Abstract: The present invention relates to a new bevel or grinding for a punch-reducing cannula, i.e. a cannula which reduces punching particles, and, in particular, to a punch-reducing cannula having a beveled or ground end as well as to a method for manufacturing a cannula which reduces punching particles.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for implanting ocular implants in eyes are provided which include a bent cannula having a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen having a length and a diameter and being configured to receive an ocular implant. The ocular implant is made up of a plurality of substantially uniformly sized particles, preferably a plurality of uniformly sized microspheres, arranged in a one-by-one array along the length of the lumen. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for delivering the implant through the distal end of the lumen and into the eye, preferably without the use of a liquid or gel carrier medium located in the lumen along with the implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier for injecting a filler product, in particular for microplasty or lipo-reconstruction, comprising a semi-rigid tubular needle (2) having a longitudinal axis with a closed hemispherical distal end and a proximal end (3) for connecting to an injection device, said needle having an inner tubular surface defining an inner transverse cross-section and an outer tubular surface defining an outer transverse cross-section, wherein at least one output side opening (11) is formed in the needle in the vicinity of the distal end. According to the invention, at least one output side opening (11) is defined by a peripheral edge (12) with a rounded connection profile free of any protruding edge, between the inner and outer surfaces of the needle, and the wall of the needle (1) has a thickness, from the proximal end (3) and over a predetermined length of the needle, which is greater than the thickness of the needle which is constant up to the distal end.

Abstract: Provided is a bladder drainage aid which attaches to the end of Foley Catheter and removes the need for a catheter bag. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a spring-loaded valve with an inflow tube and an outflow tube. The inflow tube connects to the external end of a catheter. The outflow tube can be aimed by the patient. When pressed, the valve opens, allowing the fluid to flow there through. When released, the piston of the valve cuts off fluid flow. The valve cap allows ease of use and the device can be operated with two fingers of one hand. The patient can wear the drainage aid discretely and empty the bladder directly and discretely, such as into a toilet.

Abstract: A port cannula for puncturing implantable or implanted port catheters includes a cannula tube with a ground surface, which is formed from a ground cut inclined with respect to a center axis of the cannula tube by a ground-cut angle and from two facet cuts lying at an angle to each other, and of a cannula tip which is provided by the ground surface and which is oriented via a first bend in the direction of the center axis of the cannula tube. The ground cut and the facet cut are adapted to each other in such a way that, on the one hand, during puncturing, a bending of the cannula is least reduced and, on the other hand, the pain caused to the patient is kept within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow through a flow passage. The valve includes a tubular valve body defining a longitudinal axis and having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The valve body defines first and second valve ends and a tip portion is supported on the valve body and located at the second valve end. A cap member is supported on the valve body and includes a closed end formed by an end wall having an aperture for receiving the tip portion. The aperture includes a lip portion surrounded a groove on an interior of the cap member to facilitate a pressure seal between the aperture and the tip portion.

Abstract: An array for placement on the skin of a human or animal patient for the purpose of the transdermal application of pharmaceuticals, toxins or active agents, having microneedles that are situated on a carrier substrate, the microneedles having a preset breaking point in the area of the transition to the carrier substrate.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle minimizing resistance to catheter advancement during vascular cannulation includes a needle shaft and a needle tip including an open needle bevel extending along middle and proximal portions of the open bevel until a distal end of the needle shaft, wherein a most distal portion of the open bevel is filled to prevent flashback. The hypodermic needle also includes a catheter overlying the needle shaft in the resting position.

Abstract: A method for constructing an instrument with a covered bore for subcutaneous implantation is provided. An incising body is formed by defining a non-circular coaxial bore and sharpening a cutting edge extending from a bottom distal end beyond the opening of the coaxial bore and affixing an attachment point at a top distal end. A plunger is constructed sized to fit within the coaxial bore. The plunger is inserted in the bore of the incising body. A cover is affixed to the attachment point, wherein the cover extends down to the bottom distal end and, when closed, the cover encloses the opening proximal to the cutting edge.

