Abstract: A cannula has a shank and a tip which is elliptical in cross-section having radially extending crescent-shaped fins for engaging the tissue lining the tunnel of an incision. The cannula is thus retained in position and is not forced out with fluid pressure or by traction on attached tubing with eye movements or inadvertently hooking instruments. The cannula is rotated to disengage the fins from the incision by stretching the incision with the major axis of the elliptical tip. The cannula of the present invention is suitable for penetration of organs or vessels under fluid pressure for surgical procedures, in particular for ophthalmic surgical procedures.

Abstract: A portable automatic syringe device having a configuration including a separable rotating shaft adapted to provide a drive force to a piston included in the automatic syringe device so that the rotating shaft can be separated, along with the piston, from a housing of the syringe device upon re-filling a syringe of the syringe device with a liquid medicine. A coupling member is coupled between the rotating shaft and power transmission means. The coupling member has a reduction gear engaging with an output gear of the power transmission means, and a cross groove. A horizontal engaging pin is fixed to a lower end of the rotating shaft in such a fashion that it is engaged in the cross groove when the rotating shaft is positioned in position in the syringe device, thereby causing the rotating shaft to be coupled to the coupling member.

Abstract: An insulin injection system comprises a pen shaped syringe with a cartridge containing insulin, and an injection needle. The needle is a G30 needle and the insulin is a type which may freely flow through a G 30 needle. When the insulin is the type comprising suspended crystals the maximal dimension of any crystal is 15 .mu.m.

Abstract: A medication transfer connector and connection is described which allows dead-space reduction in the fluid path between a first and a second fluid transfer device. The reduction in dead-space does not depend on manufacturing dimensional tolerances of the transfer device's or connector's mating components. Thus, waste of medication due to dead-space is reduced without depending on control of manufacturing tolerances of the mating components' dimensions. Selection and interchange of the first and second fluid transfer devices are allowed.

Abstract: A multi-diameter hypodermic needle, including a thin walled tubing with at least two sections having different internal diameters, is used to inject a X-ray contrast fluid in a rapid manner such that a subsequent image of the injected area evinces enhanced contrast characteristics.

Abstract: A hollow jointless needle formed from a single piece of conductive metal for injecting thermoplastic material into a dental cavity includes a flange for securing the needle to an injection device. The flange extends transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle. A first needle portion having a first diameter extends from the flange along the longitudinal axis. A second needle portion extending along the longitudinal axis is connected to the first needle portion by a first transition region. The second needle portion has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter of the first needle portion.

Abstract: An aspiration needle for use in collecting larger cell samples with a source of vacuum for fine needle aspiration cytology without increasing the size of the needle having a rigid elongate tubular member having distal and proximal extremities. The tubular member has a bore extending therethrough from the distal extremity to the proximal extremity and has an opening at the distal extremity in communication with the bore. A body is secured to the proximal extremity of the tubular member and forms a chamber therein in communication with and in close proximity to the opening into the bore of the tubular member. The chamber is formed by a sloping uninterrupted wall leading distally to the opening to the bore of the tubular member. The body includes a hub proximal of the chamber for receiving the source of vacuum and for establishing communication between the source of vacuum and the chamber.

Abstract: An injection device which includes a container constructed and arranged to contain a medicament, a medicament disposed within the container, a seal constructed and arranged to seal the medicament in the container, and a hypodermic needle. The hypodermic needle has a tubular, elongated, generally cylindrical wall defining an internal longitudinal bore extending longitudinally through the cylindrical wall along a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical wall forms a forward end defining a forward opening of the bore and a rearward end defining a rearward opening of the bore, the cylindrical wall having a laterally facing opening spaced closer to the rearward opening of the longitudinal bore than the forward opening of the longitudinal bore. The longitudinal bore is restricted at a position between the rearward opening and the laterally facing opening.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device has a resilient reservoir connected to a rigid hollow punch made of synthetic resin. The punch is precisely sized to enable manual penetration of rubber stoppers found on standard evacuated tubes which are commonly used for blood sampling. The diameter of the punch also allows for transfer of the fluid from the sample tube to the device in a reasonable amount of time. A method of transferring blood or blood products from the sample tube to testing apparatus involves using the device to penetrate a rubber cap on an evacuated tube and then transfer the blood to the device. The blood can then be transferred to a testing apparatus without exposure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Hypodermic needle 2 is to be introduced between the skin and the tissue adjacent to the skin. To separate the skin from the tissue, cartilage or bone below the skin and to prevent the tip 6 of the needle 2 from piercing the tissue below the skin this invention discloses providing the extremity 6 of the needle with a protrusion 4. To prevent damage to the living being in which the needle 2 is introduced the transition of the protrusion 4 to the needle is smooth in all directions. The protrusion 4 is provided on that side of the needle which will be adjacent to the tissue, cartilage or bone of the living being.

