Abstract: A syringe pump infusion control set (10) includes a high cracking bottle port check valve (22) and a low cracking patient port check valve (50) by which to selectively and automatically couple a syringe (40) to the fluid source (36) and the patient (58) with proper dynamic response for an injection from the syringe (40).

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the patency of urine flow through the human urethra, having an intra-urethral catheter (IUC), which has a potential through flow for the urine that extends over its length. The length of the IUC is shorter than the length of the urethra, and the IUC does not protrude from the urethral orifice at either of its ends. A transport means for the insertion of the IUC into the urethra is also associated with the apparatus. Devices are further provided on the ends of the IUC for producing a detachable connection between the IUC and the transport means. The IUC is disposed in the region of the urethra which passes through the prostate gland and the inner sphincter.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a left ventricle valve for use in a left ventricle drain line. The left ventricle valve includes a unidirectional check valve having duckbill valve portion and a flange portion to movably cover vacuum vent openings. The vacuum vent openings are parallel to the flow passage of the left ventricle valve. The valve also has a pressure relief opening. The invention further contemplates the valve in an extracorporeal circuit for draining the left ventricle of a heart.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the pressure of inflation fluid injected into one or more balloon of a catheter device comprising a reservoir chamber having an inlet port coupled in fluid communication with an inflation/deflation device and a plurality of outlet ports coupled in fluid communication with a plurality of cylindrical housings. Each cylindrical housing includes a pressure chamber and a valve chamber. The valve chamber receives a piston moveable between a fully open position and a closed position and spring biased toward the fully open position. Each housing includes an outlet port coupled in fluid communication with a separate balloon of a catheter device. Each piston includes an internal flow path which enables the flow of pressurized inflation fluid from the reservoir chamber to the balloon catheter when the pressure of the inflation fluid within the balloon is below the desired cut-off pressure.

Abstract: An improved endocardial catheter includes a plurality of longitudinally extending openings adjacent intermediate portions at its distal end. The catheter is actuable from a retracted or collapsed mode, wherein the sealed openings are arranged around the tubular catheter surface, to an expanded mode. The plurality of longitudinal openings in the catheter wall enable radial expansion of the tubular surface at the distal end so that intermediate portions of the tubular catheter surface are moved to an operative position radially outward from their position in the retracted mode. In the expanded position, the intermediate portions form wings around the distal end, revealing a cavity within the tubular catheter for the release of contrast material or other fluid into endocardial sites through the longitudinal openings.

Abstract: A valve includes an inlet and outlet housing, a flexible one-way valve, and a collar. The flexible valve is locked between the housings. The collar is attached to the inlet housing and extends into the flexible valve. As fluid flows through the valve, the collar supports the flexible valve and prevents collapse due to back flow pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for regulating the temperature of a liquid medium while the liquid medium is within a patient. According to one exemplary method, a catheter is provided having a catheter body with a proximal end and a distal end. At least one lumen extends between the proximal end and distal end, and an internal temperature altering region is near the distal end. The catheter is introduced into a body structure until the temperature altering region is near a target area within the body structure. A liquid medium is introduced into the lumen so that the temperature of the liquid medium may be altered while passing through the temperature altering region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for overpressure protection of a catheter from an indwelling catheter. A method in one embodiment includes injecting an agent into the catheter and relieving overpressures in the catheter during the injecting step. The agent is typically a declotting agent and the obstruction is typically a clot (e.g., blood clot). In one embodiment of the apparatus, a catheter includes a cannula and a first hub and a second hub, each of which are coupled to the cannula. The first hub is for receiving an agent which is placed into the cannula to remove an obstruction, and the second hub includes an overpressure relief valve for relieving an overpressure condition in the cannula. Other embodiments of the invention are also described.

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.

Abstract: Hemodialysis access and lock device (10) and system, the device comprising an improved lock (32) formed of a resilient plug (34) surrounding an inserted needle cannula (NC) and having radial blades (40) with a tapered outer edge (42) locking to a corresponding tapered surface (44) of a surrounding shell (12) and an internal passage sealed by a duck-bill valve and a strain relief at a catheter and the system comprising one or more of such devices and corresponding hub structures (100) connectable to external fluid conduits and providing control of the needle cannula and an internal obturator (OB) associated with it.

