Abstract: A medical valve assembly comprises a valve body having a fluid passage therethrough, a valve member, and an urging means disposed within the fluid passage. The valve member is adapted to seal against a sealing surface of the fluid passage and the urging means is adapted to urge the valve member against the sealing surface. The medical valve can be used without a needle thereby eliminating risks associated with needle stick injuries. In applications where it is expedient to use a needle (such as prepackage medications) the medical valve accommodates the use of a needle to administer medication. The urging means is disclosed in a first embodiment wherein it is formed integral with the head portion of the valve member. In an alternative embodiment, the urging means is separate from the head portion of the valve member and is comprised of a metallic spring element.

Abstract: A cholangiography catheter for injecting dye into a cystic duct during laparoscopic cholangiography. The catheter includes a bifurcated connector having a length of tubing and a check valve mounted to each arm of the connector. A saline syringe is coupled to one check valve and a dye syringe is coupled to the other check valve. The check valves and respective syringes are color coordinated to preclude inadvertently using the wrong syringe. The catheter is fabricated from a medical grade polymer having a preselected degree of compliant memory and includes indicia for providing a visual indication of the depth of penetration of the tip of the catheter into the cystic duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods used in trans-tracheal oxygen therapy to permit a micro-tracheal catheter to be inserted into the throat, so that breathing efficiency may be enhanced through the introduction of a continuous stream of oxygen directly into the patient's lungs. More particularly, this invention relates to an adapter for use on the outer end of the micro-tracheal catheter to connect the micro-tracheal catheter to an oxygen source through an oxygen supply hub while simultaneously and selectively permitting the introduction of a saline solution or other material into the patient's lungs through a second material supply hub. During the introduction of solution into the lungs, no oxygen is lost, and the stream of oxygen remains continuous.

Abstract: A retrievable two piece catheter for percutaneous insertion into the common bile duct or similar vessel or canal of a patient is disclosed. The catheter is introduced as a single unit over a cannula and then formed in-situ within the duct into a T-tube configuration. Two sutures threaded through a main catheter are attached to a shorter distal auxiliary catheter, one in the center of the auxiliary catheter and one at an end thereof. After the two piece catheter has been inserted to the desired location and the cannula removed, the sutures are manipulated to maneuver the auxiliary catheter until it lies generally perpendicular to the elongated main catheter to thereby form the T-tube in fluid communication with each other. A suture-locking device provides self-retaining characteristics and the T-tube catheter can be easily retrieved, repositioned or exchanged. The T-tube catheter can be modified within a long distal limb to stent the Ampulla of Vater after balloon sphincteroplasty.

Abstract: A medical connector assembly comprises a connector body having a fluid passage there through, a valve member, and means, responsive to a compressive force placed on the medical connector, for permitting a fluid to freely communicate between openings in the connector body. The valve member can be constructed using a single element having a slit therein or it can be constructed using two separate halves which when joined together form an interface slit. In a preferred embodiment, when a compressive force is exerted against the connector body, sufficient distortion is experienced by the valve member to open the slit and permit fluid flow between connector body openings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of using a connector for introducing medication into a patient in a safe, convenient way. It comprises a pair of plastic tubular members adapted to be manually pushed together to engage in a male-female relationship, and a locking mechanism that detachably secures the members together. The male member is a piggyback connector with a sealed entry port at its end, and the female member safely houses within it a needle which centrally pierces the seal of the port upon engagement of the members. Preferably, the locking mechanism provides a "click" sound when it locks the members together.

Abstract: A transseptal left atrial cannulation system which provides drainage of left atrial blood without the need for thoracotomy. A guide wire and a long needle assembly are inserted into a catheter. A cannula rides over the exterior of this catheter. The guide wire may be advanced past the needle assembly and through a catheter through the distal end of the catheter to assist in directing the system to the right atrium. The cannulation system is inserted in a femoral vein located in the groin. Both the guide wire and needle assembly are long enough to allow a substantial length to extend out of the body at the groin for manipulation even when the distal ends of the guide wire and needle assembly are positioned in the heart. When the catheter distal end is positioned adjacent the septum in the right atrium, the guide wire is withdrawn from the catheter orifice and the needle assembly moves past the guide wire and through the catheter orifice to a position adjacent to the septum.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an improvement in the T-shaped tracheal stents and in the tracheal cannulas of the prior art, permitting one to conveniently have a complete and unitary unit including a closure member affixed to the device of the invention. Unidirectional retention sleeves are also described, which may be used in conjunction with the cannulas and the stents of the invention.

