Abstract: A check valve for medical infusion lines and the like, including a diaphragm made of elastically deformable material inserted between an upstream passageway and a downstream passageway and cooperating with an annular valve seat to keep the check valve normally closed. The annular valve seat is formed by a front surface of the first tubular element, and the diaphragm consists of the bottom wall of a cup-shaped element arranged coaxially with the upstream and downstream passageways.

Abstract: A check valve for medical infusion lines and the like, including a diaphragm made of elastic material inserted between a first and a second tubular connector and acting on an annular valve seat to keep the check valve normally closed. The diaphragm includes an annular peripheral section and a central disc, connected to the peripheral section via a crown of spaced-out arms. The disc is moulded with a thin, axially projecting, circumferential sealing lip on one face or, more conveniently, on both faces thereof.

Abstract: A catheter balloon having a controlled failure mechanism such that release of pressure contained within the balloon occurs in a controlled fashion when a predetermined inflation pressure in excess of normal operating pressure is reached within the balloon. The failure mechanism is the result of incorporating a failure mechanism into at least one end of the balloon, for example, with a controlled amount of attachment of the at least one end to the catheter shaft. This end of the balloon therefore fails at a predetermined pressure with the failure occurring before catastrophic failure of the balloon by rupture between the balloon ends. The controlled failure mechanism allows for non-catastrophic failure such that the balloon remains intact following failure and remains easily withdrawable from the body conduit into which it has been inserted.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having a tube used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. A portion of the tube is enlarged to form a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the second tube. The pumping chamber may use a pair of electrodes. To control the expulsion of the fluid, valves are placed on either side of the boiling chamber.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus comprising an indwelling venous cannula with a catheter holder, a plastic catheter and a steel cannula holder with a steel cannula extending through the plastic catheter and the catheter holder, a tubular valve body made of elastomeric plastic with certain length L being disposed in a channel extending centrally through the housing of the catheter holder, and the walls of the valve body lying on and directly touching each other over certain length L, whereby certain length L, the wall thickness and the Shore hardness of the valve body are coordinated with each other so that an infusion solution can pass the valve under the effect of gravity but a reflux of the patient's blood is reliably prevented. The valve body is preferably a tubular film.

Abstract: An automatic manifold for a catheter assembly. Valve means automatically open and close flow between a liquid supply port for connection to injection means and a liquid delivery port for communication with the catheter assembly. A pressure sensor is integrated into the manifold. The manifold also includes a quick-disconnect coupling mechanism for a liquid supply port.

Abstract: An IV manifold includes a plurality of injection/aspiration ports and has an elongate configuration with a width greater than the diameter of the ports. A flow channel is formed between mating members of a housing and provided with a U-shaped configuration. Projections along the flow channel direct fluid flow into valve cavities associated with the ports to clear dead spots around the valve elements. A check valve included in the manifold tends to direct high pressures against the valve elements which respond by forming surface seals thereby avoiding deformation. An aspiration port can be formed with a second seal disposed on the side of the valve element opposite the first seal. Opening this second seal by negative pressure in the lumen of the port provides for the aspiration of fluids in the flow channel. Two-way aspiration can be provided by a valve having a cage with or without compressible characteristics to accommodate low tolerance fittings.

Abstract: An automatic manifold for a catheter assembly. Valve means automatically open and close flow between a liquid supply port for connection to injection means and a liquid delivery port for communication with the catheter assembly. A pressure sensor is integrated into the manifold. The manifold also includes a quick-disconnect coupling mechanism for a liquid supply port.

Abstract: A medical valve for valving fluid includes a housing defining a chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and an interior wall, a compressible member within the chamber, and a fluid channel defined by the interior wall. The fluid channel directs fluid received from the inlet toward the outlet.

Abstract: A valve seat for a ball valve in an adjustable medical valve is described. The valve seat is formed as a cone in a manifold. The cone is formed by rotating a line that intersects a central axis of the valve seat around the central axis. The angle of the intersection between the line and the central axis is doubled to form the included angle of the valve seat. Generally, the narrower the included angle, the better the tolerance of the assembled valve for variations in the spring constant of the pressure regulating spring. Specifically, the present invention has included angles between 0 and 90 degrees with the preferred included angles being between 10 and 40 degrees. A valve embodying the valve seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for delivering sterile fluid to a patient, while preventing cross-contamination, in which flow interrupting means are provided which basically create regions where no fluid exists in the comprehensive or over-all quality of material that is flowing from a fluid source to a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feeding apparatus for breathing masks that allows food and drink intake when the mask is in use, does not reduce the wearer's field of vision, requires little space, and is protected from dirt or other contamination.

