Abstract: A positive pressure generator is provided proximal the valve or septum of a vascular catheter for inducing sufficient positive pressure in the lumen or fluid path of the catheter so that a sufficient portion of the fluid at the tip of the catheter is forced into the blood vessel after the cannula or needle has been removed from the hub so that any blood in the tip is displaced back into the vessel or is sufficiently diluted such that clotting within the lumen adjacent the tip is substantially mitigated. The positive pressure generator is preferably comprised of a flexible tube or cavity which has a variable internal volume and which is configured to have a first stable configuration with a first internal fluid volume and a second stable configuration with a smaller internal fluid volume.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for draining biological fluids. A first device comprises a housing (2) and a pinch valve (3) mounted in the housing, away from the walls of the latter. The housing includes an opening (11) arranged opposite the pinching means (6) of the valve. Another device (13) comprises a catheter section (7) of a drainage line and a member (12) for supporting the catheter, the catheter section passing into and emerging from the support member (12) at two points and forming a loop between these two points.

Abstract: A directed stream blower is provided for removing materials from a surgical site, thus improving the visibility of the surgical site. Preferably, the directed stream blower provides a directed stream of pressurized gas combined and intermixed with a sterile fluid which may be used to clear or wash away blood, debris, particulate, or other materials from the target surgical site. The directed stream blower may be provided with flow control positioned directly on the handle for convenient one-handed operation during use.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the administration of intravenous drugs for sedation of a patient. Safe and controlled levels of sedation are provided by the use of a system for continous monitoring of patient pulse oximetry levels during the sedative's adminstration. Adequate levels of sedation that are clinically desirable are accomplished by the device, safely and smoothly, without the risk of respiratory depression. Preestablished oximetry ranges are provided before and/or during administration of the analgesic as the maximum and minimum acceptable saturation levels. Levels of sedation are continuously adjusted in response to increases or drops in oxygen saturation to smoothly maintain the saturation levels within the preestablished parameters.

Abstract: A urinary catheter includes a cannula having a urine passage, a urine inlet and a urine outlet; and a valve positioned in said urine passage between said inlet and said outlet and having a valve passage having at least a portion which is moveably positioned between a substantially blocked positioned and a flow position, and structure for moving said portion, said structure for moving being biased toward a blocking position wherein said portion is in said substantially blocked position and flow through said valve means is substantially blocked, and said structure for moving being moveable to a position at least partially moving said portion toward said flow position wherein flow through said valve means is allowed.

Abstract: A medicament dosing system comprises a replaceable unit and a permanent unit. The replaceable unit comprises a fluid reservoir for receiving therein a pressurizable liquid medicament, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said liquid medicament, a fluid channel which is provided with a flow resistor and which is in flow communication with the fluid reservoir, and a hose means which is connected to the fluid channel. The permanent unit comprises a squeezing valve means for squeezing the hose means together, and a control means which is coupled to the temperature sensor and the squeezing valve means so as to control a flow rate of the liquid medicament by clocked actuation of said squeezing valve means depending on the temperature detected. Alternatively, the temperatur sensor can be arranged in the permanent unit.

Abstract: An infusion bottle monitor device has an electric circuit module, a sensing module, and a wire connected to the electric circuit module and the sensing module. The electric circuit module has a microprocessing system. The sensing module has a sensing system to output a sensing signal into the microprocessing system. A micromotion control system is disposed in the electric circuit module. A hose is connected to a hollow tube. The hollow tube is connected to an infusion bottle. The sensing module is disposed on the hollow tube. A plurality of clamp devices are disposed on a lateral of the electric circuit module. An opening is formed on the lateral of the electric circuit module. A support frame is disposed on the lateral of the electric circuit module pivotally.

Abstract: A medical tubing and slide clamp set is disclosed for use with a medical infusion pump designed for operation with a preselected medical tubing set having predetermined size and functional characteristics. The medical tubing and slide clamp includes a preselected medical tubing set having predetermined size and function characteristics. An opaque slide clamp is provided with a grasping end and a longitudinal clamp plate extending from the grasping end. The longitudinal clamp plate defines a clamp slot with a wide open portion sized for receiving the preselected medical tubing without closing the tubing, a narrow open portion sized for closing the tubing and a transition portion interconnecting the narrow and wide portions. A plurality of orifices are formed along the longitudinal clamp plate at predetermined locations arranged according to the size and functional characteristics of the medical tubing set.

