Abstract: A fluid ejection system (20) comprising a cartridge (24), an ejector (32, 300) and, optionally, a fill station (28) for filling the cartridge with a fluid, such as a vaccine. In some embodiments (52), the cartridge includes a transfer passageway (96) for receiving fluid from the fill station. In other embodiments (200, 400), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir (208, 408) offset from an ejection chamber (224, 420). In yet other embodiments (500, 600), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir chamber (512, 636) inline with the ejection chamber (508, 644). In still other embodiments (700, 1000, 1100), the cartridge includes first and second chambers (728, 736, 1036, 1048, 1136, 1148) initially fluidly sealed from on another by a valve, e.g., either a traveling valve (704, 800, 900, 1200, 1300) or a temporarily stationary valve (1004, 1104).

Abstract: An assembly for the delivery of a cardiac surgical device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a slittable delivery device and a bypass assembly. The slittable delivery device may include a hub, a shaft integrated into the hub and forming at least a segment of the circumferential surface of the hub, and a hemostasis valve contained substantially within the hub. The bypass assembly may include a cap and a valve bypass tool. The cap may be on a proximal end of the hub and may include an opening in the cap extending radially outward from a point near a radial center of the cap through a circumferential edge of the cap. The valve bypass tool may be operably coupled to the cap and may include a longitudinally extending open channel.

Abstract: A valve seal for a trocar cannula having a distal end and an opposing proximal end with an enlarged section for accommodating at least a part of a valve seal. The valve seal has a tubular neck part defined by a first circumferential wall, an instrument leaving end and an opposing instrument receiving end, the instrument receiving end is provided with a first diaphragm valve and a circumferential flange connecting the tubular neck part with a substantially concentric second circumferential wall surrounding at least a part of the first circumferential wall to define a gap between said substantially concentric circumferential walls, at a distance from the first diaphragm valve the first circumferential wall of the tubular neck part is axially split up into an exterior tubular neck part and a substantially concentric interior tubular neck part provided with a second diaphragm valve, the interior tubular neck part terminating a distance from the instrument leaving end. The valve seal is moulded in its final form.

Abstract: An indwelling needle for reducing the deterioration of the valve by the pressure force of the elastic member. A connector part is provided so as to be moveable within the outer needle body connected to the basal portion of the cannula and provided with the space communicating with the lumen of the cannula therein. Also, within the outer needle body, the valve including the opening and closing aperture through which the tip end side portion of the connector part is liquid tightly penetrated to communicate the lumen of the cannula with the flow path of the connector part as well as the space of the front side portion and the rear side portion of the outer needle body are occluded by closing when the tip end side portion of the connector part is not penetrated therethrough.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a cannula, a seal disposed in said cannula. An expansion device serves for expanding said opening in said seal for guiding shafts of other instruments of greater diameter in a sealed manner through the expanded opening. The expansion device has an expansion cone comprising a plurality of slats mounted pivotably on an annular body at a first end thereof, a second end of said slats, being connected to said seal in an area of said opening. The slats can either be connected at its first ends to said annular body via spherical heads engaged into corresponding openings in said annular body or said slats are connected at their ends via film hinges to said annular body.

Abstract: A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device.

Abstract: A needleless connector includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a valve disposed in the housing to control flow between the inlet and the outlet, and a gland disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The gland has a deformable wall defining a space, and at least one reinforcement attached to the deformable wall within the space.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve to maintain hemostasis during the insertion, removal or reposition of a medical instrument in the vascular system of a patient. The hemostasis valve includes a valve body having lumen extending therethrough, a first valve positioned across the lumen, and having a passage with a diameter that is continuously variable, a second valve positioned across the lumen, and having a passage with a diameter that is continuously variable. The first and second valves being spaced apart longitudinally along the lumen. A connector rotatably attached to the valve body for connecting the hemostasis valve to another instrument. The first and second valves are selectively operable to create an opening through the passage respectively of a diameter to permit admittance of at least one intravascular instrument through at least one of the first and second valves while maintaining hemostasis. The second valve is rotatably attached to the valve body without effecting the diameter of the passage therethrough.