Abstract: A syringe that includes a barrel with a removable, tapered nozzle having a rounded front end to facilitate its entering a body cavity without the necessity of puncturing the skin. The nozzle has side openings through which the treatment fluid can be expelled against the wall defining the body cavity. The syringe also has a plunger slidably movable in the barrel and provided with a front end shaped to substantially fill the nozzle so that, when the plunger is pushed fully forward, it will displace a selected amount of the treatment fluid safely through the side openings onto an adjacent wall surface of a body cavity. The nozzle is removably attached to the barrel so that it can be removed to place the selected amount of a treatment fluid in a chamber bounded by the barrel, the nozzle, and the front end of the plunger.

Abstract: Sulfonated multiblock copolymers, and uses thereof, are disclosed. The sulfonated copolymers are useful for providing non-thrombogenic coatings, e.g., for medical devices, and for promoting cell growth, differentiation, or production of normal cell products. The sulfonated copolymers are also useful for administration of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method and device for repairing fasteners attached to plaster board, where the plaster board has become loose around the fasteners. The method is particularly useful to repair loosened threaded fasteners affixed to plaster board which have worked loose due to the brittleness and chalkiness of the plaster board. The device consists of a syringe or like implement to which is attached a specialized needle. A bonding agent is pushed by the syringe through openings in the needle and into the plaster board after the needle is inserted into the plaster board in the immediate proximity of the fasteners.

Abstract: A method for transplanting planar implants, devices, etc., is provided. Method is particularly adapted for transplanting planar sheets of retinal cells to the subretinal region of an eye. A method of preparing the retinal cell sheet and the associated surgical instrument is also provided.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site includes a housing with a flow path therethrough. A first end of the housing carries a pre-slit septum. One form of a blunt cannula, usable with the injection site, carries a locking member. When the pre-slit injection site slidably receives the blunt cannula, the locking member latches to the injection site and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula includes a tube having a tapered distal end region and having elongate discharge slots for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post, an annular barb, and axially oriented grooves.

Abstract: A syringe for insertion of viscoelastic material into an eye includes a syringe body having an end with an opening therein and a pseudoplastic viscoelastic material disposed in the syringe body. The viscoelastic material is pseudoelastic and may have an initial viscosity of between about 5,000 and about 60,000 centipoise. Correspondingly a cannula is provided which includes a needle having a dispensing orifice on one end thereof and a first portion of between about 23- and about 18-gauge tubing, distal from the dispensing orifice and a second portion of between about 30- and about 23-gauge tubing, proximal to the dispensing orifice. Additionally a housing is provided for attaching another end of the needle, proximal to the first portion, to the end of the syringe body.

Abstract: An aspiration tip having a relatively rigid cannula attached to a hub and an open end opposite the hub. The open end is sealed with a cap made from a soft, flexible material, such as rubber or soft plastic. The soft material reduces the likelihood that the posterior capsule will tear during cortical clean-up and capsule polishing.

Abstract: A prefilled syringe is capable of separate storage of different substances before use. It includes a tubular body having an injection needle at one end and a plunger at the other end, and a partition axially slidable in the tubular body. The partition includes a front part and a rear part independent of each other, and as a whole divides the interior space of the tubular body into a front compartment and a rear compartment in a sealing manner for storing mutually different substances. A bypass is disposed generally between the front and rear compartments to introduce the substance in the rear compartment into the front compartment when the partition is slid under pressure provided by the plunger to be adjacent to the bypass to thereby mix the substances immediately prior to injection.

Abstract: An automatic medicament injector employing a non-coring needle having side port geometry optimized to minimize or eliminate the coring of a rubber seal or septum when impaled by the internal needle tip of the cannula. The geometry avoids direct exposure of the butt end face of the needle to the rubber seal by providing a crimp to the material at the butt end and openings in the side thereof using electro-discharge machining (EDM) processes providing plural openings therein for introduction of medicament or aspiration through the side port geometry. The automatic medicament injector structure facilitates administration of a medicament to a predetermined target tissue avoiding exposure of the medicament or drug to tissues which would undesirably be damaged by such exposure.

