Abstract: Syringes which are suitable for dispensing and injecting medical foams for sclerotherapy are described and claimed. The syringes of the invention comprise a syringe barrel having a nozzle and a bore to receive a syringe plunger; a syringe plunger defined by a front end and a rear end connected by a tubular walls and having an internal hollow duct between the front end and the rear end, and through which foam can flow; and an injectate chamber formed by insertion of the front end of the plunger into the barrel. The syringes comprise a flow-disruptor arranged to modify the flow of foam as it enters the injectate chamber. In certain embodiments the syringes comprise waste chambers which capture and retain poor quality foam. The syringes are particularly useful for dispensing foams made with little or no nitrogen content and are configured to reduce the risk of air contamination during dispensing the foam.

Abstract: This disclosure includes syringes, kits containing the same, and related methods. Some syringes are pre-loaded with paste and have a syringe body defining a reservoir having an internal first transverse dimension, a paste disposed within the reservoir, the paste having a solids concentration of greater than 50 mg/mL, a needle defining a lumen having an internal second transverse dimension that is smaller than the first transverse dimension, the needle configured to be in fluid communication with the reservoir to allow intracutaneous delivery of the paste, and a plunger and/or piston disposed within the reservoir and configured to be moved to dispense paste from the reservoir through the lumen. Some syringes include a fitting (e.g. Luer fitting) disposed on the syringe body and in fluid communication with the reservoir and a sealing cap disposed on the Luer fitting to seal the reservoir.

Abstract: A syringe assembly (2) comprises a syringe barrel (4) comprising an inner chamber (14) filled or adapted to be filled with medicament, and a channel (18) in fluid communication with the chamber and through which medicament is dispensed. The assembly further comprises an outer sheath (6) configured to be removably attached to the syringe barrel, and comprising a projection (40) which is received by the channel when the outer sheath is attached to the barrel, thereby creating a seal, which prevents medicament from flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A discharger comprising a housing, a piston arranged inside the housing and being movable between a first piston position and a second piston position, a hollow cylindrical container inside the housing, the container being movable between a first container position and a second container position, a first compartment defined within the housing, a second compartment defined within the container, an axially extending passage in the interior of the piston and in communication with the first compartment and a peripheral opening of the piston in the region of a proximal end of the piston, a sealing element configured to prevent communication between the second compartment and the peripheral opening of the piston when the container is in a first container position, and a releasable retaining device configured to retain the piston in a piston first position until the container has reached a second container position.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for dispensing a liquid from a sealed container directly into a closed chamber comprises a container containing a liquid component of bone cement and plugged with a plug, and a closed chamber comprising a receiving port for receiving the sealed container, wherein the receiving port is configured to receive the liquid component in direct response to manual insertion of the sealed container through the receiving port using an open loop system.

Abstract: Described is a catheter patency maintenance device comprising of a flush syringe, an elongate plunger rod with a stopper slidably positioned within the barrel, a cap, disinfectant and a valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve may include a valve stem and/or openings in the valve to permit fluid flow. Methods of using the flush syringe assemblies are also described.

Abstract: An implantable device controls the movement of fluid to an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device includes a body. The body has an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The body defines a fluid passage from the inlet to the outlet. The implantable device also includes a diaphragm. The diaphragm has one or more edges coupled to the body. The diaphragm is made of an elastomeric material and capable of being moved between a closed position that blocks the valve seat and does not allow the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet and an open position that does not block the valve seat and allows the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus for a balloon dilation catheter having a shaft with a dilation balloon attached to the distal end of the shaft and an inflation/deflation lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon includes a pressure relief port formed through the wall of the inflation/deflation lumen with a pressure relief member secured across the pressure relief port to form a fluid tight seal such that the fluid tight seal formed by the pressure relief member fails at a predetermined pressure to release pressure from the inflation/deflation lumen through the pressure relief port.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing with a passage through which a catheter is received. A valve body is mounted in the passage, and, as the catheter penetrates through the valve body, the valve body conforms to the outer wall of the catheter to maintain a fluid tight seal between the valve body and the catheter. When the valve body is unstressed before being mounted in the passage, the valve body has a first planar dimension and a second planar dimension that is less than the first planar dimension.