Abstract: A normally closed valve that may be opened upon insertion of a nozzle permits two-way flow when opened by a luer-taper nozzle. The valve also is able to resist large back pressures. The valve includes a substantially rigid housing that defines a passageway having an inlet section and an outlet section. The housing has an exterior inlet face to which the inlet section opens. The inlet section preferably has tapered and expanding zones. The tapered zone is adjacent to the exterior inlet face and is shaped to receive the nozzle. The expanding zone is adjacent to the tapered zone and has a larger inner diameter than the tapered zone's inner diameter. The exterior of the inlet section of the housing may have threads to accept luer-lock threads that may surround the nozzle.

Abstract: A bistable microvalve of shape memory material is operatively connected to a microcatheter. The bistable microvalve includes a tip that can be closed off until it is in the desired position. Once it is in position it can opened and closed. The system uses heat and pressure to open and close the microvalve. The shape memory material will change stiffness and shape when heated above a transition temperature. The shape memory material is adapted to move from a first shape to a second shape, either open or closed, where it can perform a desired function.

Abstract: A three-way valve with self-supporting body for medical use has at least two ways which are controlled by way of unidirectional flow control elements and a third way which is constantly open.

Abstract: A fluid injection arrangement, in the context of patient imaging systems, in which phases of contrast medium injection and flushing medium injection can be freely and selectably ordered so as to make available to the operator and patient a vast array of possible protocols that has hitherto been essentially unattainable. Also contemplated is the use of a “hold” phase, involving an indefinite pause between phases of a protocol, in connection with such imaging systems. Further contemplated is the use of a “pause” phase in which a pause of fixed duration is pre-programmed into the protocols of MRI injector systems.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for providing clinical nutrition is provided. The valve arrangement is suitable for use with a rotary peristaltic pump and is capable of allowing flow of fluid in a first direction and capable of preventing flow of fluid in a second direction, wherein the valve arrangement comprises a valve having a cracking pressure of about 0.10 to about 0.20 bar. Also described are a method of production of the valve arrangement, use of the valve arrangement in providing nutrition to a patient and a method of treatment of a patient that comprises administering an effective amount of a composition via the valve arrangement.

Abstract: A normally closed valve that may be opened upon insertion of a nozzle permits two-way flow when opened by a luer-taper nozzle. The valve also is able to resist large back pressures. The valve includes a substantially rigid housing that defines a passageway having an inlet section and an outlet section. The housing has an exterior inlet face to which the inlet section opens. The inlet section preferably has tapered and expanding zones. The tapered zone is adjacent to the exterior inlet face and is shaped to receive the nozzle. The expanding zone is adjacent to the tapered zone and has a larger inner diameter than the tapered zone's inner diameter. The exterior of the inlet section of the housing may have threads to accept luer-lock threads that may surround the nozzle.

Abstract: An infusion catheter has a plurality of exits whose distribution of sizes or positions produces a variation in delivery rate and pressure of a drug or other medical preparation over an infusion region. The exits may be holes or slits. A method of infusing a medical agent, infuses the agent at a rate which is non-uniform over a length of infusion.

Abstract: A device cooperating with a pump for guiding a contrast medium from a source thereof to a catheter for delivery to a patient's vascular system The device comprises a dual check valve, a tubular member, an in-line check valve and a three-port stopcock. The dual check valve has an inlet port connectable to the source of contrast medium, an inlet-outlet port connectable to the pump, and an outlet port coupled to the tubular member. The in-line check valve is connected to the tubular member at a point spaced from the dual check valve for preventing fluid flow towards the dual check valve. The stopcock connected at a first port to the in-line check valve, a second port of the stopcock being operatively connectable to the catheter. Using this device, medical personnel infuses contrast medium into the patient from the source without having to disconnect any element from the device during the infusion process.

Abstract: A device cooperating with a pump for guiding a contrast medium from a source thereof to a catheter for delivery to a patient's vascular system. The device comprises a dual check valve, a tubular member, an in-line check valve and a three-port stopcock. The dual check valve has an inlet port connectable to the source of contrast medium, an inlet-outlet port connectable to the pump, and an outlet port coupled to the tubular member. The in-line check valve is connected to the tubular member at a point spaced from the dual check valve for preventing fluid flow towards the dual check valve. The stopcock connected at a first port to the in-line check valve, a second port of the stopcock being operatively connectable to the catheter. Using this device, medical personnel infuses contrast medium into the patient from the source without having to disconnect any element from the device during the infusion process.

