Abstract: A portable therapeutic fluid delivery device and a method for delivering a therapeutic fluid into a body of a patient are provided. In one aspect the therapeutic fluid delivery device and the method can be implemented using at least one housing securable to the body of the patient, a reservoir coupled to the at least one housing, a therapeutic fluid dispensing mechanism, a memory component, a controller, at least one bolus delivery button configured to signal the controller to initiate the delivery of the therapeutic fluid into the body of the patient; and, an inadvertent initiation prevention mechanism adapted for preventing the patient from activating the at least one bolus delivery button.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for use with a feeding set includes a reservoir of liquid and a metering device. The valve mechanism includes a valve body including a reservoir port adapted to be fluidly connected to the reservoir, a metering port adapted to be fluidly connected to the metering device, a feeding port adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient, and a priming port in fluid communication with atmosphere. A valve member in the valve body is adapted to selectively fluidly connect the reservoir port to the priming port, to fluidly connect the reservoir port to the metering port, and to fluidly connect the metering port to the feeding port.

Abstract: A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve system for controlling a flow of fluid includes a housing having a chamber therein, and a valve disposed in the chamber. The valve comprises a plurality of elastomeric valve members, each having opposing shaped first and second faces, a shaped inner edge portion, and a shaped outer edge portion. The valve members are collectively structured and arranged in the valve such that the shaped faces and the shaped inner edges are engaged in interlocking relationship. The valve members have sufficient elasticity to define a yieldable opening along the engaged inner edge portions upon passage therethrough of a medical interventional device.

Abstract: Renal infusion systems include an infusion catheter having a bifurcated distal end with a first branch and second branch, the branches being biased to deploy laterally when unconstrained. Systems also include a delivery sheath having a lumen which receives the infusion catheter and constrains the first branch and second branch. A distal opening of the delivery sheath is formed asymmetrically to allow one of the first and second branches to open laterally while the other of the branches remains constrained. Methods of using renal infusion systems are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid control device for directing fluid flow comprising a needleless access device for transferring fluids and methods of directing fluid flow. The fluid control device may have a first port, a second port, a third port and a connecting portion joining the first, second and third ports. A first valve element may be positioned within the first port and a fluid director may be positioned within the connecting portion. The first valve element may move between an opening position, where fluid may flow past the first valve element, and a closed position, where fluid may be prevented from flowing past the first valve element. The fluid director may have at least one passageway for connecting at least two of the first, second and third ports such that fluid may flow therebetween. An actuation mechanism may be used to orient the fluid director and, consequently, the at least one passageway within the connecting portion.

Abstract: Catheter systems including one or more flow restrictors are disclosed. The catheter systems may include two or more delivery branches. The delivery branches may be connected to a supply catheter section using a branching catheter connector that may include one or more flow restrictors. The flow restrictors may include a restrictor body located within a lumen with a channel located between the restrictor body and interior surface of the lumen, the channel restricting flow through the lumen past the flow restrictor. The channel may be defined by a groove formed in the restrictor body and/or the interior surface of the lumen. Methods of providing pressure relief by flowing fluid past a flow restrictor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for mixing and delivering fluids such as contrast media and saline is disclosed including at least two fluid sources, a pump, a joining fluid path connecting the at least two fluid sources to an inlet to the pump, and a valve device in the fluid path upstream of the pump. The valve device includes an actuator adapted to restrict flow in at least one of respective fluid lines connecting the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet. A patient interface device may be associated with an outlet of the pump. The valve device actuator is generally adapted to restrict the flow in at least one of the respective fluid lines such that an incremental positional change in valve device actuator position provides a substantially linear change in fluid mixture ratio of the fluids from the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet.

Abstract: A self-occluding catheter includes a body portion for connection to extracorporeal equipment. An elongated tubular extension is provided for insertion into a body cavity. The body portion includes a resiliently biased spool supported therein which is slidable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting and stopping the flow of blood through the catheter during a given medical procedure. The biasing device for resilient biasing the spool preferably comprises one or more magnets fixed within the body portion which generate a magnetic force for urging the magnetically polarized spool to its closed position.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an estrogen in the treatment of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) in a newborn infant, said treatment comprising administering an effective amount of estrogen to said newborn infant within 7 days after birth. The present treatment offers the advantage that estrogens can be administered using non-invasive modes of administration, e.g. oral or rectal administration. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a suppository for use in newborn infants comprising at least 1 ?g of estrogen and to an oral applicator comprising a container holding an aqueous liquid containing micronised estetrol and a metering dispenser for metering the liquid into the oral cavity of a newborn infant.