Abstract: A rail-guided epidural-spinal needle, which includes an epidural needle including a base and a needle shaft connected to the base, the needle shaft having a groove that is formed on an outer surface of the needle shaft and extends along an axis of the needle shaft, the base having an elevated spinal needle inlet disposed thereon, the spinal needle inlet having a conduit formed therein, the conduit being of an acute angle with the groove in a side view of the epidural needle, and being in alignment with the groove in a top view of the epidural needle. The rail-guided epidural-spinal needle also includes a spinal needle having a tip with a unilaterally curved conformation down one side, such that, when the spinal needle is inserted into the conduit of the spinal needle inlet, and pushed forward, the tip thereof reaches the groove and slides along the groove.

Abstract: A needle 1 for penetrating a membrane 2, having a pointed end 3 provided with a penetrating tip 4 and with an opening 6 for letting a liquid in and/or out in a main direction 7 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the needle 1. The penetrating tip 4 is designed with a substantially point-shaped edge 8 to initially prick the membrane when the membrane is penetrated. The outer edges 19 present on the pointed end 3 in the area from the point-shaped edge 8 to a position beyond the opening 6 are rounded so that after the initial penetration the pointed end 3 will push the membrane material away rather than cutting the membrane material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection needle for injecting a pharmaceutical product into a human or animal body. The needle comprises a tubular body with an end for penetrating into a human or animal body, and having a main bevel and a secondary bevel forming a tip of the needle. The secondary bevel is positioned opposite the main bevel and forms, with the main bevel, a single cutting edge oblique to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cutting edge extends on both sides of a middle plane of the main bevel that passes through the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

Abstract: Microneedle device is provided, which include microneedles that can be easily inserted into skin and dissolve or swell in skin. The microneedle devices comprise a substrate and cone-shaped or pyramid-shaped microneedles for skin insertion set on the substrate. The microneedles for skin insertion contain over 50 weight percent of one or multiple biomaterials chosen from chitosan, collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and they are fabricated from the materials that can dissolve or swell in the body.

Abstract: In general, the invention features needles, with or without lumens, that contain a barrel being transparent or translucent or having a transparent or translucent portion. Needles of the invention may further include a lumen, the interior of which is visualizable through the transparent or translucent portion. A needle may also include a portion to which a suture is capable of being attached.

Abstract: A hollow out-of-wafer-plane micro-needle protruding from a support member, the micro-needle includes a body portion having a longitudinal central axis, an inner lumen within the body portion and extending through the support member and into the protruding micro-needle, a closed pointed tip portion closing off the inner lumen in the tip region, the central axis extending through the tip portion, and at least one side opening in the body portion having an axis that intersects the central axis, the at least one side opening communicating with the inner lumen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.

Abstract: A needle having a shaft with a distal end defining a distal opening. The shaft has a longitudinal axis that extends through the distal opening and the distal opening has a projected area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a section of the shaft proximal to the distal end of the shaft. Also provided are methods of directly delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site using a Huber needle or pencil-point needle.

Abstract: A hub assembly, such as for long needles, is disclosed. The hub assembly includes a needle hub having a proximal end and a distal end, having a cannula extending therethrough and protruding from the distal end, with the needle hub having a first engagement portion. The hub assembly also includes a stylet handle having a stylet extending therefrom. The stylet is adapted to be received within a portion of the cannula, with the stylet handle having a second engagement portion. Engagement of the first engagement portion of the needle hub and the second engagement portion of the stylet handle forms a positive lock in which at least a portion of one of the first and second engagement portions is held within the other of the first and second engagement portions in an unbiased state.

Abstract: A medical needle comprises a main body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a tip portion formed at the distal end of the body. The tip portion has a first inclined region, the cross-sectional area of which decreases toward the distal end and has a pair of surfaces inclined with an angle of 15° to 20°. The tip portion has a second inclined region extending from the first inclined region, the cross-sectional area of which decreases toward the distal end and has a pair of surfaces inclined with an angle of 30° to 45°. A tip is formed at the point of juncture of the pair of surfaces of the second inclined region. Tapered portions are formed on both sides of the first inclined region. Each tapered portion is inclined at an angle of 5° to 15°. Curved portions are formed at the points of juncture of the tip and the tapered portions.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle for delivering a bolus of a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior chamber of the eye having a lancet disposed at the distal tip and a lumen disposed along a longitudinal axis within. The lancet may be formed by an angled linear cut coming to a point at the distal tip of the needle, or an arc-shaped cut beginning at the needle tip parallel to the longitudinal axis and gradually arcing upward to roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, cuts, grooves, channels, or teeth may be added to the surface of the lancet in a regular or irregular pattern for the purpose of increasing surface tension on the drug bolus.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle 10 includes an elongated lumen 12, a hub 14, and a rigid sleeve 16 concentrically formed around at least a majority of the lumen 12. The sleeve 16 is attached to the hub 14. An irrigation fluid path 24 is formed between the sleeve 16 and lumen 12 and a portion of the path 24 is also formed in the hub 14 for carrying irrigation fluid from a source through the path 24 to a patient's eye during surgery.

