Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the risk of free flow through a pump is disclosed. The technique includes sensing a pressure difference between the pump inlet and outlet. The pressure difference is mechanically communicated to a flow restricting element. The flow restricting element increases resistance to flow exiting the pump outlet in a relation to the pressure difference present between the pump inlet and pump outlet.

Abstract: A burette (10) to receive liquid from an intravenous supply (29) to deliver liquid to a patient via a tube (30). The burette (10) includes a hollow body (11) that is generally cylindrical configuration and that contains a float valve (24). Liquid level in the chamber (12) of the body (11) regulates liquid level within the chamber (12) by engaging an inlet passage (36) or an outlet tube (25).

Abstract: A contrast fluid delivery method and system includes a multiple-reuse filling section for attachment by conduit to a contrast fluid supply container, and a delivery section that is removably attached to the filling section for delivering contrast fluid held in the filling section to a patient. The filling section includes a main body having a fluid chamber, a contrast fluid filling inlet with a gravity-operated valve, an opening for connecting an operable power syringe, and a contrast fluid outlet fed through a spring-loaded one-way check valve. The delivery section includes a first delivery conduit connected between the contrast fluid outlet of the main body and the fluid inlet of an inline aspirator syringe, and a second delivery conduit connected at one end to a fluid outlet of the aspirator syringe and at the other to a catheter for delivering the contrast fluid to a patient.

Abstract: The fluid path set is intended for use in a fluid delivery system. The fluid path set includes a multi-patient use section adapted for connection to a syringe used in the fluid delivery system, and to a source of fluid, such as contrast media, to be loaded into the syringe. The fluid path set further includes a per-patient use section that is removably connected to the multi-patient use section. A connector removably connects the multi-patient use section and the per-patient use section. A drip chamber is provided between the source of fluid and the syringe, and includes a projection for determining a level of fluid in the drip chamber. The per-patient use section includes a pressure isolation mechanism. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a lumen, a pressure isolation port, and a valve member with a biasing portion that biases the valve member to a normally open position.

Abstract: A pressure actuated flow control valve for an infusion catheter permits gravity flow of a liquid through the catheter and into a patient while resisting back flow of blood from the patient and into the catheter. The valve has a hemispherical body with an outstanding circumferential flange and a normally closed, diametric slit. The slit is longer on the convex outer surface than on the concave inner surface. Dome thickness diminishes in the area adjacent the slit, reducing total apical deflection upon collapse of the slit toward the concave surface. An inner orthogonal rib biases the slit closed. Upon application of a predetermined pressure, the slit opens toward the concave surface to permit forward fluid flow. At lower pressures, the slit closes to check fluid flow. Greater reverse pressure is required to collapse the slit toward the concave surface to permit reverse fluid flow.

Abstract: A pressure actuated flow control valve for an infusion catheter permits gravity flow of a liquid through the catheter and into a patient while resisting back flow of blood from the patient and into the catheter. The valve has a hemispherical body with an outstanding circumferential flange and a normally closed, diametric slit. The slit is longer on the convex outer surface than on the concave inner surface. Dome thickness diminishes in the area adjacent the slit, reducing total apical deflection upon collapse of the slit toward the concave surface. An inner orthogonal rib biases the slit closed. Upon application of a predetermined pressure, the slit opens toward the concave surface to permit forward fluid flow. At lower pressures, the slit closes to check fluid flow. Greater reverse pressure is required to collapse the slit toward the concave surface to permit reverse fluid flow.

Abstract: A connector comprising a needless access device and a backflow check valve for transferring fluids and method therefor. The connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port. A first valve element may be positioned within the first port and a second valve element may be positioned within the second port. The first valve element may be in a first position as a first fluid flows between the first and third ports. The second port may be used to introduce a second fluid into the connector. Upon introduction of the second fluid to the connector, the first valve element may move from the first position to a second position. In the second position, fluid may be prevented from flowing past the first valve element.

