Abstract: A drain for use in medical applications may include an elongated conduit configured to be implanted in a body cavity, wherein the conduit has a proximal end and a distal end. The conduit may include at least one channel configured to drain fluid from the body cavity and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the conduit. The lumen may be at least partially surrounded by the at least one channel and may be separated from the at least one channel by a wall. At least one hole in the wall may be configured to provide fluid communication between the lumen and the at least one channel.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.

Abstract: A safety device in a fluid vent conduit for reducing vacuum level in an aspiration conduit of an ophthalmic surgical system. The device includes an orifice having an inlet for receiving a flow of fluid from an irrigation source. The orifice further has an outlet for directing the flow of fluid into the aspiration conduit. The orifice has a cross-sectional area sufficiently large to ensure an acceptable amount of fluid flows into the aspiration conduit, to reduce the vacuum level in the aspiration conduit, to an acceptable level in an acceptable amount of time and to provide adequate reflux. The cross-section area is sufficiently small to restrict the flow of fluid to allow enough fluid to continue to flow from the irrigation source to a handpiece at a surgical site.

Abstract: An apparatus to control blood flow through an intravenous catheter in accordance with the present invention may include a substantially resilient helical outer shell and an inner valve portion formed therein. The inner valve portion may be configured to open upon compressing the substantially resilient helical outer shell. In some embodiments, the inner valve portion may include mating portions that substantially align to provide fluid leakage therebetween. Compressing the substantially resilient helical outer shell by, for example, inserting a Luer device into a catheter adapter containing the substantially resilient outer shell, may cause the mating portions to misalign, thereby creating a fluid path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for handling a catheter with an elongate valve body (12), a lever arm (26) which is, prestressed by means of a spring element and mounted pivotably on the valve body (12) so as to be pivotable from a first end position into a second end position (34) counter to the prestressing force of the spring element, a pressure piston (24) which is received in the valve body (12) and can be moved in the longitudinal direction by means of the lever arm (26) in order to open a sealing element in the valve body (12) when the lever arm (26) is moved in the direction of the second end position (34), and a catch mechanism (40) which has an arresting arrangement (42) and a catch tongue (50) interacting therewith in order to hold the lever arm (26) in at least one catching position.

Abstract: Novel outdwelling normally closed bulbous medical bidirectional slit valves and outdwelling slit valve assemblies for influent and effluent fluid flow into and from a medical patient are disclosed, as well as related methods.

Abstract: A method of mitigating an intraoperative hypotony condition using experimental calibrations of different infusion cannulas and vitrectomy probes showing the relationship between infusion pressure, cut rate, and intraocular pressure for various levels of aspiration vacuum in an ophthalmic surgical system.

Abstract: A surgical method is provided for diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye. A surgical tool is provided having a hollow support member that supports a portion of an aqueous humor drainage device. The device has an elongate duct structure and preferably at least one fixation member that extends therefrom. The distal end of the hollow support member is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening passing through the sclera. The aqueous humor drainage device is deployed from the hollow support member for placement into the eye. In one embodiment, the fixation member is realized by a tab that is spaced apart from the two ends of the elongate duct structure. In another embodiment, the fixation member is realized by a pair of tines that extend in traverse directions relative to the central axis of the elongate duct structure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, multiple pumps may be used to deliver substances to multiple respective animals. A computer system may send/receive information to/from the pumps (e.g., to control and monitor various aspects of the pumps and/or store information associated with the pump). In some embodiments, the computer system may determine respective controlled delivery rates for the pumps (e.g., based in part on a weight of an animal receiving the substance from the respective pump) and send the determined controlled delivery rates to the respective pumps. The computer system may also receive user identifications from operators controlling a pump (e.g., in response to a pump alarm) and documentation indicators entered by the operator and/or pump to use in documenting pump activity.