Abstract: An implant retention trocar includes a cannula for puncturing the skin of an animal and an obturator for delivering the implant beneath the skin of the animal. The implant retention trocar has a cannula distal tip design which causes a minimum of trauma and tearing of tissue during implant insertion. A spring element received within the cannula prevents an implant which is to be inserted into an animal from falling out of the cannula during the implant insertion process. The spring element includes a longitudinal leg which is folded with a zigzag-shaped bend. When the spring element is inserted into the cannula, the zigzag-shaped bend of the longitudinal leg retains the implant within the cannula.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a needle cannula having a five-beveled point and a needle shield formed of a styrene block poly(ethylene/butylene) thermoplastic elastomer which significantly reduces needle penetration force and may reduce the cycle time for gas sterilization. The multi-beveled needle cannula point includes a primary bevel, a pair of tip bevels and a pair of middle bevels each intermediate the primary bevel and a respective tip bevel, wherein the angles of rotation of the primary bevel and the intermediate bevels are substantially equal resulting in reduced heights of intercepts between the bevels, therby reducing needle penetration force. The needle shield maintains the sharpness of the needle cannula during application, sterilization and removal of the shield and it is believed that the needle shield will also reduce the cycle time of gas sterilization as compared to rubber needle shields and vulcanizate thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: A medical bevel needle (1) having an open bevel end surface 3 is provided, wherein cutting edges (9) that linearly extend from the front end of the front-end portion (2) on the right and left sides diagonally rearwardly are formed either by right and left front ground faces (5) crossing the open bevel end surface (3) or by right and left front ground faces (5) crossing the external circumferential surface (4) of the bevel needle (1), and the maximum lateral width between the cutting edges is limited by right and left rear ground surfaces (6).

Abstract: Surface micro-machined micro-needles (32) are formed as single needles (32) or in two-dimensional or three-dimensional micro-needle arrays (30). The micro-needles (32) are fabricated on a substrate (12) which can remain attached to the micro-needles (32) or can be subsequently removed. The two-dimensional or three-dimensional micro-needle arrays (30) can have cross-coupling flow channels (36) which allow for pressure equalization, and balance of fluid flow within the micro-needle arrays (30). Each of the micro-needles (32) has a micro-channel (36) therethrough that provides communication between at least one input port (37) at a proximal end of the micro-needles (32), and at least on output port (39) at an opposite distal end.

Abstract: A medical needle includes a solid rod-like inner needle to be inserted into the living tissue, and a hollow cylindrical outer tube needle to be inserted into the living tissue together with the inner needle, while the inner needle is inserted into the inner needle. The hollow cylindrical outer tube needle is retained in the living tissue after the inner needle is removed. A tip portion of the inner needle extending out of a front end bore of the outer tube needle is formed as a spherical crown portion capable of being inserted along a punctured hole previously formed in the living tissue so as not to damage the lumen of the punctured hole. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a pain upon creating a puncture, subcutaneous bleeding and damage to a blood vessel wall, eliminate coring, and an infectious accident.

Abstract: A tapered infusion sleeve that has an orifice whose exterior margin is either rounded off, beveled, tapered, curved inclined or otherwise forms an angle with an adjacent exterior of the sleeve that is other than ninety degrees and other than substantially ninety degrees. As a result, the exterior margin is less likely to become caught or ensnared when being passed through an incision opening with a surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microneedle incorporating a base that is broad relative to a height of the microneedle, to minimize breakage. The microneedle further includes a fluid channel and a beveled non-coring tip. Preferably arrays of such microneedles are fabricated utilizing conventional semiconductor derived micro-scale fabrication techniques. A dot pattern mask is formed on an upper surface of a silicon substrate, with each orifice of the dot pattern mask corresponding to a desired location of a microneedle. Orifices are formed that pass completely through the substrate by etching. A nitride pattern mask is formed to mask all areas in which a nitride layer is not desired. A nitride layer is then deposited on the bottom of the silicon substrate, on the walls of the orifice, and on the top of the silicon substrate around the periphery of the orifice. The nitride layer around the periphery of the orifice is offset somewhat, such that one side of the orifice has a larger nitride layer.