Abstract: A safety needle system for use with a hollow syringe-like body which uses a needle for aspirating, injecting or collecting having a reciprocal guide for linearly guiding the needle into and out of operable engagement with the syringe-like body. The needle safety system permits the controlled release of a used needle so that it can be placed safely in a receptacle without danger of it going elsewhere. The structure also permits the reuse of the hollow syringe-like body. The needle safety system can be retrofitted onto existing syringe-like bodies or incorporated into syringe-like bodies during manufacture.

Abstract: A microcannula suitable for cannulation of very small blood vessels in a small animal, neonate or adult having a sharp pointed trochar tightly but removable placed in the lumen of the microcannula. The trochar is held in place by contact friction from an area of reduced inside diameter distal to the tip end, formed by welding the end distal of the microcannula to a tube having a slightly larger diameter. A process for making a microcannula.

Abstract: The needle assembly of the present invention includes a hollow cannula having a sharp distal end, a hollow stylet having a blunt distal end with a radial opening and an interior deflection surface near the radial opening, and a mechanism for biasing the stylet in a first position where the blunt distal end of the stylet extends beyond the sharp distal end of the cannula. Preferably, the hollow cannula hub has a proximal end which is coupled, e.g., via insert molding, to a hollow cannula hub. Likewise, the stylet preferably includes a proximal end which is coupled, e.g., via insert molding, to a hollow stylet hub which is longitudinally movable within the hollow cannula hub. The mechanism for biasing typically comprises a spring inside the cannula hub which biases the stylet hub to the first position where the blunt distal end of the stylet extends beyond the sharp distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A low velocity aortic cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween for conducting blood, the distal end being adapted for insertion into the aorta during heart surgery to provide blood to the aorta. There is a diffuser at least partially blocking the distal end of the cannula, and a plurality of outlet openings in the side of the distal end of the cannula. In one embodiment the distal end of the cannula is closed with a cap, and the diffuser is a rounded cone extending generally upstream in the lumen. The outlet openings are located in the sidewall of the cannula. In a second embodiment of the invention, the diffuser has a helical configuration, and partially blocks the distal opening of the cannula. Additional openings are provided in the sidewall to permit flow. According to the method of this invention, an opening is formed in the aorta, the distal end of one of the embodiments of the cannula is inserted into the opening, and blood flow through the cannula is established.

Abstract: A blunt tip surgical needle which significantly reduces the probability of skin penetration of the gloved hand of an operator is disclosed. The blunt tip needle includes a tip portion having at least one flat surface. The flat surface(s) blends smoothly between each other and with the outer surface of the tip portion such that the entire tip portion has a continuously smooth outer surface lacking any discontinuities or sharp edges.

Abstract: A cannula and injection site coupling system comprising a cannula assembly having a blunt cannula or piercing member partially surrounded by a protective shield. The protective shield is spaced apart from the blunt cannula and includes a bayonet arm, a bayonet barb, a bayonet lock and an opening or gap. The injection site has a septum with a pre-slit opening and an arm. When the cannula assembly and injection site are coupled, the injection site arm is lodged within the cannula assembly lock opening.

Abstract: A luer needle unit and an injector effectively prevent a user's fingers from being hurt when a disposable needle is separated from the luer needle after use, while realizing simple and positive attachment of the luer needle to a supporting cap. Guide protrusions and guide recesses are provided between the luer needle and the supporting cap to prevent the rotation thereof. Guiding projecting portions are formed in the supporting cap to guide a needle part of the luer needle in the axial direction.

Abstract: The combination comprising a container for a product having a puncturable diaphragm at one end thereof, an applicator of elongated parabolic shape including means for detachably mounting it on the container, an internal piercing element in the applicator aligned with the diaphragm and a plurality of discharge openings in the applicator, the applicator actuatable between an unarmed position wherein the piercing element is spaced from the diaphragm in an armed position where it punctures the diaphragm to permit discharge of the contents through the piercing element and the discharge openings in the applicator.

Abstract: This invention relates to augmented polymeric hypodermic needles and lancets. The needles and lancets are stiffened by augmenting means so that they are able to pierce the skin. The devices cost less to manufacture and are safer to use than present metal hypodermic devices. They make possible new types of ampules, phlebotomy devices and intravenous catheters. Most of the models are completely burnable. This invention makes possible safe, easy to use, low cost, disposable hypodermic devices for injection, blood withdrawal and testing.