Abstract: A cannula for use in laparoscopy comprises a tubular member having a first opening at a distal end and second opening at a proximal end for enabling the longitudinal insertion through the tubular member of a first laparoscopic instrument. The tubular member is further provided with two auxiliary ports disposed on opposite sides of the tubular member and at longitudinally staggered locations. The two auxiliary ports define an auxiliary insertion path for an extra laparoscopic instrument.

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

Abstract: A water trap for a respiratory airline comprises a top and base the respective openings of which mate when they are releasably connected e.g. by a bayonet-joint. The opening of the top is partially spanned centrally by a disc, leaving an annular pathway for water around the periphery of the disc. A resilient annular sealing member connected at its outer periphery to the top makes sealing contact with the disc when the base is removed, but when the base is connected to the top the upper periphery of the base raises the sealing member to allow water to fall from the top and be collected in the base.

Abstract: An outer catheter extending from a point below the first bifurcation of the trachea through the upper respiratory system of the patient is disposed about an inner catheter having a tip secured in the opening at the distal end thereof with an outer lateral periphery larger in diameter than the outer surface of the inner catheter. The proximal surface of the tip between the outer laterial periphery and the outer surface of the inner catheter is capable of sealingly engaging the distal end of the outer catheter. In this condition the pair of catheters can be advanced through the upper respiratory system of the patient without contaminating the outer surface of the inner catheter. Thereafter the inner catheter is advanced relative to the outer catheter into a wedging position in a bronchiole of the patient so as to allow alternative infusing and aspirating a fluid to the bronchiole.

Abstract: An assembly of a tube having a breakaway plug mounted on one opening thereof is provided. The plug includes a hollow cylindrical segment fixedly secured to the tube, a closing segment, and a frangible annular portion located in the hollow segment apart from the secured portion. The plug is formed of material having a Shore A hardness of 68-76 such that the plug can be torn off at the frangible portion by twisting. Since the plug of relatively flexible material having a Shore A hardness of 68 to 76 is attached to the tubular body, the gas tightness and intimate contact therebetween are substantially improved to minimize the risk of the plug being accidentally ruptured by an external force when the tubular body is not on use, while maintaining the ability of breakage of the plug when the tubular body is on use.Preferably, there is provided a protector with such a hardness that it may not prevent breakage of the plug at the frangible portion for safeguard and easy breakage of the plug.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering an ingestible oral fluid to a patient takes the form of an elongate tubular member (10) closed at the extremity of one end portion shaped as a hook (11), the hook having a hollowed outward projection (16) which is resilient at least over its area facing in the same general direction as the mouth of the hook, with this area also being formed with an orifice (17). The overall geometry of the apparatus is such that the hook passes over the lower mouth of the patient to locate and retain the projection or oral actuation, while the remainder of the member hangs across the jaw of the patient.

Abstract: A hollow, T-shaped body is connected to an extroducer rod by a flexible drain tube. The extroducer rod is longer than a human female vagina, sufficiently stiff to be passed therethrough when the vagina is in a collapsed state, and has a smooth rounded end to facilitate insertion through the vaginal cuff and passage through the vagina during an abdominal hysterectomy. The extroducer rod is also larger in diameter than a Foley catheter which is used to drain the bladder, and formed with external flutes which make it easily distinguishable from the catheter by feel. The T-shaped body has a leg which is connected to the drain tube, and two perpendicular arms. Drain holes are formed through the arms which open in a direction away from the leg. The innermost drain hole of each arm is cut away to a sufficient depth that the arms can collapse to positions parallel to the leg and drain tube to facilitate withdrawal of the body through the vagina.

Abstract: A fluid drain for wounds includes a tube having one end insertable under the patient's skin into the wound, with the opposite end of the tube extending externally of the patient's skin; and a valve assembly at the opposite end of the tube. The valve assembly includes a first port for connection to a vacuum source, a second port connected to the opposite end of the tube, a third port for outletting the drained fluid into a container, a first one-way valve permitting the fluid to flow freely therethrough only from the second port to the first port, and a second one-way valve permitting the fluid to flow freely therethrough only from the first port to the third port.