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 an impermeable or permeable collection vessel. The collection vessel is contained within a collection container, and can feature a tapered end. An air inlet may be provided in the flexible conduit and/or in a collection canister lid.

Abstract: Embodiments of luer-type needle-free valve devices are disclosed. One of the novel aspects of the invention is its ability to transform from an open state to a closed state. The open position eliminates the potential for a differential pressure to exist between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The closed position enables the device to maintain a differential pressure between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The invention is useful in manufacturing sterile medical devices by allowing all surfaces to communicate with the sterilizing agent when the valve is in an open configuration when it is in a closed position.

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 seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a seal body permitting the selective insertion and removal of instruments. The seal body includes a plurality of overlapping seal segments, each seal segment including a peripheral edge with a central seal member extending therefrom. The central seal member includes a free edge remote from the peripheral edge. A reinforcement pad is located on at least one of the seal segments between the peripheral edge and the free edge of the central seal member.

Abstract: An intravascular valve component broadly includes a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall and an annular flange surrounding the central valve wall. The annular flange includes a radially-extending flange wall and a projection extending axially from the flange wall, with the projection engaging one of the case portions to restrict radial movement of the flow control valve relative to the valve case.

Abstract: A fluid syringe of the type used with fluid infusion devices is presented here. The fluid syringe generally includes a barrel, a piston, and a check valve seal. The barrel has an interior wall and a sealed main fluid chamber. The piston is slidably coupled within the barrel, and the piston has a piston seal forming an interference fluid seal against the interior wall. The check valve seal is coupled to the piston, and it is located between the piston seal and the main fluid chamber. The check valve seal forms an interference fluid seal against the interior wall when the piston is unloaded, and it disengages the interior wall to allow gas flow from the main fluid chamber toward the piston seal when the piston is loaded.

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: Apparatus and methods for providing controlled pressure-flow pulses which purge a catheter system with turbulent flow flushing. Accomplishment of such controlled pressure-flow pulses is provided by a variety of inventive devices including a special plunger rod for a conventional syringe, other interactive parts for conventional syringes, an in-line catheter attachable device which automatically generates the controlled pressure-flow pulses and also single pulse, digitally operated devices.

Abstract: A lesion or fistula isolating bag, the bag defining a first chamber having a closeable entrance and a second chamber for application to a lesion or fistula and wherein access to the second chamber is made through the first chamber via a valve, the valve being arranged to inhibit passage of fluid from the second chamber to the first, and to allow said access from the first chamber to the second, the bag further comprising a closure for said closeable entrance.

Abstract: A syringe assembly 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 one way valve is supported within the fluid outlet of the luer cap to prevent flow from the fluid outlet back into the fluid reservoir of the syringe body.

Abstract: An implantable pressure-activated microvalve is disclosed. The valve includes a chamber that can be coupled to an external reservoir. A deflectable diaphragm is fluidically coupled to the chamber and arranged such that pressure of an in vivo fluid will bear against the deflectable diaphragm. When the pressure exceeds a selected threshold, the diaphragm deflects and allows material within the chamber to mix with the in vivo fluid.

Abstract: A discoid and elastic valve is designed to block up the neck of the syringe from inside, in order to close the communication between the syringe's internal main body, where the liquid is, and the needle which is connected in the syringe neck through its plugging cone.

Abstract: An injection device has a housing (42) for receiving a container (50) having a liquid (49; 226′). In said container (50), a piston (90) is displaceably arranged so that by means of pressure upon the distal end of said piston (90), liquid can be expelled from the container (50). Arranged displaceably in the housing (42) is a tappet (92), which is configured for contact against the distal end of the piston (90) and which enables transfer of a force to the piston (90) in the proximal direction. Associated with the tappet (92) and displaceable relative thereto is a member (91) which at its proximal end region can be joined to the piston (90) in such a way that it enables the transfer of a force in the proximal direction and the transfer of a force in the distal direction to the piston (90).