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 drug solution injector for determining an accurate injection volume of a drug solution by weighing the drug solution reservoir with a weighing scale. A drug solution injector is provided with a weighing scale that is compact, does not disturb handling and enables an accurate determination of the injection volume of the drug solution. A drug solution injector includes a drug solution reservoir composed of a chamber for reserving a drug solution therein and pressurization mechanism for pushing out of the reserved drug solution. An injection line is connected to the reservoir to inject the drug solution to the body. The drug solution reservoir is fixedly provided with a weighing scale for measuring a weight of the drug solution stored in the drug solution reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a selectively closable male end portion. Embodiments are configured to open upon connection with a female connector or female tipped medical implement. Some embodiments include an internal cavity configured to change size as the connector moves from the open to closed or closed to open positions. In some embodiments, the connector is configured to draw fluid from the male end toward the other end of the connector as the connector closes.

Abstract: A one-piece low drag septum is provided for preventing escape of fluid from an introducer needle during removal of such a needle from a catheter and introducer needle assembly. The septum generally includes a distal portion, a proximal portion, a cavity portion, and a longitudinal axis. The distal portion acts as a primary seal to prevent escape of blood from the catheter into the assembly and is generally positioned furthest away from the user of the apparatus and nearest the patient. The cavity portion reduces friction placed on the introducer needle. The proximal portion of the septum acts as a secondary seal to prevent escape of material from the cavity, seals the cavity, and wipes the needle as it is being withdrawn from the catheter assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with implanting a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve in a patient by means that are less invasive than traditional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The apparatus may include a one-way valve for preventing blood from escaping from the patient's circulatory system when that system is entered in order to get the prosthetic heart valve into that system. The apparatus may include various forms of cutters for gaining access to the patient's circulatory system. The apparatus may include various forms of devices for quickly closing the access to the patient's circulatory system after the prosthetic heart valve has been implanted.

Abstract: A system for the infusion of pharmacological solutions includes a container to contain a pharmacological solution, a pumping device for generating a flow of pharmacological solution from the container, an adjusting device to vary the flow and a command and control device operationally associated with the adjusting device. A method for the infusion of a pharmacological solution in a patient includes generating a flow of pharmacological solution from a container containing the pharmacological solution, sending the flow to a catheter insertable in the patient, adjusting the flow by an adjusting device actuated by a command and control device, and programming the flow and infusion times using a programming device operationally connected to the command and control device.

Abstract: Self-injection system allows a user to inject a drug from a cartridge carrying unique identification information, into any one of a plurality of injection sites. Tissue at each injection site is associated with at least one injection parameter, such as flow-rate, that is different for each site. A scanner reads the identification information of the cartridge and cooperates with a central processing unit to determine the validity of the drug in order to permit an injection procedure to commence. The central processing unit has a memory for storing the different injection parameters and controls a drive unit for driving fluid from the cartridge and through a needle into the selected tissue, at the injection parameter that is associated with the user selected tissue for the injection.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: A flow control device for providing flow resistance to a surgical handpiece during ophthalmic surgery. The flow control device includes a chamber having two sides in parallel separated by a height, an inlet port extending tangentially from the chamber in parallel with the two sides for coupling to a surgical handpiece, and an outlet port extending from about the center of the chamber perpendicular to the two sides for coupling aspiration tubing.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with a medical implant for delivering an agent to a designated site of action in a body of a patient. The agent-delivery device comprises a body member adapted to be secured to the medical implant and an agent-delivery component associated with the body member. The agent-delivery component includes a therapeutic agent for treating the body of the patient. The agent-delivery component is configured to release the therapeutic agent after implantation in the body of the patient.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus and pump set for use to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The pumping apparatus has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device being adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and provides an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the feeding pump.

Abstract: A catheter inner member includes an inner member body, including a first side and a second side, the second side opposing the first side. The inner member body includes an inner surface defining an inner member inner lumen and an outer surface defining a surrounding environment. The inner member further includes at least a first flush port and a second flush port in the inner member body. The first flush port and second flush port provide fluid communication between the inner lumen and a surrounding environment. The first flush port disposed on the first side and the second flush port disposed on the second side, wherein the first flush port is axially displaced from the second flush port.

