Abstract: A re-usable nozzle for dispensing a flowable product from a resilient container has a removable one-way valve which facilitates cleaning and sterilisation of the nozzle. When the nozzle is used for dispensing a flowable pharmaceutical, the nozzle controls the amount of suck back of pharmaceutical into the nozzle on completion of dispensing. With a stand off of the valve float from the valve seat during dispensing of about one eighth of an inch (1) the suck back is sufficient to draw any drop of contaminated pharmaceutical at the tip of nozzle on completion of dispensing into the nozzle so as to reduce the risk of contamination of the environment and (2) the suck back is sufficiently small to minimize the risk of damage to any tissue with which the nozzle is intimately associated. Furthermore, with the distance from the valve seat to the nozzle tip being at least about three times the stand off, no contaminated pharmaceutical may enter the container so that the container may be re-used.

Abstract: A cardioplegia administration system includes a tubing set, a positive displacement pump and a mixing system. The tubing set has a cardioplegia supply tube; a blood supply tube; and a cardioplegia administration tube connected to the cardioplegia and blood supply tubes. The positive displacement pump engages the cardioplegia administration tube to pump fluid therethrough. The mixing system includes pinch valves for alternately-continually pinching the cardioplegia and blood supply tubes to close and open the cardioplegia and blood supply tubes such that only one of the cardioplegia and blood supply tubes is open at a time, and a controller that controls the intervals during which the pinch valves are open to control the ratio of the cardioplegia medication and blood or blood substitute administered through the cardioplegia administration tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing liquid to a patient, preventing reflux and permitting venting. Tubes or other suitable apparatus are provided for connecting to the liquid source and the patient. An anti-reflux valve is provided in the hydraulic channel between the source and the patient. A vent is provided in the channel between the anti-reflux valve and the patient. Thus, gas urged from the patient under pressure is urged out of the vent. However, liquid similarly urged from the patient is prevented from overflowing by the anti-reflux valve. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-reflux valve is a flapper valve or a ball valve. In another preferred embodiment, the vent is a gas permeable, liquid impervious fabric. Alternatively, the vent may be a float valve. The invention is useful for gastroenterological feeding, nasogastric feeding and the like.

Abstract: Valve apparatus and method with an elastomeric disk fixedly disposed between inlet and outlet members and being deformable to permit flow through the inlet to the outlet. Deformation of the disk in the direction of pressure through the outlet is limited. The elastomeric disk can be circular with a linear or non-linear slit and be clamped between the inlet and outlet members. The structure for limiting disk deformation can take the form of a pilot integrated into, and extending across, the inlet member in centrally or non-centrally apertured form.

Abstract: A drip chamber has an open distal end and a luer fitting is positioned in the open distal end of the drip chamber to engage a complementary fitting associated with another IV component, e.g., an IV fluid bag. Thus, the drip chamber can be engaged with an IV bag without the use of "sharps".

Abstract: A medical backcheck valve includes a hollow housing containing an upwardly biased piston assembly for controlling liquid flow therethrough. The piston assembly comprises a substantially rigid plug having one end protruding from the upper end of the housing, and a flexible sheath covering having a relatively small diameter upper end surrounding the plug, a main seal for controlling flow through said first flow space, and a tubular lower end, secured at the bottom of the housing, for preventing liquid from entering within the covering.

Abstract: A combination of an introducer cannula and a removable reducer for use therewith. The introducer cannula comprises an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a flow passage extending therethrough. A housing is mounted on the distal extremity and has a chamber in communication with the flow passage in the tubular member. Proximal and distal spaced apart seals are disposed in the chamber and are carried by the housing. The reducer comprises a body having proximal and distal extremities. The body has a cylindrical extension and the cylindrical extension has at least two elongate slots formed therein which extend through the cylindrical extension from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity of the body. The elongate slots extend diametrically of the cylindrical extension and adjoin each other to provide a central opening. A membrane seal is carried by the body and overlies the central opening. The membrane seal has a hole therein in alignment with the central opening.

Abstract: An irrigation set for use with a laparoscopic and/or hysteroscopic irrigation pump includes a bottle cap having an open mouth, closed-end cup shape threaded on the inside surface and defining a region just inside the closed end provided with an undercut and an opening defined in the closed end. A disk assembly is composed of a disk received in the region and retained therein by the undercut. The side of said disk inside the cap defines a depending skirt. The disk defines a first opening aligned with the depending skirt, a check valve cartridge and draw tube secured to the depending skirt. A first tubular projection on the disk is aligned with the first opening and projects through the opening in the closed end. A second tubular projection on the disk is aligned with the second opening and projects through the tubular opening in the closed end. A gas tubing is secured at one end to the second tubular projection, and a gas fitting is secured to the other end of the gas tubing.

