Abstract: An improved needle electrode for use with a hypodermic syringe attachment which includes a needle member, a conductor wire directly attached to an uninsulated portion of the needle member, insulating material formed around at least a portion of the needle member and the conductor wire thereby to form a handle which has a smooth external configuration preferably of ogival shape for easy gripping and dexterous manipulation by an operator. The hypodermic syringe attachment is capable of connection to the handle and an electric lead is capable of connection to the conductor wire. The insulating material is directly formed, as by molding, around the needle member and the conductor wire.

Abstract: The tip of a stylet which is received in a needle cannula is automatically capped in a guard body when the stylet is withdrawn from the cannula. The stylet may be reassembled in the cannula and put into working position, with the point of the tip extending from the cannula shaft, by reinserting the stylet and guard into the cannula hub. The guard contains an arm which moves into blocking position with respect to the tip of the stylet when it is withdrawn from the cannula by following a cam surface on the cannula hub (either inside or outside the hub for different styles of needle cannulas). The arm may be spring biased, across a hole in the guard in which the stylet is slidably disposed into interfering relationship with the arm. The cam surface urges the arm to bring a portion thereof which protects the point of the tip of the stylet and captures it inside the guard.

Abstract: A pneumoperitoneum needle comprises a lumen defining a passageway through which pneumoperitoneum gases may pass to the peritoneal cavity, a handle mechanism attached to a proximal end portion of the lumen and a filtration unit housed within the handle mechanism for filtering the pneumoperitoneum gases to be passed through the lumen. The filtration unit preferably includes a hydrophobic filter fabricated from a polytetrafluoroethylene material having a pore size ranging in value from about 0.2 to 0.5 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the filtration unit is incorporated within the handle mechanism of a Veress-type needle.

Abstract: Small quantities of liquid are conveyed, either for the purpose of filling micropipettes or to function as an electrolyte in an ion selective electrode, in a flexible non-metallic capillary tube which is mounted, at a first end, in an adapter fitting. The fitting defines a socket for coupling to a source of liquid, a hypodermic syringe for example, or for receiving an electrochemical half-cell which will contact an electrolyte in the tube. A filter may be interposed between the fitting and hypodermic syringe so as to frictionally engage both when the device is employed for filling micropipettes.

Abstract: A hub member interconnecting a needle and syringe includes a side port having a bore therein that intersects the needle bore at an acute angle. A guide wire which is intended to be introduced into a human blood vessel extends from the exterior of the side port, through the side port bore and terminates within the needle bore. An O-ring located within the side port seals around the guide wire to prevent communication between the needle bore and the exterior of the side port when the guide wire is at rest.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a portion of a biological liquid from a sealed vacuum tube onto a microscopic slide or other suitable application wherein the device is formed from an open-ended elongate housing having a cannula mounted therein so as to extend in a longitudinal direction thereof with a first needle end located in the upper portion to pierce the stopper of a vacuum tube and a second needle end positioned in the lower portion of the housing. A protuberance is provided at the base of the first needle end which serves to act as a pump in conjunction with the stopper of a vacuum tube momentarily pushed thereagainst so as to force a predetermined portion of a biological liquid in the tube through the cannula and out of the lower needle end thereof.

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: A medical syringe having a disposable capsule, or capsule, containing the needle and the injection fluid, the syringe including a barrel assembly having a thumb ring attached to a plunger by a plurality of connecting rods, the plunger working like a piston inside a barrel having finger grips to cooperate with the thumb ring and a central locking rod to connect to a disposable shielded needle capsule, the capsule including a space for holding the supply of injection fluid and a movable piston at the top of that space for contact with the plunger, and a central tubular guide as a sheath for a hollow needle having a needle plug which is attachable to the locking rod and two spaced gaskets around the needle and positioned on each side of a passageway through the wall to be in alignment with a passageway through the tubular guide to allow the fluid to flow into the hollow of the needle.