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (10) and method for maintaining manuary access to a sufflated body cavity of a patient through a fenestration formed in the patient's body tissue during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The apparatus (10) generally comprises a seal section (100) and a sheath section (200) coupled thereto. The seal section (100) includes an endless loop portion (110) that defines an opening (120). The sheath section (200) includes a mouth portion (210), a glove portion (230), and a pliable intermediate portion (220) extending therebetween. The intermediate portion (220) maintains in reconfigurable manner a substantially gas impermeable barrier between the mouth and glove portions (210, 230) when the glove portion (230) is passed through the opening (120) into the body cavity responsive to manuary actuation.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser used to administer fixed or adjustable doses of fluids in oral, intranasal, or injectable applications. The dispenser may be used to draw off fluid from a flexible or rigid bulk container or to draw fluid from a mounted flexible or rigid container such as a sealed-end bag or bottle, or a threaded bag or bottle. The dispenser may include an automatic venting feature to assist with the smooth, easy flow of fluid during an application and to prevent contaminants from being suctioned back into the container. The fluid dispenser generally comprises: a connection member communicatively connected to a fluid source container; a body member having a dose cylinder communicatively connected to the connection member; a piston member operationally related to the dose cylinder and spring biased in an extended position; and a trigger member attached to the piston member and communicatively connected to the dose cylinder through the piston member.

Abstract: A needle of an insulin syringe with an exchangeable injection needle and with an insulin ampulla exchangeably connected to the needle is provided and has two coaxial needle portions which are arranged distant from each other. The two needle portions are separated from each other by passage stopping means. The outer needle portion, namely the injection needle, is fastened within a needle supporting body within the needle casing, and the inner needle portion, namely the connecting needle to the insulin ampulla, is arranged within a guide body which is located within the needle casing. The passage stopping means preferably is a flexible membrane or diaphragm with a self-sealing passageway, which acts in such a manner that under pressure a predetermined adjustable amount of insulin fluid is able to pass from one needle portion into the other, and that without pressure action the flexible passage of the membrane locks the flow to the outer needle portion.

Abstract: A syringe nasal sprayer includes an elongate barrel having an open proximal end, a chamber for retaining fluid and a tip portion extending from a distal end of the barrel having a passageway therethrough communicating with the chamber. A stopper is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement inside the barrel. An elongate plunger rod projects proximally from the stopper and extends outwardly from the open proximal end of the barrel. A spray nozzle extends outwardly from the tip portion and includes a conduit therethrough in fluid communication with the passageway. A distal end of the nozzle includes a spray aperture in fluid communication with the conduit. The nozzle also includes an internal valve for allowing liquid under pressure in the chamber to flow distally through the conduit and through the aperture while preventing unpressurized liquid in the chamber from flowing through the aperture.

Abstract: An implantable drug infusion pump filling system includes a filling syringe, a pressure control valve, a filling tube, and an implantable drug infusion pump. The pressure of the drug or agent loaded into the pump is prevented from exceeding a selected maximum pressure by the pressure control valve. The pressure control valve comprises a valve body that has an inlet passage coupled to the filling syringe, an internal chamber, and a discharge passage coupled to the pump. The inlet passage, the internal chamber, and the discharge passage form a flow passage for the flow of the drug. A mandrel is slidably disposed in the valve body. The mandrel is coupled to a flexible membrane, which is, in turn, coupled to a biasing member. When the pressure of the drug or agent acting on the flexible membrane exceeds the spring constant of the biasing member, the mandrel moves to a closed position, shutting off the flow passage.

Abstract: A removable manifold assembly for attachment to the outlet end of a multi-cartridge injection device. The manifold assembly comprises two rigid plastic housings which encapsulate a rubber septum. Check valves are formed by compressing the front surface of the septum against a seal face of the rear housing to form a fluid tight interface therebetween. A first fluid path is formed from each cartridge in the injector through the manifold assembly to a patient delivery needle. A second fluid path is formed in the manifold assembly from the first fluid path to a back surface of the septum in order to enable a residual fluid force to be exerted against the back surface of the septum, thereby forcing the respective check valve in its closed position. The manifold assembly includes a unique geometry that permits the manifold to be snapped into engagement with the housing only when properly oriented with the housing.

