Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating a body joint wound subsequent to surgical intervention. An infusion tube is insertable into the wound for transporting a prepared solution to the joint. A second tube is insertable into the wound for transport of fluid removed from the joint. A vacuum device is coupled to the second tube. Suction is automatically turned on to evacuate the wound for a prescribed period of time and then stopped for another prescribed period of time. The on and off cycle may be repetitive. During the entire period, the prepared solution is constantly infused. The infusion tube and evacuation tube are isolated from each other so that no contaminants can be infused. A plurality of preadjusted suction duty cycles are available, from which one may be selected as appropriate for the type of wound to be treated.

Abstract: A cassette configuration, operative parts of which may be disposable or resterilizable, is configured with an adapter that may be mounted within the cassette receiving portal of a console that uses a peristaltic pump spaced apart from actuator and vent controls to engage the lower end wall of a cassette. The adapter is asymmetrically mounted in the available space, and allows a tubing loop from one side of a cassette inserted under it to be threaded through the peristaltic pump and to be seated in a bore in the adapter on the opposite side. A lower edge of the cassette fits into an interface slot in the console, and the interior tubing configuration enables clamping of irrigation and vent lines, while providing aspiration and irrigation flows to and from a handpiece. Within the cassette or in the console, flow control elements are provided to enable alternative venting of either air or fluid into the aspiration system to prevent excessive suction at the operative site.

Abstract: A reperfusion device for reperfusion of a blood vessel. Blood is withdrawn from a patient and is metered into a first compressible bag. The first bag is connected with a second compressible bag. Compression of the first bag transfers blood from the first bag to the second bag. The second bag is connected with a supply container for metered supply of reperfusion liquid which is mixed with the blood that enters the second bag. The mixture of blood and reperfusion liquid is transferred in a metered amount from the second bag through a reperfusion catheter into a blood vessel by compressing the second bag. The bags are compressed either manually or by a respective pressure cuffs. Hose clamps are provided on the tubing between the bags and on the reperfusion catheter. Meters measure and indicate the flow into and out of each of the bags and through the reperfusion catheter.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system which includes a disposable assembly. The system includes a disposable assembly that has integral fluid passageways. A blood removal conduit and a blood return conduit are interconnected with the integral fluid passageways. A diaphragm is mounted in the disposable assembly and is removably attachable to a sensor via a number of alternative connection devices. In one embodiment, the sensor may include a transducer that is capable of measuring the force exerted on the diaphragm. The corresponding force may be correlated to a pressure of fluid in either the blood removal conduit and/or the blood return conduit.

Abstract: Multipurpose fluid applicators, particularly suitable for surgical purposes, are disclosed. The applicators are specifically designed for dispensing various combinations of sterile pressurized gas, suction, irrigation and sealant agents, including a mixed liquid sealant agent. Preferred embodiments employ a dual-acting valve selectively to control the flow of gas or suction which valve is capable of simultaneously varying flow from a source and the venting of that flow to atmosphere.

Abstract: Transdermal administration of fenoldopam, both the racemic mixture and the active R-fenoldopam enantiomer, is described. Also described are transdermal patches for therapeutically effective transdermal administration of racemic fenoldopam and its active R-fenoldopam enantiomer to a subject in need of treatment for impaired renal function or hypertension.

Abstract: A backflow prevention structure, which is to be connected to a liquid medicine inlet of a liquid medicine injection device for injecting a liquid medicine in a liquid medicine retaining vessel of the liquid medicine injection device into a body part, includes a backflow prevention valve element provided at the liquid medicine inlet for preventing backflow of the liquid medicine from the liquid medicine retaining vessel. The backflow prevention valve element has a beaklike nonreturn valve and an annular valve and the liquid medicine is introduced into the liquid medicine retaining vessel through the beaklike nonreturn valve, and the liquid medicine in the liquid medicine retaining vessel is allowed to flow in a reverse direction via the annular valve when a negative pressure is produced on one side of the backflow prevention valve element opposite to the liquid medicine retaining vessel.