Abstract: A gas vent valve assembly may be attached or incorporated to a disposable fluid transfer set used with a fluid warmer to administer an infusate to a patient. The gas vent valve assembly has a housing having a fluid inlet, a gas outlet and a fluid outlet. The gas outlet is located at the top of the housing while the fluid outlet is located at the bottom of the housing. The fluid inlet is located at a side lower portion of the housing. Inside the housing is an actuator float that has an upper seal and a lower seal. The dimension of the float relative to the chamber of the housing is such that the float is freely movable within the housing to an upper position whereby its upper seal closes the gas outlet while the fluid outlet is opened, and to a lower position whereby its lower seal closes the fluid outlet and the gas outlet is opened. The movement of the float is dependent on the respective amounts of air and fluid in the housing, and the buoyancy of the float relative to the fluid in the housing.

Abstract: In one set of embodiments a selected section of tubular stock has its ends welded together to form a pillow-like pressure sensing device with an entry tube and an exit tube each configured to facilitate insertion of the pressure sensing device into the flow path of IV infusate in an IV administration set or system. Fluid pressure in excess of a predetermined amount reconfigures the pressure sensing device from a generally oval configuration to a generally circular configuration to restrict and/or cut off fluid flow into the device while permitting fluid flow from the device to reduce the fluid pressure again reconfiguring the device back to its generally oval configuration and permitting fluid flow into and through the device.

Abstract: A machine for controlling a medical fluid includes a base and an actuator comprising an electroactive polymer and disposed on the base. The actuator is configured for movement between an extended position and a contracted position.

Abstract: A surgical system with a variable controller that allows the user to selectively vary the level of venting performance.

Abstract: A microsurgical system capable of priming its aspiration circuit using a pressurized gas source, a pressurized infusion fluid source, an aspiration chamber fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas source and the pressurized infusion fluid source, and a computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical system 10 for aspiration of a biological material comprising a source of irrigation fluid 24, a collection cassette 30, a pump 40 for creating a vacuum in the collection cassette 30, a handpiece 50 applied to a surgical area for infusing irrigation fluid and for aspirating a biological material, conduits 60 and 62 connecting the handpiece to each of the source of irrigation fluid and the collection cassette, and means 70 for stopping the pump and preventing creation of vacuum within the conduit 62 and collection cassette 30 after receiving a stop signal.

Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.

Abstract: A system and method for balancing flows of renal replacement fluid is disclosed. The method uses pressure controls and pressure sensing devices to more precisely meter and balance the flow of fresh dialysate and spent dialysate. The balancing system may use one or two balancing devices, such as a balance tube, a tortuous path, or a balance chamber.

Abstract: A microsurgical system capable of controlling aspiration via a vacuum control mode, a suction control mode, or a flow control mode.

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: A dual pump irrigation/aspiration pump system capable of operating in a plurality of different modes suitable for a variety of different endoscopic surgical procedures. The system monitors actual or calculated intra-articular pressure and adjusts flow to maintain surgeon requested pressure at the surgical site while controlling outflow. The irrigation/aspiration pump system has an inflow pump and tubing dedicated to communicating fluid to the surgical work site and an outflow pump and tubing dedicated to removing fluid from the work site at a controlled rate. The system further has different size inflow and outflow pumps and tubing cassettes, a subsystem for altering the outflow fluid flow rate to accommodate a surgical tool and a subsystem for declogging the surgical tool in the event of blockage. In a preferred embodiment a pressure control system provides inferred pressure information representative of the pressure at the work site.

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: A cassette for a heated fluid ablation system, comprises a fluid supply lumen receiving an ablation fluid from an external fluid source and a fluid chamber containing a therapeutic agent in combination with an impeller pumping the ablation fluid out of the cassette via to a fluid delivery lumen when the cassette is in a first configuration and pumping the therapeutic agent out of the cassette via the fluid delivery lumen when the cassette is in a second configuration.

Abstract: The disclosed connector to cassette interface system includes a set of individual keyed connectors having a shroud on the lower portion. The perimeter of each shroud includes an array of tabs or protrusions keyed to one of a corresponding array of skirted portals in the cassette cover. The tabs or protrusions on the shroud portion of each individual keyed connector may further serve to prevent rotation of each connector beyond about 60°.