Abstract: A fluid manifold includes a housing having a first inlet and an outlet and a plurality of inlets intermediate the first inlet and the outlet which are provided with check valve action to prevent retrograde flow through the valved inlets, yet allow individual inlets to pass fluid when the fluid pressure in any individual inlet exceeds that of the interior of the chamber by a predetermined cracking pressure. The check valve action is provided by a single resilient backcheck member which is deformably urged against annular valve seats by support members embodied in the housing opposite and central to the valved inlets. A conventional injection site may be provided in the housing so that additional fluids may be injected into the interior of the manifold through an inserted cannula.

Abstract: A closing system for an instrument passage, particularly for use in laparoscopic puncture devices. The object of the invention is to provide a closing system of safe operation which permits a non-complicated cleaning and has a simple and comparatively small construction. The object is realized according to the invention in that a closing member is a floatingly seated disc which centrally fits into a conical seat and which is held in any position only by a non-symmetrically acting magnetic force of at least one magnet, preferably a permanent magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating pneumothorax and pneumohemothorax comprises a one-way valve having a top end and a bottom end and a suction port secured to and extending beyond the top end, a conduit secured to and extending perpendicularly away from the bottom end of the one-way valve in flow communication therewith a 90 degree elbow removably securable to a distal end of the conduit in flow communication therewith and a luer lock lug receptacle secured to the 90 degree elbow and adapted to threadingly receive luer lock lugs on a large bore needle or catheter. The 90 degree elbow is removably securable to the conduit and may be removed and replaced with a connection adapter. The connection adaptor has a first end removably securable to the distal end of the conduit and a second end removably securable to a chest tube surgically inserted in the pleural space. The apparatus may also include an injection port extending from and in flow communication with the conduit.

Abstract: A double lumen nasogastric tube possesses a hydrophobic filter at the proximal end of the sump lumen for inhibiting reflux from exiting the sump lumen and contaminating the patient, clinician and nearby surroundings.

Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding port comprising a retaining flange portion, a middle tube portion and elastically adjustable tip portion adaptable to fit a variety of stoma lengths.

Abstract: The one-way cross-slit valve of the invention is made of an elastomeric material and has a hollow cylindrical body with first and second ends and an axis and a passageway through the body, the passageway being entirely intercepted by a ridge and valley wall or web structure integrally joined to the cylindrical body. There are just two ridges in the form of lands that extend diametrically and intersect at a right angle at about the axis of the valve body and are slitted at the intersection to provide duckbill valve action. The ridges constitute the apices of mutually intersecting partially folded wall portions that are V-shaped in section, the V's spreading towards the first end where the intersecting walls join and form the valleys and the one-way action of the valve allowing fluid to move only towards the second end. The novel low profile gastrostomy tube combines a conventional dome and tubular shaft with the one-way cross-slit valve of the invention.

Abstract: A catheter check valve assembly has a body member with a wall defining a generally cylindrical chamber and a transverse wall having an aperture lying on the axis of such chamber. A duckbill valve and an end cap supporting a catheter are positioned on one side of the transverse wall. A separator has a major portion positioned in said cylindrical chamber and an elongated cylindrical probe extending from said major portion. The separator is axially moveable from a retracted position where the probe is out of contact with the duckbill valve to a forward position extending through and opening the duckbill valve. A trocar may be extended through the catheter check valve assembly when the separator is in the forward position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for passively perfusing blood past a stenosis during angioplasty. The apparatus utilizes a guide catheter having a plurality of openings in fluid communication with a guide lumen. A balloon catheter inserted within the guide catheter has a port located adjacent at least one of the openings in the guide catheter. A proximal balloon and a distal balloon may be utilized to respectively seal a distal end of the guide catheter and inflate the stenosis. A pressure equalization device, such as a syringe is utilized to initiate blood flow from an upstream blood vessel located proximal to the distal balloon to a downstream blood vessel located distal to the inflated distal balloon.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive control valve is especially useful to control aspiration of fluids from a patient during a surgical procedure. The control valve includes features which control the aspiration suction level communicated to the patient, which prevent reverse flow positive pressure from communicating to the patient, which safely vents such a reverse flow positive pressure in the event it reaches a level jeopardizing the integrity of the valve or plumbing fixtures, and which prevents aspirated fluids from weeping from the valve into the surgical environment in the event that a positive pressure communicates to the inlet of the control valve.

