Abstract: IV filters are described herein. An IV filter includes a body, a filter media, and a bulb. The body defines a body volume. The filter media is disposed within the body volume. The filter media defines an inlet portion of the body volume and an outlet portion of the body volume. The filter media permits inlet flow from the inlet portion of the body volume to the outlet portion of the body volume and captures particulate from the inlet flow. The bulb defines a bulb volume in fluid communication with the outlet portion of the body volume. The bulb is deformable to compress the bulb volume and direct back flow from the outlet portion of the body volume through the filter media and into the inlet portion of the body volume, displacing particulate captured in the filter media into the inlet portion of the body volume.

Abstract: An infusion set includes a first infusion line set that forms a first infusion line with an injection port; and a connector including a male connector end that is insertable into the injection port, a female connector end to which a second infusion line can be connected, a flow channel, and a partition. The injection port and the connector are configured such that, when the male connector end of the connector is inserted into the injection port, the flow channel of the connector is divided by the partition into an in-flow channel configured to let in a liquid from the injection port in the first infusion line and an out-flow channel configured to let out the liquid that has entered the in-flow channel to the injection port.

Abstract: A drip chamber having an upper reservoir that is separated from a lower reservoir via a filter assembly, wherein a distance between the filter assembly and a bottom surface of the drip chamber is selected to prevent dislodged air bubbles of the filter assembly from being drawn into an intravenous fluid line that is coupled to the bottom surface of the drip chamber, during an infusion procedure.

Abstract: Hydrophilic flat-sheet membrane based on a hydrophobic first polymer from the group consisting of aromatic sulfone polymers and a hydrophilic second polymer, wherein the membrane has a thickness in the range between 30 and 200 ?m, a first and a second surface and a supporting layer having a three-dimensional sponge-like network structure, wherein the supporting layer has a first cover layer on the side thereof facing the first surface and a second cover layer on the side thereof facing the second surface, which cover layers are formed integrally with the supporting layer, and wherein the first and second surfaces have approximately oval or circular openings which penetrate the first and second cover layers, respectively, and are connected to the supporting layer, wherein the average diameter of the openings in the surfaces differ by a factor of less than 2, wherein the three-dimensional network structure of the supporting layer is made up of thick branches and a continuous pore system, and the predominant pro

Abstract: Drug delivery devices having non-luer connections and adapters and adaption connectors for providing non-luer connections to drug delivery devices are provided. An exemplary drug delivery device for use with a catheter connection includes a blunt needle component with a non-luer connection and a filter component with a non-luer connection, wherein the non-luer connections of the blunt needle component and filter component are incompatible with standard luer fitting and intravenous route-accessing devices. In one or more embodiments, an adapter having a non-luer connection at one end and a luer connector is provided for use with blunt needle components and filter components wherein one of the blunt needle component and the filter component includes a luer connection and the other of the blunt needle component and the filter component includes a non-luer connection. Methods of delivering liquid medication to a catheter are also provided.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a drip chamber having lower and upper wall sections and a collapsible wall extending between the lower and upper wall sections, a downwardly depending valve seat attached to the lower wall section, and a valve member disposed in the drip chamber, attached to the upper wall section and having a valve surface engageable with the valve seat. The system also includes a driver rotatably engaged to the lower and upper wall sections. Upon rotation of the driver in a first direction, the collapsible wall of the drip chamber moves between a collapsed condition in which the valve seat is sealingly engaged with the valve surface and an extended condition in which the valve seat is sufficiently spaced from the valve surface to form a flow passageway between the valve surface and the valve seat and permit flow through the opening of the drip chamber.

Abstract: One embodiment of a blood transfusion device includes a drip chamber (10) comprising a bottom outlet (113); a filter (40) fixedly disposed in the drip chamber (10); and a float regulator (20) moveably disposed in the drip chamber (10) under the filter (40), the float regulator (20) comprising an inverted upper cup (21) including a top projection (212), a lower cup (22) secured to the upper cup (21), and a suction cup (23) secured to an underside of the lower cup (22). An inner diameter of the upper cup (21) is greater than an outer diameter of the lower cup (22). The projection (212) contacts an underside of the filter (40) when blood from a blood bag (90) sufficiently fills the drip chamber (10). The suction cup (23) falls to permanently close the outlet (113) when blood in the drip chamber (10) completely drains.

Abstract: A system to minimize fluid turbulence inside a tissue cavity during endoscopic procedures. A body tissue cavity of a subject is distended by continuous flow irrigation using a solenoid operated pump on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by the outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss into the subject's body system during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.

Abstract: A drip chamber for intravenous infusion including a support member having a longitudinal axis, two ends and at least one support face distanced from both ends, a membrane joined to the at least one support face, and a support member outlet formed in the support member and in fluid communication with the membrane, the support member outlet including a bore and being fluidly communicable with an outlet of the drip chamber.