Abstract: A disposable pumping cassette in one embodiment includes a pump chamber; and a valve chamber in communication with the pump chamber, the valve chamber including an inlet and first and second outlets. A disposable pumping cassette in another embodiment includes a first valve chamber including an inlet and first and second outlets; and a second valve chamber including an inlet and an outlet, the second valve chamber openable to allow dialysis fluid to flow through one of the first and second outlets of the first valve chamber, through the outlet of the second valve chamber. A disposable pumping cassette in a further embodiment includes a valve chamber including a fluid inlet and first and second fluid outlets; and a flexible sheet openable to open and close only one of the first and second outlets.

Abstract: A dialysis fluid flow control system includes a pumping cassette interface including a pump area operable with a pump chamber of a disposable cassette; the cassette interface further including a volumetric reference chamber used in a volumetric control of a dialysis fluid pumped pneumatically into and out of the pump chamber of the disposable cassette; a heater connected operably to the cassette interface; and a controller connected operably to the heater so as to cause the heater to heat at least a portion of the cassette interface to a desired temperature.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement has a housing and a needle located within the housing. The arrangement allows administration ports of different sizes to be inserted into and secured within the housing. In certain embodiments, compliant retainers secure the administration port within the housing. In certain other embodiments, the administration port is secured within the housing when the housing is compressed against the administration port by a housing compression element. Once the administration port is secured within the housing, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the attachment device and the administration port.

Abstract: A single-use system for separating blood and producing platelet concentrates includes an elongated container for receiving blood from a patient. The container has a movable plunger mounted within the blood container for expressing blood fractions separated during centrifugation of the container through a first port mounted at one end of said container, a second port mounted on the plunger, and a third port mounted on a plunger rod attached to the plunger.

Abstract: A means of tightly controlling blood pressure in the acute care setting is elusive. Presently, the bedside nurse manages the rate of the intravenous blood pressure medication being infused. The invention seeks to allow continuous polling of the blood pressure, through telemetry monitoring, and adjust the rate of the intravenous antihypertensive nitroglycerin. The method algorithm allows for a set point of either mean arterial pressure (MAP) or systolic blood pressure (SBP) to be input. The nitroglycerin drip rate is then adjusted to maintain the set parameter range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading a patient connector for peritoneal dialysis with a closure plug. To permit an arbitrary number of disconnection/connection procedures with patient connectors that insert a sterile closure plug into the patient's abdominal connector during disconnection, a device for loading a patient connector for peritoneal dialysis with a closure plug is suggested, said device consisting of a housing containing a closure plug and of means for transferring the closure plug out of the device and into a patient connector. A device of this kind permits loading, under sterile conditions, of a patient connector whose closure plug has already been used with a new closure plug. By loading a new closure plug of the kind known from DE 198 14 047 C1, the push-button with which the closure plug is inserted is returned to its starting position, so that the patient connector is again available for a connection/disconnection procedure.

Abstract: A method for delivering a fluid to an animal with a drug delivery device without causing contamination to the drug delivery device. The drug delivery device used by the method may comprise a fluid subsystem with a switching device, disposable syringes, fluid reservoirs, disposable tubing, and a catheter. In one embodiment, the method allows a user to deliver multiple drugs to an animal without contaminating the valves that control the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A valve for facilitating the introduction of fluids into or withdrawal of fluids from the vascular system of an animal, including a human animal, which connects to a natural or artificial blood vessel to allow access to blood in the vascular system without the need to additionally puncture the skin with needles. The valve will often be connected to a pre-installed fistula interconnecting natural blood vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device having an elongate body with both a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body defines an intake lumen and an exhaust lumen. The medical device also has a first pliable element defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, with the cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the intake lumen and the exhaust lumen. A second pliable element is provided which at least partially encloses the first pliable element, thereby defining a junction between the first and second pliable element. Moreover, a check valve is included which is in fluid communication with the junction between the first pliable element and second pliable element, the valve further being in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen. In addition, the medical device may include sensors or other monitoring means in fluid communication with the junction and the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A rigid support element for an infusion line for medical use has a first and second portion rigidly connected to each other and capable of holding a first length of tubing. The first portion incorporates a continuous separator for separating fluid into a gaseous portion and a liquid. This separator has a containing body formed on a support element and a pair of membranes, one hydrophobic and one hydrophilic, interacting with each other.