Abstract: An irrigation system including a pump that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, and a tubing set for supplying the fluid. The tubing set comprises an inflow line for supplying fluid to the surgical site, and an outflow line for draining fluid from the surgical site. At least one of the inflow and outflow lines includes an expandable compliant tubing segment that expands to accommodate changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site. The fluid volume within the compliant tubing segment increases in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliant tubing segment. The system is particularly designed for use in small joint arthroscopy (e.g., of the wrist) where the fluid volume in the surgical site is relatively small.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved, low cost method and apparatus for monitoring the intravenous metering of fluids to a patient. The present invention provides a strain gauge which is preferably a balanced metal beam. Conditioning circuitry is provided which has as input the strain gauge output. The output of the conditioning circuit is inputted into occlusion sensing circuit. The output of occlusion sensing circuit is inputted into an air sensing circuit. The output of both the occlusion sensing circuit and the air sensing circuit are inputted into an analog to digital convertor which is monitored by a microprocessor for abnormal signals.

Abstract: A needleless IV quick-connect/disconnect assembly includes a first cylindrical member having a female luer, a resilient valve member having stem, a sealing surface, and a base, and a second cylindrical member having a fluid coupling extending from one end and an internal valve member support. The cylindrical members are sized so that the first cylindrical member fits snugly inside the second cylindrical member. A pair of radial ramped protrusions extend from the outer surface of the first cylindrical member and a pair of radial openings are provided in the second cylindrical member. In assembly, with the valve member stem in the female luer, the first cylindrical member is inserted into the second cylindrical member until the radial ramped protrusions engage the radial openings and the valve member base is engaged by the valve member support.

Abstract: An IV bag has at least one opening and a valve associated with the opening. The valve is normally closed to prevent fluid communication through the opening. A needleless connector can be engaged with the valve to open the valve and thereby establish a passageway for fluid communication through the opening.

Abstract: A fully exchangeable over-the-wire catheter is disclosed having a lumen adapted to slidingly receive a guidewire throughout the longitudinal extent of the tubular shaft. The tubular shaft may also be provided with a longitudinal rip seam extending into the lumen from the proximal portion of the tubular shaft to a point adjacent the distal end of the tubular shaft which enables the catheter to be peeled from the guidewire during removal and exchange procedures without the need for docking a guidewire extension. The catheter may be provided with one or more side access ports into the guidewire lumen which may include angled partitions to control guidewire routing. The guidewire may be threaded through the side access ports in a variety of manners as desired.

Abstract: In a cerebrospinal fluid shunt including a flow control device forming a portion of a fluid conduit, a capacitive element is provided for reducing overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid due to the pulsatile nature of cerebrospinal fluid flow. The capacitive element includes a reservoir having a base and a housing for the base which cooperatively define a fluid flow pathway through the reservoir. A pair of spaced, substantially parallel, flexible diaphragms form opposite sides of the housing such that each flexible diaphragm has an outer surface which forms an exterior surface of the reservoir, and an inner surface in contact with and subject to pressure variations of cerebrospinal fluid within the reservoir. A raised ring surrounds each diaphragm and forms a recess in which the respective diaphragm is positioned. The capacitive element accommodates the pulsatile nature of cerebrospinal fluid flow between a cerebrospinal fluid source and the flow control valve by varying the fluid capacity of the reservoir.

Abstract: A trocar (2) includes a hollow body (4) defining a path between its proximal and distal ends with an obturator assembly (6) positioned along the path. The tip (34, 36) of the obturator assembly has a cutting element (38). A novel gas sealing assembly (114) seals the path along the trocar body and includes at least three interleavened elastomeric sealing elements (124) which seal the path when an object, such as an obturator barrel (14), is not positioned along the path. The gas sealing assembly also includes a flexible, elastic, conical element (136) with a hole (158) at its tip and raised ridges or rings (164) along its inner surface (154) for sealing the path when an object is positioned along the path.