Abstract: A valve device is disclosed which is incorporated into the lower portion of a drip chamber for preventing the free flow of fluid through a tube assembly when the tube assembly is disengaged from a pump of a fluid administration system, while permitting fluid flow when the tube assembly is engaged around a rotor of the pump. The valve device comprises a valve body having a top component sealingly engaged with a bottom component. The top component is integrally formed with the lower portion of the drip chamber and defines a plurality of axial fluid passageways formed around a stationary plunger which seals against a opening formed at the upper portion of the bottom component. The opening is in communication with a lumen that extends into a hollow tube assembly which is attached to the bottom component of the valve body.

Abstract: Methods, kits, and apparatus for obtaining cellular, chemical, and other materials from breast ducts are described. A single milk duct is accessed and washed with a washing fluid to obtain marker materials from the lining the duct. The washing fluid is then collected, and the marker materials in the washing fluid identified and analyzed. Usually, the washing fluid is introduced using a syringe through a lumen of a dual-lumen catheter. The ductal volume is filled with the washing fluid and excess fluid flows outwardly through a second lumen of the dual-lumen catheter, from which it is collected.

Abstract: A glaucoma filtration implant is constituted by a generally tubular body section having an oblong external diameter formed of a continuous convex curve. The device preferably has flow resistance structure provided by a portion of the internal lumen having a reduced diameter. The flow resistance structure may have a length of up to 5000 &mgr;m and a diameter in the range 15 to 50 &mgr;m, the diameter being selected so as to achieve a pressure drop along the flow resistance structure in the range 5 to 15 mm Hg. The internal conduit for liquid flow also may include a removable flow inhibitor, which can be removed after implantation by a laser, such as an ophthalmic YAG laser. The device is made of biocompatible materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for total intravenous anesthesia includes at least one supply and infusion pump for an intravenous anesthesia agent carried by the apparatus housing, and at least one monitor for monitoring the characteristics of the patient during the total intravenous anesthesia. The at least one intravenous anesthesia agent preferably includes a first intravenous anesthesia agent, and more preferably, an analgesic, having a relatively quick offset so that the effects wears off relatively quickly upon stopping intravenous infusion. For monitoring the patient, the apparatus preferably includes at least one of an electrocardiogram, a blood oxygen monitor, a blood carbon dioxide monitor, inspiration/expiration oxygen, inspiration/expiration carbon dioxide, a blood pressure monitor, a pulse rate monitor, a respiration rate monitor, and a patient temperature monitor, for example. The first intravenous anesthesia agent may be an esterase metabolized opioid, such as remifentanil.

Abstract: An improved catheter includes a double spiral configuration of infusion holes around the circumference and along the length of the catheter which provides an improved lateral dispersion of a thrombolytic fluid to more completely and quickly lyse a clot through which the catheter is passing. The double spiral configuration consists of groups or sets of infusion holes, typically groups of four. The holes in each set are longitudinally spaced from each other at substantially regular intervals along the length of the catheter. Each successive hole in a given group is circumferentially spaced by an angular distance of about 90° around the circumference of the catheter relative to the immediately preceding hole. Each group of holes is circumferentially spaced or offset by an angular distance of between 1° and 89° relative to the immediately preceding group of holes. Typically, the angular spacing between successive groups of holes is 18°.

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: A surgical irrigation system utilizing a flow sensor device; upon sensing fluid flow, the flow sensor device activates a fluid acceleration or pumping mechanism to pump fluid to a surgical site; the flow sensor device is capable of being conveniently located between an elevated source of fluid and a surgical handpiece; since the flow sensor device activates the pumping mechanism, the surgical handpiece is liberated from use of an electrical-type switch to activate the pumping mechanism, and, instead, is provided with a valve for mechanically starting and stopping fluid flow.

Abstract: A cassette for controlling the flow of IV fluid from a patient to a source. The cassette preferably includes, along the fluid passage through the cassette, first and second membrane-based valves (6, 7) on either side of a pressure-conduction chamber (50), and a stopcock-type valve (20). The stopcock valve is preferably located downstream of the second membrane-based valve (7), which is preferably located downstream of the pressure-conduction chamber (50). The membrane defining the valving chamber of the second membrane-based valve (7) is preferably large and resilient, so that the valving chamber (75) may provide a supply of pressurized intravenous fluid to the patient, when the valve is closed and the stopcock valve provides a restriction downstream of the valve. The pressure-conduction chamber (50) preferably has a membrane (41) that is stable in the empty-chamber position but relatively unstable in the filled-chamber position.

