Having Fluid Responsive Means (e.g., Check Valve, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/247)
  • Patent number: 5286258
    Abstract: A multipharmaceutical delivery system, such as a syringe (2) or a topical pharmaceutical applicator, suitable for a simultaneous delivery of a mixture (124) of two or more mixed pharmaceuticals (52, 120) in selected amounts and proportions, includes a body (4, 180) with first and second variable volume reservoirs (24, 26), containing the first and second liquids or other flowable materials, such as creams and salves. The reservoirs are connected to a variable volume accumulator chamber (31) through check valves (28) to permit liquid to flow from the reservoirs into the accumulator chamber but not the reverse. A delivery head, such as a needle assembly (78) or a spray nozzle assembly (196), is selectively fluidly coupled to the accumulator chamber by an exit path (106, 202) formed in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Habley Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Haber, William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster
  • Patent number: 5284475
    Abstract: A tubular adapter and check valve for Luer fittings. The end of the adapter that receives the Luer fitting is expandable radially outwardly in a substantially uniform manner so that Luer fittings of all sizes are snugly received by the adapter. Deep longitudinally extending grooves are formed in the adapter to provide the expandability. The adapter, when in repose, is designed to tightly receive the smallest in diameter Luer fittings, but it receives even the largest Luer fittings when in its expanded configuration. The adapter is also improved by providing radially inwardly extending fingers that hold a check valve in the adapter against axial displacement and by providing an annular shoulder that limits the depth of insertion of the Luer fitting into the adapter, which shoulder prevents over distortion of the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Glenn H. Mackal
  • Patent number: 5279587
    Abstract: A self-clearing extension set comprising a first shunt flow pathway for direct delivery of liquid from a source of pressurized liquid to a patient catheter and a second shunt flow pathway wherein injected fluid is cleared from an add-site to the patient catheter by selectively diverted flow from the source. Two methods and associated apparatus for injecting biologically active liquid and clearing the injected liquid through a smaller lumen of a dual lumen extension tube are disclosed. Two methods for occluding one flow pathway while providing a patent flow pathway through the other flow pathway are also disclosed. Each add-site sealingly accepts a syringe needle which is used to inject biologically active liquid into the second shunt flow pathway. Each add-site comprises a low geometric dead space such that no meaningful quantity of injected liquid remains in the add-site after the rest of the injected bolus of liquid has been cleared to the patient catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Clair S. Weenig
    Inventor: Clair S. Weenig
  • Patent number: 5267979
    Abstract: A catheter for introducing material into the vascular system is provided. The catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a side wall defining a catheter lumen. The catheter body has a proximal portion. Material can be introduced into the catheter lumen at its proximal portion. The catheter body has a distal portion. The distal portion has a single wall in an exit zone. At least one pressure responsive exit is formed in the side wall of the distal portion of the catheter body. The pressure responsive exit permits material to exit from the catheter lumen in response to a pressure over a first predetermined amount while preventing material from entering into the catheter lumen at a pressure less than a second pre-determined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: E-Z-Em, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Appling, Eamonn Hobbs, Daniel K. Recinella, Arthur L. Zimmet, Joseph J. Bookstein
  • Patent number: 5263943
    Abstract: A needle assembly includes an elongate first cylindrical cavity having a first end and a second end, with the second end formed with a conical recess, the conical recess including a through-extending bore in communication with the recess directed into a second cavity, wherein reverse flow of fluid relative to the first cylindrical body is prevented from flow into the second cylindrical body and contamination of intravenous fluid directed into the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Bernard E. Vanderbrook
  • Patent number: 5261885
    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 U-shaped outer wall extending longitudinally about the distal portion thereof. A flat-surfaced valve is positioned in the recess along the U-shaped distal portion and attached to the outer wall. The valve is formed by inserting a flat-surfaced rod in the U-shaped portion of the tube to stretch the outer wall. A flat-surfaced layer of flexible material is applied over the flat-surfaced rod to the stretched outer wall. The flexible material layer is cured and a longitudinal fluid aperture formed therein with the rod remaining in the passage of the U-shaped portion. The rod is then removed and a plug inserted into the passage to close the distal end of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Cook Pacemaker Corporation
    Inventor: Chun K. Lui
  • Patent number: 5254092
    Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a flow path, which valve comprises a housing defining a flow path and having two indented portions about the flow path, a poppet mounted within each indented portion such that the internal end of each indented portion defines a seat which provides a fluid tight seal when the associated poppet head is held against the seat, a spring associated with each poppet for holding each poppet against each seat, a rigid moveable member associated with each poppet and adapted to alter the orientation of the associated poppet relative to its seat and thereby seal or unseal the flow path around the poppet, and an actuator for moving each movable member; and inflator apparatus incorporating at least one valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Polyak