Abstract: A support system for a guiding catheter used in coronary treatment such as percutaneous transluminum coronary angioplasty (PTCA) includes a main lumen, a secondary lumen and a linearly incompressible flexible elongate element slidable within the secondary lumen. The main and secondary lumen are connected integrally together throughout the proximal portion of the length of the catheter but are separated throughout a distal portion, the elongate element, which may be a wire or metal strip, being anchored at the distal end of the catheter. The proximal end of the catheter includes operating means to exert endwise force on the elongate element and to cause the separated portion of the secondary lumen to move away from the main lumen so as to brace the catheter against opposed walls of a vessel to retain it in position. When the catheter has been braced against the vessel walls, a PTCA procedure can be carried out.

Abstract: An infusion catheter adapter and cap assembly, the catheter adapter has a housing with an input, an output and a side port, normal to the housing axis, which has a cap. The cap is fixedly attached to the housing by a living hinge with a retaining knob. The retaining knob on the living hinge conjugates with a groove on the housing. The groove is formed as a transverse channel defined by two opposing locking fingers. The position of the retaining knob in the groove is further ensured by a recess on the knob which conjugates with a peak in the groove to center and lock the retaining knob in the groove.

Abstract: A medical connector (10) disclosed comprises first and second connector members (12, 22) including a flashback chamber (26), a needle (20) penetrable into said chamber and an improved one-way valve (32) spaced from said needle for closing said chamber and for establishing fluid communication through the connector (10) when the connector members (12, 22) are joined to administer medication or food to the patient while preventing a patient's blood from entering the chamber (22) and coming in contact with the needle.

Abstract: A replacement gastrostomy tube device is provided comprising a catheter shaft having an outer surface wall, with the shaft enclosing a feeding lumen of substantially circular cross-section and a fluid flow channel. A port housing is located at the proximal end of the shaft with the port housing having a main food inlet port, a Y-port and a fluid inlet port. Near the distal end of the tube are an expandable component member and a food outlet port, which port is preferably located at the distal end. The feeding lumen is of a greater diameter than that of the fluid flow channel. The outer surface wall is of a non-circular cross-section. The feeding lumen is of a circular cross-section which permits the passage therethrough of a jejunal tube. The main food inlet port is of a greater diameter than that associated with the Y-port. The method for using this device permits jejunal feeding through a replacement gastrostomy tube without retraumatizing the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular assembly which can be intubated within a body passageway which comprises a main tube body, which permits the passage of fluid in either direction (such as air in the case of an endotracheal tube), an inflatable cuff near the distal end of the main tube body for locating and securing the tubular assembly within a body passageway as well as for sealing the space above the cuff between the main tube body and the body passageway from the body passageway below the cuff, and a suction tube that runs along the main tube body from the proximal end that remains external of the patient during intubation and a point adjacent the inflatable cuff. The suction tube is fixed with the main tube except for an adjustable portion of the suction tube nearest the inflatable cuff that includes the suction tube opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out peritoneal dialysis on a patient having a catheter ending in a patient connector, includes a tubing set in a "Y" configuration, including a first, second and third arm. Each arm has a clamp and terminates in a connector. Along with the "Y" tubing set are also provided a cover for covering and protecting the patient connector after the tubing set has been disconnected, and a closure for sealing a dialysate container after it has been emptied, so that it can be used in a subsequent procedure as a drain bag.

Abstract: A hollow, T-shaped body is connected to an extroducer rod by a flexible drain tube. The extroducer rod is longer than a human female vagina, sufficiently stiff to be passed therethrough when the vagina is in a collapsed state, and has a smooth rounded end to facilitate insertion through the vaginal cuff and passage through the vagina during an abdominal hysterectomy. The extroducer rod is also larger in diameter than a Foley catheter which is used to drain the bladder, and formed with external flutes which make it easily distinguishable from the catheter by feel. The T-shaped body has a leg which is connected to the drain tube, and two perpendicular arms. Drain holes are formed through the arms which open in a direction away from the leg. The innermost drain hole of each arm is cut away to a sufficient depth that the arms can collapse to positions parallel to the leg and drain tube to facilitate withdrawal of the body through the vagina.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which has two concentric transfer tubes: an outer tube and an inner tube. One tube is used for aspiration of fluid, the other for infusion of fluid. The concentric tubing section has proximal and distal ends, the distal end being tapered and having openings for simultaneous aspiration and infusion eye fluid. On the proximal end, the inner transfer tube extends a proximal length greater than the outer transfer tube. The concentric inner and outer transfer tubes are both connected to independent supply tubes. The proximal end of the inner transfer tube, being longer than the outer transfer tube, pierces and protrudes through the wall of the flexible fluid tube connected to the proximal end of the outer tube. This protrusion provides a place on the inner transfer tube for its own independent connection to a supply tube. The tubing assembly is contained within and supported by an elongated, generally tubular housing.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an improvement in the T-shaped tracheal stents and in the tracheal cannulas of the prior art, permitting one to conveniently have a complete and unitary unit including a closure member affixed to the device of the invention. Unidirectional retention sleeves are also described, which may be used in conjunction with the cannulas and the stents of the invention.