Abstract: An advanced osseous or periosseous dental anesthetic method involving apparatus for motorized injection of anesthetic liquids at a low and extended volumetric rate. The anesthetic is injected at a low and extended volumetric rate adjacent or directly into the osseous without pain or danger to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument for the removal of fragmented tissues and fluids from a patient through a small incision is disclosed. The instrument utilizes a source of suction and a source of irrigating fluid which suspends and dilutes the fragmented tissues and also provides a pressure vent to improve the speed and thoroughness of the procedure. A multi-lumen cannula is used to deliver the irrigating fluid to the operative site, to vent the operative site, and to remove the fragmented tissue and fluids from the operative site.

Abstract: A hydraulic catheter which uses a deflected jet to entrain thrombus into a discharge lumen. Multiple energy sources including ultra sonic mechanical and optical energy may be used with the deflected jet energy.

Abstract: A treatment catheter such as used for delivering a stent that includes a lumen for conducting contrast medium therethrough and shaped ports for vectoring contrast medium expelled therefrom toward the treatment site.

Abstract: A pump assembly for ambulatory peritoneal dialysis transfer procedures includes a portable power supply geared to drive a high-volume peristaltic pump. A cassette of the pump comprises an encasement; tubing including an inner portion positioned within the encasement, a patient-side portion for connection to an indwelling peritoneal dialysis catheter and an opposing portion connectable to a system for containment and communication of a peritoneal dialysis solution which may be one single-compartment bag assembly; a safety valve for selectively occluding and permitting the communication of the solution through the inner portion; and a filter preferably interposed along the patient-side portion which filters air and particles from peritoneal dialysate that is flowing toward a patient and which allows peritoneal dialysate to flow substantially freely and unfiltered away from the patient.

Abstract: In an apparatus for guiding a medical probe into body cavities, a handle housing is provided consisting of inner, upper and lower modules. The inner module comprises a rinsing liquid supply and suctioning hose assembly, which can be removed and discarded after use. The lower housing part includes probe support and guide structures and the upper housing part includes operating slide members engaging the hoses of the hose assembly for controlling the flow through the hoses. It also includes means extending through the inner module and engaging the probe support in the lower module for axially moving the probe support and the probe retained therein. A two-lumina shaft extends from the apparatus in alignment with the probe and receives the probe, and flow communication structures are provided for interconnecting the two hoses with the lumina in the shaft.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a slit valve catheter has a generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surface exposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. The catheter further includes a valve which has a protuberance projecting radially from the catheter body.

Abstract: An apparatus for flushing a vascular catheter. Inlet and outlet passages extending from inlet and outlet ports, respectively, are selectably in communication with one another via a manually operable member cooperating with a sealing member and biased toward a closed position. Mechanisms for continuously and periodically flushing the catheter are incorporated.

Abstract: A breast pump for pumping milk from a woman's breast comprises a breast hood to be applied onto the woman's breast. A suction chamber communicates with said breast hood, and a suction pump communicates with the suction chamber. A milk collecting vessel or other space receives the milk that is pumped from the woman's breast. Between said suction chamber and the milk collecting means is a check valve. In communication with the suction chamber and the suction pump is an overflow protection for protecting the suction pump from being flooded by an excess of milk. The overflow protection comprises an valve housing elongated along a longitudinal axis. The housing has two opposing end walls, a first one of which including an entrance opening nearer to the suction chamber, the second end wall defining an outlet opening nearer to the suction pump. Within the valve housing is an elongated valve body movable along the longitudinal axis of the housing and is provided with an impact surface opposite the entrance opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing retrograde perfusion, especially during cardiopulmonary bypass operations, including dedicated pediatric scaled apparatus for retrograde perfusion of an adult human organ, organ system, or limb, especially the brain, employing small scale oxygenators and heat exchangers such as are designed for pediatric surgery; also including methods and apparatus for retrograde cerebral perfusion, using nonselective infravalvular cannulation of the superior vena cava, estimating the efficacy of cerebral perfusion by monitoring fluid flow across a valve of an internal jugular vein, modification of inflow pressure and administration of pharmacologic agents, and increasing fluid flow into a brain by occlusion of an inferior vena cava distal to its junction with an azygos vein.