  • Patent number: 5250034
    Abstract: A catheter for introducing material into the vascular system is provided. The catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a side wall defining a catheter lumen. The catheter body has a proximal portion. Material can be introduced into the catheter lumen at its proximal portion. The catheter body has a distal portion. The distal portion has a single wall in an exit zone. At least one pressure responsive exit is formed in the side wall of the distal portion of the catheter body. The pressure responsive exit permits material to exit from the catheter lumen in response to a pressure over a first pre-determined amount while preventing material from entering into the catheter lumen at a pressure less than a second pre-determined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: E-Z-EM, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Appling, Famonn Hobbs, Daniel K. Recinella, Arthur L. Zimmet, Joseph J. Bookstein
  • Patent number: 5242432
    Abstract: A medical valve assembly comprises a valve body having a fluid passage therethrough, a valve member, and an urging means disposed within the fluid passage. The valve member is adapted to seal against a sealing surface of the fluid passage and the urging means is adapted to urge the valve member against the sealing surface. The medical valve can be used without a needle thereby eliminating risks associated with needle stick injuries. In applications where it is expedient to use a needle (such as prepackage medications) the medical valve accommodates the use of a needle to administer medication. The urging means is disclosed in a first embodiment wherein it is formed integral with the head portion of the valve member. In an alternative embodiment, the urging means is separate from the head portion of the valve member and is comprised of a metallic spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: IVAC
    Inventor: Michael P. DeFrank
  • Patent number: 5240035
    Abstract: A pressure compensator for maintaining essentially constant flow rates in an IV system having a source of IV fluid and a controller. The compensator is connectable to the controller and has a housing with a flexible membrane extending transversely therein defining opposite control chambers. One control chamber communicates with the source of IV fluid and also connects the inlet of the flow controller. The second control chamber receives the regulated flow from the control valve. The second control chamber is generally conical or convex sloping to an outlet port which is connected to the tubing line leading to the patient. The outlet from the second chamber is smaller than the inlet to the second chamber and the diaphragm serves to control the flow to the patient compensating for pressure changes such as a change in fluid head. The configuration of the second chamber and the configuratoin of the outlet in the second chamber minimize air entrapment and provide greater flow capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Jerry Aslanian
    Inventors: Jerry L. Aslanian, Robert J. Wright
  • Patent number: 5236417
    Abstract: A cholangiography catheter for injecting dye into a cystic duct during laparoscopic cholangiography. The catheter includes a bifurcated connector having a length of tubing and a check valve mounted to each arm of the connector. A saline syringe is coupled to one check valve and a dye syringe is coupled to the other check valve. The check valves and respective syringes are color coordinated to preclude inadvertently using the wrong syringe. The catheter is fabricated from a medical grade polymer having a preselected degree of compliant memory and includes indicia for providing a visual indication of the depth of penetration of the tip of the catheter into the cystic duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Utah Pioneer Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. J. Wallis
  • Patent number: 5226886
    Abstract: An intravenous tubing set is provided with luer connectors, an anti-siphon valve and peristaltic pump engaging means. The anti-siphon valve will permit flow through the intravenous tubing set only when a preselected positive pressure as measured from the proximal end to the distal end of the anti-siphon valve is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Mitchell J. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5224929
    Abstract: The invention provides an irrigation and aspiration device for use in laparascopic and other types of surgery. When connected to existing irrigation and suction sources, the device provides fingertip control of the fluid connections between the sources and a tube. The device comprises a valve housing with two valve assemblies inside, mounted and configured to take advantage of the static pressure supplied by the sources for increasing seal integrity of the valves. The internal chambers of the valve housing are also configured such that when one valve is open, the pressure differential across the other valve is increased, further increasing its seal integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley H. Remiszewski
  • Patent number: 5224938