Abstract: To alleviate the spillage of formula from a nasal-gastric tube, a small (5 cc size) constant diameter barrel having a side arm is inserted into the N-G tube. The equal sized open ends of the barrel are closed with a membrane that allows air to pass through but is impervious to liquids. The barrel is made of clear nylon material approved by the FDA for contact with formula for the baby.

Abstract: A dual pump irrigation/aspiration pump system capable of operating in a plurality of different modes suitable for a variety of different endoscopic surgical procedures. The system monitors actual or calculated intra-articular pressure and adjusts flow to maintain surgeon requested pressure at the surgical site while controlling outflow. The irrigation/aspiration pump system has an inflow pump and tubing dedicated to communicating fluid to the surgical work site and an outflow pump and tubing dedicated to removing fluid from the work site at a controlled rate. The system further has different size inflow and outflow pumps and tubing cassettes, means for altering the outflow fluid flow rate to accommodate a surgical tool and a means for declogging the surgical tool in the event of blockage. In a preferred embodiment a pressure control system provides inferred pressure information representative of the pressure at the work site.

Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration system is disclosed. The system can be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially or concurrently. The system can be configured to aspirate and irrigate the nasal cavity. The system can be manually controlled. The system can have removable and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant.

Abstract: A dual pump irrigation/aspiration pump system capable of operating in a plurality of different modes suitable for a variety of different endoscopic surgical procedures. The system monitors actual or calculated intra-articular pressure and adjusts flow to maintain surgeon requested pressure at the surgical site while controlling outflow. The irrigation/aspiration pump system has an inflow pump and tubing dedicated to communicating fluid to the surgical work site and an outflow pump and tubing dedicated to removing fluid from the work site at a controlled rate. The system further has different size inflow and outflow pumps and tubing cassettes, means for altering the outflow fluid flow rate to accommodate a surgical tool and a means for declogging the surgical tool in the event of blockage. In a preferred embodiment a pressure control system provides inferred pressure information representative of the pressure at the work site.

Abstract: A system for dispensing irrigation fluids, including a hand operated dispensing unit connected through a continuous length of multi-tube conduit to a mobile reservoir cart. The dispensing unit is constructed of disposable materials. The conduit system is uninterrupted to provide a sealed delivery of the irrigating fluids to the dispensing unit. Flow control is through a trigger mechanism on the handheld unit, as well as a plurality of individual on/off valves. A variety of nozzles are provided including devices for flushing and/or debriding. The reservoir unit includes disposable containers for the variety of irrigation fluids that are positioned in place and connected to the tubing conduit that extends to the handheld unit. A fluid heating unit may optionally be incorporated. Rotary tube pumps provide a nearly continuous flow of fluid and are capable of continuous operation even with back pressure due to flow stoppage at the handheld unit.

Abstract: A disposable flow set for use with a pump includes a first administration tube, at least one tube-segment having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the first administration tube, a second administration tube connected to the second end of the at least one tube-segment; and an identifying key member connected to the at least one tube-segment. The identifying key member includes a number of teeth that define a unique code, including a combination of location and width. The teeth fit into compatible niches located in the pump.

Abstract: A disposable cassette that is configured as a replaceable component of an analysis instrument has integrated therein a sample inlet and fluid paths. At least one container with a liquid, for example a calibration fluid, and at least one waste container are integrated in the disposable cassette.

Abstract: A self-occluding catheter includes a body portion for connection to extracorporeal equipment. An elongated tubular extension is provided for insertion into a body cavity. The body portion includes a resiliently biased spool supported therein which is slidable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting and stopping the flow of blood through the catheter during a given medical procedure. The biasing device for resilient biasing the spool preferably comprises one or more magnets fixed within the body portion which generate a magnetic force for urging the magnetically polarized spool to its closed position.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treatment of an eye alter aspiration flow from the eye in response to an occlusion of the aspiration conduit pathway. Where aspiration is drawn from the eye using a volumetric pump, the pump can be reversed so as to induce fluid reflux from the aspiration conduit pathway into the eye to help clear the occlusion. The pump may vary the reverse flow in response to sensed aspiration pressure or the like, and the reverse flow may be halted before the pressure within the aspiration conduit pathway adjacent the eye significantly exceeds the irrigation fluid pressure and/or the pressure within the eye. Reflux may alternatively be generated by modulating a vent valve disposed between an irrigation conduit pathway and the aspiration conduit pathway.

