Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering particles to a target region in a patient's body. The apparatus includes a hub and a catheter having a proximal end coupled to and in fluid communication with the hub. The distal end of the catheter is inserted into the target region. The apparatus also includes: means for directing substrate to the target region, the means being coupled to the hub and in fluid communication with the catheter; a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of the substrate and generating a signal commensurate with the pressure; and a pressure display for displaying the pressure in response to the signal.

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 medical valve includes: (a) a housing having a hollow body opened at the top end, wherein the tip of a male luer is to be removably inserted in the housing; (b) a spike disposed to extend longitudinally in the housing, the spike except at least the top end portion being formed in an approximately tapered shape in which its outside diameter becomes progressively smaller toward the top end portion, wherein a fluid transferring passage, which is opened radially outwardly, is formed to extend longitudinally in the spike; and (c) an elastic seal having an elastically deformable tubular shape fitted on the spike to seal the spike, the elastic seal including a top end portion having an openable/closable portion to be openably closed over the spike, wherein the elastic seal is elastically deformed to be downwardly shrunk by downward pressure due to the tip of the male luer.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member dimensioned for insertion within tissue and having a longitudinal opening to permit introduction of a surgical object through the access member to perform a procedure on underlying tissue. A seal member is mounted across the longitudinal opening of the access member and has an internal portion defining an aperture for forming a substantial seal about the surgical object introduced through the longitudinal opening of the access member. The seal member includes a first seal portion extending from the internal portion and being mounted in suspended relation to the access member, and a second seal portion extending from the internal portion and disposed radially outward of the first seal portion, and being attached to the access member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a seal assembly for a cannula. The cannula includes a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The seal assembly is located in the proximal portion of the housing and includes a first seal including a first tri-slit, a second seal disposed co-axially and proximal to the first seal and including a second tri-slit, and a third seal disposed co-axially to the first seal and the second seal and including a central opening. A cap is coupled to the proximal portion of the housing and adjacent the third seal and includes a plurality of suture retaining features, such as tabs, for management of sutures during surgery. Fluid leakage out of the cannula, during surgery, is substantially reduced due to the leakage being limited to a channel defined by the first tri-slit, the second tri-slit, and the central opening.

Abstract: The apparatus for sealing an opening (18) in a human or animal eye (10) comprises at least one sealing element (2) a) with a passage (25, 26) surrounded by a wall, b) and with at least one sealing region (20) which can be positioned or is positioned on an outer surface of the eye tissue surrounding the opening with a sealing surface completely surrounding the opening, c) in which an operating instrument (3) can be passed or is passed into the eye interior (15, 17) through the passage in the sealing element and through the opening.

Abstract: A diameter reduction mechanism for a fixed seal trocar employing a movable reduction member pivotally connected with a housing. The housing is adapted to be mounted on a proximal end of a valve assembly of the trocar. The reduction member defines a hole aligned with a passageway defmed by the trocar. The hole defines an operable area less than an operable area defined by the passageway. The diameter reduction mechanism is configured for the ease of selectively employing the reduction member between a first position reducing the operable area of the passageway and a second position wherein the reduction member is clear of the passageway. The first position is configured to limit excessive off-axis and angular movements of small diameter surgical instruments and the second position is configured to accommodate an unrestricted use of large diameter surgical instruments in the passageway.

Abstract: A medical valve has a resilient member that is forcibly expanded to an expanded volume from a normal volume. Specifically, the valve operates in a closed mode that prevents fluid flow, and an open mode that permits fluid flow. To these ends, the valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and the noted resilient member within the housing. The resilient member and housing form a fluid channel between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid channel at least in part extends through the resilient member. The fluid channel has a given portion formed by a variable volume portion of the resilient member. The variable volume portion has a normal volume when in the closed mode, and an expanded volume when the open mode. The expanded volume is greater than the normal volume.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing having a housing member with a passage through which a catheter is inserted. A valve body is mounted in the housing and abuts the housing member at an end of the passage, and, as the catheter penetrates through the valve body, the valve body conforms to the outer wall of the catheter to maintain a fluid tight seal between the valve body and the catheter. When the valve body is unstressed before being mounted in the passage, the valve body has a first planar dimension and a second planar dimension that is less than the first planar dimension.

Abstract: A universal seal is shown with orbital movement of a center opening for use in endoscopic surgery. A two part seal housing encloses the universal seal in an annulus surrounding an insertion port. The outer periphery of the universal seal is clamped between the two parts at the outer edge of the annulus. An inner ring of the universal seal is free to move from side-to-side inside the annulus while maintaining rubbing contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the annuluses for vertical support. The seal housing and universal seal are mounted on a proximal end of a cannula which allows access therethrough for the endoscopic surgery. The center opening of the universal seal is in general alignment with the insertion port of the seal housing, but the center opening and inner ring may move from side to side when medical instruments are inserted through the insertion port, the center opening, and the cannula and moved from side to side.