Abstract: A multi-drug intravenous infusion apparatus which comprises a plurality of vials containing drugs to be provided to a patient; a fluid container containing fluid to be mixed with the drugs; conduit mechanism for leading drugs from the vials, mixed with the fluid from the container, to mechanism for introducing the drugs with the fluid into the patient's body, the conduit mechanism comprising: a main section, a plurality of individual sections, each comprising at least a collapsible portion, connected to the vials and to the main sections, a terminal section connected to the main section and the mechanism for introducing the drugs with the fluid into the patient's body, and a fluid section leading fluid from the fluid container to the terminal section; a switching unit comprising a plurality of switches, each one associated with one of the individual sections, wherein each switch is capable of either blocking the drug flow in the associated section by exerting pressure whereby to collapse the collapsible porti

Abstract: A device having a protection cap defining a concavity, and a thin sharp-ended tubular stem joined to the cap and projecting into the concavity; the tubular stem being connected to elements for penetration into the human body or into body liquid containers; the device being also suitable for use in combination with sample tubes to be inserted into the concavity in the cap and having their interior chamber under vacuum and closed by a yieldable elastomeric plug able to seal an aperture produced by the tubular stem; the tubular stem being joined at one end to the interior concavity of the cap and constructed of a synthetic resinous material in one piece with the cap.

Abstract: An infusion set (10,12) comprises a first part (10) housing a pump and control means and a second part (12) housing a replaceable infusate reservoir (14) with an integral infusion line (16). An anti-freeflow sliding member (26) has an opening (28) through which the infusion line (16) passes, and is slidable between a first open position and a second closed position by detaching the parts.

Abstract: A multi stage type flow rate switching device is provided which simplifies switching of flow paths and which rarely causes erroneous operation. The multi stage type flow rate switching device includes a liquid medicine flow inlet port 1 having branch paths 11, 12 and 13 on a downstream side, a liquid medicine flow outlet port 2 having branch paths 21, 22 and 23 on an upstream side and constant flow rate paths 31, 32 and 33 for connecting respective branch paths, and arranged in a housing 4 comprising a lid 41 and a housing main body 42. In the housing 4, there is provided clamping means 5 capable of selectively blocking the constant flow rate paths 31, 32 and 33.

Abstract: The balloon catheter has a portion of its tubular shaft sequentially squeezed between a ram reciprocating in a box and a saddle arranged in a cover closely fitting on the box. The pressurized fluid medium supplied to the balloon is pulsated by the squeeze and release action of the ram and saddle arrangement.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve including a collapsible membrane in a portion of a through-lumen. Fluid pressure in a chamber surrounding the collapsible membrane assists in sealing the collapsible membrane around an operating device inserted through the hemostasis valve. Different mechanisms for mechanically deforming the collapsible membrane to assist in sealing are disclosed. Also, a system for continuously flushing a vascular catheter connected to a hemostasis valve at a rate of 0.10 to 10.0 cubic centimeters per minute, and a hemostasis valve assembly including an expandable reservoir which stores liquid volume under pressure.

Abstract: An IV tube occluder is disclosed which has a bow portion and a linkage portion which act to occlude an IV tube to prevent unwanted flow of liquid to a patient. The linkage portion and bow portion are engaged to allow the ends of the linkage portion to rotate within a certain range. The linkage portion has an extending pinching member which is used to occlude a portion of flexible tubing by pressing the tube against the bow portion. The pinching member of the linkage portion moves against the bow portion through the provision of a hinge portion of the linkage portion, which allows the pinching member to hold the tube in an open or closed position. In an alternative embodiment, both the bow portion and linkage portion are formed as a continuous body.

Abstract: A fluid deliver system including a pair of bags having an opening formed in a bottom edge thereof. The bags include a first bag for containing a first liquid and a second bag for containing a second liquid. Further provided is a pair of elongated lumens each with a top open end and a bottom open end. Each top open end of the lumens is connected in communication with the openings of a corresponding bag. The bottom ends are in communication with each other to form an exit conduit and communicable with a dispensable apparatus for inserting into an arm of a patient. Finally, a drip control means is provided with a roller for manually controlling the amount of the first fluid and second fluid which exits the lumens and enters a patient.