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 insulin injection system comprises a pen shaped syringe with a cartridge containing insulin, and an injection needle. The needle is a G30 needle and the insulin is a type which may freely flow through a G 30 needle. When the insulin is the type comprising suspended crystals the maximal dimension of any crystal is 15 .mu.m.

Abstract: An injection device is provided which avoids the problems of coring, needle dulling, and accidental needle sticks which can occur when a conventional sharp hypodermic needle is used to access a medication vial. In this device a conventional sharp hypodermic needle having a conventional syringe attachment such as a Luer Lok adapter is nested inside a specially adapted blunt cannula which is provided with a sharp vial access tip. The above assembly is enclosed by a removable protective sheath, to protect the vial access tip and blunt cannula (as well as the sharp administration needle nested inside the blunt cannula) before and during use. In use, the protective sheath is removed and the vial access tip is used to penetrate the elastomeric stopper which conventionally seals a medication vial, thus protecting both the blunt cannula and the sharp needle from contact with the elastomeric stopper.

Abstract: This invention relates to augmented polymeric hypodermic needles and lancets. A flexible polymeric hypodermic needle or lancet is stiffened and made to more readily pierce the skin by working in conjunction with an augmenting structure. The devices are by their nature safer than present metal hypodermic needles or lancets. "Anti-stick", one-time use, and safety shielded models are demonstrated. Novel manufacturing methods will lead to devices that are less expensive than their metal counterparts. Unlike metal hypodermic devices these can be easily incinerated. This invention makes possible safe, easy to use, low cost, disposable hypodermic devices for injection, blood sampling and testing.

Abstract: Surgical needles are produced from martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steel and then vacuum heat treated and vacuum cooled to increase its tensile strength while retaining the polished surface of the needle. A needle made by this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to disposable devices for introducing substances into body cavities of a patient. The device comprises a container for holding a substance which is connected to a tube ending in an opening which is inserted into a body cavity. The opening is sealed by a frangible seal located inside the opening. An actuating rod ruptures and removes the seal upon actuation. The actuating rod is provided with supporting rods extending to the container which are connected to the container by frangible connections. The supporting rod serves as a safe-guard against accidental rupture of the seal and as a guide for a controlled movement of said the actuating rod. The supporting rod also defines and protects an area to be kept sterile. The invention also relates to a moulding apparatus and to a method for making said device.

Abstract: A syringe is disclosed having a large syringe housing which can be fitted with a large needle holder which in turn holds a large introducer needle. The introducer needle defines a passageway. A small seeker needle which is designed to fit within and through the passageway of the large introducer needle is attached by way of a small needle holder to a small syringe housing. A washer adapter attaches to the front of the small needle holder in order to have the small syringe housing move within a large syringe housing as a plunger for the large syringe housing. The small syringe housing in turn receives on one end a small syringe plunger which may define a small plunger lumen or chamber which can be used for transduction. Another embodiment has a modified needle having a port in the shaft within the syringe to allow sampling.

Abstract: The hollow needle (1) for medical use comprises a duct (10), which usually contains an aperture (11) which is elliptic or similar to an ellipse. The edge (14) of this aperture (11) is rounded by melting in the converging part (14') when regarded from the point (1') of the hollow needle (1). The process for rounding the edge (44) by melting uses a laser (45) which is pulsated or operates continuously, in the effective range (45') of which the part (44') to be rounded of the edge (44) lies.

Abstract: A syringe and adapter are constructed so as to provide a bend in the hypodermic needle allowing a dentist to reach hard to get to places inside the mouth. With a bend in the needle, the dentist can rotate the body of the syringe to point the needle in various directions while the body of the syringe is placed inside the mouth. Around the bend of the needle is a solid material to prevent the needle from breaking about the bend while in use.

Abstract: Internal polymeric surfaces of medical devices are provided that have enhanced biocompatibility properties. The internal polymeric surface presents an anti-thrombogenic, fibrinolytic or thrombolytic interface with body fluids such as blood flowing through medical device tubing during implantation for medical procedures. The biocompatibility enhancing agent is secured to the polymeric substrate by a spacer molecule which is covalently bound to the internal polymeric surface which had been subjected to radiofrequency plasma treatment with a low pressure plasma medium of water vapor, oxygen or combination of water vapor and oxygen gas.

Abstract: The invention refers to a needle (10, 30), such as an epidural needle, whose needle body (14, 28) is structured in its outer surface, at least in sections, so that a resistance which inhibits advance is produced when penetrating through a tissue (22).