Abstract: Using a safe blunt-nosed hyperdermic needle an anesthetizing fluid is deposited in a patient's pleural space by clearing the passage for the advance of the needle using the pressure of the anesthetizing fluid and the swelling of tissue which it causes.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for taking samples from gum pockets, including a holder (1) for an ampoule (3) detachably inserted therein, a manually operated element (2) cooperating with the holder for reducing the space in the ampoule, so that liquid contained therein will be fed out through a cannula (4) connected to the holder, the cannula being intended to be inserted in a gum pocket. The apparatus is provided with means for restoring at least partly the space in the ampoule for feeding a mixture of sample and liquid into the ampoule.

Abstract: A disposable syringe for the dual extraction of a fluid for a plurality of vacuum glass tubes and other types of fluid reservoirs or alternately the delivery of an injectable fluid. A plunger of the syringe also functions as a conduit with one end thereof capable of sealably accepting a blood collection needle of a blood collection receptacle, and as such, allowing a fluid to flow from within the syringe, through said conduit, and into said plurality of vacuum glass tubes, without loss of the piston's ability to generate a positive or negative pressure within said syringe by advancing said plunger in a distal or proximal direction, respectively. Several embodiments of the plunger-conduit system are described.

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 implantation 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: An apparatus and method for protecting users of invasive instruments from inadvertent skin puncture by providing the user with an article of protective clothing and an invasive instrument both designed so that the instrument will become entangled with the clothing during contact, thereby preventing penetration of the skin.

Abstract: An applicator for administering a medication comprising a syringe having a syringe cylinder for receiving a plunger. The discharge end of the cylinder has an integral projecting base portion and a first reduced diameter, blunt-tipped cannula integral with and projecting from the base portion. A second cannula of reduced diameter and also having a blunt-tip, is detachably mounted on the base portion. The first and second cannulas have through bores which communicate with each other. A detachable protective cap is provided for covering at least the second cannula.

Abstract: A catheter is provided which deters the backflow of blood between the insertion needle and the catheter cannula by forming the distal end of the catheter hub so as to restrict the inner diameter of the catheter cannula to a wiping fit with the engaged insertion needle. In a first embodiment the distal end of the catheter hub is pre-formed to its desired final inner dimension. The distal end of the hub is stretched to an oversize condition, the catheter cannula is attached to the hub, and the distal end of the catheter hub is heated, causing a stress relief of the previously stretched hub. The distal end of the catheter hub returns to its pre-formed dimension which will mechanically restrict the diameter of the catheter cannula at that point to form the wiping fit with the engaged needle.

Abstract: A flexible spray tip device is provided so that the user may bend and rigidly hold a spray tip at the end of a syringe. Alternately, the spray tip may be rotated around 360.degree., to provide orientation and angulation of the device while simultaneously attached to the syringe.

Abstract: This cannula assembly for injecting medicinal fluid into an animal's teat has a first tapered cannula formed with a circumferential bead at its wider end. A flexible jacket encloses the cannula and has another bead detachably engaging the bead on the cannula. A tapered second cannula extends forwardly from the jacket. This cannula is shorter than the first cannula. A flexible cap has an internal bead which detachably engages a corresponding bead at the sider end of the second cannula. This assembly provides the user with a choice of cannulas of two different sizes in treating a teat. In another form of the invention, a second flexible jacket has a bead which detachably engages a bead on the second cannula. A third cannula extends forwardly from the second jacket. The flexible cap detachably engages a bead on the third cannula, so that the user has a choice of cannulas of three different lengths in treating a teat.

Abstract: A medicament implanter system which comprises:a single use needle pre-charged with medicament;a cartridge wherein a multiplicity of pre-charged needles may be packaged; andan implanter applicator instrument adapted to remove a pre-charged needle from the cartridge, and to reinsert a used needle into the cartridge.The applicator instrument is constructed so that a needle positioned therein is locked in properly oriented position for expulsion of the medicament upon operation of an impeller which forms part of the applicator instrument.

Abstract: A syringe for dispensing a liquid as an atomized spray has a cylindrical barrel, a plunger movable axially in the barrel, a tubular nozzle at one end of the barrel, and a short fixed stem in the nozzle. A cup shaped nozzle tip has internal first spaced lands to frictionally engage the stem and define axially extending passages therebetween. A centrally apertured end wall of the nozzle tip has circumferentially spaced second lands to serve as abutments for the end of the stem. Troughs in the end wall between the second lands define further passages with the end of the stem for turbulently passing the liquid out of the aperture as an atomized spray.