Abstract: An auto-occlusion safety device is provided for use in preventing rupture of infusion components during rapid infusion procedures. An occlusion valve is disclosed having a threshold pressure that is less than a rupture tolerance of the infusion system components. As the fluid pressure of the infusion system increases beyond the threshold pressure of the occlusion valve, the occlusion valve is automatically activated thereby occluding fluid flow upstream from a vulnerable infusion component. An accumulator is further disclosed for use in combination with the safety device to compensate for time delays in full activation of the occlusion valve.

Abstract: A bypass for power injection includes (a) a housing defining a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end coupled to a catheter; (b) a membrane valve mounted within the lumen, the membrane valve having an opening extending therethrough sized to tightly receive therethrough and seal around a power injection device; and (c) a flapper valve extending across the lumen distally of the membrane valve. The flapper valve includes a flap biased toward a closed position in which the lumen is sealed. The flap is rotatable away from the closed position when contacted by a power injection device to permit the device to extend therethrough.

Abstract: A check valve for a fluid administration system. A connector includes a housing, and first and second conduits defined by the housing, wherein the first conduit is in fluid communication with the second conduit. A check valve is disposed within the housing and includes a first body portion defining a first passageway for fluid flow, and a second body portion defining a second passageway for fluid flow. The first and second passageways are in fluid communication with one another and the second body portion is movable relative to the first body portion between first and a second positions. When the second body portion is in the first position, fluid flow may occur in a first direction, but not in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. When the second body portion is in the second position, fluid flow may occur in the second direction.

Abstract: A manifold is disclosed which includes a manifold body that defines a main lumen, a primary injection line and a port. A check valve system is also provided which permits flow from the primary injection line to the main lumen while selectively preventing back flow from the main lumen to the primary injection line and, simultaneously, permitting flow from the port to the primary injection line while preventing back flow from the primary injection line to the port.

Abstract: A catheter having features configured to provide a substantially uniform flow rate of a fluid exiting the catheter and also exhibits anti-microbial properties. The uniform flow rate features may include one or more of a flow restricting membrane or flow restricting component within an infusion section of the catheter. In other arrangements, exit holes defining the infusion section of the catheter may be configured to provide the desired uniform flow rate over the length of the infusion section. Furthermore, the catheter also includes anti-microbial properties to inhibit the growth of microbes on or within the catheter and, preferably, to inhibit microbe growth in an anatomical region surrounding the catheter. The desired anti-microbial properties may be provided by an anti-microbial layer, anti-microbial materials dispersed within the material from which components of the catheters are constructed, or a combination of anti-microbial layers and embedded anti-microbial materials.

Abstract: A pressure actuated valve comprises a first membrane having a slit extending through the membrane at a nonzero draft angle relative to a perpendicular to a surface of the membrane, material of the membrane biasing the slit closed so that the slit remains closed when a fluid pressure applied to the membrane is below a threshold level and, when the fluid pressure is at least the threshold level, edges of the slit separate from one another to permit fluid flow through the membrane.

Abstract: Two-way, three-position and one-way, two-position slit valves in cardiovascular access catheters with closed distal ends have slit geometries configured to overcome adhesion between opposed abutting slit faces, when pressure differentials are applied between the interior and the exterior of the catheter. Portions of the slit are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter causing shear forces to be generated in abutting slit faces. Shear forces arise from tangential, radial, or longitudinal stresses generated in the catheter body. Slit geometries are planar or curved or include multiple end-to-end connected slit subsections. If a slit partially circumscribes a portion of the adjacent outer wall of the catheter body, restraint to outward and inward movement on that portion is reduced. Slit valves are configured to open inwardly to aspirate fluids, to open outwardly to infuse fluids, or both.

Abstract: A permanently implanted insulin pump or combined insulin and glucagon pumps, controlled by a valve that expands and contracts due to osmosis as a result of changes in the blood sugar level. The valve is constructed from tissues harvested or grown from the patient's body tissues to prevent rejection, infection or thrombosis. It operates the pump(s) though a blood vessel via a magnetic strip within the valve tissue and a reed switch located outside the blood vessel. The pump battery is recharged by electromagnetic induction in response to low battery warnings. Glucagon and/or insulin are refilled in response to low-level warning indicators, using self-sealing septa located near to the surface of the skin.