Abstract: Liquid drug delivery system including an actuating connector with a two-part housing reciprocal between an expanded operative state and a compressed operative state. The actuating connector is coupled on an actuated connector with a Normally Closed (NC) valve having an exteriorly accessible end surface with a Normally Closed (NC) port which is opened on manipulation of the actuating connector from its initial expanded operative state to its compressed operative state to enable an initially occluded flow path. The NC valve's exteriorly accessible end surface is dry subsequent to reverse manipulation of the actuating connector and de-coupling the actuating connector from the actuated connector. A range of actuated connectors are available for handling hazardous liquid drugs supplied in pre-filled syringes or requiring reconstitution, and different modes of administration to a subject. Intended modes of administration include inter alia injection, drip feed, intravenous injection, and the like.

Abstract: A cap (10) connected to a liquid supplying tube (90) includes a passage, a liquid absorption member (40), and a gas permeable and liquid impermeable filter (50). The passage communicates with the tube and has open end. The liquid absorption member (40) is located with the passage. The filter (50) is mounted at the end of the passage to close the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for injecting a fluid into body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a hollow needle; and fluid delivery means, wherein the apparatus is adapted to actuate the fluid delivery means in use so as to automatically inject fluid into body tissue during insertion of the needle into the said body tissue.

Abstract: A blunt cannula (10) includes a distal portion (12) and a proximal portion (14). The distal portion (14) has a non-uniform taper defined by a plurality, such as four, differently tapered segments (22, 24, 26, 28). The proximal portion (12) may additionally or alternatively have a non-circular, such as oval, cross-section. At least the major diameter (DMAJ) of the proximal portion (12) my taper toward the distal portion (14).

Abstract: A long catheter can be inserted into a patient while eliminating the need for a sterile field by incorporating the long catheter into an infusion tubing and carrying it in with the infusion. The long catheter has a structure that prevents it from leaving the infusion set when fully extended and therefore becomes a connector for fluids to transfer down the long catheter by infusion through the infusion set. Use of an adjustable seal connector allows the catheter to be stopped at varying points during insertion and even to allow the catheter to be reversed by pulling suction on the infusion set and retracting the catheter back into the tubing. This also remains within the sterile confines of the infusion set and therefore is prevented from becoming contaminated.

Abstract: A catheter end closure assembly includes a catheter adaptor with a head, a stem, a fastening segment between the head and stem and an axial passage extending the length of the adaptor. A plug with a head and a shank is shaped and dimensioned so that the shank may slidably engage in the stem and block a segment of the passage therein. The assembly also includes a cap dimensioned to be engaged around the stem and the fastening segment so as to define between the cap and adaptor a closed chamber that contains the stem and plug. Interfitting fastening surfaces on the cap and the fastening segment may releasably couple the cap to the adaptor, and cooperating surfaces on the plug and cap side wall may interfit when the cap is coupled to the adaptor so that when the cap is subsequently decoupled from the adaptor, the plug is automatically pulled from the passage. The assembly may be incorporated with a catheter extension set to facilitate dialysis or other therapy.

Abstract: A medical valve has a resilient member that is forcibly expanded to an expanded volume from a normal volume. Specifically, the valve operates in a closed mode that prevents fluid flow, and an open mode that permits fluid flow. To these ends, the valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and the noted resilient member within the housing. The resilient member and housing form a fluid channel between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid channel at least in part extends through the resilient member. The fluid channel has a given portion formed by a variable volume portion of the resilient member. The variable volume portion has a normal volume when in the closed mode, and an expanded volume when the open mode. The expanded volume is greater than the normal volume.

Abstract: A first fluid connector is provided for selective interconnection to and fluid transfer with a second fluid connector. The first connector comprises a fluid passageway, an internal member and an outer collar supportably disposed about the internal member for selective advancement and retraction relative thereto. At least a portion of the fluid passageway may extend through the internal member. The outer collar may be selectively retracted to facilitate cleaning of the internal member. In some embodiments, the outer collar and internal member may be disposed so that a distal portion of the internal member is substantially flush with or a distal portion of internal member projects beyond a distal end of the outer collar when the outer collar is in a retracted position relative thereto. To facilitate cleaning, a distal end or distal portion of the internal member may be substantially closed when the first and second connectors are disconnected.