Abstract: A hand held syringe has a stationary handle and a moving handle to enable both stored and transported pharmaceuticals to be mixed and injecting the mixed pharmaceuticals under high pressure immediately after mixing through a long needle to a site interior of the body. The syringe is provided for squeeze grip at the stationary and moving handles between fingers and palm and includes a jell storage chamber side-by-side with a diluent storage chamber. Upon initial compression of the handles towards one another against a spring bias, the diluent discharges to the jell mix chamber along a one way path. At the same time, a handle actuated piston with loosely fitting O-ring in the jell mix chamber moves through the jell and introduced diluent effecting mixing movement by allowing the jell and diluent to flow between the piston and jell chamber sidewalls. Flow occurs from the jell chamber by the piston to an expansible chamber delimited by a floating seal.

Abstract: A trocar (2) includes a hollow body (4) defining a path between its proximal and distal ends with an obturator assembly (6) positioned along the path. The tip (34, 36) of the obturator assembly has a cutting element (38). A novel gas sealing assembly (114) seals the path along the trocar body and includes at least three interleavened elastomeric sealing elements (124) which seal the path when an object, such as an obturator barrel (14), is not positioned along the path. The gas sealing assembly also includes a flexible, elastic, conical element (136) with a hole (158) at its tip and raised ridges or rings (164) along its inner surface (154) for sealing the path when an object is positioned along the path.

Abstract: A dispenser (2) includes a body (4), a needle (110) and one or more hollow cylinders (28) and pistons (144). The needle is movable between predelivery position and a delivery position, at which the inner needle end (112) opens a ball check valve (142) to permit free fluid flow from the cylinder, along a flow path (46) and through the needle. A threaded dose adjuster (164, 166) is mounted within the body and engages a threaded stem (150). The stem is prevented from rotating so that a rotation of the dose adjuster in one direction causes the dose adjuster to move axially away from the piston to compress a drive spring (176) and preload the stem. Moving the needle assembly to the delivery position causes the dose of pressurized pharmaceutical to be automatically driven from the cylinder and through the needle. The cylinder can be refilled by the user through the needle by opening (88, 92, 94) a supplemental pathway (54, 52) and rotating the dose adjuster in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An evacuator particularly suited for irrigation and removal of tissue from a body cavity such as the bladder. The evacuator includes a positive displacement syringe with a hollow plunger for pumping a sterile solution into the bladder for irrigation and for withdrawing the solution and entrained tissue from the bladder and urethra. Internal valving controls the order of flow within the evacuator so that, as the solution circulates through the evacuator, tissue is filtered from the solution and captured in a collection container.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve device for an angiographic catheter includes a housing having a first end adapted to form a luer lock connection with the proximal end of the angiographic catheter. A central bore extends between the first end of the housing and an opposing second end, and a deformable elastomeric slit seal is supported across the central bore to selectively seal the proximal end of the catheter. The slit seal is adapted to permit a guidewire to be passed therethrough and advanced into the catheter while sealingly engaging the walls of the guidewire to prevent blood loss through the catheter. The second end of the housing is provided with a female luer lock connection fitting for receiving the conical tip of a syringe, stopcock, or the like, and forming a pressure-tight connection therebetween.

Abstract: A device for the transnasal or oral administration of drugs or similar media, comprising a finger-like applicator (3) which has a spray nozzle (6) disposed at its free end and includes a cylinder unit (1) for accommodating the medium to be administered. The medium is applied by moving a piston (7) into the cylinder unit (1). A membrane-like seal (4) is located between the cylinder unit and spray nozzle and is slotted to open and form a fluid passage under pressure. The cylinder unit may be built into the applicator or may include a separate cartridge releasably mounted in the applicator. The piston may be activated in steps or in a continuous motion. A second applicator may be attached to the side of the first applicator with the spray nozzles located generally in accordance with spacing of human nose nostrils.