Abstract: A one-way valve apparatus for use in draining fluid from a patient comprises a housing having an inlet end, an outlet end and a valve-receiving chamber therebetween. A valve is positioned in the chamber. The valve has an inlet end, an outlet end and a fluid pathway extending therebetween. The valve is made up of first and second generally flat elongated members joined along respective longitudinal edges. The valve inlet end is engaged with the housing inlet end to comprise an open end for receiving fluid to be drained. The valve outlet end is in a normally closed position. The valve is adapted to partially open to permit drainage of fluid received through the pathway, and to return to the normally closed position upon drainage of the fluid. The valve outlet end communicates with the housing outlet end such that the drained fluid passes from the valve outlet end through the housing outlet end.

Abstract: A biomedical line union device for administering pharmacological substances, comprising a union body with: at least one main duct thereinside, provided with at least one outlet associated with a conveyance line or with a closed container, and at least one branch duct, provided with at least one branching port associated with a line for administering a pharmacological substance and connected to the main duct by at least one connecting port. The device comprises at least one valve element, arranged proximate to the connecting port and movable between a closed configuration, in which it interrupts the connection between the branch duct and the main duct, and an open configuration, in which it provides the connection between the branch duct and the main duct due to an overpressure within the branch duct with respect to the pressure within the main duct, and vice versa.

Abstract: A check sealing set of intravenous injection catheter for drip infusion to seal up a needle retained in human body includes a check body, a locking seat, and a mobile cover; the check body related to an arc body provided with a retaining edge and a check seam disposed below the retaining edge; the locking seat related to a tube seat having on one end disposed with a locking slot and a groove on its outer circumference; the mobile cover has its neck ring to engage the groove of the locking seat so to merely cover up an exposed end of the locking seat; the check set is connected to an IV set when assembled with a terminal of the IV catheter for preventing blood from flowing back to a tube (it is impossible for the prior art of drip infusion to provide the check purpose); the tube is plugged off when the drip infusion is not required for the check cover to serve a protection cover to allow direct insertion through a rubber pad if subsequent drip infusion or adding medicine into the fluid, thus to avoid repeated

Abstract: An infusion device for continuous infusion of medication is disclosed, in which infusion is controlled over two separate fluid communications. The infusion is in each fluid communication controlled by restricting means and valve means, and one of the fluid communications farther contains a holding device for bolus rate of infusion for a short period. The device comprises a flow regulating device comprising a passage defined by at least a first element and a second element, wherein at least one of the first and second element is a primary deformable element adapted to be elastically deformed so as to change the cross sectional area of the passage. Furthermore the device comprises a container for storage and supply of a medication in fluid form, said container comprising a first and a second chamber being arranged relatively to each other so that when volume of the first chamber Increases the volume of the second chamber decreases.

Abstract: The present invention includes an ambulatory medical fluid delivery system, which may comprise a fluid flow path for communicating between a source and a patient. The system may also comprise a reusable controller, which may be operable to control fluid flow in the path and include a module interface station, and a disposable fluid flow delivery set, which may include a flow control module adapted to be removably received by the module interface station. Such flow control module may include a flow valve which is operably associated with the path. Such valve may be operably controlled by the reusable controller in response to sensed flow rates of fluid flow in such path. The present invention may alternatively include an ambulatory reusable controller that is provided for use with a disposable medical fluid flow delivery set. The present invention may further alternatively include a differential pressure sensing device.

Abstract: An arrangement for administering a medication to a patient. The arrangement is provided with a dual output element having first and second outputs, and an input for receiving the medication. A first catheter is coupled to the first output of the dual output element for delivering the medication intravenously, the first catheter being provided with a pressure valve that opens at a pressure P1. A second catheter is coupled to the second output of the dual output element for delivering the medication subcutaneously upon failure of the first catheter to deliver the medication intravenously, the second catheter being provided with a pressure valve that opens at a pressure P2, where P1>P2. A monitored radiopaque disk valve arrangement changes its status at a pressure P3 when a catheter occlusion is present, and is also used to obviate the need for two different types of catheters.