Abstract: According to the invention, the spring-effect deformation capacity of the valve (5) essentially relates to the plug (Sa) and to an intermediate valve portion (5c) between the plug (Sa) and a tubular gap (6). The valve (5) and the fixed end piece (3) are conformed so that the valve can be permanently tightened on the fixed end piece without forming a significant dead volume in said gap independently from the deformation of the valve, and so that the valve can be maintained on the fixed end piece (3) without any flexion under the action of the mobile end piece. The slot (9) of the valve includes a moulded proximal slot (9A) followed by a pierced distal slot (9B) for communication between the moulded slot and said gap when the slot is open. Application in medical fluid connectors.

Abstract: A seal for a medical valve having a housing and an inlet includes a seal portion and a sleeve portion. The seal portion may be over the inlet of the valve and have a normally closed aperture therethrough. The aperture may be located proximal to the inlet. The sleeve portion may extend distally from the seal portion, and at least a part of the sleeve portion may be chemically bonded to the inlet.

Abstract: A self-sealing male connector device for connection with a female Luer connector. The device has an elongated male body configured with lengthwise relatively rigid and flexible wall segments cooperating to allow the body to be radially compressed from an expanded configuration to a contracted configuration. A closure cap formed with a resealable aperture is disposed on the distal end of the male body so as to be responsive to the compression of the male body. The relatively flexible wall segments may be installed within notches in the male body or be formed integral with the relatively rigid wall segments.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for allowing use within a body of devices having material not known for its biocompatibility with the body. In one embodiment, a magnetically controlled solenoid/valve is used where portions of the valve are directly in contact with compositions that are to be delivered to a target site. Advantage is taken of an existing solenoid/valve having chromium alloy parts by coating the portions of the valve that contact the deliverable composition with a known biocompatible material having good wear resistance. In one embodiment, titanium nitride (TiN) is used as the coating material.

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: The present invention is related to a liquid blocking apparatus and a system thereof, wherein if the liquid contained in an IV bag or a liquid tank is oozed out completely, the flow of liquid is blocked, the alarm lamp is turned on, the alarm sound is generated, and then the supply of liquid is maintained for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween.

Abstract: A needleless injection site comprising a housing defining proximal and distal ends and including a reseal member disposed therein. The reseal member has an elastically openable and closable aperture formed therein, and normally resides within the housing in a closed position wherein the aperture is in a closed configuration. The reseal member is deformable such that the application of distally directed pressure thereto will cause the reseal member to distally advance within the housing to an open position wherein the aperture assumes an open configuration. The removal of the distally directed pressure from the reseal member will cause it to resiliently return to the closed position wherein the aperture assumes the closed configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a receptacle for use with a medical suction device which is equipped with a cover body and an external case for detachably holding and air-tightly surrounding the receptacle and a patient-side tube for introducing waste liquid into the receptacle, and designed to create a negative pressure in both an interior space of the cover body and the external case and an interior space of the receptacle so as to allow waste liquid to be sucked into the receptacle through the patient-side tube. The receptacle has an air-pervious/liquid-impervious element having air perviousness and liquid imperviousness. The air-pervious/liquid-impervious element at least partly constitutes a portion of the receptacle to be surrounded by the cover body and the external case.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool coupled to a hemostasis valve and adapted to slit/split a tubular body of a catheter or sheath to facilitate the removal of the tubular body from about a medical device extending through the hemostasis valve and tubular body. The tool comprises a conical barrel portion supporting one or more radially outward extending blades. The tool also comprises a stabilizing component for preventing displacement between the tool and medical device when the tubular body is being removed from about the medical device.

Abstract: A total massive air emboli protection safety valve during cardio pulmonary bypass to protect the massive air embolism without allowing any air into the arterial system by keeping a minimum level of blood into venous cordiatomy reservoir, keeping the patient's life very much safe. It will be in-built in the resent hard shell cordiatomy reservoirs and no need to attach and pay anything extra.

Abstract: An access assembly is provided.

Abstract: A modular hemostatic valve includes a splittable valve body. The splittable body defines a passageway. A sealing element is positioned in the passageway. The sealing element is configured to facilitate the passage of a first medical device, and the splittable valve body is configured to engage a second medical device.