Abstract: A portable apparatus (51) for delivering a colonic lavage to a patient includes a portable frame (52) preferably constructed of tubing, a lavage liquid reservoir (71) and a waste reservoir (72) both stowable in the frame (52), a speculum (78) for delivering the lavage liquid to the interior of a colon and for receiving waste from the colon, a waste conduit (88) communicating at one end with the speculum (78) and at another end with the waste reservoir (72), and a first sphincter valve (87) selectively opening and closing the waste conduit (88). A pump (66) housed in the frame (52) delivers the lavage liquid from an interior cavity of the frame (52) to the speculum (78) via a delivery conduit (91) coupling the speculum (78) with a pump tube (102) communicating with the pump (66). A regulator valve assembly (58) communicates with the pump tube (102) and ensures that the lavage liquid is never delivered to the colon above a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An IV set includes a drip chamber having a top end and a bottom end. A spikeless connector covers the top end, and an IV tube is connected to the bottom end of the drip chamber. The end of the IV tube opposite the drip chamber is engaged with a needleless/spikeless connector. Thereby, a needleless/spikeless IV set is rendered. A reflux valve including a deformable valve member and reciprocating valve element is also disclosed for use in conjunction with the needleless/spikeless IV connectors.

Abstract: A manifold has a manifold body defining a fluid flow pathway therethrough. The manifold body has a plurality of valves, at least one of which is a check valve. The manifold is coupled at one end to a syringe or other fluid delivery means and to an opposing end to a catheter or other fluid receiving means. By being positioned within the manifold body, the check valve is reinforced and stabilized within the manifold.

Abstract: A drip chamber for an intravenous fluid delivery system includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, the inlet and outlet ports each having an inner diameter, and the housing defining a chamber between the inlet and outlet ports. The housing configured to channel intravenous fluid in a flow path from the inlet port through the chamber and to the outlet port. A member supported in the chamber between the inlet and outlet ports is positioned so that the intravenous fluid flowing through the chamber impinges against the member to reduce the velocity of the intravenous fluid and minimize formation of air bubbles in the intravenous fluid. The inner diameter of the inlet port being substantially equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the outlet port, such that a flow rate of the intravenous fluid exiting the outlet port is substantially equal to or less than a flow rate of the intravenous fluid entering the inlet port.

Abstract: A surgically implantable shunt system 20 is provided for controlling fluid flow from a relatively high pressure region to a low pressure region. The system 20 includes a rigid housing 22 defining a sealed chamber 24 therewithin, the housing 22 having an inlet port 26 in fluid communication with the high pressure region, and an outlet port 28 in fluid communication with the low pressure region. A conduit 44 extends through the housing 22 from the inlet port 26 to the outlet port 28 and includes a valve 46 disposed within the sealed chamber 24. The valve 46 regulates fluid flow from the high pressure region to the low pressure region, wherein operation of the valve 46 is dependent upon a pressure P.sub.c external to the conduit 44 and within the sealed chamber 24, and is not susceptible to changes in pressure outside the housing 22.

Abstract: A two-part electrotransport drug delivery device (20) is comprised of a controller (22) which has a plurality of different electronic outputs. The controller (22) is adapted to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a plurality of different drug-containing units (24). Each drug unit (24) includes a means (40, 42, Rx, Cx) for signaling the controller (22). The signal is read by the controller (22) and a predetermined electronic output is thereby selected and applied through the drug unit (24) in order to deliver the drug contained therein by electrotransport. The signal sent by the drug unit (24) to the controller (22) may be an optical signal (e.g., reflected light), a signal sent by an electro-mechanical connector, an electrical signal (e.g., resistance or capacitance), a magnetic signal or a metal detector sensing signal.

Abstract: An ophthalmic irrigation/aspiration system that permits selection among or between various venting modes.

Abstract: An IV port body defining an IV port includes a valve body configured as a luer fitting, and a movable valve member defining an outer periphery that is uninterrupted within the periphery is disposed in the valve body. The valve member is biased to a first configuration, wherein a passageway for fluid communication is not established through the valve body. Also, the valve member can be moved to a second configuration, wherein fluid communication through the body is permitted.