Abstract: Described herein is a drip chamber for medical lines with a generally cylindrical body having an inlet, on which a precision flow regulator is directly applied.

Abstract: A medical apparatus flow restrictor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid flow path defined through the housing between the inlet and outlet. At least one pair of opposed restriction surfaces are provided in contact with each other within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The restriction surfaces are disposed in the flow path such that fluid delivered to the inlet passes between the opposed restriction surfaces prior to flowing from the outlet. At least one of the restriction surfaces comprises a pattern of fluid passages formed into the surface, the passages having a size and shape and cooperating with the opposed restriction surface such that a desired flow rate of fluid is achieved through the restrictor.

Abstract: Transducer-protector device for biomedical haemodialysis lines comprising a first and a second element each of which is formed in a single piece of moulded plastic material with a tubular fitting and an annular radial flange. The first element is formed with a semi-crystalline polymer and the related annular radial flange has greatly thinner portions able to allow the see-through viewing of the filtering membrane secured between the flanges of the first and of the second element.

Abstract: Flat filter for venting gas in intravenous medical lines, comprising a case formed by a frontal plate and by a dorsal plate between which a hydrophilic filtering membrane is interposed. The dorsal plate has a single through hole for gas venting in communication with an elongated collecting channel formed on the inner surface of the dorsal plate and along which a hydrophobic membrane of complementary shape is applied.

Abstract: An in-line drug delivery pack that connects in-line with an intravenous (IV) line and allows for the mixing of diluent with a drug reagent to be delivered to the patient. An internal drug bed bypass mechanism is tailored to apportion diluent flow between the bypass and the drug bed. The apportionment is selected to achieve a solution concentration suitable for IV administration as the dried reagent is dissolved. Thus, both dissolution and precisely tailored dilution are performed in the same simple device.

Abstract: A membrane support (10, 20) for assembly into a drip chamber (5), characterized by a support member (7) having a longitudinal axis (8, 27), two ends (9) and at least one support face distanced from both ends (9) and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (8, 27), a membrane (16, 26) joined to the at least one the support face, and a support member outlet (11, 32) formed in the support member (7) and in fluid communication with the membrane (16, 26), the support member outlet (11, 32) being fluidly communicable with an outlet of a drip chamber (5).

Abstract: A prewarning device for instillation of medical liquid includes a throttling cylinder having a tubular needle connected to an open top thereof. A pointed head portion of the tubular needle is inserted into a medical liquid bottle for the medical liquid to flow into the throttling cylinder via the tubular needle. A portion of the tubular needle between the head portion and the throttling cylinder is transparent for a clamp to clamp therearound. A sensor is provided on the clamp to connect to a warning unit via a wire. The tubular needle defines a downward tapered inner space to receive a float therein. When the medical liquid bottle becomes empty, the float lowers in the tubular needle and is sensed by the sensor for the latter to actuate the warning unit to sound. The lowered float also blocks up the tubular needle to stop air from passing therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for purifying fluid, such as potable water, to quality levels suitable for medical application, particularly to applications involving injection of the fluid into a human body. The apparatus comprises a portable purification pack constructed for a single use. The pack houses depth filtration, activated carbon, mixed bed ion exchange resins and terminal filtration stages in series. The terminal filter comprises a fine (microfiltration or ultrafiltration), permeable membrane, treated with an endotoxin-binding chemistry. In contrast with semi-permeable osmotic membranes, the permeable membrane produces high flow rates at relatively low pressures, while still safely purifying fluid to injection quality.

Abstract: A filtering chamber for a set for the administration of fluids is provided. The chamber includes a housing providing a passageway for the fluid in the administration set. Within the chamber is a filter of screen which filters the fluid flowing through the housing. The filter or screen is attached to the housing during molding of the housing without the use of bonding agents, resulting in a chamber component which may be produced automatically and economically.

Abstract: A medical system that may include a filter/flow restrictor which limits the pressure drop within an aspiration system. The restrictor may include a flow restrictor that is coupled to a filter housing. The flow restrictor restricts the pressure drop within the aspiration system. The housing may contain a filter which prevents occlusion of the flow restrictor. When used in an opthtalmic procedure the flow restrictor may limit the minimum pressure within a cornea and prevent corneal collapse.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of end stage renal decline and failure through peritoneal dialysis enabling ambulatory transfer of dialysate to and from the peritoneum of a renal patient, this in synthesis and coordination with normal physiological rhythms of the patient. The system remains unobtrusive and less restrictive of patient ambulation and orientation. The present invention includes expendables disposability of which facilitates safe reuse of more expensive portions and is sufficiently simple for use in a home care environment. It may be designed to incorporate real-time, interactive or remote monitoring and regulation and visual or audible indication of system pressures, chemical balances and other important variables.