Abstract: A medical connector contains a plurality of arms having respective entrance ports. The medical connector also contains a cover preferably having first and second caps coupled together by a first tether, and a fastener coupled to at least one of the first and second caps by a second tether. The fastener is secured to a portion of the medical connector. The first and second caps are adapted to cover at least a portion of the entrance ports of respective first and second arms of the plurality of arms. The medical connector preferably has a sleeve that is detachably coupled to a first arm of the plurality of arms. The first cap preferably comprises a first portion with a first inner diameter adapted to encircle an end of the first arm and a second portion with a second inner diameter adapted to encircle a distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A portal device maintains an opening in the skin of a patient to allow for the passage of surgical device therethrough. Tabs disposed at one end of the portal device may be used to resist removal of the device, retract soft tissue from the operative site, and seal the opening to prevent the escape of gases or liquids.

Abstract: The tamper-evident closure is provided for a syringe with a Luer connection or a Luer lock connection, wherein at least the connection end consists of plastic. A cap which is connected to the syringe via at least one frangible web. The cap and the frangible web together with a fixation component are formed as one piece as a plastic injection molded part and are connected to the connection end of the syringe by way of welding.

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 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: A self-sealing male connector having a body, a resilient boot mounted over the body, and a male thread hub. The body is formed with an elongate post that extends to the distal end. The body includes a fluid flow lumen extending from its proximal end to its distal end. At its proximal end, the body may be formed as a female Luer connector, or may be directly connected to tubing, or other arrangements. The internal fluid flow lumen extends through the post to its distal end. The body includes a first groove in which is mounted the boot. In a second groove is mounted the thread cuff. The thread cuff is used to engage a female connector and through thread action, draw in into engagement with the post. As the female connector is further engaged with eh sealed male connector, the post protrudes through the boot and into fluid communication with the female fluid flow passage thus establishing a flow path through both connectors.

Abstract: Catheter valve assemblies and methods for connecting catheters and/or providing fluid access to catheters. In one variation, a device comprises a catheter valve assembly and an extension leg unit. The extension leg unit includes lumen inserts for engaging valves positioned within the catheter valve assembly. In another variation, the valve assembly comprises a depressable plunger which may be engaged by an access cannula. Various connectors with integrated valve assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extraction device for the extraction of a liquid from a medical receptacle is equipped with a connector, which is designed for connection with the medical receptacle and for creation of a conduit connection into the medical receptacle. Furthermore, a component is provided on the extraction device, which is movably mounted to the connector. This component has a plurality of connections for a liquid outlet, wherein the connector and the component are movable relative to each other, such that they create a conduit connection between the medical receptacle and optionally one of the connections.

Abstract: A universal medical Luer Protecting Pouch™ is disclosed. The inexpensive elastic pouch contains disinfectant and is configured to terminate the present epidemic in hospitals by providing a very inexpensive and easily implemented universal device for protecting and swabbing a wide variety of luer systems from bacterial contamination. The pouch has a flattened configuration and can be elastically dilated, as by squeezing the pouch between the thumb and index finger, to allow for simplified cover of both luer valves and male luers with a single device, which is readily carried in large numbers in nurse's pockets (in a manner similar to that for conventional alcohol swabs). The same pouch covers either the face of the luer valve or distal end of the male luer at the discretion of the user and without transmission of torsion or longitudinal force which might loosen the luer valve or otherwise be transmitted to the vein.

Abstract: A septum (1) is held in the cavity of a cover (6) and mounted on a pedestal (7) forming part of a flow channel, and comprises a main body having a through passageway and compression ribs formed in the sides thereof. In the main body, the vertical diameter of the cross section orthogonal to the through passageway is longer than the transverse diameter, and the through passageway includes a vertical diameter direction slit (4) formed in the vicinity of the outer end surface of the main body, and a hole (5) that is formed in a region extending from the slit to the inner end surface of the main body and whose cross section is spindle-shaped having a longer axis extending in the vertical diameter direction. The compression ribs are formed in the opposite sides of the main body in the transverse diameter direction, and the cavity of the cover is of circular cross section whose diameter is shorter than the outer surface spacing between the compression ribs.

Abstract: A description is given of a connecting device for tubes for medical use having a connection element (7) comprising a main body designed to be attachable to the end of a first tube, and a shut-off element made of an elastically deformable material and at least partly housed inside the main body, to allow or prevent, as required, fluid communication through the main body. The shut-off element has a longitudinal axis of symmetry and is designed to deform symmetrically. Also described are a tube and a peritoneal dialysis line using the connection element described above.