Abstract: An access port is described that allows for filtered introduction of a drug while also allowing bypass of the filter when taking CSF samples. The access port is in fluid communication with a catheter that is surgically implanted in a patient's brain or intraspinal space. The access port has a first chamber in fluid communication with the catheter through a bioretentive filter and a one-way valve. The one-way valve allows fluid to flow only in the direction from the first chamber to the catheter. The bioretentive filter filters the fluid to remove particulate matter, bacteria or other undesirable objects prior to introduction of the fluid to the CSF. The access port also includes a second chamber that is in fluid communication with the catheter. The second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a needle screen and a septum.

Abstract: A delivery device having a first chamber containing an osmotic agent, a membrane forming a wall of the first chamber through which fluid is imbibed by osmosis, a second chamber containing a beneficial agent to be delivered, and a moveable piston separating the two chambers. In fluid communication with the second chamber is an orifice which comprises a slit valve. In the presence of pressure, the beneficial agent pushes through the slit, opening up a channel for delivery of the beneficial agent and creating flow. Because the slit remains closed in the absence of flow (or when the pressure is below the pressure required to open the slit), back diffusion of external fluids is eliminated when the slit is closed, which prevents contamination of the beneficial agent in the second chamber by external fluids. In addition, forward diffusion of the beneficial agent out of the capsule is prevented when the slit is closed.

Abstract: An adjustable medical outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve flow control for fluid (liquids and gases) and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein may be flexed both distally and proximally by respective pressure differentials across the diaphragm. One or more adjustment members are provided on one or both sides of the diaphragm to selectively adjust the amount of pressure differential required to open the slit valve.

Abstract: The catheter is a catheter for controlling the circulation of fluid through it, from or to a vessel in which the catheter is inserted. The catheter comprises a long tubular body that is open especially at its distal end (5), over which there is arranged a cap (5) having an essentially flat distal wall (7) in which there is formed at least one slit forming a valve (7).The slit in the cap has a length that is greater than or equal to the inside diameter of the body of the catheter. The said slit preferably extends also into the side of the cap, and a tube is inserted into the distal portion of the catheter in order to support the sleeve during aspiration.

Abstract: An adjustable flow syringe is provided that comprises a slidable plunger within a barrel. The barrel has a flow discharge end wherein a neck is located. The neck has a conduit extending therethrough which has an outlet and an inlet such that the conduit is in fluid communication with the barrel.The adjustable flow syringe includes either a valve insert or a porous insert in the conduit which is configured to adjust the flow rate of a fluid leaving the syringe such that a low amount of manually applied force delivers the fluid in drops. The valve insert is formed from a resilient material and conforms to the contours of the conduit. The valve insert has a portion that extends across the conduit outlet with an opening formed therethrough. The porous insert is formed from a porous material and is configured with a shape corresponding to the shape of the conduit so that fluid passes through the conduit primarily via the pores of the porous insert.

Abstract: A flow rate control device which does not constitute an obstruction when it is connected to a liquid medicine continuous injector, which is not influenced by the body temperature of a patient and which can perform a priming operation of the liquid medicine continuous injector in a short period of time is disclosed. The control device is provided with a reservoir, a flow rate control tube and a release valve, which are preferably incorporated in a housing. The housing is provided with a through hole such that the reservoir can be pressed by a pressing means, and is also provided with a liquid medicine inlet and a liquid medicine outlet for the reservoir. A check valve is preferably provided in the liquid medicine inlet and the flow rate control tube and the release valve are provided in the liquid medicine outlet. The flow rate control tube and the release valve are provided coaxially with each other or in parallel with each other.

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: A method and apparatus for injecting radiographic dye during angiography. A deformable holding chamber is interposed between a contrast dye bottle and a syringe manifold. A one-way valve and an integral disconnect/flow-stop are connected between the bottle and the holding chamber. A vent is provided in the holding chamber, which can include a second one-way valve. Squeezing and releasing the deformable chamber fills the chamber from the bottle. The holding chamber contains a floating baffle which acts as a shut off valve by plugging the chamber outlet if the chamber becomes empty. The syringe is used to withdraw dye from the holding chamber. If dye remains in the bottle after performance of the procedure, the disconnect/flow-stop fitting can be disconnected, and the dye can be saved.