Abstract: In order to enlarge the uterus, inter alia for diagnostic purposes, it is proposed to seal the cervix once a liquid, such as a gel, has been introduced, by means of a sealing stopper, so that liquid does not constantly have to be supplied to the uterus. The sealing stopper is preferably coupled to a gel feed device which may comprise a simple syringe-type structure. This system comprises a non-return valve, as a result of which a gel can only be displaced in the direction of the uterus. In order to ensure that the sealing stopper can be removed, return means, such as a piece of string, are attached thereto.

Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.

Abstract: A needleless connector for medical use, adapted to facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough, includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The connector also includes a flex-tube assembly defining a fluid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. The flex-tube assembly is movable between uncompressed and compressed states. The flex-tube assembly has a first internal volume when in the uncompressed state and a second internal volume, greater than or substantially equal to the first internal volume, when in the compressed state.

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: An objective and reproducible system for, and method of, monitoring and/or controlling the pressure during nerve blockage injection, especially by less experienced personnel, is provided in order to decrease the possibility of intraneuronal injection. More specifically, the present invention employs a pressure sensing and/or limiting device located between an injection device (typically a syringe) and a nerve block needle whereby injection pressure during a nerve block injection can be easily and objectively monitored, thereby allowing the operator to monitor the injection pressure and/or injection speed during a nerve blockage injection procedure and to take appropriate corrective actions if abnormal pressure conditions are observed.

Abstract: A valve for controlling material flow through a catheter, comprises a first flexible member including a first moveable element, wherein, when the first moveable element is in the open position, material may flow past the first flexible member through a first lumen of the catheter and, when the first moveable element is in the closed position, flow through the first lumen is prevented and a first biasing member coupled to the first flexible member for biasing the first moveable member toward the closed position.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus 1 including a tubular outside member 4, a tubular inside member 10 placed in the outside member 4, and a valve member 20 is used. The inside member 10 includes a through-hole 14 passing through a side wall in a thickness direction and a contact portion 11 that is in contact with the outside member 4, which are arranged in that order in a direction from one opening 16 to the other opening 17. The valve member 20 is placed in the opening 17 of the inside member 10. The valve member 20 passes only a fluid supplied at a set pressure or higher in a direction from the one opening 16 to the other opening 17. The outside member 4 is formed so as to form a gap communicating with the through hole 14 between the outside member 4 and the contact portion 11 due to elastic deformation caused by an external force. The gap forms a flow path of a fluid in combination with the through-hole 14.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as, antibiotics, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from the device reservoir. The fluid dispenser includes a unique stored energy mechanism which takes the form of a constant force spring member of novel design that provides the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device also includes novel adjustable flow rate control assembly that is disposed intermediate the fluid reservoir outlet and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient.

Abstract: A medical valve includes a housing having an inlet end and a fluid outlet end, and a flexible elastomeric plug defining an upper face. At least a portion of the plug is moveable along the housing in response to the application of a male luer against the upper face. The plug defines an elastomeric flow path within it. The flow path defines a distal aperture. The luer displaces at least a portion of the elastomeric plug in a first direction along the housing and the displacing force distorts the plug increasing the volume of the flow path within the plug and enlarging at least a portion of the fluid flow path between the upper face of the plug and the outlet end.

Abstract: A pump module for use in a medical fluid dispensing system is provided that includes a pump body and first and second pump chambers formed in the pump body. The module further includes a pair of chamber inlets and chamber outlets formed in the pump body, each associated with one of the pump chambers. Each of the pump chambers further includes a first portion having a generally spherical segment shape and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a generally conical shape, with the first and second portions in fluid communication with the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet. The second, conically shaped portion converges to the chamber outlet.