Abstract: A needle free medical connector includes a housing with a first port and a second port. The connector also includes a piston element defining a fluid passageway between the first and second ports. The piston element is movable between flow and non-flow positions. The piston element has a compressible section having a variable inner width that forms a part of the flow path through the connector. As the piston is compressed to the flow position, the compressible section self-expands in width thereby maintaining or increasing the volume of the fluid passageway through the connector. The compressible section has a configuration permitting the continuous flow of fluid through its entirety.

Abstract: The devices and methods shown provide for the minimization of extravasation during arthroscopic surgery. The anti-extravasation surgical portal plug allows a surgeon to drain excess fluids from the soft tissue surrounding the surgical field during arthroscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: A valve comprising an inlet housing, an outlet housing, an elastomeric valve element having a generally dome-shaped configuration with a central integral stem positioned substantially concentrically therewith, the inlet housing and outlet housing being fastened together at a joint with the elastomeric valve element positioned therein and the valve element including a plurality of longitudinal ribs formed along an outer annular periphery of a lower end of the dome-shaped configuration that define flow channels that allow fluid flow from across an upper surface of the dome-shaped configuration through the flow channels.

Abstract: A device for the metered administration of a fluid drug. The device has a container having a piston for administering the fluid drug through an outlet of the container, a catheter connected to the outlet of the container, the catheter having a front end facing away from the outlet and being connected to an injection needle, and a valve positioned between the outlet and the injection needle in a flow cross section of the fluid drug, the valve having an inlet end adjacent the outlet and an outlet end adjacent the injection needle, wherein the valve permits flow of the fluid drug through the valve from the outlet to the injection needle when a fluid pressure exerted on the inlet end of the valve exceeds a pressure on the inlet end caused by the dead weight of the fluid drug.

Abstract: A needle-free medical connector includes a housing with a first port and a second port. The connector also includes a piston element defining a fluid passageway between the first and second ports. The piston element is movable between flow and non-flow positions. The piston element has an expandable section having a variable inner width and volume that forms a part of the flow path through the connector. As the piston is compressed to the flow position, the expandable section is expanded in width by movement over a flow post thereby maintaining or increasing the volume of the fluid passageway through the connector. The expandable section has a configuration permitting the continuous flow of fluid through its entirety.

Abstract: A valved plug to be fitted on a mouth piece at an inlet opening of an endoscopic biopsy channel. The plug as a whole is formed of a resilient material, and has, at the opposite ends of a foldable connecting strip or string, a generally tubular main body portion which is provided with a constricted portion in its axial passage, and a valved nesting piece which is adapted to be detachably coupled with the main body portion and provided with a normally closed slit valve axially in an aligned position relative to the constricted passage on the side of the main body portion. The main body portion is provided with an inward interlocking projection of a predetermined thickness at its outer end, for tight interlocking engagement with an interlocking groove which is provided on the side of the nesting piece in such a way as to grip the interlocking projection tightly in a compressed state.

Abstract: A vascular introducer assembly is disclosed that includes a dilator, a sheath having an axial lumen for accommodating the dilator, a locking collar for securing the dilator and the sheath to one another and an adjustable hemostatic seal for preventing fluid egress from the axial lumen and restricting insertion of instruments through the axial lumen.

Abstract: A valve element including a pair of end faces, at least a part of which is constituted by an elastic material, characterized in that the valve element is provided with a first slit that is opened to a first end face and is not opened to a second end face of the pair of end faces, and a second slit that crosses with the first slit inside the valve element, is opened to the second end face and is not opened to the first end face, and the valve element is deformed such that inner surfaces of the second slit are brought into press contact with each other. This valve element is simple in structure, easy in operation, serviceable for a long period, and capable of preventing leakage of liquid surely.

Abstract: A universal seal is shown with orbital movement of a center opening for use in endoscopic surgery A two part seal housing encloses the universal seal in an annulus surrounding an insertion port. The outer periphery of the universal seal is clamped between the two parts at the outer edge of the annulus. An inner ring of the universal seal is free to move from side-to-side inside the annulus while maintaining rubbing contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the annuluses for vertical support. The seal housing and universal seal are mounted on a proximal end of a cannula which allows access therethrough for the endoscopic surgery. The center opening of the universal seal is in general alignment with the insertion port of the seal housing, but the center opening and inner ring may move from side to side when medical instruments are inserted through the insertion port, the center opening, and the cannula and moved from side to side.