    Abstract: A valved catheter is disclosed having an elongate, flexible tubular element defining a lumen extending along an axis substantially Parallel to the central axis of said tubular element, and a unidirectional valve assembly near its distal end which controls fluid flow in the tubular element. The valve is generally defined by a top flap portion and a base portion. The top flap portion includes a flap valve surface which is complementary to a base valve surface when there is substantially no pressure difference between the lumen and outside the catheter. When a pressure differential exists between the lumen and outside the catheter, the top valve surface and base valve surface separate to form an opening for fluid flow therethrough. The direction of fluid flow through the valve aperture is determined by the pressure differential. A multi-lumen catheter assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Strato Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Paul V. Fenton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5215527
    Abstract: As assembly is provided utilizing a combined catheter and introducer which cooperate to provide efficient infusion of drugs from the in-place assembly even on an intermittent basis with no return blood flow and without the need for any kind of involved valve assembly, or expensive heparin or saline blocks. The introducer is a short thin walled device which receives the catheter therein. The catheter has a plurality of very fine openings in the front end thereof with the openings having a dimension preventing blood backflow, but which allow passage of infusing medication for therapy because of the pressure imparted in the infusion flow of the drugs. The catheter is long enough so that the portion having the openings extends from the front end of the introducer. The front end of the catheter is blunt-ended to decrease trauma during insertion. The openings in the single lumen version extend around the entire circumference of the catheter to prevent the catheter tip from being blocked on one side and closed off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Beck, Charles W. Daugherty, Steven H. Mersch
  • Patent number: 5209219
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter apparatus for medical endoscopes. The present invention comprises an apparatus for inserting tightly into a typical access port of a medical endoscope. Such adapter apparatus permits certain medical implements, such as optical fibers for laser surgery, to be inserted therethrough for treatment of the patient. This adapter apparatus also permits simultaneous passage therethrough of saline or other irrigation fluid without the prior removal of the medical implement. This permits rapid, simultaneous irrigation to proceed directly through an existing endoscope channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Laser Medical Research Foundation
    Inventor: Robert S. Hollobaugh
  • Patent number: 5207655
    Abstract: A medical-surgical tube having a major lumen defined by an inner periphery of a wall of the tube, an injection lumen within the wall of the tube, and at least one one-way valve in the wall. The valve allows fluid to flow from the injection lumen through an outer or inner periphery of the wall of the tube and prevents return of the fluid back into the injection lumen. The tube can include a plurality of spaced-apart valves. The valve can be a piercing in the wall of the tube which is defined by opposed surfaces resiliently biased against each other and extending from the injection lumen to the outer or inner periphery of the wall of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Sheridan Catheter Corp.
    Inventor: David S. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 5205834
    Abstract: A cardiovascular outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve liquid flow control and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein is flexed distally by hydrostatic pressure and proximally by negative pressure at different points in time to selectively open the slit and accommodate the flow of IV solution to a medical patient through a cannula and blood sampling from the cardiovascular system of the patient through the cannula in such a way as to prevent bleed-back and clotting of blood within the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventors: H. Robert Moorehead, Thomas A. Wiita
  • Patent number: 5201707
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultra-aortic balloon pump apparatus which comprises a catheter, a balloon connected to the catheter, a negative pressure source for withdrawing a fluid from the catheter and applying a negative pressure to the balloon through the catheter, and a check valve which is disposed between the catheter and the negative pressure source. The check valve is adapted to allow the fluid flow therethrough from the catheter to the negative pressure source and prevent the fluid from flowing from the negative pressure source to the catheter. The check valve defines therein a pressure chamber communicated with the balloon through the catheter, and which is deformed when the negative pressure is applied to the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naritoshi Kanai
  • Patent number: 5201722
    Abstract: A novel cardiovascular outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve liquid flow control and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein is flexed distally by hydrostatic pressure and proximally by negative pressure at different points in time to selectively open the slit and accommodate the flow of IV solution to a medical patient through a cannula and blood sampling from the cardiovascular system of the patient through the cannula in such a way as to prevent bleed-back and clotting of blood within the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventors: Robert H. Moorehead, Thomas A. Wiita
  • Patent number: 5195986
    Abstract: A compact, integrated intravenous fluid delivery device. The invention may be used between an intravenous fluid source and an intravenous fluid line. In this embodiment, the invention includes a housing, through which a fluid passageway is disposed. The fluid passageway passes through a spike, which is used for connecting the housing to the fluid source. The passageway also passes through a rigid drip chamber and a priming element that may be repeatedly compressed in order to urge fluid from the source into the drip chamber and through the intravenous fluid line. The priming element includes a rigid base portion and a membrane. The spike, drip chamber and the base of the priming element all form an integral piece of rigid material. This embodiment may further include a valve chamber disposed in the housing, such that the fluid passageway enters and exits the chamber through two mouths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Dean L. Kamen