Abstract: This device comprises: a body housing a hollow injection needle and a container containing the injectable product; the needle is connected to the body but able to move relative to the latter between an injection position and a retracted position; a plunger that slides in the body and is displaceable relative to the latter to perform the injection; the container is able to move relative to the plunger between a position that enables the injection to be performed and a retracted position; an arrangement for keeping the needle and the plunger in injection position, which arrangement can be released to free the needle and the plunger to move to the retracted position.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves comprising an inlet coupler. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a coupler comprises an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is adapted to mate with a first medical implement and the outlet is adapted to mate with an inlet of a valve, which has an outlet adapted to mate with a second medical implement.

Abstract: A medical device having a vascular access device including a rotationally activated flow control valve having, a body including a distal adapter and a proximal adapter defining a lumen extending therethrough and a septum. A method of use in which the connection of first and second medical devices results in the automatic activation of the rotational flow control valve.

Abstract: A catheter includes a longitudinally extending catheter body having proximal and distal ends. The catheter body defines a lumen extending longitudinally from a first port defined at the proximal end, through the body, to a second port defined at the distal end. The catheter includes a valve for controlling fluid flow through the second port.

Abstract: A lesion or fistula isolating bag, the bag defining a first chamber having a closeable entrance and a second chamber for application to a lesion or fistula and wherein access to the second chamber is made through the first chamber via a valve, the valve being arranged to inhibit passage of fluid from the second chamber to the first, and to allow said access from the first chamber to the second, the bag further comprising a closure for said closeable entrance.

Abstract: Valve (10) including housing (12) having first opening side (18) and second opening side (20); closing element (22 made of deformable material, located between first and second opening sides and adapted to prevent communicatio between first and second opening side in inoperative state and adapted to allow communication between first and second opening side in operative state. Closing element may be integrally formed with housing. Housing and/or closing element made of liquid plastics material such as liquid silicone. Valve adapted to allow object such as need or other medical device, to penetrate closing element in operative state and allow closure of closing element in inoperative state.

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

Abstract: A drug delivery pump which uses a piezoelectric drive system to advance a small syringe piston to deliver a liquid drug and a method thereof are disclosed. The present invention has a cost and size advantage compared to traditional pumps and is a very compact and potentially disposable pump device design.

Abstract: A liquid flow control system for use with infusion sets of the type comprising a liquid supply, a drip chamber 8 downstream of the liquid supply for forming liquid drops and a flexible tube 7 connecting the drip chamber with an injection needle, the system comprising a drop sensor 4 adapted for being arranged adjacent the drip chamber for sensing the passage of drops through the drip chamber, a valve 19 adapted for controlling the flow of the liquid through the tube, valve activating means for activating the valve, electrical circuits for registering the rate of drop formation and controlling the valve activating means, and a battery for powering the drop sensor, the electrical circuits and the valve activating means, the drop sensor, the valve, the valve activating means, the electrical circuits and the battery being mounted on or in a common housing having housing attachment means for releasably attaching the housing to the flexible tube.

Abstract: A trocar system for endoscopic surgery, cap assembly, and related methods are provided. The cap assembly includes a valve housing with an opening formed in line with an axis of the valve housing. The cap assembly also includes a valve positioned adjacent the opening of the valve housing. The valve includes a valve body with an annular-shaped valve opening for receiving elongate tools with differing diameters so that a seal is maintained between the valve opening and any of the plurality of elongate tools. The valve body includes a proximal valve section including a valve ring and positioned within the valve housing and includes a distal valve section extending axially from the proximal valve section. The distal valve section includes a valve extension having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a substantially conically shaped medial portion connected to and extending therebetween.

Abstract: A medical valve can be attached to the front of a needle containing syringe or other needle containing medical device and can be operated between an open and closed position with the needle extending through the valve. A backflow prevention mechanism can be provided. The valve can be used with auto retracting needles.