Abstract: A filter for infusions, comprising a flattened box-like body forming a cavity provided with a tubular shank for the inflow of the liquid to be filtered and a tubular shank for the outflow of the filtered liquid, a plate-like element being arranged inside the cavity and having, on its opposite faces, respective pluralities of ridges that form channels, on which two filtration membranes are provided that cover the channels and separate them from the cavity, the channels being connected to the outflow shank and the cavity being connected to the inflow shank.

Abstract: A device (100) such as a drip chamber that can be filled to a predetermined level is disclosed. The device comprises a housing (14) and a porous medium (10), wherein the porous medium allows gas to pass therethrough.

Abstract: An automatic air eliminator includes an elongated housing defining an interior chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall and a substantially cylindrical side wall centered on an axis. A vent opening is present in the chamber top wall and a hydrophobic membrane covers the vent opening. The housing has a fluid outlet passage centered on the axis in the bottom wall of the chamber and a fluid inlet passage in the chamber side wall at a location adjacent to the top wall. That inlet passage is curved about the axis so that fluid inflow to the passage enters the chamber tangentially and circulates about the axis to the fluid outlet to minimize fluid turbulence and to maximize the residence time of the fluid housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drip chamber for an intravenous infusion set. The invention also relates to a method of making drip chambers, and further, to an intravenous infusion set including a drip chamber. The invention is provided with a drip chamber comprising a housing defining a chamber to be located in a vertical position and including an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom; a first hydrophilic filter covering the outlet effective, when wet, to permit the flow therethrough of a liquid and to block the flow therethrough of air; and a second hydrophilic filter covering the inlet also effective, when wet, to permit the flow therethrough of a liquid and to block the flow therethrough of air.

Abstract: A fluid gas removal drip chamber for use for parenteral administration of fluids is disclosed. The drip chamber has a hydrophobic barrier which extends into the interior of the drip chamber. The hydrophobic barrier preferably comprises at least a portion of a three-dimensional surface. In one embodiment, an inlet port allows fluid to enter the drip chamber from the top so that the fluid falls through an air space formed in the top of the drip chamber. By shaping the inlet port so that droplets of fluid are formed, a health care professional can monitor the fluid drip rate. In another embodiment, the hydrophobic barrier is configured so that little or no air space exists at the top of the drip chamber. The drip chamber includes means for venting air that is separated from the fluid within the chamber and, at the same time, preventing air from entering the chamber through the venting means.

Abstract: Transducer-protector device for biomedical haemodialysis lines includes a body of moulded plastic material having a first tubular connector of the female Luer Lock type with a conical inner surface and an outer threading and a second tubular connector. The connectors are provided with respective first and second radial flanges for their mutual permanent sealed connection and between which a filtering membrane of permeable material is interposed. The female Luer Lock connector with the respective outer threading is entirely formed of a material having higher elasticity than the material of the second tubular connector and is fixedly coupled to the respective radial flange by overmoulding.

Abstract: An in-line fluid flow controller for use with a fluid administration set for infusion of fluid into the body of a patient, the administration set comprising a reservoir of fluid connected to a supply line having a discharge orifice; characterized in that the fluid flow controller comprises a housing having a chamber therein, an inlet to and an outlet from said chamber, said housing being adapted to receive therewithin at least one flow restrictor each having an orifice or orifices configured to control the rate of fluid flow therethrough and into the body of a patient such that the fluid is infused into a patient at a predetermined constant flow rate or at a flow rate within predetermined limits via said discharge orifice.

Abstract: Drip chambers and expansion chambers for the transfer of blood are disclosed, including a housing, an entry port in the upper portion of the housing, an exit port in the lower portion of the housing, and at least one filter integral with either the upper or lower housing portions. Methods for manufacturing these chambers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A burette top vent which resists air blockage includes a peripherally skirted cap having a generally planar circular base transfixed by a short integral tube having an upper portion to which tubing from a source of fluid may be attached and a lower portion from which fluid can drip into the burette. The base is perforated by an array of arcuate slots that permit air to enter the burette, and the bottom surface of the base has a shallow annular relief intersecting the slots. A ring-shaped hydrophobic filter disk hermetically affixed beneath the relief. The relief prevents the filter disk from lying flush against the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: An arrangement suitable for transcutaneous filling or replenishment of liquid medications in a medication reservoir of an implantable medical dosing device, the implantable device being of the type having a pierceable septum in fluid communication with the reservoir, has a cannula adapted at one end for piercing the septum from the exterior, and having a flexible conduit connected to an opposite end. The flexible conduit is terminated by a further pierceable septum. A syringe containing the medication can be inserted through the further septum for transferring the medication from the syringe through the flexible conduit and cannula to the medication reservoir.