Abstract: An eye treatment system is configured for performing an ocular surgical procedure and includes an eye treatment probe, a treatment console including a controller, and an eye treatment cassette for coupling the eye treatment probe with the treatment console. The eye treatment probe is configured to provide at least irrigation fluid to, and aspiration of fluid from, a subject eye. The cassette comprises a cassette body, first and second arcuate ramps, and a holding tank. The cassette has an engagement axis along which elements of the cassette are configured to generally engage with mating elements of the treatment console. The cassette's first arcuate ramp is proximal a first fluidics channel configured to form a first volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console. Also the cassette's second arcuate ramp is proximal a second fluidics channel configured to form a second volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console.

Abstract: An eye treatment system includes an eye treatment probe and a console. The console has a cassette receptacle and a fluid drive system including a first peristaltic drive rotor and a second peristaltic drive rotor. The first and second drive rotors are exposed to the receptacle and are substantially coaxial. The cassette includes a cassette body and a fluid pathway network for coupling the fluid drive system of the console with the probe. The cassette body has cassette positioning surface for fittingly engaging the receptacle. The fluid pathway network has a first resilient tubing segment and a second resilient tubing segment, the first and second tubing segments are configured for peristaltic driving engagement by the first and second rotors, respectively, when the cassette is mounted to the console. Various elements of the cassette are configured for interfacing with the components of the console when the cassette is mounted to the console.

Abstract: A tissue cassette assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein, and a compressible reservoir disposed partially or wholly inside of, or otherwise attached in fluid communication with, the housing recess, the compressible reservoir containing a tissue embedding material. The tissue cassette further includes a port disposed in the housing, the port in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir at one end and terminating in a sample cavity at another end. During operation, the compressible reservoir is compressed or squeezed to release the tissue embedding material into the sample cavity containing the biological sample.

Abstract: A surgical cassette have a rigid fluid channel formed into a rigid plastic component or housing. The piezoelectric crystals of an ultrasonic flow meter are positioned on one side of the fluid channel. The side wall of the fluid channel opposite the piezoelectric crystals is exposed to fluid in the flow channel on its interior side and is exposed to ambient air on its exterior side. The interface between the wall and the air acts as an acoustic reflector for the operation of the ultrasonic flow meter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, method, system and kit for receiving effluent from an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device, method, system and kit for collecting effluent from an individual during a medical or diagnostic procedure including but not limited to, imaging or viewing one or more sections of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. In another alternative embodiment, the effluent is collected in a hollow area in order to prevent the effluent form contaminating a component, device or apparatus used in connection with the medical or diagnostic procedure.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector assembly can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract: A suction adapter for use with first and second medical devices capable of accommodating suction, the adapter including a manifold having at least three ports and a flexible flow valve. The ports may include: a suction port configured for connecting to a suction source; a first device port configured for accommodating a first medical device, preferably an endoscope; and a second device port configured for accommodating a second medical device, preferably a suction biopsy device. The flexible flow valve has at least one opening and may be located between the first device port and both the second device port and the suction port.

Abstract: A syringe and detachable needle assembly having reduced dead space features includes an elongate syringe barrel having open distal end including a collar and a distally facing annular surface projecting inwardly from the collar. A needle assembly includes a hub having a proximally facing annular surface and an outwardly projecting annular sealing ring positioned distally from the surface. The needle assembly also includes a cannula having a lumen therethrough connected to the distal end of the hub. Structure is provided for engaging the hub to the barrel resulting in the annular surface of the barrel contacting the annular surface of the hub to form a primary seal between said barrel and said hub and the annular sealing ring contacting the collar to form a secondary seal between the barrel and the hub.