Abstract: An infusion status indicator disposed in the medical infusion line includes a housing with an opening through which the status of the infusion may be determined. A flexible membrane is located at the opening to indicate the status of fluid in the cavity. A recessed flexible membrane indicates insufficient flow of medical fluid into the cavity from the fluid supply, a level flexible membrane indicates correct flow of fluid through the indicator, and a concave flexible membrane indicates an insufficient flow of medical fluid out of the cavity, possibly indicating an occlusion of the fluid line downstream of the indicator. Check valves may be included upstream and downstream of the cavity so that a bolus of fluid may be forced out of the cavity to the patient by pressing the flexible membrane into the cavity.

Abstract: Slit valve technology is disclosed comprising medical slit valves and related methodology, the slit valves being either normally open or normally closed. A slit or slits are disposed in membranes or diaphragms spanning across the lumen of a cannula of elastomeric material with memory. Each slit valve is closed and opened by manual manipulation of an external actuator radially disposed outside the cannula. The elastomeric cannula are shown to be in the shape of a sleeve, which is connected to a housing of a medical valve assembly, although the present invention is not so limited.

Abstract: The present invention provides an injection delivery system for the injection delivery of at least two fluid doses to a small bird by penetrating the skin of the recipient bird with at least on injection needle. The present injection delivery system comprises an injection needle device and a metering device. The injection needle device can either be a stationary unit or a hand held device.

Abstract: The fluid delivery system includes a pressurizing device for delivering a pressurized injection fluid, a low pressure fluid delivery system, and a pressure isolation mechanism adapted for fluid communication with the pressurizing device and low pressure fluid delivery system. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a housing defining an inlet port, an isolation port, and an internal cavity. The housing defines a seal seat in the internal cavity between the inlet port and isolation port. A valve member is disposed in the internal cavity. The valve member is free floating in the internal cavity and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The valve member has an open position permitting fluid communication between the inlet port and isolation port, and is fluid flow responsive to fluid flow in the inlet port to engage the seal seat and attain a closed position preventing fluid flow between the inlet port and isolation port.

Abstract: A valve that is adapted to control the flow rate of fluid flow from an implantable pump or other fluid delivery device is provided. In general, the valve includes a multi-lumen member that is adapted to receive fluid-flow therethrough, and a restrictor member that is coupled to the multi-lumen member such that the restrictor member is effective to selectively restrict at least a portion of one or more lumens in the multi-lumen member to thereby adjust the flow rate of fluid flowing through the multi-lumen member. The valve can be built into an implantable drug pump to control fluid flow exiting the pump, or alternatively the valve can disposed within a catheter or otherwise coupled to an outlet port in an implantable drug pump to control the flow rate of fluid exiting the drug pump.

Abstract: A locking assembly is provided to simply and effectively prevent any unintentional adjustment of the adjustable valve mechanism in a fluid flow control device, without compromising the function of the device. The locking assembly generally includes at least one gripping arm for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the adjustable valve mechanism, and an actuating mechanism for controlling the deployment and release of the gripping arm. The locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustments that can adversely affect the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device. In particular, the locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustment, such as may be caused by the presence of a strong external magnetic field. The locking assembly can be easily disengaged, such as through the application or removal of an external mechanical force, to allow a clinician to adjust the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention presents various novel approaches to solving the problems inherent in measuring biological pressures in high pressure systems. Thus, to protect a pressure transducer exposed to fluid flows at higher pressures than its overpressure rating, a novel valve is used that closes a protected leg in which the transducer is located. The various exemplary embodiments of such valves each have a high pressure input, one or more low pressure inputs, and an output. In operation, when a high pressure fluid flow occurs at a high pressure input, such valves automatically close the low pressure inputs. Alternatively, a novel transducer system is presented, which automatically limits the effective pressure sensed by a transducer to a certain maximum.