Abstract: A flow adjusting tube clamp is used with a chamber in a solution administration device. The tube clamp is pivotally mounted to the cap at a second pivot element. The tube clamp includes first and second elongated tube passages that overly the cap inlet ports as the clamp is pivoted. The tube passages define varying cross-sectional open areas therethrough. The passages are arcuate so that they continuously overly the inlet ports as the clamp is pivoted. The inlet ports are configured to receive flexible tube portions that traverse through the tube passages in the clamp. Each tube passage includes at least one open area and at least one occluding portion to establish and terminate flow therethrough. The clamp is pivotable from a prime position to an intermittent flow position and from an intermittent flow position to a continuous flow position, to effect varying flow conditions.

Abstract: A connector/clamp assembly for a transfer set includes an inlet connector with a base, a shank extending from one end of the base and an I.V. tube extending from the opposite end of the base. The base interfits with a housing having opposite ends, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls extending from the bottom wall, so that the shank extends from one end of the housing and the tube extends along the bottom wall to the opposite end of the housing. A clamp is present in the housing opposite the tube and which is movable within the housing between a first position wherein the clamp collapses the tube against the housing bottom wall thereby blocking the tube lumen and a second position wherein the clamp does not collapse the tube sufficiently to appreciably occlude the lumen.

Abstract: A urinary catheter includes a cannula having a urine passage, a urine inlet and a urine outlet and a valve positioned in the urine passage between the inlet and the outlet and including a compressible tube, and a member for releasably compressing the tube, the member for releasably compressing being biased toward a compressing position wherein the tube is compressed and flow through the tube is substantially blocked, and the member for releasably compressing being positionable to a released position at least partially releasing compression of the tube wherein flow through the tube is allowed.

Abstract: A skin-contact type medical treatment apparatus is provided which includes: a first conductive member having a first skin-contact surface in contact with a first surface of skin when in use, the first skin-contact surface being made of metal or its alloy; and a second conductive member having a second skin-contact surface in contact with a second surface of skin different from the first surface when in use together with the first conductive member, the second skin-contact surface being made of n-type semiconductor material having a standard single electrode potential lower than that of the first skin-contact surface. The first and second conductive members are electrically connected by a protective resistor at an area different from the first and second skin-contact surfaces, the protective resistor having a resistance value in the range of from 0.1 to 50 M.OMEGA..

Abstract: A catheter or cannula (2) which includes a press or pinch point (18) which may be resiliently deformed to prevent flow of blood or other body fluids during insertion of the catheter or cannula tube (10) or it may be part of the boss (11) of the catheter or cannula (2). One or more protrusions or buttons (20) may be integrally moulded to the press or pinch point (18) to assist with the application of pressure to the press or pinch point (18) to prevent fluid flow. Wings (14) extending from the sides of the cannula or catheter (2) may provide support and be hinged to enable compression of the press or pinch point (18). The cathether or cannula tube (10) is of a size to fit over a hypodermic needle (5) of a trocar (1) inserted into the catheter or cannula (2).

Abstract: A renal perfusion clamp which is capable of opening to 180 degrees. The perfusion damp of the present invention additionally allows for interchange of variously sized clamp heads in order to accommodate aortic cuffs of various sizes. The perfusion clamp provides for adjustable clamping force which is controllable by the perfusionist.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of surgical instruments into a patient's body includes a valve body formed of a flexibly resilient material which defines an aperture for reception of the instrument. The aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the instrument into the aperture will cause the resilient material of the valve body to resiliently engage the outer surface of the instrument in a substantially gas tight manner. The valve assembly includes a biasing member for closing the valve body to form a gas tight seal prior to inserting the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A diode device (10) containing a microparticle polymer element (12) is described. Also described are mechanical switching devices that employ the microparticle polymer element.