  • Patent number: 5190524
    Abstract: In a device for combining a plurality of liquid infusions to form a mixture comprising a chamber having a circumference and a plurality of separately closable inlets for various infusion liquids and an outlet for the mixture, and improvement is provided which comprises a chamber having a first chamber portion having inlets, a second chamber portion and an elastic sealing element held in an outer region of the circumference and interposed between the first and second portions, the sealing element extending over and covering the inlets, and segments of the sealing element being prestressed against such inlets to close same, each of the inlets communicating with the chamber and the outlet when the elastic sealing element is removed from covering each such inlet, wherein the separately closable inlets are disposed radially about an axis and the outlet is disposed longitudinally along the axis, wherein the inlets are located proximate the circumference of the chamber and each inlet ends in a sealing element openin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Roland Wex
  • Patent number: 5190527
    Abstract: An intravenous metering device is provided which includes an air retention chamber in downstream fluid communication with a source of fluid and in upstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. A first valve is provided between the air retention chamber and the pumping chamber to control access to the pumping chamber. A second valve is provided to control the exit of fluid from the pumping chamber. The valves include a shared diaphragm portion. A safety mechanism as provided to prevent accidental free flow of fluid through the metering device. In a first preferred embodiment of a safety mechanism, a gradually tapered priming stem is provided attached to the diaphragm portion of the second valve. In a second preferred embodiment of a safety mechanism, a priming stem is provided attached to the diaphragm portion of the second valve and a priming stem release mechanism is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Dannie E. Hamilton, Roberta Scola
  • Patent number: 5181921
    Abstract: A detachable balloon with two self-sealing valves mounted at the opposite ends thereof. A guide wire and catheter can be inserted through one end of the balloon, and the guide wire extends all the way through the balloon and beyond the balloon out the other end of the balloon, so as to provide easy guidance of the balloon to any desired location in a blood vessel by use of the guide wire. The balloon can also include a material which can be detected by X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Kaken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohzoh Makita, Tohru Machida
  • Patent number: 5181913
    Abstract: A catheter for use in removing body fluids includes a hollow, tubular catheter with a one-way check valve disposed therein to substantially limit fluid flow therethrough to a single direction. The catheter further includes a tubular sheath disposed in a rolled-up fashion therearound to aid in sterile disposal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: PRN Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Erlich
  • Patent number: 5180364
    Abstract: Valved self-perfusing guiding catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body, passageways disposed along at least a portion of the catheter body for permitting perfusion through a central lumen of the catheter body, and one-way valves for preventing passage of injectable agents, such as contrast media, through the passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Robert Ginsburg
  • Patent number: 5176658
    Abstract: A check valve assembly for use in medical devices having a single valve disc therein to allow a medical fluid to be drawn from a bulk container through the inlet opening and secondary opening of the valve assembly and into a syringe and then subsequently dispensing the fluid from the syringe through the secondary opening and outlet opening of the valve assembly and into a second container or to the patient. Alternately, the valve assembly may be used with a squeeze bulb of an aspiration device such that as the bulb is squeezed, the air in the bulb passes from the secondary opening to the outlet opening of the valve assembly and then, as the bulb is released, the negative pressure from the bulb is transmitted through the secondary opening and inlet opening of the valve assembly to the aspiration device to draw fluids from the patient and into the aspiration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventor: Alan B. Ranford
  • Patent number: 5169393
    Abstract: A cardiovascular outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive bi-directional slit valve liquid flow control and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein is flexed distally by hydrostatic pressure and proximally by negative pressure at different points in time to selectively open the slit and accomodate the flow of IV solution to a medical patient through a cannula and blood sampling from the cardiovascular system of the patient through the cannula in such a way as to prevent bleed-back and clotting of blood within the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventors: Robert Moorehead, Thomas A. Wiita
  • Patent number: 5167615