Abstract: A catheter device regulates fluid flow within a circulatory vessel. Included is an elongated catheter body configured to access one of a circulatory vessel or a heart chamber. The catheter body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen including an open proximal end and a distal end with a port formed at a distal portion of the distal end. An antegrade valve is coupled to an exterior of the catheter body and configured to provide a controllable antegrade flow and a controllable retrograde flow along the exterior of the catheter body. The antegrade flow is greater than the retrograde flow. A retrograde valve may be included which provides a controllable retrograde and antegrade flow along the exterior of the catheter body. When a retrograde valve is used, the retrograde flow is greater than the antegrade flow.

Abstract: Fluid management apparatus for a surgical instrument having fluid irrigation and aspiration lines includes a console having an aspiration pump and housing having a longitudinal axis. A chamber is disposed in the housing having an aspiration fluid inlet and aspiration fluid outlet, with the outlet being disposed along the longitudinal axis and connected to the aspiration pump. A frame is proved for engaging and holding the housing of the console with a longitudinal axis in a generally vertical orientation for preventing accumulation of gas within the chamber. In addition, a chamber inlet is disposed along a chamber perimeter in order to cause circulation of introduced fluid within the chamber to inhibit settling of particulate material within the chamber.

Abstract: A syringe pump infusion control set (10) includes a high cracking bottle port check valve (22) and a low cracking patient port check valve (50) by which to selectively and automatically couple a syringe (40) to the fluid source (36) and the patient (58) with proper dynamic response for an injection from the syringe (40).

Abstract: A cassette having, in a first embodiment, a series of break-off, prismatic tabs integrally formed in the cassette that can be optically sensed by the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A contrast medium injector for injecting a patient with contrast medium for a CT scan is programmed to provide an injection protocol that is a representation of an ideally defined exponential curve with an initial injection rate decaying at an exponential rate. This has been found to produce a uniform vascular enhancement for the scanning of a patient's blood vessels. The particular exponential decay coefficient which has been found to be optimal is directly proportional to the cardiac output divided by the patient's weight and is approximated at 0.01 for a typical human.

Abstract: An automated injection module is comprised of a housing, a piston drug capsule disposed within the housing, a piston core including a puncture seal membrane defining a reservoir for holding a drug between the puncture seal membrane and the piston drug capsule, an injection device having at least one sharp end for puncturing the puncture seal upon activation of the device, an end cap on a distal end of the housing, and a pressure source on a proximal end of the housing. The pressure source is preferably a propellant that ignites and forces the piston toward the distal end. Substantially simultaneously, the injection device pierces the puncture seal membrane, the piston core is forced into the piston drug capsule, and the drug is evacuated from the reservoir through the injection device and into a patient.

Abstract: A measure obtained by a counting circuit (2) is converted by a processing circuit (3) to an indication angle signal at a predetermined conversion cycle. A smoothing circuit (4) comprises a division circuit (11) for calculating the difference between the previous indication angle data .theta..sub.0 and the present indication angle data .theta..sub.1 which is outputted after the conversion cycle T and has changed, and sequentially accumulating the angle data corresponding to T/n (where n is an integer of 2 or more) shorter than the conversion cycle T at a division cycle T/n and a voltage memory (12) for converting and outputting a two-phase driving signal for driving a stepper motor type measuring instrument (6) on the basis of the indication angle data .theta..sub.i outputted from the division circuit (11) every division cycle T/n. A voltage signal is generated through an output circuit (5) for converting the signal to a voltage signal to be applied to a two-phase excitation coil of a stepper motor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for harvesting adipose tissue so as to preserve an increased population of viable microvascular endothelial cells. Adipose tissue containing microvascular endothelial cells is harvested using a collection apparatus incorporating an elongate cannula having apertures with tissue cutting edges. A sub-ambient pressure is applied to a lumen in the cannula to draw the adipose tissue through the aperture where it is then severed using the cutting edge to disrupt the connective adipose matrix. This harvesting provides a cleaner, more homogeneous sample of adipose tissue, thereby increasing the population of viable microvascular endothelial cells obtained through further processing. Rapid and easy methods for the further homogenization of the harvested adipose tissue are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a pair of diaphragms, tube connectors, pump chambers, channel paths, and valves. A disposable dialysate delivery set for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a cassette, multiple liquid flow paths, multiple valves, tube connectors, and disposable flexible plastic tubes to convey dialysate to and from the patient and other locations within the system. A system for performing peritoneal dialysis includes disposable supply containers of fresh dialysate, a cassette including a pump, a disposable heater container, and conduits for carrying fresh dialysate and carrying heated dialysate.