Abstract: An indwelling urinary catheter having a palpitatable multiaxial dome-type valve and an inflatable anchoring balloon. The valve has a peripheral trough to maximize drainage. The catheter body and balloon are integrally molded from silicone to produce a uniform and symmetrical balloon shape. The balloon shape may be selectively altered by varying bonding patterns or wall thicknesses. Valve openings traverse an arcuate pathway, and adjacent valve elements are separated by an intermediate rib to ensure a reliable closure. Valve elements are readily displaced by a drainage tube connector that engages the valve body. A collar on the catheter body moves axially along helical threads to adjust tension on the balloon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the dispensing of a primary liquid from a pressurized source of primary liquid. Primary liquid is admitted through an inlet valve to a primary chamber having a primary element which is biased toward an initial position but is movable away from the initial position when subjected to the source pressure of the primary liquid. A sensor determines when the primary element has moved away from an initial position to a predetermined final position, and the inlet valve is closed in response thereto. The difference between the initial and final positions defines a predetermined dispensing volume. An outlet valve is opened to dispense the dispensing volume under the biasing force of the primary element which returns to the initial position. A sensor determines when the primary element has returned to the initial position, and the outlet valve is closed in response thereto.

Abstract: A flow regulator device for intravenous tubing comprises a frame body, a notch on the frame body for attaching an intravenous tube to the frame body, and a first pressure applicator disposed on the frame body and engageable with the intravenous tube for alternately compressing and releasing the intravenous tube in a first direction of action in a first plane. A second pressure applicator is provided on the frame body for alternately compressing and releasing the intravenous tube in a second direction of action in a second plane. The second pressure applicator is disposed on the frame body in spaced relation to the first pressure applicator along a flow path of the intravenous tube and is engageable with the intravenous tube.

Abstract: A holder for an IV tube roller clamp is removably secured in the housing of an electronic infusion device, and has in opposite ends thereof a pair of photo-electric devices, one of which detects when the roller of the clamp is in its tube opening position, and the other detects when the roller is in tube closing position. A lever is pivotal on the housing between a closed position in which it operatively connects the IV tube to a pump unit in the housing, and an open position in which it permits removal of the IV tube from the unit. The spring-loaded armature of a solenoid prevents the lever from being opened until the solenoid coil is energized, and the photo-electric devices prevent the solenoid coil from being energized until the roller is in its tube closing position. When closed, the lever overlies part of the tube channel in which the IV tube is seated and also shifts a pressure plate in the pump unit to a position in which a lip thereon overlies another portion of said channel.

Abstract: A low profile adaptor is disclosed for use with a gastrostomy feeding tube which has been inserted by means of conventional endoscopic procedures or with a replacement feeding tube inserted through the patient's stomach. The tube is cut to the approximate length by the surgeon. The adaptor comprises an anti-reflux valve assembly having a stem which can be plugged into the open end of the feeding tube. The valve assembly contains a seal which functions as a one-way valve to prevent reflux of gastric contents but which permits the introduction of feeding solution into the feeding tube. A clamp is placed around the feeding tube and the valve stem and locked into place to secure the valve assembly to the feeding tube at a location flush with the patient's skin. A silicone cover is placed around the clamp to protect the patient from skin irritation caused by the clamp, and also to protect the clamp and valve assembly from contamination.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of surgical instruments into a patient's body includes a valve body formed of a flexibly resilient material which defines an aperture for reception of the instrument. The aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the instrument into the aperture will cause the resilient material of the valve body to resiliently engage the outer surface of the instrument in a substantially gas tight manner. The valve assembly includes a biasing member for closing the valve body to form a gas tight seal prior to inserting the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A self-closing catheter valve having a housing with an oval cross section and a conical hose attachment connector which can be inserted into a catheter hose. A valve hose piece partially extends through the housing. A V-shaped spring element deforms and constricts the valve hose piece by pressing the valve hose piece against a wall of the housing. An actuation member is positioned within the housing for bringing the self-closing catheter valve into an open position.

Abstract: An intravascular puncturing nozzle with an automatic no blood reflux mechanism. The mechanism includes a part (3) resiliently biased towards a position closing the passage (6) of the plastic nozzle (2), which position is automatically reached when the needle (4) puncturing the blood vessel is removed from such passage. The connector (5) on the serum equipment automatically opens the passage (6) when the said equipment is connected. The mechanism is applicable to intravascular puncturing nozzles to prevent the patient's blood from refluxing and coming into contact with the operator, thereby avoiding contagion, and in order not to put the sterility of the material used at stake.