Abstract: A device (10) for generating a pulsatile fluid drug flow comprises a housing (11) containing an expandable-contractible chamber (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (15), a valve (16) associated with the outlet (15) which is actuated by the expansion and contraction of the chamber (12), and means (13, 23) for biasing the chamber (12) to its contracted state. When the inlet (14) is connected to a pressurised fluid drug supply the chamber (12) is expanded by the drug, and this expansion of the chamber (12) actuates the valve (16) to open, thereby allowing release of the drug from the chamber (12), following which the chamber (12) contracts under the influence of the biasing means (13, 23), this contraction in turn actuating the valve (16) to close thereby allowing the chamber (12) to refill. By this mechanism, a constant supply of liquid, such as from an osmotic or elastomeric drug delivery pump, can be converted to a pulsatile flow, which may provide a more suitable delivery of certain drugs.

Abstract: A system is provided for aspirating fluid from a surgical site. The system includes an outlet tube that leads to a suction canister or other suitable receptacle for collecting fluid. The outlet tube includes an anti-siphon adapter which defines an atmospheric vent downstream of the outflow connection to an endoscopic device. The vent allows atmospheric pressure to enter the outlet tube to increase the pressure at the outflow of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: In an infusion set having a container for fluid medicines, which by a feed-line and a differential pressure valve is connected to a drip chamber and which by a further feed-line is connected to a front end controlled with a roller clamp according to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/800,779, the differential pressure valve has two inlets each with an associated differential force chamber and the two differential force chambers are sealingly separated from each other by a diaphragm disk, wherein both differential force chambers are connected to an exit line for the fluid medicine. To use the differential pressure valve, the valve is configured as a 3-way check valve by the fact that the first inlet is connected to the container for the fluid medicine and that the second inlet is designed for the connection to a syringe or the like.

Abstract: An infusion rate adjusting device for drug solution injectors comprises a tubular flow control unit including plural check valves of different opening pressures, and means for selecting one of said check valves to adjust an infusion rate of the drug solution. The infusion rate adjusting device is simple in operation to set out an infusion rate of the drug solution and is considerably reduced in the production cost.

Abstract: The urine measuring device comprises at the lower end of a drip chamber (15) an antireflux valve which prevents liquid from a measuring chamber (11) from refluxing into the drip chamber (15). A valve plate (30) capable of closing the valve opening (26) comprises a loose part which is loosely arranged in the valve chamber (34) and rests on a bracket (28) when the urine measuring device is in upright position. If the urine measuring device is tilted, the urine contained in the measuring chamber (11) presses the valve plate (30) against the valve seat (27) so that reflux into the drip chamber (15) is prevented.

Abstract: An IV container spike and drip chamber assembly is provided that includes an automatic shut off mechanism which allows nurses to change the fluid container without removing the catheter from the patient. The automatic shut off mechanism comprises a floating ball capable of being supported by or floating in the fluid due to the buoyancy of the fluid. The IV container spike also includes an air vent which allows the air in the drip chamber to vent out directly when the nurses want to change the container of medicinal fluid. The air vent is closed for the initial use and during the infusion process. As the medicinal fluid is gradually reduced in level in the drip chamber, the floating ball is lowered thereby and when the floating ball reaches the bottom of the drip chamber, the floating ball blocks the outlet so as to stop the injection.

Abstract: A syringe comprising a one-way filter which permits flow of fluid into the syringe unfiltered but which filters the fluid when expelled from the syringe.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator of a type having a variable outlet defined by a spacing between an outlet aperture and a flexible diaphragm, and in which the position of the flexible diaphragm varies as a function of a pressure differential between a sensing chamber on a first side of the diaphragm and an outlet chamber on a second side of the diaphragm. The regulator includes an adjustable flow impedance configuration in the flow path from the sensing chamber to the outlet chamber has a two elements providing opposing cylindrical surfaces in sliding contact. One of the cylindrical surfaces has a groove configured to define a flow-attenuating passageway having a net flow vector substantially parallel to the axis of the cylindrical surfaces. Axial relative movement between the elements causes a variation in an extent of overlap between the cylindrical surfaces, thereby varying an operative length of the flow-attenuating passageway.