Abstract: A medical access device provides needleless access to patient fluid lines such as intravascular catheters. A preformed crimp ring is attached around a septum and the top end of the housing of the medical access device. The crimp ring is configured to hold the septum in place. The septum provides access for a tubular portion of a medical device such as a male luer taper of a syringe. The crimp ring is then attached by mechanical attachment and/or chemical adhesion to the housing to minimize axial and rotational movement between the septum and the housing.

Abstract: An access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a septum including palpable identification indicia thereon. In particular, the access port in one embodiment includes a body that defines a fluid cavity and a needle-penetrable septum covering the fluid cavity for providing access thereto. The septum defines an outer periphery. One or more palpation features are included on the septum. The palpation features each include a portion that extends in a radial direction beyond the outer periphery of the septum. The palpation features are therefore disposed relatively farther away from each other, simplifying palpation and identification thereof after the port has been subcutaneously implanted into a patient. The palpation features can be indicative of an attribute of the port, such as its ability to withstand fluid pressures and flow rates associated with power injection, for instance.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient includes a catheter, a stop feature, a container and a bar. The catheter has a proximal end and a distal end and includes a body defining a lumen that extends to the distal end of the catheter. The stop feature is in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. The container is configured to house the therapeutic agent and is insertable and slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. The container is also configured to engage the stop feature of the catheter. The bar is slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. Sliding of the bar distally in the lumen forces the therapeutic agent out of the container and out of the lumen when the container is engaged with the stop feature. The stop feature is configured to inhibit the container from exiting the lumen.

Abstract: The control device is used to control delivery of fluids from a multi-fluid delivery system during a medical injection procedure. The fluid delivery system includes an injector used to deliver injection fluids to a patient. The control device is operatively associated with the injector for controlling discrete flow rates of injection fluids delivered to the patient. The control device includes a housing, first and second actuators associated with the housing, and an electronic substrate disposed within the housing and having a conductive pattern. The first actuator is operatively associated with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes a plurality of predetermined digital values corresponding to discrete flow rates of injection fluids to be delivered by the injector. The second actuator is operatively associated with the electronic substrate and initiates output signals to the injector corresponding to desired mixture ratios of the injection fluids to be delivered by the injector.

Abstract: This invention provides various sheaths, guards, and introducer assemblies for accessing a remote area or region of an artery, such as for delivery and/or deployment of an interventional device, stent or the like. The sheath, guard, and introducer assembly of the present inventions provide varying degrees of flexibility and support, enhanced guidance and control, and blood perfusion apertures to ameliorate the intervention of the superficial femoral artery.

Abstract: A device for administering metered doses of an injectable product, including a housing, a drive member with a plunger, a drive button which, when displaced, moves the drive member relative to the housing, and at least one delaying member, which can be moved from a first position into a second position by displacing the drive button relative to the drive member in the longitudinal direction of the device, the drive member remaining stationary relative to the housing, whereby the at least one delaying member establishes a contact with the drive member in the first or second position so that when the drive button is displaced, the drive member can be moved in the forward direction before or after the at least one delaying member is moved relative to the drive member.

Abstract: A monitoring device is coupled to the open proximal end of an implanted gastrostomy feeding tube in order to monitor the administration of enteral nutritional fluids into the body of the patient. The monitoring device includes a clamshell-like casing and an electronic control circuit mounted within the casing. The casing includes upper and lower housings which are coupled together about a hinge. The casing additionally includes a connector shaped to fittingly project into the open proximal end of the feeding tube, the connector defining a lumen in fluid communication with the longitudinally-extending bore of the tube. A metering device is disposed within the lumen in the casing and is electrically connected to the control circuit.

Abstract: An wound treatment device includes a housing and a treatment tip. The housing retains a volume of treatment fluid. The treatment tip includes a recess, a peripheral edge surrounding the recess, and a fluid channel in view of communication with the recess and the volume of treatment fluid. The recess may be sized to enclose at least a portion of a wound such as an acne member on a person's skin. The recess is sized to retain a volume of the wound treatment fluid when the peripheral edge is sealingly engaged with a skin surface surrounding at least a portion of the wound.