Abstract: A PCA device includes a fluid conduit having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, a first flow-restricting orifice in the upstream portion, a second flow-restricting orifice in the downstream portion, a pressure-responsive check valve in the downstream portion in parallel with the second flow-restricting orifice, and a bolus dose delivery mechanism including a chamber in fluid communication between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. Continuous flow is provided through the first flow-restricting orifice, the chamber, and the second flow-restrictive orifice, the continuous flow serving to fill the chamber at a controlled rate through the first flow-restrictive orifice. The bolus dose delivery mechanism is manually actuable to express the contents of the chamber through the check valve to supplement the continuous flow through the downstream portion. The bolus dose delivery mechanism includes a resilient diaphragm that forms a sealed closure for the chamber.

Abstract: An access port and method of use is described that has a filter assembly along a fluid flow path through the access port. The access port is in fluid communication with a catheter that is surgically implanted in a patient's brain or intraspinal space. The filter assembly has a filter element and a series of one-way valves. The one-way valves allow the fluid to flow easily across the filter assembly in one direction but prohibit fluid flow through the one-way valves in the opposite direction. The one-way valves are oriented to allow fluid flow from the catheter to a chamber within the access port which can be accessed by a needle. Drug or other medication to be administered to the patient through a needle must pass through the filter before entering catheter to be ultimately administered to the patient.

Abstract: An implantable dosaging system for medications, active substances, etc. administered in the form of dissolved or suspended fluids having a medication reservoir, a pump for administering the medication, an actuator for the transcutaneous operation of the pump, a self-sealing port, particularly for refilling the medication reservoir and optionally a dosaging line leading from the pump to the administration point of the medication. Preferably there is a housing (2) and a separate medication reservoir (9), in which the pump is located within the housing (2) and the administration of the medication takes place with the aid of a discharge opening provided in the housing (2), the actuator (5) and the self-sealing port (6) are provided on the housing (2), a connecting line (8) is provided between the housing (2) and the medication reservoir (9) and optionally the dosaging line (7) leads from the discharge opening to the administration point of the medication.

Abstract: A dual port syringe has an upper port for connection to a fluid reservoir and a lower port for delivery of the medical fluid under pressure to a patient. A first valve is connected between the fluid reservoir and the upper port, and second valve is connected between the lower port and the patient. During a fill operation, a piston is moved within the syringe to drawn fluid from the reservoir into the syringe through the upper port. During injection operation, the piston moves in an opposite direction to force fluid out of the syringe through the lower port.

Abstract: An intravenous metering device having automatic stopper comprises a connecting tube that can be inserted into a liquid bottle at one end such that a fluid communication therebetween can be establish. The transfusion tube being connected to a liquid barrel that has a relative larger diameter and is adjacent to the liquid bottle. The liquid barrel serves a buffering device in which the liquid from the bottle is firstly and temporary stored thereof. The second end of the transfusion tube is connected with a catheter that can be punctured into the vein of patient. A regulating device being enveloped onto the transfusion tube at suitable position. Characterized in that the junction between the lower end of the liquid barrel and the upper end of the transfusion tube is formed with a cone-shape recess in which a valve that can be axially engaged thereof is disposed. The valve is floated over the liquid surface of the liquid barrel. The lower end of the valve is provided with a cone-shape stopper.

Abstract: A device for irrigating a wound wherein a syringe fitted with a two-way check valve is filled via a short fill stem that is dipped into irrigant contained in a basin and expelled through a discharge port. The use of a basin allows the irrigant to be positioned immediately adjacent the wound to minimize movement and allows the irrigant to be drawn into the syringe with minimal effort and concentration. The short fill stem minimizes pressure drop and allows the irrigant to be drawn into the syringe as quickly as possible.