Abstract: A valve device is disclosed which is incorporated into the lower portion of a drip chamber for preventing the free flow of fluid through a tube assembly when the tube assembly is disengaged from a pump of a fluid administration system, while permitting fluid flow when the tube assembly is engaged around a rotor of the pump. The valve device comprises a valve body having a top component sealingly engaged with a bottom component. The top component is integrally formed with the lower portion of the drip chamber and defines a plurality of axial fluid passageways formed around a stationary plunger which seals against a opening formed at the upper portion of the bottom component. The opening is in communication with a lumen that extends into a hollow tube assembly which is attached to the bottom component of the valve body.

Abstract: A patient controllable drug delivery system including a metering device (30) having an intermittent dose reservoir (34) and a plunger, a main reservoir (26), a fill line (32connecting the main reservoir (26) and the intermittent reservoir (34) via a metering device fill point (26) and a flow regulating means (10) between the metering device (30) and the patient line (36), the flow regulating means (10) comprising a means for receiving and dispensing a dose of drug (12) and a pressure set one way valve (16), the intermittent dose reservoir (34) and the patient line (36) being in restricted fluid communication, dispensation of the drug being effected by pressure applied by the receiving and dispensing means (12). Systems for the supply of a continuous dose in addition to the patient controllable delivered dose, and a secondary delivery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental apparatus backflow-prevention system substantially prevents contaminant backflow into a patient's mouth. The system includes a saliva ejector tube for insertion into the patient's mouth and for removal of saliva, blood, etc. when a vacuum is applied. A backflow-prevention device receives fluid from the saliva ejector tube and includes an internal valve seat. Valve componentry disposed within the backflow-prevention device includes a housing and a seating mechanism operably supported by the housing to automatically engage the valve seat and prevent contaminant backflow upon release of the vacuum. Upon application of vacuum, however, the seating mechanism automatically disengages from the valve seat and allows fluid flow away from the patient's mouth. According to one embodiment, the seating mechanism is functionally flexible for movement within the housing away from the valve seat, and is biased to move toward the valve seat upon release of vacuum.

Abstract: The check valve comprises an inlet duct (31) , an outlet duct (32) and a valve chamber (34) arranged between them. The valve chamber (34) is permanently connected with the inlet duct (31) via openings (35). On a blind duct (33) a valve member (36) is mounted which is made up of a flexible inherently stable hose. The valve member (36) extends into the outlet duct (32) and contacts the inner surface of the outlet duct. At a pressure exceeding the opening pressure of the valve the valve member (36) is lifted off the inner surface of the outlet duct (32).

Abstract: A drip annunciator comprises a main body and a needle bottle capable of inserting into a drip bottle for outputting liquid. A buoyancy body is received in the needle bottle, which may move with the liquid level. The bottom of the buoyancy body is installed with a magnet and a magnetic sensor on a control rod at the lower side thereof. Thus, as the liquid level within the drip bottle has descended to a predetermined position, the magnet will actuate the magnetic sensor to be electrically conducted, and then the buzzer at another side emits an alarm or lights up an alarm light so inform one to update the liquid therewithin. Meanwhile, a rolling ball will seal the liquid opening to prevent air to flow inwards so as to safeguard the life of a patient. Besides, another soft tube can be disposed between the liquid transferring tube and the needle bottle, and an adjusting wheel and a screw rod screwedly through the central screw hole and having a tightening block are installed aside.

Abstract: A medical dye delivery system includes a medical dye container and a syringe for withdrawing the medical dye from the container and delivering the dye to a patient. A valve is disposed in the system having an inlet in flow communication with the medical dye container and an outlet in flow communication with the syringe. The valve includes a housing defining a flotation chamber with a valve seat and a flotation member disposed therein. The flotation member seals off the valve seat opening upon medical dye depletion, forcing any remaining fluid flow through a bypass channel that provides restricted flow to provide a tactile warning to the operator of the system that the medical dye container is depleted, yet allow the operator to purge remaining dye from the system. In a preferred embodiment, the flotation member has first and second portions, with a density of the second portion being greater than a density of the first portion.

Abstract: The valve assembly has inlet and outlet members with valve elements disposed between the two members. The valve is a resilient membrane having one or more through holes. When there is no pressure differential across the valve, the hole walls in the membrane collapse inwards closing off the valve against liquid flow. At or above a threshold pressure differential across the valve, the membrane is stretched which opens up the hole or holes to allow the passage of liquid.