Abstract: A hollow medical needle having a bevel face defining a needle tip and cutting surface that create a first incision. The needle additionally has a separate cutting blade extending outward from the needle. The blade is positioned adjacent the bevel face to create a second incision which intersects the first incision made by the bevel face cutting surface.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device is provided having a handle adapted to facilitate grasping thereof, and an elongate penetrating element coupled to the handle and having a proximal inlet port and a distal piercing tip for penetrating into tissue and bone. The device is particularly effective in that the configuration of the handle and the elongate penetrating element allows a person to grasp and manipulate the handle while accessing the inlet port to aspirate fluid therethrough. The device is also effective to facilitate penetrating of the device into bone due to the configuration of the distal penetrating tip. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, while the device is described for use as a bone marrow aspiration device, the device can be used to withdraw or inject fluid.

Abstract: A liquid aspirating and medicine adding injection needle includes a needle body with only about 1 cm length, a needle barrel and a needle head respectively positioned at two ends of the needle body. The injection needle is formed with a perforation passing through the needle body from outer side to inner side. The needle head has a diameter tapered to the front end and has a conic pattern. The front end of the needle head is obtuse so as to avoid impalement of human body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microneedle incorporating a base that is broad relative to a height of the microneedle, to minimize breakage. The microneedle further includes a fluid channel and a beveled non-coring tip. Preferably arrays of such microneedles are fabricated utilizing conventional semiconductor derived micro-scale fabrication techniques. A dot pattern mask is formed on an upper surface of a silicon substrate, with each orifice of the dot pattern mask corresponding to a desired location of a microneedle. Orifices are formed that pass completely through the substrate by etching. A nitride pattern mask is formed to mask all areas in which a nitride layer is not desired. A nitride layer is then deposited on the bottom of the silicon substrate, on the walls of the orifice, and on the top of the silicon substrate around the periphery of the orifice. The nitride layer around the periphery of the orifice is offset somewhat, such that one side of the orifice has a larger nitride layer.

Abstract: A surgical device for endoscopic surgical procedures capable of preventing injuries to internal organs during insertion. The surgical device can include one or more of the following: a multiple system of sharp blade edges, a mechanical tissue protection device that includes a series of thin plastic guards sliding along the sides of the planar knives and having an angle between their edges smaller than that of the cutting knife edges, one or more fixed conical deflectors to expand the cut tissue passage leaving the guards to contact tissue contact only at their tips, an insufflation passage configured to transport fluid into the body cavity during penetration, a locking system for the guards that prevents accidental reuse of the cutting features, and/or an ergonomic design which facilitates handling.

Abstract: A surgical device for endoscopic surgical procedures capable of preventing injuries to internal organs during insertion. The surgical device can include one or more of the following: a multiple system of sharp blade edges, a mechanical tissue protection device that includes a series of thin plastic guards sliding along the sides of the planar knives and having an angle between their edges smaller than that of the cutting knife edges, one or more fixed conical deflectors to expand the cut tissue passage leaving the guards to contact tissue contact only at their tips, an insufflation passage configured to transport fluid into the body cavity during penetration, a locking system for the guards that prevents accidental reuse of the cutting features, and/or an ergonomic design which facilitates handling.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a body fluid for testing for an analyte includes a needle for penetrating a patient's skin to access the fluid within the skin. The needle has a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end. An interior surface of the body defines a fluid pathway extending between the ends. The second end is positioned to deposit fluid for testing. The first end has a beveled face on a front side of the body. The beveled face terminates at a penetration tip with the beveled face having an opening in communication with the fluid pathway. The penetration tip is burnished to a rounded shape and bent to facilitate low pain and rapid fluid collection.