Abstract: A medical piercing cannula assembly for use with a hard or soft medical container of a fluid such as a drug solution has a drip chamber a cannula having a spike at one end and engaging the drip chamber at the other end. The cannula has a fluid passage and an air passage defined therein. The fluid passage extends from said one end of the cannula and communicates with the drip chamber. The air passage extends from said one end of the cannula and communicates with atmosphere. A regulating mechanism is connected to the air passage, for regulating the rate of flow of air through the air passage.

Abstract: A method of making a tubular elastic sheath having an adhesive-coated inner surface and particularly suitable for use as an external male catheter in a urine-collection system. In such method, the sheath is supported upon a mandrel and a flexible laminated tape, composed of first and second adhesive layers separated by an elastomeric layer, is placed in adhesive contact with the inner surface of the sheath or, alternatively, with its outer surface. Thereafter, the cylindrical body of the sheath is rolled upon the mandrel so that the tape is interposed between successive turns of the sheath, with the first adhesive layer in engagement with the sheath's inner surface and the second adhesive layer of the tape in contact with the sheath's outer surface.

Abstract: A drug release device for inclusion in a parenteral drug delivery system, said device comprising a chamber having an inlet for a liquid administerable to a patient by a parenteral route, a drug dissolution space within said chamber, through which said liquid can be made flow, an outlet for said liquid, and means for receiving and retaining within said drug dissolution space a drug preparation from which a drug is releasable to said liquid during such parenteral delivery, said device characterized in having means for providing the same with one or more durg release cells within which such drug preparation is initially held isolated from the liquid, each of said drug cells having means for emptying its contents of drug preparation into said drug dissolution space after insertion thereof in the drug release device.Such device can be used for sequential emptying of a drug preparation from two or more such drug cells whereby a parenteral liquid dissolves the drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inlet blood filter assembly. The inlet blood filter assembly includes a drip chamber, filter chamber and pump chamber. The assembly is constructed so that blood flows through the drip chamber, into the filter chamber and into the pump chamber. The inlet blood filter assembly is blow molded so that the thickness of the walls of the chambers may be varied.

Abstract: In a parenteral solution administration set, the porous hydrophilic filter member which can control the liquid level and prevent the passage of gas downwardly through the set can be located adjacent the lower end of the drip chamber to control flow out of the lower end and to be submerged in liquid held in the drip chamber during operation thereof. Significant advantages are obtained. Particularly, the set becomes conveniently usable with parenteral solution pumps. Also the drip chamber may contain an elongated member projecting inwardly of the lower end of the chamber and carrying indicia along its length to indicate liquid volume in the chamber as a function of liquid level.

Abstract: A microfilter and method for infusion of blood and blood components into premature or neonatal infants designed to be utilized as an interruption filter between the syringe carrying the blood to be transfused and the needle injected into the vein of the patient or stopcock connections to the vasculature of the patient. The filter of this invention includes a filter body adapted to engage a syringe nipple and a needle hub, or standard luer taper fitting. The square body of this filter encases a stainless steel filter screen passing particles of less than 18 microns in diameter and restricting or trapping particles of larger diameter. The filter functions by a sieving or direct interruption of passage of larger microaggregates. The filter is specifically designed for utilization one time only. The method includes transfusing 5 to 20 cc of blood while screening out particles of less than 18 microns.

Abstract: An automatic intravenous flow regulator for regulating the infusion rate of a parenteral solution flowing from an intravenous fluid container to a patient. When the level of parenteral solution in the container is above a threshold level, the infusion takes place at a first flow rate. When the level of fluid in the container drops below the threshold level, fluid flow continues but at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate. The flow rate is controlled principally from outside the IV container; while in a second embodiment, the flow rate is controlled from within the IV container. Other embodiments are disclosed including one in which the initial flow rate may be adjusted; one in which the fluid is filtered prior to delivery to the patient; one in which the initial flow rate is maintained at a constant value with time, secondary flow rate remains fixed, and complete filtration of the intravenous solution being infused is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectively eliminating the risk of introducing air bubbles into a fluid delivery system such as to administer parenteral fluids to a patient. The apparatus comprises a baffle positioned within a drip chamber for deflecting fluid expelled from a fluid resistor in order to eliminate turbulence and the formation of micro-bubbles during rapid filling or flushing of the fluid delivery system. The drip chamber also comprises a filter membrane positioned across the outlet of the drip chamber. The filter membrane is attached to a filter carrier assembly which enables the filter membrane to be momentarily displaced so that air bubbles trapped beneath the filter membrane may escape.

Abstract: A valve for an arterial monitoring set which continuously supplies a small flow of parenteral liquid, such as normal saline, into a patient's artery while arterial pressure is being continuously monitored. The valve has a flow restrictor providing a normally slow continuous flow rate and an elastically distortable tube which is manually squeezable to provide a fast flush rate. The valve is convenient for one hand operation. A method for assembling the valve by twisting the tube is also disclosed.