Abstract: An injecting dart having an improved barb design and aerodynamics is disclosed. The dart (10) preferably includes a stainless steel needle (12), and a body having a forward section (14) and a tail section (16). A narrow shaft (11) contains and supports the needle (12). The shaft (11) includes an integral, circumferential barb (24) which maintains the dart (10) in the hide of the animal until the dart's contents are fully discharged. The tail section (16) includes several fins (17) to improve aerodynamics, and a plurality of vent holes (38) to permit free movement of the dart's piston, thereby ensuring complete and rapid delivery of the liquid to the animal.

Abstract: An improved needle for multiple vacuum blood sample devices, consisting in two opposed, coplanar needles connected by an oblique member and protected by a rigid sheath such that the relevant test tube holder is not coaxial to the needle to be introduced in the vein; the second needle is angled with respect to the geometrical axis of the test tube so that the outflowing blood strikes only against only the side wall of the test tube, and with the minimum angle of incidence.

Abstract: An injection device is described for the blocking of peripheral nerves, e.g., for plexus anaesthesia. This injection device has an injection needle of metal which is provided at one end with a needle tip and at the opposite end with a base part for the connection of a syringe. In order in this injection device to largely eliminate the danger of damage to nerve fibers or injury to blood vessels by the injection needle and to permit an additional aid by the positive location of the plexus, the needle tip is formed by a ground surface inclined at an angle of 40.degree. to 60.degree., preferably of 45.degree. to 50.degree., to the cannula axis.

Abstract: A cannula for insertion into a body incision is provided with a tip having an opening in the sidewall and a pair of recesses in the outer surface of the tip forming a longitudinally extending ridge on one side on the tip for facilitating the insertion of the tip into the incision and dilating the incision.

Abstract: A method and an appartus for safely infiltrating an area of subcutaneous tissue from a single entry point with an elongated needle which avoids puncturing blood vessels. The needle is substantially blunt so as to be capable of penetrating subcutaneous tissue and to divert blood vessels around the needle on insertion. Toxic local anesthetics can be injected during insertion of the needle without having to first retract the needle to verify that a blood vessel has not been punctured.

Abstract: A combination needle for the axillary plexus brachialis anesthesia comprises a plastic tube and a solid steel mandrel that can be inserted in this plastic tube. The mandrel has a puncturing tip without any facets or cutting edges, which is formed either by a level partially ground surface extending at an angle to the mandrel axis that is elliptical in form and forms a wedge angle of at least 45.degree. with the mandrel axis, or by a right or oblique cone with right or bulging mantle surface and with a cone angle of at least 60.degree..

Abstract: An intra-amniotic loop catheter which allows direct access to a free floating segment of the umbilical cord for direct blood sampling. The loop catheter is formed of a flexible, resilient material with a distal, hook shaped end which may be straightened by an insertion or a removal tool but which returns to a hook shape when released. The hook is adapted to be oriented around a free floating section of the umbilical cord to allow insertion of a blood sampling needle into the umbilical cord through an opening in the proximal region of the hook.

Abstract: A spray syringe is disclosed which includes in combination a hypodermic syringe and a tubular member having a spray orifice at a distal tip. The tubular member is flexible permitting orientation of the spray orifice independent of the orientation of the syringe. The tubular member is sized such that the needle of the syringe is received within the bore in a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle assembly is provided for intravenous use, such being for positioning a catheter into a vein. The needle assembly includes a lumen having more than one diameter which is provided in association with a tip structure having multiple beveled surfaces in order to provide a needle assembly that is especially suitable for use with patients who are elderly or in ill health or who have veinous construction or collapse due to trauma or the like.