    Abstract: A flow control device for use in a subcutaneously implanted physiological shunt system includes a relatively rigid base and a resiliently flexible encasement which defines a fluid flow path therethrough from an inlet to an outlet. Two valves for controlling the flow of fluid through the device are situated within the fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid flow path includes a first fluid conduit which directs fluid through both valves, and a second fluid conduit which bypasses the first valve and directs fluid only through the second valve. The first valve is constructed to provide a greater resistance to flow through the device than the second valve, and when the second fluid conduit is unobstructed, fluid will tend to flow through the second fluid conduit and bypass the first valve. A pivotable plug is provided within the encasement for selectively occluding a portion of the second fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Pudenz-Schulte Medical Research Corporation
    Inventors: Gary P. East, David A. Watson
  • Patent number: 5163920
    Abstract: A flow regulator/restrictor placed in a fluid path to passively compensate for variations in fluid pressure by deflection or movement. In one embodiment a silicon micromachined housing has a damper beam cantilevered to the interior wall between inlet and outlet. Deflections of the beam vary the volume of the restrictive gap formed between the damper beam and the interanl wall of the housing adjacent the outlet. In another embodiment the damper element is a floating element in the housing and has conformal side walls with the interior of the housing. The restrictor elements may be stacked to provide a stepped pressure drop, restrictor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Infusaid Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Olive
  • Patent number: 5163921
    Abstract: A guide catheter for use in coronary angioplasty, atherectomy and other cardiovascular interventions is provided with a side port having a one-way valve arrangement which permits the flow of aortic blood into the catheter lumen and out of the distal orifice of the catheter yet which closes in response to pressure injection of a liquid through the lumen of the catheter, such as injection of radiopaque contrast liquid. The valve element may be in the form of a thin flexible film constructed to be substantially immediately responsive to light pressure differentials across the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Andrew J. Feiring
  • Patent number: 5160325
    Abstract: Catheter tubes of elastomeric material having novel lumen shapes which prevent occlusion and accommodate continued liquid flow even when kinked. Also, catheter tube slit valves are disclosed, the walls of which are not chemically weakened. Symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of said slit valves are disclosed. Combinations of highly reliable slit valves and catheter tubes are disclosed. Independently operable multi-lumen catheter assemblies of synthetic material, such as silicone rubber are disclosed, wherein the distal end of each lumen is normally closed by a three-position slit valve formed in a catheter tube covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin J. Nichols, Gregory N. Nordgren, Harvey R. Moorehead
  • Patent number: 5158547
    Abstract: A technique for protecting an implantable drug administration device from damage caused by over filling. The protection is implemented using an automatic valve positioned between the puncturable sealing septum and the reservoir. This automatic valve is operated volumetrically by coupling the valve actuator to the diaphragm which separates the drug chamber from the fluid volume compensation chamber. When the diaphragm flexes to the maximum fill position, the valve actuator closes the automatic valve, thus prohibiting any further transfer to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Phong Doan, William S. Nettecoven
  • Patent number: 5158539
    Abstract: A method and device for protecting the circulatory system of a patient from incurring injury from inadvertent passage of air into the aorta when elevated with respect to and supported by a heart-lung machine and associated nonocclusive pump. This device and method provides positioning a valve means having unidirectional flow properties within the extracorporeal blood line connecting the heart-lung machine and patient. The valve is configured to offer nominal resistance against blood being returned to the patient, while blocking blood flow from the patient to the heart-lung machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventors: Jacob Kolff, David Wurzel
  • Patent number: 5156600
    Abstract: A valved catheter is disclosed having an elongated, flexible tubular element extending along a central axis and a flow portion of a valve assembly which controls fluid flow in the tubular element. The element is adaptable for bidirectional flow of fluid between its proximal and its distal ends, with a bidirectional valve assembly coupled to the interior of the tubular element. The bidirectional assembly generally defines a control plane which intersects the central axis at an oblique angle. The assembly has an inflow portion and an outflow portion nominally disposed to lie in the control plane. The inflow portion includes an inflow vane positioned between the intersection of the control plane with the central axis and the distal end and which is adapted to be deflected out of the control plane toward the distal end in response to the establishment of a relatively high fluid pressure at the proximal end and a relatively lower fluid pressure at the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Strato Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas M. Young
  • Patent number: 5147332