Abstract: A tool and method of positioning and delivering medical devices and therapeutics within the pericardial space, as well as other body part or space. A needle is inserted into the chest through a sub-xiphoid puncture, and the pressure within the needle is monitored manometrically or otherwise sensed as the needle is advanced towards the pericardial space. By reading the pressure within the needle while it is advanced, the clinician is able to know that he or she is avoiding insertion of it into organs or spaces not intended to be the target location. In addition the retractable sharp edge allows the operator to access the space and cut tissue but do so safely by retracting the sharp edge.

Abstract: Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member, a seal member, a compression member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal housings. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also forms a septum, which is compressed by the compression member to prevent seepage upon removal of a stylet.

Abstract: Automatic liquid drug preparation apparatus for preparing a liquid drug assemblage with a predetermined dosage of liquid drug. The liquid drug assemblage is prepared from a preparatory assemblage including a fluid control device having a body member with a syringe port, a vial adapter, and an administration port, a vial pre-filled with powder or liquid medicament, and a syringe pre-filled with diluent for mixing with the medicament. The automatic liquid drug preparation apparatus includes a housing, a cradle for receiving the preparatory assemblage, and a controller for controlling a motorized syringe drive unit for selectively transferring liquid contents between the syringe and the vial, a motorized cradle drive unit for selectively rotating the cradle relative to the housing, and a motorized vial adapter release unit for selectively detaching the vial adapter with its attached spent vial from the body member to form the liquid drug assemblage.

Abstract: A method for providing long-term tube fed nutrition to at least a majority of patients requiring same comprising the steps of providing a line of tube-fed nutrition products that are designed to provide long-term nutritional requirements of at least certain patient populations, the patient population selected from the group consisting of: elderly, maintenance, cancer, digestive pathologies, pediatric, and cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member and a seal member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal portions. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also is constituted so a portion of the seal member moves axially responsive to an axial force applied to the proximal end.

Abstract: A catheter system for positioning of a medical instrument within a body. The catheter system includes a hub defining a main lumen therethrough for passage of the medical instrument. The catheter system also includes an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the elongate tubular member is in communication with the main lumen of the hub for further passage of the medical instrument. The elongate tubular member defines a first portion and a second portion. The catheter system also includes a reinforcement member that is fixedly coupled to and reinforces the elongate tubular member, the reinforcement member includes a first part, a second part, and a partition defined between the first and second parts. The first and second parts are adapted to selectively move away from each other along the partition to thereby move the first and second portions away from each other and to uncover the medical instrument.

Abstract: A medical liquid injection system capable of automatically preventing a piston drive mechanism from being driven when a cylinder holding mechanism does not hold a medical liquid syringe properly. When a cylinder member (210) is being held, in a specific direction of rotation about the axis of the mechanism, by a cylinder holding mechanism (120), an RFID chip (230) and an RFID reader (131) become communicable, making the piston drive mechanism operable. On the other hand, when the cylinder member (210) has been rotated by a specified angle from a specific direction, the RFID chip (230) and the RFID reader (131) become incommunicable, not making the piston drive mechanism operable. As a consequence, the piston drive mechanism is not driven when the cylinder holding mechanism (120) is not holding the medical liquid syringe properly.

Abstract: A low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter. In one embodiment, the adaptor comprises a lower connector portion, an upper connector portion and a valve. The lower connector portion comprises a tubular portion and an annular portion, the annular portion radially surrounding the tubular portion along an intermediate length thereof. A helical thread is formed on the inside surface of the tubular portion. A circular lip projects upwardly a short distance from the top surface of the annular portion. The upper connector portion comprises a tubular section adapted for insertion into the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. An external helical thread is formed on the tubular section of the upper connector portion for mating engagement with the thread on the interior of the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. The upper connector portion also includes an annular base.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a medicinal liquid supply apparatus, which includes a fixed-type medicinal liquid supply volume controller adapted to supply medicinal liquid only as much as a paramedic sets and fixes and an arbitrary medicinal liquid supply volume controller adapted to allow a patient or the third party to arbitrarily supply the medicinal liquid as occasion demands during the paramedic's absence, thereby effectively supplying the medicinal liquid according to the patient's disease and pain conditions.