Abstract: An improved endocardial catheter includes a plurality of longitudinally extending openings adjacent intermediate portions at its distal end. The catheter is actuable from a retracted or collapsed mode, wherein the sealed openings are arranged around the tubular catheter surface, to an expanded mode. The plurality of longitudinal openings in the catheter wall enable radial expansion of the tubular surface at the distal end so that intermediate portions of the tubular catheter surface are moved to an operative position radially outward from their position in the retracted mode. In the expanded position, the intermediate portions form wings around the distal end, revealing a cavity within the tubular catheter for the release of contrast material or other fluid into endocardial sites through the longitudinal openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of volume deficiency disorders of body structures and related syndromes, and more particularly to devices that deliver fluid at a controlled pressure into an interstice of a patient to effect tissue expansion and to surgical procedures for augmenting volumetrically deficient structures or for reconstructing damaged natural body tissue by attachment of tissue segments cultivated by dilation. Methods of delivering fluid at a controlled pressure into an interstice are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve (46) is used for preventing a back flow (52) of fluid matter (72) in a dental saliva ejector (20). The unidirectional valve (46) includes a valve body (74) and a valve diaphragm (76). The valve diaphragm (76) is coupled to a base (78) of the valve body (74). The base (78) has apertures (90) for separating a particulate component (104) from a liquid component (102) of fluid matter (72). The valve diaphragm (76) has a flexible flap (96) for allowing a forward flow (48) of liquid component (102) into a low volume suction tube (28) of saliva ejector (20). The flexible flap (96) is further configured to prevent the back flow (52) liquid component (102) into an ejector tip (26) and into the mouth (22) of a dental patient (24).

Abstract: Medical infusion apparatus includes a container for a liquid to be infused, tubing leading from the container to the subject to receive an infusion, a pump for pumping the infusion liquid via the tubing to the subject, and a safety valve connected in the tubing between the pump and the subject. The safety valve is normally closed to prevent free-flow of the liquid from the container, but is automatically opened when a predetermined minimum pressure is applied to the liquid by the pump. The safety valve is also manually deformable to open the valve and to permit priming the apparatus.

Abstract: Drip chamber heads are disclosed for attachment to drip chambers in which the drip chamber head includes a vertical body, a first connector for connecting the body to a blood supply, and a drip tube disposed within the body including a depending lower portion, the upper portion of the drip tube being in communication with the first connector so that blood may be supplied to the drip chamber through the first connector and the drip tube, thereby providing the blood at an adjustable level within the drip chamber with an air filled region thereabove, a second connector disposed at the upper portion of the body for communicating with the air filled region of the drip chamber, and an air permeable filter disposed at the upper portion of the body between the second connector and the adjustable level of blood within the drip chamber whereby the air pressure within the air filter region of the drip chamber can be sensed through the second connector.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus having a housing with a throughbore. A seal is mounted within the throughbore. The seal has a peripheral sealing surface that contacts an external surface of a sleeve when the sleeve is mounted within the throughbore. A one-way valve or check valve is mounted within the throughbore, preferably between the peripheral sealing surface and the sleeve. When the sleeve is withdrawn from the throughbore, the one-way valve prevents fluid, such as a blood sample, from flowing outside of the housing.

Abstract: An over the wire scalpel for performing a dermatotomy that produces a skin nick features a triangular shaped blade with a pair of cutting edges that meet to define a tip. The blade is connected to a handle and a central lumen passes through both. The leading opening of the lumen is positioned at the blade tip so that it is symmetrically abutted by the cutting edges. A blocker that limits the depth of blade travel is positioned upon the handle adjacent to the blade. A stylus may be placed within the central lumen so that the scalpel may be used without a guidewire or with a guidewire that has a diameter significantly smaller than that of the central lumen.

Abstract: An adjustable medical outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve flow control for fluid (liquids and gases) and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein may be flexed both distally and proximally by respective pressure differentials across the diaphragm. One or more adjustment members are provided on one or both sides of the diaphragm to selectively adjust the amount of pressure differential required to open the slit valve.

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. A second and a third lumens are also included in the catheter body. The second and third lumens each have an open proximal 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.