Abstract: A multiple pharmaceutical syringe (160), especially useful for use in dispensing insulin, includes a body (162) housing first and second pharmaceutical-filled cartridges (182, 184). The cartridges are of the type with a septum (190) at one end and a piston (224, 225) at the other end with the liquid pharmaceutical (226, 228) between the two. The body also defines an accumulator chamber (202) within which an accumulator piston (238) is slidably mounted. When the cartridges are mounted within the body, the septums are pierced by hollow spikes (188) which are connected to a flow path opening into the accumulator chamber. Check valves (230) are used at the distal ends of the spikes to prevent liquid flow back into the cartridges. Pressing on the cartridge pistons forces the liquids into the accumulator chamber. Once the desired amounts of both liquids are in the accumulator chamber, the needle assembly is mounted to the replaceable fluid path assembly which fluidly couples the needle to the accumulator chamber.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe and needle includes a sealing mechanism to prevent reuse of the syringe by preventing the re-establishment of the flow of fluid after the passage of a predetermined quantity of fluid through the sealing mechanism. A fluid turbine is rotated by the fluid flow, and the turbine is carried by an actuator that moves along a threaded rod, the actuator carrying one part of a seal. After predetermined movement, the one part of a seal engages the other part of a seal and blocks fluid flow. While fluid is flowing, the seal parts are held apart for continued flow; but, on cessation of fluid flow, the seal parts engage and prevent subsequent fluid flow.

Abstract: A device for separating and isolating heavier components from lighter components of blood mixtures after centrifugal separation, comprising a barrel for holding the blood mixture having slidably positioned therein an inner container for containing the lighter components, a one-way valve responsive to movement of the container within the barrel (a) for controlling the flow of the lighter components into the container, (b) for preventing the lighter components from re-entering the barrel from the container, and (c) for creating a vacuum to assist in drawing the blood mixture to be separated into the barrel, and a filter for filtering the lighter components during their entry into the inner container. The inner container includes an opening for access to the separated and isolated lighter components.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting flowable material in which a container holds flowable material. Disposed within the container is a plunger which is formed with metering apertures extending therethrough. The metering apertures store predetermined quantities of material to be mixed with the material in the container. A flexible member is disposed adjacent the plunger between the discharge opening of the container and the plunger. When the plunger travels away from the discharge opening, the flexible member unseals the metering apertures for mixing the material in the plunger with the material in the container. When the plunger travels toward the discharge opening, the flexible member seals the metering apertures in the plunger to discharge the mixed material in the container through the discharge opening.

Abstract: The automatic check valve is proposed to be used with male luer fittings which are the standard on many medical applications. The valve body is a piece of resilient tubing into which a stopper having an oval sealing ring is placed. Inserting the round male luer fitting causes the tube to be made round releasing the seal of the stopper at two points on the minor axis of the oval shape.

Abstract: A unitary closure and delivery means for dispensing solutions for parenteral administration from containers having an open end with a constricted neck, comprising an outwardly directed portion extending from the constricted neck and an inwardly directed portion held in inwardly displaceable, sealable relation within said constricted neck. The outwardly directed portion is channeled with an axially directed bore. The inwardly directed portion has at least one axial bisecting division which extends to and communicates with the bore. The opposing surfaces of the division are normally separated, but when mated by compressive engagement of the divided parts while held within the neck form a liquid impermeable seal. When the unit is urged inwardly from the neck into the body of the container, the surfaces of the bisecting division separate to form a patent path of communication with the interior of the container and its contents.

Abstract: A syringe assembly comprising a casing for a medicament or the like having a discharge opening at one end, a diaphragm assembly mounted at said end normally sealing said contents, plunger means movable in said casing and operable upon displacement in one direction to effect increase in pressure in said casing to rupture or displace said diaphragm to permit discharge of the contents of said casing.