Abstract: A catheter having a side port for selective infusion of fluids is disclosed. The side port may be deactivated so that the catheter can be used as a non-side port catheter. The side port is rotable about the catheter housing to; block off access to the catheter lumen from the side port when the side port is deactivated. The catheter is also provided with a valve to facilitate the selective infusion of fluid from the side port into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: An implantable drainage valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus is described. The valve includes a body, a valve seat, a closure member, a spring and at least one spherical weight. The spring is positioned within the cylindrical chamber of the valve body and between the closure member and the spherical weight. The valve is intended to be vertically oriented when the patient is sitting or standing and, when so oriented, the weight will provide additional compressive force against the spring to help maintain the valve in a closed condition. Consequently, hyperdrainage is avoided when the valve experiences normal variations in fluid pressure differentials such as when the patient rises from a lying or recumbent position to a standing position.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter having a guidewire lumen slidable sleeve. The lumen and sleeve have aligned apertures, which may be closed by moving the slidable sleeve. When the apertures are aligned, a guidewire may be loaded from the distal end of the catheter through the lumen. The guidewire is forced out of the lumen by a ramp in the lumen. The ramp is at the end of a removable core member, which provides enhanced shaft rigidity. The catheter may be converted from a "monorail" to an "over-the-wire" configuration by moving the slidable sleeve to close the aperture and advancing a replacement guidewire through the guidewire lumen past the now sealed aperture. A non-circular cross-section is used for the lumen, removable core member, and slidable sleeve, thereby maintaining orientation of the lumen and slidable sleeve apertures should the catheter undergo rotational flexing during use.

Abstract: A compact, integrated intravenous fluid delivery device. In one embodiment, the invention may be used with first and second intravenous fluid sources and an intravenous fluid line. This embodiment includes a spike for connecting the device to the first intravenous fluid source. A fluid passageway passes through the spike. A connection site (e.g. a puncture site) connects the device to the second intravenous fluid source. This embodiment also includes a drip chamber, through which the fluid may flow to the intravenous fluid line. This embodiment may include an adjustable valve, which includes a flexible tube mounted so that fluid may pass from the fluid passageway in the spike, from the connection site, and through the tube. The valve includes an actuator mounted with respect to the tube so that it may be urged to compress the tube. The spike, the adjustable valve, and the drip chamber are rigidly attached to each other, with no flexible tubing between the various components.

Abstract: A device for controlling flow rate in an intravenous line comprises a housing having an inlet port adapted to be connected to an incoming segment of an intravenous line and an outlet port adapted to be connected to an outgoing segment of the intravenous line. A valve is disposed in the housing between the inlet port and the outlet port. The device further comprises a first valve adjustment mechanism mounted to the housing and operatively connected to the valve for setting the valve to select a desired flow rate, the first valve adjustment mechanism being manually adjustable for selecting the desired flow rate. A second valve adjustment mechanism is mounted to the housing and is operatively connected to the valve for automatically and temporarily closing the valve in response to the exceeding of the desired flow rate by an average flow rate of intravenous fluid into the housing through the inlet port.

Abstract: A pressurized intravenous fluid delivery apparatus that operates as a closed system incorporating a waste component to avoid the accidental injection of air. The apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir under pressure, a manifold with a series of stopcock, an exhaust means in fluid connection with both the fluid reservoir and the manifold by means of a dual check valve, and a cannula and syringe means for injecting fluid into a patient. The closed system facilitates the flushing of blood and air out a catheter without the necessity of disconnecting any part of the apparatus and thereby risking exposure to air or risking physician contact with body fluids. The system is useful for delivering any quantity of one or more fluids under pressure, while avoiding the injection of air.

Abstract: An improved cannula for providing access to a body passage for inserting instruments. The cannula of the present invention includes an improvement in the form of a biased ball valve for sealing the inlet of a housing attached to the proximal end of the cannula. The ball valve includes a seal member with an upwardly curved portion that is biased towards a second seal portion at a second end of the housing whereby the ball seats and seals the inlet to the housing cavity.

Abstract: A system for controlling drainage of the female bladder comprising a valved catheter, a stylet for placing the catheter in the female urethra, and a spike for opening the valve in the catheter to allow voiding of the contents of the bladder. The system also includes a sizing device for determining the length of the urethra so that the proper fitting catheter is used. The catheter comprises a hollow shaft with a extendable sealing portion on one end for placement through the urethra and a crown on the other end for placement external of the body. The valve may be integral with the shaft or insertable after the catheter is placed in the urethra.

Abstract: A surgical cannula having selectable gaskets which assure a fluid-tight seal around medical devices of a variety of sizes. The cannula includes a tubular member insertable into a medical patient, a two-piece housing mounted to the proximal end of the tubular member, and a movable member mounted to the housing and selectively movable between a first position and a second position across the passage. The movable member has at least two apertures through which surgical instruments may be passed.A first gasket is included in the two-piece housing to seal around the largest instruments passed through the cannula. A second gasket is included in the movable member to provide a fluid-tight seal when smaller instruments are used. When the movable member is in its first position a gasketless aperture in the movable member is aligned with the lumen of the tubular member to accommodate large medical instruments.