Abstract: An insulating, anti-kinking Y connector for arthroscopic surgery and method of making wherein two sections of resilient double lumen tubing each having a portion of an interconnecting bight removed therefrom, are interconnected in Y configuration.

Abstract: A double lumen flexible catheter for peritonetal dialysis comprises a double lumen structure with inner and outer tubes. The outer tube has a plurality of openings the inner tube being stretched in tension to prevent kinking of the catheter. The inner tube has a single outlet at the free end of the catheter. The tubing for the catheter is sufficiently flexible to permit the catheter to lie loosely and freely in the body cavity. Treatment fluids are delivered to the peritoneal cavity through the inner tube and removed via the outer tube.

Abstract: A multiple conduit flexible drainage device in which the adjacent conduits are joined by a plurality of membranes and may be parted from their proximal ends, reliably and without damage to the conduits.

Abstract: An assembly of a tube having a breakaway plug mounted on one opening thereof is provided. The plug includes a hollow cylindrical segment fixedly secured to the tube, a closing segment, and a frangible thin-wall portion located in the hollow segment apart from the secured portion. A protector of a relatively rigid material is fitted over the plug. The plug can be torn off at the frangible portion by twisting the protector.

Abstract: A flow set for administering peritoneal dialysis solution in automated peritoneal dialysis which comprises interconnecting flow conduits for connecting respectively with (1) a patient's catheter, (2) a container for warming dialysis solution, (3) a drain line, and (4) a source of dialysis solution. The flow conduit (4) for connecting with the source of dialysis solution defines at least three branching conduits having connectors on their respective ends for communication with separate containers of dialysis solution. In accordance with this invention, means are provided for causing the flow path resistance through the conduit (4) of the respective flow paths passing through each of said branch conduits to be substantially equal.

Abstract: A connector has a main passage through which a dilatation catheter passes. Combined Tuohy-Borst valve and membrane seals are provided in the main passage to seal the catheter and main passage against flow-by.

Abstract: An airway for insertion into the mouth to provide a passage for air or anaesthetic gas into the trachea. In order to prevent damage to the teeth of the patient which can occur owing to involuntary clamping of the jaw during anaesthesia, the airway is adapted to hold the mouth open to prevent excessive force being exerted between the upper and lower front teeth. In the described embodiment, the airway has bracing portions in the form of two-section tubes (14) adapted to fit between the upper and lower molar teeth on each side of the mouth, the tubes also providing part of the passage for air or gas. The bracing tubes (14) are connected to a third tube (12) which is curved so as to extend into the orapharyngeal space. The airway may be formed in one piece from plastics material, and may be reusable or disposable.

Abstract: A naso-gastric feeding tube (10) includes a hollow, flexible tube (12) having an open, proximal end (14) permanently secured to a hollow adapter (16), forming an integral unit. A stylet (56) is removably mounted within the stylet port (42) of the adaptor (16). A syringe (72) may be secured to the placement port (44) in order to conduct the placement confirmation test to assure proper insertion of the feeding tube within the patient, eliminating the need for removing and then reinserting the stylet to confirm proper insertion of the feeding tube (10). Additionally, the feeding tube (10) permits delivery of a second prescribed product without disconnecting the tube (10) from the source of the first prescribed product.

Abstract: A device for positioning an endotracheal tube when the tube is inserted into the trachea of a patient for lung inflation uses the patient's carina as a reference point against which the endotracheal tube is positioned. The positioning device consists of an elongate, flexible member with at least three flexible filaments at its distal end which assume a compressed tripodal configuration when inserted through the endotracheal tube. When the distal end of the positioning device emerges from the distal end of the endotracheal tube, the flexible elements spring out into a tripodal-shaped structure. As the positioning device is advanced further, the apex of the tripodal-shaped structure engages the carina. At this point the positioning device provides a reference line for correctly locating the distal end of the endotracheal tube with respect to the carina.