Abstract: A flow through bubble trap for fluid flow lines comprises a chamber having a substantially flat, lateral side, a first port tube, and a second, opposed port tube. A flow directing baffle system is positioned in the chamber to direct incoming fluid from one of the port tubes into a first, lateral flow direction to allow substantially horizontal fluid flow circulation in the chamber. Fluid flow from the circulating fluid in the chamber enters into the other of the port tubes in a lateral flow direction that is generally the same as the first lateral flow direction, while the baffle system prevents direct flow between the first and second port tubes. The chamber is adaptable to fit with a large variety of conventional dialysis machines and the like, having multi-purpose supplemental access ports, for a simplification of the number of codes necessary for product distribution.

Abstract: An improved aortic cannula is formed from a cannula body and a tip provided on the distal end of the cannula body wherein the tip is designed to accommodate the fluid flow requirements of an extracorporeal bypass system while simultaneously minimizing any possible adverse impact of the cannula and fluid flow on the vessel in which the cannula is received. The tip has an axial fluid discharge aperture provided at the distal end thereof through which a portion of the fluid exiting the cannula flows. In addition, at least one lateral fluid discharge aperture is provided in the sidewall of the tip. A scoop or other diverting member is formed in the sidewall to direct a portion of the fluid flowing through the tip to exit the cannula through the lateral fluid discharge apertures.

Abstract: A synchronous vitreous lavage device for ophthalmology includes a platform, a pair of main and auxiliary supporters, a pair of guiding arms, a movable seat and a pair of clamps. When the movable seat moves in the direction of the guiding arms, the lavage device simultaneously drains bloody water from an eyeball and injects lavage water into the eyeball by means of two syringes. The bloody water in the eyeball can be easily removed from the eyeball at a cheap cost. An ophthalmologic lavaging system is formed by connecting two regulating syringes through two three-way valves to the lavage device.

Abstract: A flow set which enables the sequential administration of two liquids from a pair of containers to a patient. The flow set has a pair of valve assemblies each in communication with a container. Each valve assembly has three ports communicating through a communication chamber; an inlet port being sealed with a first one-way valve allowing flow of liquid through it only into the chamber, an outlet port being sealed with a second one-way valve allowing flow of liquid through it only out of the chamber, and a pump communication port. A pair of inlet tubing segments each connect a container to the inlet port of a valve assembly. A connecting tubing segment connects the pump communicating ports of the two valve assemblies. An outlet tubing segment connects to the outlet port of each valve assembly for delivery of the liquid to the patient. A pump is connected to the connecting tubing segment. By reversing the pumping direction of the pump, liquid may be sequentially draw from one container or the other.

Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a slit valve catheter has a generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surface exposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. The catheter further includes a valve which has a protuberance projecting radially from the catheter body.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus for dispensing predetermined volumes of drug, drug solution or other substances into an opening, such as a TMR channel in the human heart, or other laser treated area within the human body, the apparatus consisting of a bifurcated needle with a laser inlet for guiding a laser delivery means, such as an optical fiber or fiber bundle, to adjacent a surface of the human heart or other body structure for creating an opening, such as a TMR channel, or other laser treated area thereon. A drug inlet is for receiving the drug and transmitting the drug to the TMR channel or other laser treated area. Optionally, a piercing tip and/or suction device assists in positioning the apparatus adjacent the tissue to be treated. Drug is dispensed by manually or automatically actuating a piston or syringe element. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve having an adjustable quick-release mechanism the hemostasis valve includes a tubular body having a lumen therethrough and a compression chamber formed in one end that communicates with the lumen. A resilient compressible seal having a longitudinal passageway aligned with the lumen is disposed within the compression chamber. The compressible seal includes a raised annular portion projecting into the passageway. The compressible seal is configured to selectively seal and unseal the lumen in response to a compressive force exerted on said compressible seal by a plunger. Changing the compressive force exerted by the plunger on the seal allows for selectively and progressively reducing the size of an opening provided by the raised annular portion in the passageway. A quick-release mechanism, comprising a quick-release lever and a quick release assembly, is movably attached to the tubular body and communicates with the plunger.