Abstract: A device includes an elastomer component that has a molecular scaffold. The molecular scaffold defines interstitial spaces. The component is impregnated with a vegetable oil carrying a fatty acid amide to impart a lubrication to the component and thereby impart a resistance to adhering to a surface of the component. In an illustrative device, a valve includes an elastomeric member that includes a vegetable oil and a fatty acid amide. A method for manufacturing such a device and a precursor for use in manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the gastric lumen, allowing elaborate intragastric surgeries to be carried on. The apparatus consists of two parts; an external part and a transgastric part. The named external part is a cylinder ending in a larger part of different shapes, the external part will be equipped with a mechanism to allow instruments to get inside the stomach while preventing gas from escaping out. It will also contain a gas delivery port to allow insufflation of the stomach through the cannula. The named transgastric part consists of a cylinder of variable lengths ending in an internal gastric bolster that will be either solid-type or balloon-type. This part is attached to a tapering introduction system ending in a wire loop to be used for introduction of this part. The apparatus also includes an extraction catheter to be used during removal of transgastric part with solid-type gastric bolster.

Abstract: A medical device such as a female luer lock connector has an interior for containment of fluids. An access site on the medical device has an opening into the access site interior, which opening defines an annular, outer end surface surrounding the opening. An elastomeric wall is sealingly bonded to the annular, outer end surface at an inner face of the elastomeric wall. Typically, the elastomeric wall has a radially outwardly facing peripheral surface which is essentially spaced from the access site. Also, portions of the elastomeric wall, if desired, can project laterally outwardly beyond the annular, outer end surface, to frictionally engage a second medical device that is attached to the access site.

Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating device, such as a cochlear implant, having a resiliently flexible elongate member (11) having a plurality of electrodes (12) positioned thereon. The elongate member (11) provides a means of delivering at least one bio-active substance to the implantee following implantation of the elongate member (11). The delivery means can comprise a lumen 21 containing the bio-active substance in a liquid form. The bio-active substance can comprise a steroid or can perform a function of reducing the resting neuron potential of neurons within the cochlea.

Abstract: An access port for enabling passage of a conduit through a partition wall, said port comprising three portions, a sleeve portion surrounding an aperture for receiving a conduit there through, a flange portion for attachment to the partition wall, said flange portion encircles the sleeve portion and has a greater diameter than the sleeve portion, and a membrane portion connecting the flange portion and the sleeve portion. The port may be suitable for, in a leak-proof manner, passing a catheter or drain tube through the wall of a medical device such as a wound care device or a drainage bag.

Abstract: A valved fluid connector reversibly attachable to a standard female connector and providing a flow channel between them comprising a tubular member, an elastic member surrounding at least a portion of the proximal end of the tubular member, the elastic member reversibly sealing the tubular member. When the valved fluid connector is engaged with a standard female connector device, the female connector urges the elastic member of the valved male connector into a stretched position to open the valve and permit fluid communication between the devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closable male luer connector (101) in which an inner portion (121) within the spigot (111) of the connector is movable from a sealing position to an open position on connection of the connector to a female luer connector (10). The movement of the inner portion may be caused by, for example, action of the female connector on a projecting arm (122b) or a screw thread arrangement.

Abstract: A tearaway sheath assembly (100) having a splittable sheath tube (102) a splittable hub (110), a split valve (150,250) and a split cap (180). The valve (150,250) has a slit (158,258) at least partially across the transverse distal section (154) such that transverse distal section may be displaced laterally during insertion through the slit (158,258), of a dilator (200) or a catheter. The valve (150,250) is formed in two separate halves (152A,152B;252) that are fused or adhered to each other to form a sealed weak bond (154) that is easily broken during splitting of the sheath; each valve half is mechanically affixed in a proximal valve-receiving recess (130) of the hub such as by anchor posts (136) extending through apertures (166A,166B) in ears (164A,164B) of each valve half. A two-part cap (180) is affixed to the hub proximal end (120) and traps the valve between itself and the hub.