Abstract: A connecting system for gas lines for respirator or anesthesia apparatus comprising with at least two connecting elements which can be plugged into each other, a first connecting element comprising a Y-piece with an inhalation hose socket, exhalation hose socket and a connector extension piece, and a second connecting element comprising a second connector adapted to be connected with the connector extension piece, the second connector having a tube extension for an endotracheal tube, the first connecting element having at least one resilient securing element which resiliently engages under the force of a spring an annular groove in the outer wall of the second connecting element, and at least one manually operable unlocking element which temporarily overcomes the spring force of the securing element, the first and second connecting elements being freely rotatable in respect to each other.

Abstract: The device comprises: a tracheal tube insertable into the trachea of a patient, and an endobronchial tube, of greater length than the tracheal tube and being insertable into the tracheal tube for reaching, with one of its extremities, one of the principal bronchi. In this way the endobronchial tube defines in co-operation with the tracheal tube a single air passage. At their external ends, the cited tubes are connectable to an air supply and at their internal ends are provided with sealing members which can be actuated to form a seal with the internal walls of the organs wherein the tubes are inserted. There are also provided stoppers adapted to act between the two tubes, towards the exterior, to prevent external communication with the cited air passage. The cited air passage and the endobronchial tube have substantially equal fluid-dynamic resistances to obtain uniform ventilation of both lungs.

Abstract: A tubing set, the major portions of which are defined from a trilumen section of tubing, comprises three lines including an inflow line, an outflow line and a pressure sensing line. The inflow line includes a header portion engageable about the rollers of a peristaltic pump, a delivery tube mounting a male luer fitting for engagement with a patient cannula, and a pair of clampable supply tubes with bag spikes for communication with saline bags. The pressure sensing line includes a pressure transmitting elongate tubular diaphragm mounted within a fluid chamber directly adjacent the patient end of the line. The pressure transmitting diaphragm communicates with an elongate dry or air tube which, at the remote end, communicates with an appropriate pump-mounted pressure transducer or the like.

Abstract: An improved venous cannula and obturator for interconnecting the superior and the inferior vena cava to the venous return line of a heart-lung machine. The cannula includes a pair of resilient, divergent hollow branches. The branches are of unequal length. The longer branch is to be received within the inferior vena cava and the shorter branch is to be received in the superior vena cava. The open branch ends are thus longitudinally staggered when the branches are clamped together by the obturator to facilitate insertion of the branch ends through a single incision within the atrium and ultimate disposition of the branches in the superior and inferior vena cavae. The obturator includes an elongated rod with a hub having a pair of axial legs to be received within the branches of the cannula. The obturator is provided to be slidably received with minimal frictional resistance within the interior lumen of the cannula and the cannula branches.

Abstract: A fluid collection system includes an input unit having a hollow needle coupled through a section of flexible conduit to an anticoagulant reservoir which is in turn coupled via a second section of hollow conduit to a first sterile connector. A collection container, which can be a dry, flexible, plastic bag, is coupled by a plastic conduit to second and third sterile connectors. The first and second connectors can be joined together and sealed to form a sterile system. A transfer container includes a flexible plastic container coupled via a hollow plastic conduit to a fourth sterile connector. The fourth sterile connector is joinable with the third sterile connector to form a sterile two container system. Fluids collected in the primary container can then be transferred to the secondary container.

Abstract: One end (4a) of a supply tube (4) opening out into the three-way connector is closed by a diaphragm (9) and filled with fresh fluid. This end is situated opposite one end of a duct (3b;36) to which a connection tube (3) is connected, with which it is axially aligned. This duct end has a pointed tip (8; 37) of hard plastic material. The end of the supply tube is axially displaceable in a chamber (2) of the three-way connector. By moving this end toward the tip of the duct end, the diaphragm is pierced by the tip, so that the fresh fluid can flow from the supply tube into the connection tube. One end of a drain tube (5) runs perpendicular to the duct end and opens out in the chamber. This closed three-way connector cannot be contaminated, is easy to use, and is largely proof against incorrect manipulation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods and apparatus for the collection of blood, which are particularly useful for autotransfusion purposes. The apparatus includes a conventional blood transfer bag which is in turn placed in fluid communication with an air-blood separator to form a collection system. This system is particularly adaptable for use in the surgical setting in that it can operate at high vacuum while minimizing hemolysis. This is accomplished by early separation of air from the blood as the blood is collected.The air-blood separator and the interior of the blood bag are placed in communication with a vacuum source. As a result, there is a pressure equalizing feature inherent within the device. This allows the blood to continue to flow through the device into the blood bag without extending or opening the blood bag. As a result, there is minimal air-blood interface as the blood enters the blood bag.