Abstract: A device for withdrawing or delivering a substance through the skin of a patient includes a body and a skin penetrating device having a plurality of skin penetrating members, such microneedles. The body includes a bottom surface having a first inner surface area supporting the skin penetrating members and a second outer surface having an adhesive for attaching the device to the skin. In one embodiment, the firs inner surface is spaced outwardly from the second outer surface when the device is attached to the skin. The inner surface can have a textured visually wettable surface, such as an etched surface, to provide a visual indication of leakage from the interface between the skin penetrating members and the skin.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a needle cannula having a five-beveled point and a needle shield formed of a styrene block poly(ethylene/butylene) thermoplastic elastomer which significantly reduces needle penetration force and may reduce the cycle time for gas sterilization. The multi-beveled needle cannula point includes a primary bevel, a pair of tip bevels and a pair of middle bevels each intermediate the primary bevel and a respective tip bevel, wherein the angles of rotation of the primary bevel and the intermediate bevels are substantially equal resulting in reduced heights of intercepts between the bevels, thereby reducing needle penetration force. The needle shield maintains the sharpness of the needle cannula during application, sterilization and removal of the shield and it is believed that the needle shield will also reduce the cycle time of gas sterilization as compared to rubber needle shields and vulcanizate thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: A device for the transport of fluids through a biological barrier includes a number of microneedles projecting from the front face of a substrate. A conduit is associated with each of the microneedles to provide a fluid flow path for transport of fluid through a hole in the biological barrier formed by the corresponding microneedle. Each of the microneedles is configured to provide a penetrating tip, and each conduit terminates at an opening which is proximal with respect to the microneedle tip. Also described are microneedle-based devices with integrated MEMS pumping configurations for withdrawal and/or delivery of fluids, and remote healthcare systems based on such devices.

Abstract: A surgical device for endoscopic surgical procedures capable of preventing injuries to internal organs during insertion. The surgical device can include one or more of the following: a multiple system of sharp blade edges, a mechanical tissue protection device that includes a series of thin plastic guards sliding along the sides of the planar knives and having an angle between their edges smaller than that of the cutting knife edges, one or more fixed conical deflectors to expand the cut tissue passage leaving the guards to contact tissue contact only at their tips, an insufflation passage configured to transport fluid into the body cavity during penetration, a locking system for the guards that prevents accidental reuse of the cutting features, and/or an ergonomic design which facilitates handling.

Abstract: Light- and/or UV-radiation protective coatings for drug delivery devices, such as, for instance, drug eluting vascular stents, where the drugs being delivered via the stents are light sensitive. A method of fabricating a medical article, such as a drug eluting vascular stent, that includes the light- and/or UV-radiation protective coating.

Abstract: A surgical device for endoscopic surgical procedures capable of preventing injuries to internal organs during insertion. The surgical device can include one or more of the following: a multiple system of sharp blade edges, a mechanical tissue protection device that includes a series of thin plastic guards sliding along the sides of the planar knives and having an angle between their edges smaller than that of the cutting knife edges, one or more fixed conical deflectors to expand the cut tissue passage leaving the guards to contact tissue contact only at their tips, an insufflation passage configured to transport fluid into the body cavity during penetration, a locking system for the guards that prevents accidental reuse of the cutting features, and/or an ergonomic design which facilitates handling.

Abstract: A set of cannulae for tissue injections is disclosed. The cannulae are ideally suited for tissue injections in the human body. In particular, the cannulae are well-suited for muscle injections in the human face. Each cannula injecting device includes a hub attached to a tubular needle with a blunt tip or spatula-like tip. The tubular needle is curved and includes a side opening located near the tip.