Abstract: An improved suction tip for a surgical irrigation apparatus which tip includes an outer tube having a distal end portion for communication with a surgical site and a proximal end for communication with a suction irrigation handpiece, and an inner tube extending in the outer tube and having an open distal end portion for communication with the surgical site and an open proximal end portion for communication with the handpiece. A one way seal is interposed between the inner and outer tubes of the tip. The hub defining the proximal end portion of the outer tube has a single internal thread for connection to both the handpiece and inner tube.

Abstract: A valve apparatus employs a spherical sealing element disposed in resiliently deformable tubing. The dimensions of the sealing element are selected such that the valve opens when subjected to a cracking pressure that is greater than the head pressure developed in an IV set and less than the pressure generated by a peristaltic pump. The valve additionally has an actuator element associated therewith that may be applied to the tubing about the sealing element to cause free flow without the need for continuous manipulation.

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: Vascular access catheters that include a catheter body having one or a plurality of lumens longitudinally extending therethrough. The lumens have cross-sectional shapes that enhance kink resistance, support reliable slit valve operation, and couple securely with the outlet stem of a multiple reservoir implantable access port. In a dual lumen catheter disclosed, each of the lumens are defined by a plurality of longitudinally extending generally linear inner wall surfaces. The inner wall surfaces when viewed in a transverse cross section of the catheter body taken normal to the longitudinal access have trapezoidal shapes. Other cross-sectional shapes are also illustrated. A generally planar septum separates the pair of lumens. The lumens effect a fluid-tight mechanical engagement between the D-shaped outlet prongs of a conventional outlet stem of an implantable dual reservoir access port, highly reliable two-way, three-position slit valves may be associated with each of the lumens.

Abstract: A catheter with valve for implantation in a vascular structure of a living being. The catheter is in the general shape of a "T" with the top of the "T" implanted within the lumen of a vascular structure, and the leg of the "T" extending out of the vascular structure through an incision in the vascular structure. The lumen of the implanted portion of the catheter completely occupies the lumen of the vascular structure, causing all blood flow through the vascular structure to be directed through the implanted portion of the catheter. A valve is placed in the wall of the implanted portion of the catheter which opens into the lumen of the leg of the "T" of the catheter upon application of sufficient differential pressure between the lumens of the two portions of the catheter.

Abstract: An improved catheter having a closed distal end and a valve adjacent the distal end which communicates the lumen of the catheter with the exterior of the catheter to permit the infusion or aspiration of fluids between the catheter and the vessel in which the catheter is positioned. The valve is preferably in a plane which is oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the catheter, and is preferably in an area of reduced wall thickness to facilitate opening and closing.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system includes a manifold and valve which selectively connects either a syringe pump or a low pressure system to a catheter which is inserted into a patient. The valve is normally biased to a state which connects the low pressure system to the catheter for pressure monitoring, saline flushing, or aspirating functions. When an injection is to be made, the valve automatically switches so that the low pressure system is disconnected and not exposed to high pressure, while the syringe pump is connected through the manifold to the catheter.

Abstract: A disc-like valve element in a control valve includes an outer peripheral ring to which leaf elements are integrally connected having a thickness which increases uniformly from the entire outer peripheral ring to the axial center forming a conical shaped valve element when in a closed condition. The side of the valve element facing the inlet end of the chamber is preferably flat functioning as a funnel to discharge urine when the valve element is moved to an open condition. The increased thickness at the axial center of the valve element is preferably the result of the side of the valve element facing the outlet end of the valve chamber increasing in thickness from the ring laterally inwardly and longitudinally outwardly to maximize flexibility of the leaf elements adjacent the ring and sealing at the axial center.

Abstract: A tubular implant to be used for percutaneously feeding a patient, which implant is made of resiliently deformable material and includes a distal enlargement adapted to be inserted into the stomach and having at least one opening and a proximally following central tubular section adapted to be inserted into a punctured hole extending from the outside into the stomach cavity, characterized in that the implant includes releasable tensioning or pinching means for reversibly reducing the diameter of the implant along its total length such that it is freely displaceable together with said means through a usual trocar sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece or multipiece application system for applying plastic masses out of a receptacle. The application system (10) comprises a funnel-shaped outlet piece (16) adapted to the receptacle and an elongate application part (30), wherein along the inner surfaces of all parts of the application system no shoulder is formed which could impair the application of the plastic mass.