Abstract: The proposed device comprises an outer tube having a central canal and perforations at its one end, a stylet fitted in the central canal of the outer tube, an inner tube, which is in fact a non-return valve and with its one end tightly connected to the outer tube and with its opposite end stretched over the stylet with a possibility of slipping off the latter and getting everted. The device has a receptacle for collecting the pleural fluid, tightly connected to the outer tube and the inner tube, and a retainer for fixing the device in position.

Abstract: A portable, closed circuit, disposable device for post operatory surgical suction which comprised a bellows-shaped body receptacle for suctioned fluids, a threaded neck located on the upper surface of said bellows-shaped body suitable to receive a threaded cap; said cap being provided with a suction tube system connected through said cap into the bellows-shaped body, and said system of tubes is provided with a check-valve, wherein said bellows-shaped body is provided with a cannula in its lower surface, having a nearly rectangular longitudinal section, having a lower end wall, wherein the side wall of said cannula is provided with at least one opening located in a position close to said lower end wall of said cannula; where an elastic tube, with a longer extension than said cannula, is introduced under pressure in said cannula in order to close the at least one opening of said cannula, and wherein a tube of rigid or semi-rigid material is introduced in said cannula, fixing the elastic tube between its interio

Abstract: A capless medical valve includes a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a valve bore, all three of which meet at a common transition zone bounded by a transition surface. A valve member confined within the valve bore has a spherical head and a generally cylindrical stem sized to fit within the inlet and extending from the head toward the transition zone. A spring in compression biases the valve member toward the inlet, so that the spherical head is normally seated against the transition surface, but can be mechanically displaced off its seat by inserting a syringe tip or fitting into the inlet.

Abstract: An implantable drainage device for the treatment of hydrocephalus is described. The device operates like a combination of three valves including a first pressure regulation valve in series with an assembly having a flow regulation valve in parallel with a second pressure regulation valve. The device allows cerebrospinal fluid communication between a source location in the brain and a drainage location when the pressure differential therebetween exceeds a first predetermined threshold. Above the first predetermined threshold, the device opens to allow a flow of cerebrospinal fluid therethrough, maintaining a substantially constant pressure differential across the device. When the pressure differential is between the first predetermined threshold and a second, higher, predetermined threshold a substantially constant flow rate is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for manipulating fluid flow. The apparatus includes a member having a channel through which fluid flows and at least one opening of a predetermined diameter in communication with the channel. The opening controls the fluid flow thereacross. At least a portion of the member is in thermal contact with the opening and is made of a material reactive with electromagnetic energy. There is also a device for providing electromagnetic energy. The providing device is in communication with the portion of the member reactive to electromagnetic energy such that the electromagnetic energy heats the portion of the member. The present invention also pertains to an apparatus for restricting fluid flow. The restricting apparatus includes a member having a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface and an opening between the first and second surface for restricting the fluid flow therethrough. The member is made of sapphire or ruby.

Abstract: A thoracentesis needle assembly is provided and generally comprises a longitudinally extending hollow needle which is sharp at its distal end, a longitudinally extending hollow probe which extends through the hollow needle and has a blunt distal end with an opening, a spring which is coupled to the probe and which resiliently biases the probe forward with respect to the hollow needle such that the blunt distal end of the probe extends past the sharp distal end of the needle, a hollow housing which is fixed to the needle and which houses the spring and permits relative movement of the probe relative to the housing, a hollow luer adapter with its distal end coupled to the housing and its proximal end having a luer mating means, the probe, housing and luer adapter providing a flow path for fluid, and an automatic check valve in the fluid flow path, where the automatic check valve permits flow of fluid in a proximal direction, but prevents flow of fluid in a distal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein the primary dye container is connected to a secondary dye container with sufficient safeguards, including at least one-way check valve and at least one stopcock between the primary dye container and the secondary dye container, to assure a sterile barrier between the primary and secondary dye sources so that less than the total amount of sterile contrast media can be transferred from the primary dye container in an amount sufficient to perform a cardiac catheterization procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely contolled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: A valve device for a catheter with a catheter hub. A tubular housing has one end provided with an outer cone for fitting into an inner cone of the catheter hub and has a valve body within acting as a locking member of an axial channel for the passage of an elongate object. The housing is provided with an axially directed protrusion forming a radial space together with the outer surface of the outer cone and has a locking member cooperating with a complementary member at the catheter hub projecting into the space so as to act as a disconnection lock. Thus, a valve device is provided that is suitable for use with a catheter system destined for venous applications according to the Seldinger method, and which ensures a reliable sealing of the extracorporal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An improved enema insufflation system includes a source of barium sulfate suspension connected, by tubing, to a multi-lumen enema tip and a source of carbon dioxide, connected to the enema tip. The carbon dioxide source contains compressed carbon dioxide. The source is connected to a carbon dioxide reservoir capable of holding a pre-determined volume of carbon dioxide at a relatively low pressure. A hand actuated insufflation bulb is connected to the carbon dioxide reservoir. The insufflation bulb can draw carbon dioxide from the reservoir for delivery, through the enema tip, to a patient. The compressed, high-pressure carbon dioxide is functionally isolated from the patient to ensure patient safety.