Abstract: A system for dispensing irrigation fluids, including a hand operated dispensing unit connected through a continuous length of multi-tube conduit to a mobile reservoir cart. The dispensing unit is constructed of disposable materials. The conduit system is uninterrupted to provide a sealed delivery of the irrigating fluids to the dispensing unit. Flow control is through a trigger mechanism on the handheld unit, as well as a plurality of individual on/off valves. A variety of nozzles are provided including devices for flushing and/or debriding. The reservoir unit includes disposable containers for the variety of irrigation fluids that are positioned in place and connected to the tubing conduit that extends to the handheld unit. A fluid heating unit may optionally be incorporated. Rotary tube pumps provide a nearly continuous flow of fluid and are capable of continuous operation even with back pressure due to flow stoppage at the handheld unit.

Abstract: A drip chamber includes an elongated transparent container, and a cap. The container has open proximal and distal ends. The cap covers the distal end and further includes a drip forming tube, a cannula and an attachment element used to removably attach the chamber to a connector. The cannula extends distally away from the chamber and is surrounded by the attachment element. A pathway for fluid is established through the cannula and into the chamber.

Abstract: A catheter for collecting fluid (such as blood) from a vessel (such as a coronary sinus) of a patient has a distal end with a fluid inlet to receive a blood and at least one fluid outlet disposed proximally to the fluid inlet. An occlusion member is positioned between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The catheter is placed in a blood vessel with the fluid inlet disposed to receive antegrade flow. The blood vessel is occluded with the occlusion member. Flow through the catheter is passed through the fluid outlet and back into the vessel proximal to the occlusion member. A valve selectively opens and closes the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a plurality of seal segments, each seal segment including a peripheral edge and a seam edge. Each seal segment further includes a first section and a second section with a vertical wall connecting the first section and the second section in such a way that the first section is displaced relative to the second section such that the first section of a first seal segment may be placed upon the second section of a second seal segment with the first sections of the first and second seal segments lying in the same plane and the second sections of the first and second seal segments lying in the same plane. The seal segments are assembled in an overlapping woven arrangement to provide a complete seal body without the need for a secondary seal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an in-line pump may be formed.

Abstract: A valve may include (a) a housing defining a valve lumen adapted for fluid connection with a lumen of a catheter; (b) a substantially conical valve member coupled to the housing and extending across the valve lumen to control flow therethrough; (c) a plurality of slits extending through the valve member and separated from one another circumferentially around the valve member; and (d) a ramp formed within a distal end of the valve lumen extending proximally from a distal tip of the valve member toward a ramp vertex separated from the distal tip by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A fluid infusion system comprises a flexible elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end and a fluid transport lumen extending therethrough and a fluid source having a connector for coupling to the proximal end to provide fluid to the fluid transport lumen in combination with an ultrasound energy source delivering ultrasound energy to the fluid to reduce a viscosity of the fluid and a waveguide directing the ultrasound energy to a desired region of the fluid.

Abstract: A medical valve having an open mode to permit fluid flow and a closed mode to prevent fluid flow has a body and a valving element within the interior of the body. The body also has a valving element within its interior, and a proximal port and a distal port. The valving element controls fluid flow between the proximal and distal ports. Moreover, the valving element includes a resilient member and a plug. The resilient member forms a variable sized fluid chamber within the interior of the body, while the plug cooperates with the gland to provide an internal seal (within the interior of the body) that is spaced from the proximal port. The plug is capable of radially expanding the resilient member when the valve transitions from the closed mode to the open mode. The fluid chamber has a larger volume when in the open mode than when in the closed mode.

Abstract: Needle-free injection devices having a drive assembly to provide an operative force to effect an injection and a dosing assembly to prepare the device for a subsequent injection. In some embodiments, the dosing assembly is configured to transfer injectate from an injectate source to the injectate assembly. In some embodiments, a portion of energy available to the drive assembly urges the injectate towards the injectate assembly. In some embodiments, the device includes a nozzle assembly having one or more ports.

Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and actuator moveable distally within the housing. The medical valve also has a resilient member with an aperture. The distal movement of the actuator opens the aperture within the resilient member, thereby transitioning the medical valve from the open to the closed mode.

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