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: A catheter device of the type having a plastic sleeve with a central bore and a flexible catheter tube projecting from one end of the sleeve is equipped with a crimping apparatus, to allow a person administering the catheter to selectively crimp the tube to inhibit the flow of blood therethrough. The crimping apparatus includes member mounted for rotational movement with respect to the sleeve and a torsion spring, which normally biases the eccentric member to a "non-crimping" position. The member includes a bottom slot for receiving the catheter tube. When it is desired to crimp the tube, the member is rotated in a predetermined direction, such that the member compresses the catheter tube to inhibit the flow of blood therethrough. By crimping the catheter tube to inhibit the flow of blood therethrough, the likelihood of direct contact between the person administering the catheter and the catheter recipient's blood is substantially diminished.

Abstract: A device for holding an IV tube in a pumping apparatus and for selectively occluding the tube when the door of the pumping apparatus is opened, to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. The device consists of a base member to which the IV tube is attached or through which it passes, and a slide clamp which slides relative to the base member and relative to the tube. The IV tube is passed through an elongated aperture in the slide clamp, and the slide clamp is slidingly mounted on the base member. The aperture in the slide clamp has a relatively open hole at one end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in one position, allowing fluid to flow through the tube. The aperture also has a relatively constricted slot at the other end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in a second position, preventing fluid flow through the tube.

Abstract: A clamping device for obstructing the flow of fluid through a tube is disclosed which may be electrically or manually actuated in response to an electrical signal from a condition detection means associated with the tube. The clamping device may also be actuated to compress the tube gradually, providing incrementally decreasing flow through the tube.

Abstract: A flow limiter mechanism for use with an infusion pump of the type operating upon a disposable cassette held by the infusion pump and having a flow tube connected to the cassette. The flow limiter includes a receiving channel located on the infusion pump adjacent to the disposable cassette held by the infusion pump. A tube pincher is operatively associated with the receiving channel to pinch the flow tube in a clamped position and mechanically retractable to an unclamped position to allow the flow tube to open. Electrical controls are connected for selectably operating the tube pincher from the clamped closed position to the unclamped opened position while the disposable cassette is held by the infusion pump. A flow clip is attached to the flow tube and is manually operable between opened and closed clipping positions prior to inserting the disposable cassette into the infusion pump.

Abstract: A free flow prevention system for preventing undesired free flow of fluid through IV tubing of the type used in an infusion pump. The system comprises a spring clip having a base and a spring arm defining a channel adapted to receive the IV tubing. The spring arm is resiliently biased to a closed position in which the IV tubing is squeezed by the spring clip to close the lumen to prevent fluid flow, and the spring arm is movable against the bias to an open position wherein the lumen of the IV tubing is allowed to open to allow flow. The system also includes a clip-opening pin in the infusion pump for moving the spring arm of the clip from its closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for insertion into a blood vessel includes a tubular catheter hub, having a side wall with a side wall portion formed of deformable material, and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a mechanism for inwardly collapsing the side wall portion to occlude the apparatus, resilient sealing material contained within the catheter hub having an axially oriented opening to permit fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end of the catheter hub, for compressing to form a seal, closing the axially oriented opening and creating a seal, and a catheter extending from the distal end, substantially coaxially with the hub. A clamping mechanism is preferably provided for inwardly collapsing the side wall portion. The clamping mechanism preferably includes two spaced apart compression flanges extending outwardly from the side wall portion for gripping and pushing toward each other to compress the sealing material and occlude the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for resupplying a remote cassette assembly (14) for an ambulatory medical infusion pump (10) with a new replacement tube (22a) includes the steps of disassembling a used tube assembly (22) from the cassette assembly (14) by removing a luer lock (34) located at the end of microbore tubing (32) by severing the tubing (22), removing the tubing (22) by passing it through apertures (30), (25) and (47) in the cassette assembly (14), inserting a new unused tubing (22a) into the access slot (40) to the interior of said cassette, and by inserting tubing (22a) such that the tubing (22a) is pulled through the apertures (47), (25) and (30).

Abstract: A cardioplegia management system comprises an inlet tube adapted for connection to a source of cardioplegic fluid, and at least two supply tubes extending from the inlet tube and in communication therewith, whereby fluid passing through the inlet will be directed to the supply tubes. The system also includes a base, and clamps associated with the supply tubes. Each of the clamps is mounted on the base in a position to selectively clamp and unclamp its respective supply tube, thereby selectively blocking or allowing flow of fluid through the supply tubes.