Abstract: A fluid handling device, such as a needlefree access device, includes a housing having an inlet and an inlet channel; and a flow control member comprising a combination outlet, biasing and piston member. The flow control member includes a piston section moveable between a closed position in which the piston section is inside the housing below the inlet channel but allows fluid to flow through the inlet channel; a biasing section connected to the piston section that normally biases the piston section into the inlet channel; and an outlet section connected to the biasing section having an outlet fitting in fluid communication with the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow rate of a fluid includes a housing containing a plurality of flow conduits fluidly connecting an inlet and an outlets each of the flow conduits comprising a flow control tube and a resiliently compressive occlusion tube, wherein the flow control tubes are of substantially equal internal diameter. Each of the flow control tubes has a length associated with a different flow rate. A resilient flow-blocking element is operatively associated with each of the occlusion tubes and is movable into a flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube. An actuation mechanism in the housing is operable (a) to selectively engage and move one or more of the flow-blocking elements into the flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube, and (b) to selectively be disengaged from any of the flow-blocking elements.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve body configured to expand to accommodate a plug when the same is pushed by a syringe or a medical implement and contract when the syringe or medical implement is removed to return the plug to its original position. The plug can move distally and tilt when inside the pliant valve body or remain generally upright when its top surface incorporates flow channels. Interior baffles are included for fluid flow through the interior cavity of the valve. The baffles can vary in shape, number, contour, and can include a ramp.

Abstract: Seal assemblies are provided, comprising a seal holder including a cylindrical wall portion having a tapered distal portion, wherein the cylindrical wall portion defines a central passage. The seal assembly comprises a ball seal supported in the central passage of the seal holder. The ball seal includes a distal aperture and a proximal aperture, wherein the distal and/or proximal aperture is dimensioned for substantial sealed reception with a surgical instrument. The ball seal is adapted for angular movement relative to a central longitudinal axis of the seal holder upon angulation of the surgical instrument, whereby the ball seal substantially maintains the seal with the surgical instrument. The seal assembly comprises a seal cover defining an aperture formed in a transverse wall thereof. The seal cover is configured for connection with the seal holder for maintaining the ball seal within the central passage of the seal holder.

Abstract: Aseptic connector which has a body, an axially extending opening in the body, a seat surrounding the opening for receiving the connecting flange of a fitting, and a clamp for pressing the flange into the seat.

Abstract: A sealing engagement between components in a catheter system is made using an elastomeric material. The sealing engagement is formed in a manner that allows a catheter needle to pass through a passageway in the center of the elastomeric material maintaining the sealing engagement between the components of the catheter system. The elastomeric material is shaped to fit circumferentially into one of the components and shaped to mechanically assist the passageway to close up after a needle passes through the passageway during retraction. The elastomeric material remains in a stationary position as the needle is retracted. One or more structures can be integrated within the elastomeric material to provide for compression and to prevent deformation of the passageway.

Abstract: An agent delivery device includes an inner tubular body having a proximal end, a sharpened distal end, a delivery lumen extending therebetween, and one or more outlet ports on the distal end communicating with the delivery lumen. The device also includes one or more seals sealing the one or more outlet ports, the one or more seals capable of being melted to allow a fluid to be delivered from the delivery lumen through the one or more outlet ports. The agent delivery device may further include a monopolar or bipolar electrode and/or a radio-opaque marker carried at the distal end of the device. The inner tubular body can be made from a conductive material to thereby allow the inner tubular body to function as an electrode.

Abstract: An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component with a chamber containing a first cleaning agent. A second component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbiocidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent, the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.

Abstract: A surgical seal assembly, includes a seal housing defining a longitudinal housing axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough, a seal having an inner seal portion defining a passage and being adapted to form a substantial seal about a surgical instrument disposed within the passage and a guide mounted to the seal housing. The guide has an inner guide portion proximal of the inner seal portion of the seal and spaced therefrom. The inner guide portion defines a channel adapted to generally direct the surgical instrument toward the inner seal portion of the seal upon entry of the surgical instrument within the longitudinal opening of the seal housing. The inner guide portion is relatively compliant to accommodate initial offset or angled entry of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) having an outer catheter (12) and an inner catheter (14) extending coaxially through the outer catheter, and a hub (16). The inner catheter (14) is axially movable within and with respect to the outer catheter (14) by use of an actuator assembly (130) such that the catheter assembly has an opened condition permitting fluid communication with the vasculature of a patient, and a closed condition preventing fluid communication with the vasculature. The opened condition permits the intended use of the catheter assembly such as for hemodialysis of the patient. In the closed condition, locking solution may be maintained in the catheter assembly and later removed therefrom, with essentially no locking solution leaving the catheter assembly or entering the patient. The actuator assembly (130) is secured to the proximal end portion (128) of the inner catheter (14) as it protrudes proximally from the hub (16), where it is accessible to the practitioner.