Abstract: A two-cannula syringe for the aspiration and for the injection of medicaments in the form of liquids. The syringe includes a first cannula for the aspiration of the liquid into a cylinder of the syringe and for the possible mixing and/or degassing of the liquid and a second cannula for the actual injection. Both cannulae are present in a protected state, the first cannula being disposed so as to be displaced relative to the second and/or so as to be removable or displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the syringe, and both cannulae being disposed about the same longitudinal axis of the syringe.

Abstract: A needle for atraumatic injection of particles of fat into the body of a patient is disclosed. The needle contains a through-bore which extends continuously between the proximal, intermediate, and distal portions thereof. The distal end of the needle has a generally conical configuration terminating in a relatively blunt, smooth surface. The needle is characterized by a plurality of radial ports equally spaced about the circumference of the intermediate portion adjacent the distal portion, and the cross-sectional area of each port corresponds with the cross-sectional area of the through-bore. When the needle is inserted into a given location below the skin of the body of a patient, and when particles of fat are delivered to the through-bore at the needle proximal portion, the particles are injected into the body via the ports.

Abstract: A combination needle for the axillary plexus brachialis anesthesia comprises a plastic tube and a solid steel mandrel that can be inserted in this plastic tube. The mandrel has a puncturing tip without any facets or cutting edges, which is formed either by a level partially ground surface extending at an angle to the mandrel axis that is elliptical in form and forms a wedge angle of at least 45.degree. with the mandrel axis, or by a right or oblique cone with right or bulging mantle surface and with a cone angle of at least 60.degree.. The handle of the steel mandrel is equipped with partially a ground surface and has, on one side surface, a visible and palpable mark with a fixed angular location corresponding to the angular location of a partially ground surface of the tip, so that it can be used to determine the angular location of the partially ground surface accurately, at all times.

Abstract: A catheter set comprises a syringe, a mandrin attachable to the syringe, a plastic canula that fits over the mandrin and a catheter attachable to a syringe and insertable through the canula when the mandrin is removed. The mandrin has a length of at least 50 mm and the tip of the mandrin is ground at an angle of at least 40.degree. to the axis of the mandrin. Two facets are ground on opposite sides respectively of the mandrin tip. Small holes spaced in a lengthwise direction in the first 15 mm from the inner end of a catheter having an insertion length of 8 cm to 10 cm are circumferentially offset from one another.

Abstract: A cardiovascular tourniquet and surgical method of applying the same is disclosed for use in support of a cannula operatively inserted into a blood vessel with a purse string suture. Ends of the suture are drawn to close the blood vessel around the cannula and then passed through a tubular member having integrally formed rib-like sections spaced apart along its length. The tubular member is firmly secured alongside the cannula by at least a pair of spring clips fastened about the cannula and adapted to grasp the tubular member between its rib-like sections. An integral cap is further provided at one end of the tubular member for releasably clamping the suture ends drawn therethrough thereby preventing the suture from loosening during subsequent procedures and maintaining proper disposition of the cannula.

Abstract: A hypodermic cartridge includes a barrel having a cannula attached to a forward end thereof. The rear or inner end of the cannula extends into the barrel interior and is provided with a deflected or bent section having its distal portion juxtaposed the peripheral wall of the barrel. In use, upon aspiration, the first droplet of blood is readily viewable through the barrel wall regardless of whether the medicament contained in the barrel is clear, translucent or opaque.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic surgical aspirator for use in breaking up and removing tissue from an operative site recessed within a tissue body employs an elongated probe having an oval or elliptical cross section to more closely conform to and fit an incision in the tissue and to expose a wider area of tissue to ultrasonic vibrations as the operative tip of the probe is moved over the tissue. An improved method of performing a lensectomy on the human eye using the improved apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An anesthesia device comprising, a syringe having a chamber, and a device for pumping fluid from the chamber. The device has an elongated cannula attached to the syringe, with the cannula having a lumen in communication with the chamber of the syringe, a plurality of apertures in a distal portion of the cannula communicating with the lumen, and an opening adjacent a distal end of the cannula and distal the apertures, with the opening communicating with the lumen. The device has an element for releasably closing the apertures in the distal portion of the cannula while leaving the opening unobstructed, and for frictionally engaging the cannula to prevent dislodgment during use of the cannula.