    Abstract: A novel apparatus for a catheter for use in aspirating and/or infusing fluids into a patient. The catheter, having a proximal end and a distal end, comprises a plurality of valves in the walls of the catheter comprised of relatively soft material while maintaining a predetermined degree of structural integrity at the catheter tip. The plurality of valves are radially distributed in offset relation around the distal end of the catheter such that no two valves lie in any one radial plane. Similarly, the plurality of valves are longitudinally separated or offset in their placement at relatively short, but differentiated, distances from the distal end of the catheter such that no two valves lie in any one axial plane. The radial and longitudinal separation of the valves helps avoid structrual weakness in the catheter, particularly at the distal end of the catheter. The catheter may be a single-lumen catheter, or a multi-lumen catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Robert Moorehead
  • Patent number: 5147318
    Abstract: A catheter for arterial delivery of medication or the like includes an elongate flexible shaft with a self-sealing valve element at the distal tip of the shaft. The tip is molded from polymeric material filled with a radiopaque compound and is visually dark to facilitate surgical implantation. The value element also includes a pair of closely spaced circumferential retention ridges to facilitate securing the device in an artery by sutures or the like. Retention ridges are located very close to each other to reduce the risk of axial shifting of the device in the artery and are located close to the distal tip of the tip element to reduce the formation of spaces in which thrombus might develop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: David C. Hohn
  • Patent number: 5137522
    Abstract: A dual-diaphragm, adjustable-rate, pressure-compensated infusion regulator includes a housing having inlet and outlet ports and an intermediate member, and a flexible main diaphragm retained along a peripheral portion thereof in the intermediate member. The regulator further includes a flow-regulating valve consisting of a valve head accessible to a high-pressure source and a valve stem which is attached to the valve head, and a flow-attenuating element of adjustable attenuating effect. A flexible auxiliary diaphragm is retained along a peripheral portion thereof in a high-pressure region and incorporates a valve seat for the valve head, the valve seat and the valve head defining between them a gap through which the liquid passes on its way from the high-pressure source into the inlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Dan Bron
  • Patent number: 5127904
    Abstract: A fluid injector for use with a needle-less syringe or needle-less add-on IV line is disclosed. The injector is connected to a main IV line and has a fluid passageway from the syringe or the add-on IV set to the main IV line. The injector comprises an anti-backflow valve member where the member is movable under fluid pressure along between a first position where the fluid cannot flow through the injector and a second position where the fluid can flow through the injector. The member is a sinking type and has a specific gravity greater than 1.0. The injector also comprises a valve located near the syringe end of the injector for receiving the fluid from the syringe or the add-on IV line for injection into the main IV line and for automatically preventing air embolus entering into the IV line. The anti-air embolus valve comprises a piston in a conduit. The piston is movable between a first position and a second position. The piston has a central bore for the passage of the fluid, a capped end and an inlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventors: George D. H. Loo, Gordon A. Wong
  • Patent number: 5125897
    Abstract: A unique device for long term percutaneous enteral feeding through a surgically formed stoma, such as a gastrostomy, includes a tubular member having a fluid lumen and an inflation lumen. One end of the tubular member is perpendicularly joined to a retention platform through which passes an ambient air port for the inflation lumen and an inlet for the fluid lumen. An other end of the tubular member is provided with an outlet for the fluid lumen. A one-way valve on the outlet prevents reflux of gastric contents into the fluid lumen. Disposed near the one end of the tubular member is an inflatable member, inflatable and deflatable through the inflation lumen. The inflatable member provides retention and anchoring of the device within the patient's stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Corpak, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Quinn, Erik Andersen, Steven E. Wendland
  • Patent number: 5114412
    Abstract: A bladder cycler is provided with a magnetic valve for hospital, clinical and home-care use in emptying of the bladder of a patient through a catheter. Fully automatica or automatic with manual override operation are provided for opening and closing a valve to empty the bladder of urine when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: David E. Flinchbaugh
  • Patent number: 5112306
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for valving body fluids involving a flexible tubular body with a drainage canal therethrough, including collapsible means for blocking the passageway and thereby preventing the flow of urine. The length of the device is such that one end protrudes into the bladder and the other end terminates interior of the meatus. The device includes a means for anchoring to secure it in place and a plug device for deflating and releasing the anchoring means and for collapsing the blocking means to facilitate removal of the device from the body. The device is manually actuable to an open position and means are provided to delay the closing of the device for a sufficient period of time to allow voiding of the bladder. The collapsible and expandable nature of the device facilitates its insertion and removal, particularly while passing through areas of restricted diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Burton, Eric P. Berg, Bradford G. Staehle, Frank B. Scott
  • Patent number: 5112301