Abstract: A breathing circuit connector for intercoupling between the flexible hoses of an anesthesiology machine and the input connector of an endotracheal tube is disclosed. The breathing circuit connector consists of a hollow body of relatively rigid material having a cylindrical male input section and a cylindrical female output section. A cylindrical bore within the hollow body extends between the cylindrical input and output sections. The bore within the cylindrical output section consists of a series of two or more cylindrical portions having different internal diameters. The internal diameter of the first bore portion adjacent the output end of the cylindrical output section is slightly larger than the internal diameter of the bore portion situated within the cylindrical output section. The breathing circuit connector may be formed as an elbow with the longitudinal axis of the bore of the cylindrical output section being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the cylindrical input section.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a dilating catheter, a guiding catheter, and a length of tubing. The tubing is connected to the guiding catheter, and is pivotable between two positions. In the first position, the proximate end of the tubing is end to end with the tip of the catheter. In the second position, the proximate end of the tubing is adjacent the tip of the guiding catheter. The tubing has a plurality of side holes. A guide wire holds the tubing in the first position. The catheter assembly is inserted into the patient's aorta, while the tubing is in the first position. The guide wire is removed, and the tubing is pivoted to the second position. The proximate end of the tubing and the tip of the guiding catheter are then inserted into an artery. Angiography or angioplasty then proceeds normally.

Abstract: A cholangiography catheter is used in the surgical removal of gall stones so that contrast liquid may be temporarily retained in the location of a patient's bile duct in order to take X-ray pictures of the bile duct. The catheter is a flexible and resilient "T"-shaped member having two air inflatable balloons, each connected in an arm of the catheter. The balloons may be independently inflated to close the drain lumen of the catheter and the bile duct.

Abstract: A flexible T-tube for utilization in surgical procedures and the like includes a flexible crossbar comprising two generally planar and intersecting walls joined at an apex and forming a V-shaped channel communicating with the stem near the center of the apex. The stem has an elliptical outer cross-section near the juncture thereof with the crossbar channel and is aligned such that the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the stem is aligned generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar channel. The walls of the crossbar channel are trimmed prior to insertion into a body duct such that the walls fit generally snugly within the duct.

Abstract: A multiple passage tube connector fitting is provided which includes a pair of connectors each having a passage open at one end. The fitting has a single-piece elastomeric tube adapter and plug device having a coupling element for connecting it to the connector. The device includes a tube adapter having a passage through it which is connected by a flexible strap to the coupling element and is adapted to fit in the passage of the connector. Another plug is connected by a strap to theadapter for closing the adapter passage. The device also has a plug connected to the coupling element by flexible strap for closing the passage of the other connector.

Abstract: A catheter in the form of a flexible T tube for insertion of an end thereof through a natural or incised opening in the body of sufficient length to extend from said opening and an anchoring member attached to the stem of the T tube containing openings for receiving suturing for attaching the anchoring member to the skin at the place of entry of the stem into the opening.

Abstract: An implant device having a passageway and an anchor means for establishing a biological anchor both formed from either pyrolitic carbon disposed or a graphite subtrate or virneous carbon. The passageway having an inlet inclined with respect to the passageway outlet from between 45 and 75 degrees.

Abstract: Solid, soft, penetrable, non-coring material for filling a side-arm injection port of an intravenous tube. The material occludes the injection port or other site where air or administered medications may be trapped in the tubing. The material fills the area that lies out of the main stream of the intravenous infusate while allowing medication injection through the non-coring material. The material also decreases or practically eliminates any weeping from the numerous injections into a port, lessening the chance for sepsis.

Abstract: A bile tube assembly for facilitating passage of bile from a bile duct to an external reservoir and for facilitating introduction of solutions from an external source to the bile duct.