Abstract: A suction catheter device usable with a respiratory support system which includes a catheter enveloped in a sleeve having a proximal end connector for connection to a suction source through a suction control device such as a suction control valve, and a distal end connector for attachment to a manifold of the respiratory support system. The proximal end connector includes a normally closed valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until a suction control device is attached thereto. The proximal end connector may also be adapted for use on a dual lumen catheter and thereby include a fluid injection passage having a one-way check valve therein. The distal end connector of the suction catheter device includes a magnifying window through which a portion of the catheter within the connector can be viewed.

Abstract: An intravenous set includes a spike or luer connector for receiving pharmaceutical product solution, a pumping section, an air eliminating filter, an anti-siphon valve and a connector for an IV access device. The air eliminating filter includes an in-line hydrophilic membrane and a hydrophobic membrane upstream thereof to vent trapped gases to the atmosphere. The anti-siphon valve has a positive crack pressure and is located downstream of the air eliminating filter.

Abstract: A one-way valve for dispensing a fluid material from a container includes an axially extending valve body and an elastomeric sleeve stretched over the valve body in tightly fitting contact with it. A ring shaped enlargement is formed monolithically on each end of the sleeve and fits in sealed contact with reduced diameter portions at the opposite ends of the valve body. The sleeve can be assembled on the valve body in a variety of ways including mechanically expanding the sleeve and placing it on the valve body. The enlargements at the ends of the valve body have a thickness dimension in the radial direction in the range of 2 to 4 times the thickness of the sleeve between the enlargements.

Abstract: An injection syringe useful in the medical arts for injecting high viscosity fluids or pastes, particularly in endoscopic applications. The syringe includes a force multiplying mechanism to infuse viscous medicaments such as collagen or polytetrafluoroethylene paste, with a controlled metering action. The force multiplying mechanism is provided by the combination of lower piston cylinder chamber that intersects with an upper cylinder chamber, wherein the piston is connected to a piston advancing means on a lever pivot arm.

Abstract: A closed-end catheter having a flat-surfaced valve positioned in a recess about the distal portion of the catheter for preventing retrograde flow of blood therethrough when positioned in a blood vessel of a patient. The valve catheter comprises a flexible material, cylindrical tube having a semi-circular cross-sectional wall extending longitudinally about the distal portion thereof. The laterally facing valve is formed in a planar surface of a flexible material layer attached to the wall in the distal portion of the cylindrical tube. One or more passages extend through the cylindrical tube in which medicaments or fluids can be simultaneously injected or aspirated. The valve is formed by inserting one or more flat-surfaced rods in the passages of the tube to stretch the surrounding wall. A flat-surfaced layer of flexible material is applied over the flat-surfaced rod to the stretched wall.

Abstract: A vascular access system (20) utilizing a catheter (22) having at least one lumen with a bidirectional check valve assembly (24).

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight endoscopic instrument which has a flushing port with a check valve assembly therein. The check valve retains carbon dioxide which is used during endoscopic procedures. Upon removal of the instrument, a pressurized fluid can be connected to the flush port, with internal seals directing the pressurized fluid through an annular space between the stem of the instrument and a central actuating rod or element so that any tissue or blood which may have entered into such annular space is flushed out the distal end of the instrument. The instrument features a knob allowing it to rotate on its longitudinal axis while having a handle that can be held in a fixed position by the surgeon. An index mechanism is provided to audibly and/or visually give an indication at preset increments of rotation. The instrument is lightweight to decrease fatigue and is simply and economically constructed.