Abstract: A system for producing a contrast-enhanced medical image of a patient includes a source of a contrast or enhancement medium, a pressurizing unit in fluid connection with the source of contrast or enhancement medium, an energy source operable to apply energy to a region of the patient, an imaging unit providing a visual display of an internal view of the patient based upon a signal resulting from the energy applied to the region of the patient, and a control unit. In an embodiment, the signal is affected by a condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient. To control the procedures, the control unit adjusts the condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient based upon the signal. A communication interface preferably enables information between an injector subsystem and an imaging subsystem.

Abstract: A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device.

Abstract: A medical valve connector comprising a tubular body having an inlet fitting of the male luer or luer-lock type with an inner tubular element displaceable axially from a retracted position for closing a passage of flow towards an outlet fitting to an advanced position for opening said passage of flow. A tubular body made of elastic material, set between the inlet and outlet fittings, tends to keep the inner tubular element in the retracted position. Also the outlet fitting can rotate and axially translate between a retracted position and an advanced position.

Abstract: A catheter system for positioning of an instrument within a body. The catheter system includes a hub defining a lumen therethrough for passage of the instrument and an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the tubular member is in communication with the lumen of the hub. The system also includes a slitter member that is coupled to the hub. The slitter member is disposed to slit the tubular member. The slitter further includes a moveable member that is moveably coupled to the hub and that is coupled to the tubular member, the moveable member is operable to advance the elongate tubular member toward the slitter member as the moveable member is moved relative to the hub. The slitter member thereby slits the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: A stretchable-diameter inserter, for hemodynamic studies and related operations, is characterized in that it comprises an inserter tube, a hemostatic valve designed for preventing blood from exiting the patient toward the operator, a side line including a faucet, adapted to be used for performing blood taking and infusion operations and two dilatators: a first dilatator having a smaller cross-section and a second dilatator having a larger cross-section.

Abstract: A medication delivery system includes an array of cartridge-receiving ports, a medication receiving fluid conduit, and a plurality of dispensing elements. Each port includes a fluid channel terminating at a fluid outlet and is configured to receive one of a plurality of cartridges that each contain a bolus volume of medication. The medication-receiving fluid conduit is fluidically coupled to the fluid outlet of each cartridge-receiving port at a first region and to a system outlet conduit at a second region (which in turn can be coupled to a patient catheter line). Each dispensing element corresponds to a single cartridge-receiving port so that, upon activation of the dispensing element, at least a portion of the bolus volume of medication flows through the fluid outlet of each cartridge-receiving port into the medication-receiving fluid conduit. Related apparatus, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a housing for supporting the proximal inlet ports of at least two isolated lumens, for use in a patient fluid administration system, wherein each of the lumens further comprises a distal outlet for connecting to at least one patient fluid administration member, and wherein the housing further comprises an integral unit wherein the unit comprises a distal frame layer, a female connector layer, for connecting to at least one of the fluid peripheral elements and at least one intermediate gasket layer for providing sealing between each of the isolated lumens.

Abstract: A self-sealing male connector device for connection with a female Luer connector. The device has an elongated male body configured with lengthwise relatively rigid and flexible wall segments cooperating to allow the body to be radially compressed from an expanded configuration to a contracted configuration. A closure cap formed with a resealable aperture is disposed on the distal end of the male body so as to be responsive to the compression of the male body. The relatively flexible wall segments may be installed within notches in the male body or be formed integral with the relatively rigid wall segments.

Abstract: A method of placing a catheter into a patient while preventing disadvantageous escape of fluid from the patient comprises providing a catheter secured to a valve hosing. The catheter has a proximal end, a distal end and an interior lumen. The valve housing has a first port, a second port, and a fluid path running between the first and second ports. The catheter and the valve housing have a hollow needle extending therethrough. The method further comprises piercing the patient's skin, thereby inserting the catheter into the patient. The method further comprises holding the catheter and valve housing in place while removing the hollow needle through the catheter and valve housing. The hollow needle passes through the first and second ports of the valve housing.

Abstract: A container shaped in the form of a teardrop is used interchangeably in upright and inverted orientations. The container is used in an upright orientation to allow a person to directly drink liquids. In the inverted orientation, the container is mounted at a height over the user and allows versatile and controlled administration of liquids even to bedridden patients. The controlled administration provides the advantages of precise and measured dispensation of liquids, on-site or remote monitoring of dispensation, and control of dispensation by a patient or a care-giver. This type of liquid dispensation is not as invasive as other medical treatments (e.g., intravenous treatment), and therefore can be employed both at home and at hospitals with comparable effectiveness.