Abstract: The invention is a microcannula which comprises a hollow tube having a small cross sectional size and a side beveled tip wherein the angle of the bevel is about 25 degrees. A segment of the hollow tube distal to the beveled tip has an expanded outside diameter which may be provided by a tightly fitting ring member which may be moved to a desired position on the outside of the hollow tube. The tight fit of the ring is preferably obtained through an interference fit between the ring and the out side surface of the hollow tube. A conically tiped trochar is fitted tightly but removably in the lumen of the hollow tube. The trochar may be provided with a flattened or swedged segment.

Abstract: A blunt tip surgical needle which significantly reduces the probability of skin penetration of the gloved hand of an operator is disclosed. The blunt tip needle includes a tip portion having at least one flat surface. The flat surface(s) blends smoothly between each other and with the outer surface of the tip portion such that the entire tip portion has a continuously smooth outer surface lacking any discontinuities or sharp edges.

Abstract: An insulin injection system comprises a pen shaped syringe with a cartridge containing insulin, and an injection needle. The needle is a G30 needle and the insulin is a type which may freely flow through a G30 needle. When the insulin is the type comprising suspended crystals the maximal dimension of any crystal is 15 .mu.m.

Abstract: This invention relates to augmented polymeric hypodermic needles and lancets. A flexible polymeric hypodermic needle or lancet is stiffened and made to more readily pierce the skin by working in conjunction with an augmenting structure. The devices are by their nature safer than present metal hypodermic needles or lancets. "Anti-stick", one-time use, and safety shielded models are demonstrated. Novel manufacturing methods will lead to devices that are less expensive than their metal counterparts. Unlike metal hypodermic devices these can be easily incinerated. This invention makes possible safe, easy to use, low cost, disposable hypodermic devices for injection, blood sampling and testing.

Abstract: Polymeric surfaces of medical devices or components of medical devices are provided that have enhanced biocompatibility properties. The polymeric surface presents an anti-thrombogenic, fibrinolytic or thrombolytic interface with body fluids such as blood during implant ation or medical procedures. The biocompatibility enhancing agent is secured to the polymeric substrate by a spacer molecule which is covalently bound to the polymeric substrate which had been subjected to radiofrequency plasma treatment with a water vapor medium.

Abstract: A multiple configuration adapter assembly is provided for a prefilled emergency syringe and includes a cylindrical sheath, a removable sharp needle assembly and a luer extension assembly.

Abstract: A trocar has an elongated body with a frustro-conical end which terminates in a blunt tip. A plurality of blades are radially attached to a blade housing connected to the trocar body. In one embodiment the blade housing moves toward the trocar body in response to a force causing the blades to extend to a cutting position. When the force is removed the blades return to a retracted position.

Abstract: A vial access pin includes opposed proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the vial access pin is configured for mounting to a hypodermic syringe. The distal end of the vial access pin defines a cannula. The cannula includes a sharp point for piercing an elastomeric seal of a vial. A lumen extends through the cannula and communicates with the proximal end of the pin. A fluid flow aperture extends through the cannula at a location spaced from the distal end. The aperture enables a vial to be substantially drained without repositioning the cannula relative to the vial. An ampule access tube can be mounted over the cannula to cover the aperture and enable fluid in an ampule to be accessed.

Abstract: An epidural cannula for local anesthesia having a cannula point with an adjacent lateral opening parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. The cannula has a cross-sectional enlargement spaced from the point and having an area directed toward the point that forms an angle greater than 30.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula.

Abstract: This invention is a device for microvascular injection and a method for treating glaucoma using the device. The device comprises a reservoir attached to a blunted needle connected to a flexible tapered tubing, at the end of which is positioned a microneedle or micropipette for inserting into small blood vessels. The invention also provides a method for treating glaucoma and other diseases wherein microinjection of disease-ameliorating drugs into small blood vessels and their capillary beds would be therapeutically effective.

Abstract: A needle suitable for piercing a septum of a vacuum sealed container and through which a measured fluid sample from the container may be withdrawn. The needle is capable of withdrawing fluid from small sample volumes, such that the dead volume remaining in the sealed container is reduced. The needle has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, an unobstructed bore therethrough along the longitudinal axis, a free end, and an end region adjacent said free end which has a slight conical taper toward said free end at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The free end includes an oblique cut through the conically tapered end region at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis being substantially larger than the predetermined angle of the taper so as to produce an elliptical opening at the free end. The elliptical opening lies along a plane diagonal to the longitudinal axis. This produces a toe or tip that is reduced in height allowing for a decrease in dead volume.