Abstract: A device that converts a diaphragm prior to its first penetration for clinical use, to be more readily penetrable by a needle or cannula after conversion, by creating a prehole or preslit in the surface of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An improved needle for directional placement of the needle into or to a target area, such as a blood vessel or organ, for the purpose of performing an invasive procedure with a minimal amount of trauma to the target area. The needle comprises a connection hub, a needle shaft, and a flexible tip member connected to a distal end of the needle shaft to facilitate maneuvering the needle through tortuous passages within the body. The flexible tip member includes a blunt end that prevents or reduces trauma to tissues and vessels that are contacted with the distal portion of the needle during positioning of the needle. The invention further comprises a flexible-tipped needle having a balloon sealingly attached to a distal end of the spring tip member. The flexible-tipped balloon needle includes an inflatable balloon sealingly connected to the distal end of the flexible tip member.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a needle cannula having a five-beveled point and a needle shield formed of a styrene block poly(ethylene/butylene) thermoplastic elastomer which significantly reduces needle penetration force and may reduce the cycle time for gas sterilization. The multi-beveled needle cannula point includes a primary bevel, a pair of tip bevels and a pair of middle bevels each intermediate the primary bevel and a respective tip bevel, wherein the angles of rotation of the primary bevel and the intermediate bevels are substantially equal resulting in reduced heights of intercepts between the bevels, thereby reducing needle penetration force. The needle shield maintains the sharpness of the needle cannula during application, sterilization and removal of the shield and it is believed that the needle shield will also reduce the cycle time of gas sterilization as compared to rubber needle shields and vulcanizate thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: A tissue gripping thread configuration for securely positioning an elongated medical instrument relative to body tissue. The tissue gripping thread includes curved distal and proximal foot sections connected to a thread base, a curved distal thread surface extending from the distal foot section to a thread apex, and a proximal thread wall substantially perpendicular to the base surface extending from the proximal curved foot section to the thread apex. In the preferred embodiment the flank angle of the distal thread surface is substantially greater than the flank angle of the proximal thread wall. The preferred thread configuration reduces trauma to tissue during insertion and removal of an associated medical instrument while ensuring secure positioning of the instrument relative to tissue. Preferred thread dimensions and radii, as well as embodiments for associating the preferred thread configuration with a trocar device are disclosed.

Abstract: A needle cannula with a first end and a second end wherein a section near said second end must be shaped into a coiled spring and then pulled into a biased spring needle cannula without destorting the inside surface of said spring needle cannula. A wire of suitable section is inserted into said cannula of said spring needle cannula and wherein said first end of said spring needle cannula is inserted into a hole formed in a retainer plate and wherein a portion of said spring needle cannula with said wire in said cannula is wrapped or coiled about a coil bar wherein said needle cannula is formed into a spring needle cannula and wherein the inside walls of said cannula cannot deform due to said wire disposed in said cannula.

Abstract: Methods for forming a rib on a cannula for cooperation with a safety cover which securably and reliably locks the tip of a cannula in an interior chamber within the safety cover. The cover comprises an elongate body having the interior chamber and an axial through hole which extends along the entire length of the body, through the interior chamber and through which the cannula is slidably received. Displacing elements are positioned within the interior chamber, each of which includes a hole for receiving the cannula therethrough, and which displaces upon retraction of the tip of the cannula, thereby preventing subsequent advancement of the cannula tip. The cannula includes a thickened rib adjacent to the tip, and the safety cover should correspondingly include an annular section in the rear portion thereof. The through hole extending through the rear portion has a diameter which is smaller than the thickened rib of the cannula whereby the cannula tip may not be retracted from the safety cover.

Abstract: A subcutaneous tunnelling device, a dilator and a method of forming a subcutaneous tunnel are provided. The device includes a trocar having a front end with a point configured for piercing skin, and a dilator which has a front end removably attached to the rear end of the trocar. The dilator is for dilating a section of a subcutaneous tunnel and includes a dilating section having a maximum diameter sized for dilating an interior surface of a subcutaneous tunnel for seating a catheter stabilizing cuff in the subcutaneous tunnel. The method of forming a subcutaneous tunnel includes the steps of inserting a trocar through a first location on a cutaneous surface and moving the trocar through subcutaneous tissue to form a subcutaneous tunnel. The trocar is at least partially removed and a front end of a dilator is attached to the trocar. A section of the tunnel is dilated by moving the dilator partially through the tunnel until the front end of the dilator reaches a first subcutaneous location in the tunnel.

Abstract: The outer cannula of an ophthalmic irrigator-aspirator has rigid tip and butt sections and a more flexible central section. The central section can be an elastomeric sleeve that extends between the tip and butt sections. The outer cannula includes reinforcement members that prevent the elastomeric sleeve from becoming completely closed by compression caused by a tight fit in an incision in a patient's cornea. The reinforcement members may be rigid or somewhat flexible.