Abstract: A closed system adapter for catheters is disclosed. The adapter comprises a rigid outer housing having an inlet end with an internal cavity, and outlet end with a central passageway, the outlet end having a series of incrementally larger diameter steps permitting connection to various sized catheters.Positioned within the inlet end internal cavity is a resilient valve member normally biased to a sealed closed position. The valve member includes a generally cylindrical wall with a diaphragm with a pre-slit partitioned across the wall. The cylindrical wall dimensioned to be slightly larger in diameter than the inlet end cavity of the housing except for a recessed area where the diaphragm is positioned. The cylindrical wall providing inward compressive force except in the recess area permitting the diaphragm to remain in a steady state normally closed position without excessive inwardly compressive force.

Abstract: Medical intravenous administration connectors according to a first embodiment include a first coupling member having a female luer, a valve member having a substantially rigid stem and a substantially resilient body with a sealing surface, and a second coupling member having a fluid coupling extending from one end and an internal valve member support. The coupling members are structured to couple to each other with the valve member being biased to a closed position. When assembled, the valve stem extends into the female luer, and the valve body biases the sealing surface against an annular ring in the first coupling member thereby blocking fluid communication. Vanes are provided in the second coupling member on which the resilient body of the valve sits, with the vanes acting as a centering mechanism for the valve. The valve is opened for fluid flow through the assembly by coupling a male luer to the female luer of the assembly.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive overfill protection system for a refillable drug delivery device includes a collapsible link which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an aneroid having an internal volume of gas at a reference pressure. The collapsible link, in its expanded state, supports on inlet valve in an open position to permit the ingress of new drug fluid into a bellows reservoir. The external surface of the aneroid is exposed to the bellows pressure. When the bellows pressure exceeds the reference pressure, the aneroid collapses and permits the inlet valve to move to a closed position under a biasing force provided by a spring. Further flow of new drug fluid into the drug delivery device is thereby prevented. Moreover, the closure of the valve provides a large increase in pressure is experienced in the refill device and may therefore be sensed by a clinician. Because the overfill protection system is pressure sensitive, it may be used with different sized bellows without modification.

Abstract: An implantable drainage valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus includes a housing having an opening at each end and a fluid passageway therebetween, a valve seat within the housing at one end, a closure element dimensioned to be seated in the valve seat, a spring member within the housing secured at the opening opposite the valve seat and a feeder disposed between the closure element and the spring which transmits force from the spring to the closure member. When the housing is in a substantially vertical position, the closure is subjected to a downward force including a force from the spring and the weight of the feeder.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-function control valve assembly for use in aspirating the left ventricle of the heart during open heart bypass surgery. The control valve assembly includes a housing assembly which defines an inlet adapted for connection to a suction tube inserted into the left ventricle and an outlet adapted for connection to a pump. The control valve assembly further includes a valving arrangement that is operable to provide three distinct functions. First, the control valve assembly includes a unidirectional flow valve which is operable to only permit fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet, thereby preventing a reverse flow situation. Second, the control valve assembly includes a positive pressure relief valve which is operable to vent the outlet when the pressure therein exceeds a predetermined positive pressure value.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a slit valve catheter has a generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surface exposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. The catheter further includes a valve which has a protuberance projecting radially from the catheter body.

Abstract: The disposable cassette for use with a liquid drug infusion pump comprises a cassette body (1) with a flexible pump tube (2) between an inlet (3) for connection to a drug reservoir on the upstream side and an outlet (4) for delivery of the drug to a medical patient on the downstream side; a pressure detector membrane (18) operatively connectable to said infusion pump having means to measure the pressure in the fluid circuit of the cassette; a passive valve (7) having a pre-stress producing a forward opening pressure of at least 0.15 bar, and an optical code (6) located on the cassette body (1) for recognition of the cassette by said infusion pump.

Abstract: An aseptic connector comprises a first member and a second member. The first member preferably includes a resilient septum, and the second member preferably includes a penetrating member. Preferably, the septum is formed from an elastomeric material such as a silicone elastomer. The penetrating member preferably includes an extending penetrating element to penetrate the resilient septum. The aseptic connector further comprises a resilient sealing element that contacts the penetrating member and one of an inner wall of the first member and an inner wall of the second member to create a seal between the penetrating member and one of the inner wall of the first member and the inner wall of the second member. The seal created is suitable to withstand relatively high pressures (for example, those experienced during the injection of contrast media in CT procedures). A fluid delivery system comprising at least a first aseptic connector as described above is also provided.

