The filter may be removeably attached to receive flow from an outlet of the sheath.

Abstract: A syringe and a method of using the syringe are disclosed. The syringe includes a longitudinal body having proximal and distal ends and including an aperture between the proximal and distal ends. An injectable material, such as an adhesive bone cement, may be loaded into the body of the syringe through the aperture. After the injectable material is inserted, the aperture may be closed by covering the aperture with an aperture cover. The aperture cover may be configured to slide into a position covering the aperture, or the aperture cover may be placed in a position covering the aperture, such as by pivoting about a hinge. After the aperture is closed, the injectable material may be dispensed from the distal end of the syringe body by depressing a plunger. Depressing the plunger may initiate the closing of the aperture, or the aperture may be closed independently of plunger movement.

Abstract: A medical valve has an interior flow path having a volume that is substantially the same when in either the closed mode (when the valve is closed) or the open mode (when the valve is open). To those ends, the medical valve has a housing forming an interior, and a valve mechanism (within the interior) having a substantially rigid translating member with a bore. The interior of the housing has a flow path that includes at least a portion of the bore of the translating member. As noted above, the open mode volume is substantially equal to the closed mode volume.

Abstract: A medicament container, medicament dispensing kit and packaging process that minimizes exposure of the medication to oxygen to prevent degradation of the medication are disclosed.

Abstract: A three-way stopcock that can be opened/closed in the same manner as conventional operation methods and can reduce stagnated portions of fluid in a fluid flow passage. Out of branch openings, a first branch opening and a second branch opening are arranged on a straight line, and a third branch opening is directed perpendicularly to the line connecting the first and second branch openings. Provided at a flow passage switch portion are a first flow-passage opening and a second flow-passage opening that are arranged on a straight line and a third flow-passage opening that is directed perpendicularly to the line connecting the first and second bran openings.

Abstract: A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween.

Abstract: This device comprises: a body housing a hollow injection needle and a container containing the injectable product; the needle is connected to the body but able to move relative to the latter between an injection position and a retracted position; a plunger that slides in the body and is displaceable relative to the latter to perform the injection; the container is able to move relative to the plunger between a position that enables the injection to be performed and a retracted position; an arrangement for keeping the needle and the plunger in injection position, which arrangement can be released to free the needle and the plunger to move to the retracted position.

Abstract: A piston configured to be received within a syringe is disclosed. The piston includes a valve body defining a proximal end and a distal end, a filter disposed within the proximal end of the valve body, and a valve disk disposed within the distal end of the valve body. As the piston is advanced through the syringe, the valve disk is configured to provide fluid flow through the valve body.

Abstract: A check valve for a fluid administration system. A connector includes a housing, and first and second conduits defined by the housing, wherein the first conduit is in fluid communication with the second conduit. A check valve is disposed within the housing and includes a first body portion defining a first passageway for fluid flow, and a second body portion defining a second passageway for fluid flow. The first and second passageways are in fluid communication with one another and the second body portion is movable relative to the first body portion between first and a second positions. When the second body portion is in the first position, fluid flow may occur in a first direction, but not in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. When the second body portion is in the second position, fluid flow may occur in the second direction.

Abstract: A tool for transferring controlled amounts of fluid into and from a fluid flow circuit is disclosed herein. The tool includes a substantially closed tube having a first end, a second end, and a chamber therein; an elongate plunger having a fore end extending inside the chamber and toward the second end of the tube, an aft end extending outside the chamber and from the first end of the tube, a piston-like structure on the fore end, and a manipulable structure on the aft end; a fluid inlet duct mounted on the tube; a first coupler mounted on the fluid inlet duct for connecting the duct with the fluid flow circuit; a fluid outlet duct mounted on the second end of the tube; a second coupler mounted on the fluid outlet duct for connecting the duct with the fluid flow circuit; and a fluid transfer duct mounted on the tube.

Abstract: An improved consumable for use in a fluid/gas exchange in vitreoretinal surgery. The consumable includes a syringe having a barrel with a first opening for receiving a retinal tamponading gas, a stopper slidably disposed within and fluidly sealed to the barrel, a plug assembly, and a plunger. The stopper has a relief valve for venting air and retinal tamponading gas to atmosphere via a hollow bore in the plunger.

Abstract: Two-way, three-position and one-way, two-position slit valves in cardiovascular access catheters with closed distal ends have slit geometries configured to overcome adhesion between opposed abutting slit faces, when pressure differentials are applied between the interior and the exterior of the catheter. Portions of the slit are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter causing shear forces to be generated in abutting slit faces. Shear forces arise from tangential, radial, or longitudinal stresses generated in the catheter body. Slit geometries are planar or curved or include multiple end-to-end connected slit subsections. If a slit partially circumscribes a portion of the adjacent outer wall of the catheter body, restraint to outward and inward movement on that portion is reduced. Slit valves are configured to open inwardly to aspirate fluids, to open outwardly to infuse fluids, or both.

Abstract: An injector with a substance container defining a substance chamber configured for containing a substance to be injected, and an injection conduit configured for injecting the substance into a patient. A driver is associated with the substance chamber for driving the substance through the injection conduit. The injector also has a channel member defining a channel that has an open configuration in which the channel fluidly communicates the substance container to the injection conduit for the injection of the substance. The channel also has a closed configuration for blocking flow of any substance in the substance container therethrough to the injection conduit for inhibiting or preventing contact with the injection conduit prior to injection.