Abstract: A medical connector contains a plurality of arms having respective entrance ports. The medical connector also contains a cover preferably having first and second caps coupled together by a first tether, and a fastener coupled to at least one of the first and second caps by a second tether. The fastener is secured to a portion of the medical connector. The first and second caps are adapted to cover at least a portion of the entrance ports of respective first and second arms of the plurality of arms. The medical connector preferably has a sleeve that is detachably coupled to a first arm of the plurality of arms. The first cap preferably comprises a first portion with a first inner diameter adapted to encircle an end of the first arm and a second portion with a second inner diameter adapted to encircle a distal end of the sleeve.

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: The present invention relates to pre-filled tamper evident syringe assemblies, including a tubular syringe body with a nose portion for receiving a hollow needle communicating with the interior of the syringe body, a needle cap for protecting at least the nose portion and a label bonded to an outer surface of the syringe body. The tamper evident feature of such an assembly is provided by a simple construction. Therefore, at least a portion of the needle cap adjacent to the syringe body is of essentially the same diameter as the syringe body, and the label of the syringe body extends onto the needle cap and is bonded and/or positively engaged thereto, so as to produce evidence of tampering when the needle cap is removed.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves comprising a resilient valve body. The resilient valve body includes a tapered set port that stretches when a plug is pushed by a medical implement which in turn pushes the set port. Pushing the plug against the set port opens fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port. Upon removal of the medical implement, the resilient valve body pushes the plug back to its closed position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trocar seal adapted to form a seal around a surgical instrument, the trocar seal comprising a housing having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end and forming a working channel sized and configured to receive the surgical instrument; an elastomeric septum seal having a proximal face and a distal face, the septum seal being disposed in the housing and extending transverse to the axis of the housing across the working channel; portions of the septum seal defining a hole having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the surgical instrument so that during insertion of the instrument along the working channel the septum seal forms a seal with the instrument; and at least one structure formed integrally with or proximate to the septum seal to prevent inversion of the septum seal upon withdrawal of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A valved catheter that allows placement and withdrawal of an accessing device or attachable unit without the risk of air embolism or blood loss. The valved catheter includes a catheter tube having a necked portion in its proximal end that forms an integral valve, the necked portion being surrounded by a compression sleeve that biases the valve in a closed position.

Abstract: A connector or a connector assembly comprises a fitting, a resilient sealing member, a plurality of protrusions, and a removable stripout layer. The fitting includes a socket. The protrusions extend from the fitting and are connectable to a mating connector. The resilient sealing layer, which is disposed in the socket of the fitting, includes a hollow body having opposite open ends and an internal passage extending between the open ends. The removable stripout layer is movable between a first position in which the stripout layer overlies an end of the resilient sealing member and a second position in which the stripout layer is removed from the end of the resilient sealing member.

Abstract: A hemostasis cannula unit including a valve housing, a cap, and a hemostasis valve, wherein the hemostasis valve includes a valve gasket and a valve membrane compressed against the valve gasket by the valve housing, wherein the valve gasket is thicker than the valve membrane.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve that is closed when not accessed, but which provides an unobstructed fluid pathway when accessed by a luer fitting/connector. An auto-closure valve within the hemostasis valve housing is flush with a top surface thereof, allowing easy cleaning (swabable) and maintenance when not accessed. When accessed with a connector or luer fitting, the valve opens completely, allowing an unobstructed high flow fluid path.

Abstract: A surgical instrument valve assembly is provided with a valve seal where the upper portion of the valve seal is rigidly mounted to the body of the valve assembly. The lower portion of the valve seal is configured to allow some radial movement while the upper portion of the valve seal remains rigidly mounted within the valve assembly. The valve seal may be provided with stay that prevents the valve seal from inverting when an instrument in withdrawn from the valve assembly.

Abstract: A medical device has an interior for containment of fluids; an opening into the interior, and an elastomeric wall having at least one perforation. The wall comprises a fixedly placed, flexible barrier across the opening. The device also defines a passageway extending inwardly from adjacent to the elastomeric wall, the passageway being proportioned to receive and form an annular seal with a connector tube that extends into the interior through the perforation.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly including a removable inner sleeve. In one embodiment, the assembly is a low profile percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) device and comprises a body, a clamp, a feeding tube, a cap and an inner sleeve assembly. The body includes a base portion and a sleeve portion, the base portion being dimensioned to engage the skin of a patient and having a transverse bore, the sleeve portion extending upwardly from the base portion and having a longitudinal slot aligned with the transverse bore and a transverse slot intersecting the longitudinal bore. The clamp, which is slidably mounted on the base portion and across the transverse slot of the sleeve, comprises a plate having a transverse opening. The transverse opening has a wide region and a narrow region, the two regions being alternately alignable with the longitudinal bore to open and to close, respectively, the feeding tube.