    Abstract: A valved catheter is disclosed having an elongated, flexible tubular element defining a lumen extending along an axis substantially parallel to the central axis of the tubular element, and a bidirectional check valve assembly near its distal end which controls fluid flow in the tubular element. The valve assembly includes an aspiration valve offset from the tip of the distal end and an infusion valve formed at the tip of the distal end. The aspiration valve is generally defined by port(s) in the tubular element and a sleeve within the element underlying the ports, where the sleeve normally closes the ports. The aspiration valve permits fluid flow from the bloodstream into the element when the static fluid pressure inside the distal end is lower than the static fluid pressure outside the aspiration valve by an amount sufficient to displace the sleeve to allow fluid flow through the ports. The infusion valve includes a throat formed in the distal end which tapers down to a mouth formed by jaws at the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Strato Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Paul V. Fenton, Jr., Thomas M. Young, William J. Gorman
  • Patent number: 5108373
    Abstract: An intravenous metering device is provided which includes an air retention chamber in downstream fluid communication with a source of fluid and in upstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. A first valve is provided between the air retention chamber and the pumping chamber to control access to the pumping chamber. A second valve is provided to control the exit of fluid from the pumping chamber. The valves include a shared diaphragm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Bancsi, Dan Hamilton, Ken Lynn, Roberta Scola
  • Patent number: 5106367
    Abstract: Collapse of the cornea into the cavity formed when material such as the lens is removed from an eye in the irrigation-aspiration method is minimized by incorporating a pressure responsive, variable flow resistance element in the aspiration line of the irrigation-aspiration apparatus. A preferred pressure responsive, variable resistance element is a length of thin walled tubing which is easily collapsed to smaller flow path area in response to increasing negative pressure in the aspiration line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Alexander Ureche
    Inventors: Alexander Ureche, Stephan Gaspar
  • Patent number: 5100395
    Abstract: A fluid drain for wounds includes a tube having one end insertable under the patient's skin into the wound, with the opposite end of the tube extending externally of the patient's skin; and a valve assembly at the opposite end of the tube. The valve assembly includes a first port for connection to a vacuum source, a second port connected to the opposite end of the tube, a third port for outletting the drained fluid into a container, a first one-way valve permitting the fluid to flow freely therethrough only from the second port to the first port, and a second one-way valve permitting the fluid to flow freely therethrough only from the first port to the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Lior Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5098406
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device of tubular means having fluid input means and fluid output means connected by a bore constituting a flow channel, means for maintaining the bore in a normally closed position, the bore being forcible to an open position in response to insertion of a medical device into the fluid input means and past the maintaining means, the maintaining means being constructed and arranged to return the bore to the closed position when the medical device is removed therefrom; and means for prevention of fluid reflux or blood from the fluid output means toward the fluid input means when the bore is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Interface Biomedical Laboratories Corp.
    Inventor: Philip N. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 5098405
    Abstract: A catheter adapter, with a side port connection, contains a one-piece integral bifunctional resilient combination valve which serves to prevent back flow from the patient. It allows infusion from either the primary axial port or from the side port and provides automatic shut-off when the infusion pressure becomes lower than the ambient pressure in the patient's body from either port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Gerald H. Peterson, Wallace H. Ring
  • Patent number: 5092855
    Abstract: An enclosing sleeve for a one-way valve presses an elastomeric sheath against the valve body to provide a seal between the sheath and the valve body. In addition, the sleeve can form a closure over the outlet end of the valve body protecting it from contamination or contact with contaminating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: ReSeal International Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Greg Pardes
  • Patent number: RE34243
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes an elongated valve body, an elastomeric sheath laterally enclosing the outside surface of the valve body with the sheath being sealed to the valve body at its ends spaced apart in the elongated direction. An inlet channel extends in the elongated direction from one end of the valve body for receiving a fluid from a container, such as a flexible container. An outlet channel is located at the opposite end of the valve body extending in the elongated direction for discharging the fluid received in the inlet channel. At least one port extends outwardly from the inlet channel to the outside surface of the valve body so that the fluid can flow between the outside surface and the elastomeric sheath causing the sheath to expand. The fluid between the outside surface of the valve body and the sheath flows to at least one other port in the valve body directed inwardly to the outlet channel so that the fluid can be discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: ReSeal International Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Bernard R. Gerber