Abstract: An irrigation system for use primarily with in situ bypass and valvulotomy procedures. The system includes access to both the proximal and distal ends of a length of vein and allows for irrigation flow to be provided from proximal to distal, distal to proximal or to both proximal and distal ends of the vein simultaneously. The use of the irrigation system provides for a clear field of view by angioscope during medical procedures. Introducers are also described which may be used with the irrigation system or with many other procedures which require access to an internal body conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting radiographic dye during angiography are provided. A deformable holding chamber is interposed between a contrast dye bottle and a syringe manifold. A one-way valve and an integral disconnect/flow-stop are connected between the bottle and the holding chamber. A vent is provided in the holding chamber, with a second one-way valve. Squeezing and releasing the deformable chamber fills the chamber from the bottle. The holding chamber contains a floating baffle which acts as a shut off valve by plugging the chamber outlet if the chamber becomes empty. The syringe is used to withdraw dye from the holding chamber. If dye remains in the bottle after performance of the procedure, the disconnect/flow-stop fitting can be disconnected, and the dye can be saved.

Abstract: A blood check device comprises a needle, a barrel connecting the needle, a check tube inserted in the barrel, a sleeve connecting the barrel, and a connecting hose connecting the sleeve. A rear end of the connecting hose connects an infusion bottle. The barrel has a soft pipe and an annular rib disposed in an inner periphery of the soft pipe. An end flange is disposed on a rear open end of the check tube. A tapered notch is formed on a front close end of the check tube. The tapered notch communicates with a hollow interior of the check tube.

Abstract: A check valve, especially for the medical technique having a first hose connector housing (1) and a second hose connector housing (2) and further a flexible diaphragm disk (3) positioned between the two joined hose connector housings (1, 2). At an overpressure in an entry space (6) the diaphragm disk (3) can be lifted from a lip-shaped sealing ring (13), whereby a flow cross-sectional area is created, and wherein the diaphragm disk (3) at an overpressure in an exit space (7) safely and in minimal times can be pressed onto a sealing seat to close the valve. The circular diaphragm disk (3) is produced from liquid silicone, silicone rubber or natural rubber and the thickness (3c) of the diaphragm cross-section (3a) is uniform.

Abstract: An implantable device grafted directly to vascular structures for high volume blood and/or fluid infusion and/or removal for such purpose as hemodialysis, apheresis, exchange transfusion, or large volume fluid infusion. The device is also adaptable to intermittent access to the venous or arterial circulations for purpose of blood sampling or giving medications. The device is comprised of an implantable fluid chamber connected to a vascular shunt which is then grafted directly to the vascular structure (e.g. artery or vein). The vascular end of the device employs a valve to prevent reflux of blood and subsequent washout of anticoagulant during periods when the device is not in use. The device is accessed percutaneously with a needle or needle-introduced catheter and is filled with anti coagulant prior to needle withdrawal to prevent thrombosis.

Abstract: A pneumatic controlled infusion bag comprises a double-layer infusion bag, a space defined between the layers for receiving pneumatic pressure therein to gradually squeeze the medicament inside the bag delivering into the vessel of a patient. A pneumatic fluid control assembly controllably supplies the pneumatic pressure into the infusion bag. The assembly comprises an air inlet connected to a pneumatic source, an outlet connected to the bag via a hose, a first and a second piston disposed inside the assembly for respectively controlling the open/close and the proper amount of the pneumatic pressure. A pressure release valve inside the infusion bag can automatically release the excessive pneumatic pressure out of the bag. This disclosure overcomes the resistance of the blood pressure and needs no longer to form a potential difference between the infusion bag and the human body.

Abstract: A check valve for providing fluid communication between a patient's middle ear and external auditory canal for improved comfort and hearing. The check valve is configured for permitting fluid to flow from the external auditory canal into the middle ear and for checking fluid flow from the middle ear to the external auditory canal.