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: A clamp for occluding a flexible tube comprising a permanent magnet rotary actuator coupled to a rotatable cam. A spring-biasing mechanism is provided to counteract the rotation of the rotary actuator and to return the rotatable cam to a pre-determined position when power is withheld from the rotary actuator.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight bowel evacuation system is made up of a water bag which is elevated above the patient with a check valve in the delivery line from the water bag into a rectal insertion tube or speculum, a drain line leading from the speculum includes a disposable valve member for selectively opening and closing the drain line, and one or more pressurizing members in the form of manual squeeze bulbs are provided to simultaneously open the check valve for delivery of water from the water bag through the speculum and close the drain valve while the check valve is open and further is open to simultaneously close the check valve when the drain is opened. In a modified form, a flow control valve in communication with a source of air under pressure takes the place of the manual squeeze bulb to control opening and closing of the valve members.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder that includes a face plate assembly which is attached to a patient's head by an adjustable headband. The face plate assembly is formed with a face plate adapted to be positioned over the mouth of the patient and is formed with an open end channel terminating with a V-shaped notch over which is superposed a tube holding block that is affixed to the outer surface of the face plate, and also includes a matching V-shaped notch in which an endotracheal tube can be fixedly positioned by a thumb screw, a bite block being integrally secured to the inner surface of the face plate which is also provided with an aligned V-shaped notch. The face plate also includes an opening for ready access to the patient's mouth, as might be required.

Abstract: A flexible clamp for IV tubing, and in particular for use in a free flow prevention system. The flexible clamp has a pair of generally elongate clamping arms defining a slot for receiving the IV tubing. The flexible clamp has a resilient bias tending to bring the clamping arms to a closed position wherein the IV tubing is squeezed between the clamping arms to close the lumen of the IV tubing to prevent fluid flow, and the clamping arms are movable against the resilient bias of the flexible clamp to an open position wherein the clamping arms are spread from one another relative to the closed position such that the lumen of the IV tubing is allowed to open so that flow through the lumen of the IV tubing is permitted.

Abstract: A tubing clamp controlling flow within compressible tubing passing through the clamp which is adapted for inserting the tubing sidewise into the clamp upon opening of a hinged side wall. An adjustable flow controller overlies the tubing and is adapted to rotate, bear upon and squeeze the tubing for precise flow control. A lever arm to actuate the flow controller is in ratcheting engagement with an arcuate bar to hold the lever arm and cylindrical surface of the flow controller in the desired rotative position. The selected position of the lever arm can then be recorded. The tubing clamp can be constructed as a one-piece structure by use of a single mold and prepared as a kit to facilitate use for medical purposes. The assembly of the clamp is thus simplified and the method for controlling flow is accomplished by a series of simple steps.

Abstract: A device for regulating fluid flow in an intravenous line comprises a housing and a flow path system in the housing for defining a plurality of separate flow paths having respective predetermined characteristic flow rates. The housing has an input port connectable to an intravenous line segment extending from an intravenous fluid supply and also has an output port connectable to an intravenous line segment extending to a catheter. The device additionally comprises a selector mounted to the housing and in contact with the flow path system for selectively opening the flow paths to connect the output port to the input port, thereby controlling the amount of fluid or solution flowing through the output intravenous line to a patient.

Abstract: A catheter irrigation device, readily attached to a fluid supply line connected to an indwelling catheter, is used to dislodge clots or blockages at the distal end of the catheter. The irrigation device comprises a pair of opposing rollers configured and positioned such that the fluid supply can be interposed between the rollers. The irrigation device further includes a flexible linkage which supports the rollers and maintains the rollers about the fluid supply tube. The flexible linkage is configured to receive the fluid supply tube and configured to deflect to cause the rollers to pinch the fluid supply tube, thus creating an occlusion. The flexible linkage and roller are further configured to slide over the fluid supply tube, such that with the rollers creating an occlusion in the tube, the irrigation device is slid for a sufficient distance toward the catheter to sufficiently increase the fluidic pressure within the catheter to dislodge the blockage.