Abstract: A urinary tract irrigating assembly for flushing a TURP-treated prostate gland having a surgically created central cavity. The assembly includes an elongated catheter having a drain port for draining the bladder contents; a discharge port for discharging prostate-irrigating fluid into the cavity; and a second drain port for draining spent prostate-irrigating fluid and other fluids from the cavity. Positioning means are provided for positioning the catheter with the first port located in the bladder and the second and third ports located within the prostate cavity.In use, a predetermined amount of irrigating fluid at predetermined time intervals is discharged into the prostate cavity through the discharge port while draining urine through the first drain port and spent prostate treating agent through the second drain port.

Abstract: A medical connector is for use in transferring fluids to and from a patient. The connector has a primary conduit, which has an upstream branch in fluid communication with a primary source of fluid and a downstream branch in fluid communication with a patient. The connector also has a secondary conduit in fluid communication with said primary conduit. Additionally, the connector has a hollow, resilient valve positioned such that the primary fluid can flow through the valve when the valve is in a decompressed state. The valve has a tab extending into the secondary conduit such that a luer inserted in the secondary conduit compresses the tab, thereby preventing flow of the primary fluid through the connector while permitting both flow of fluid to the patient from the luer and flow of fluid from the patient to the luer.

Abstract: A system is provided for contamination free delivery and control of a flowable medium contained in an enclosed flow path or a container. The system is highly scalable in size and works even with viscous fluids which are difficult to flow. The device enables a flowable material to be formulated without anti-oxidants, preservatives or anti microbial agents. This provides the advantage of an enhanced therapeutic effect for many medications, especially those which are considered labile. The device also preserves the integrity and sterility of a flowable material contained in an enclosed flow path such as blood plasma, and is effective against microbial as well as viral challenges. The device can be used to maintain the carbonation of a carbonated flowable medium. The system provides a seat and reversibly deformable seal disposed in the flow path; wherein the seal and seat are moveable between a closed and open state upon the deformation of the seal.

Abstract: A catheter for use with the vascular system includes an elongated catheter body which has a side wall defining an interior catheter lumen. A plurality of openings are provided in the side wall at a first distal zone of the catheter body. The openings are adapted for relatively low pressure movement of fluid therethrough. A plurality of normally closed pressure responsive exits are located in a side wall at a second distal zone of the catheter body, the second distal zone being spaced from and positioned proximal of the first distal zone. The pressure responsive exits permit fluid material to exit from the catheter lumen in response to internal fluid pressure which is greater than a predetermined magnitude. An intermediate zone is located between the first and second distal zones. A removable occluding member is adapted to be positioned within the catheter lumen. The occluding member has a sealing element with a collapsed insertion state and an expanded sealing state.

Abstract: A movement-responsive system for conducting tests on freely-moving animals is disclosed. The invention includes a container for housing the animal, a mechanism for rotating the container in response to rotational movement of the animal, and one or more test leads connected to the animal for performance of biomedical tests such as infusion, in vivo ultrafiltration, laser-doppler monitoring of blood flow, electrical stimulation and in vivo microdialysis, and a method for automated micro sampling of body fluids in free-moving animals. Because the cage is rotated in response to the animal's rotational movement, no swivel connectors are needed. A rotational sensor assembly is provided to detect rotational movement of the animal within the container. A vertical sensor assembly is mounted to the counterbalanced arm for monitoring vertical movements of the animal. The outputs of the sensor assemblies are routed to a computer or other device for monitoring and/or analyzing the activity of the animal.

Abstract: A catheter device regulates fluid flow within a circulatory vessel. Included is an elongated catheter body configured to access one of a circulatory vessel or a heart chamber. The catheter body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen including an open proximal end and a distal end with a port formed at a distal portion of the distal end. An antegrade valve is coupled to an exterior of the catheter body and configured to provide a controllable antegrade flow and a controllable retrograde flow along the exterior of the catheter body. The antegrade flow is greater than the retrograde flow. A retrograde valve may be included which provides a controllable retrograde and antegrade flow along the exterior of the catheter body. When a retrograde valve is used, the retrograde flow is greater than the antegrade flow.