Abstract: Device and method are disclosed for effecting application of a therapeutic agent. A removable programmable element is used to control operation of a delivery unit, which unit delivers the therapeutic agent to the patient. The programmable element is programmed, while removed from the delivery unit, by a computer that is operationally independent of the delivery unit to insure the integrity of subsequent delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient by the delivery unit. The delivery unit requires no microprocessor and can include a plurality of channels for effecting independent delivery of therapeutic agents in each channel under the control of the programmable element. The programmable element is programmed with respect to available protocol information, including patient history, needs and tolerances, as well as therapeutic agent parameters, to thereby establish a flow profile that is customized for a particular patient during each moment of each day.

Abstract: A saline solution is pumped through a semi-permeable, hollow-fiber circuit implantable in a living body. A sensor determines the concentration of glucose in the solution. A microcomputer unit controls the supply of insulin and glucose to the body on the basis of the glucose concentration measurements. The hollow fibers form a filter through which only low molecular weight molecules may pass.

Abstract: A male valve member for disposable use with a female member in a fluid T coupling in which a first bore extends from an inlet to outlet and a second bore communicates the first bore with a fluid flow opening in the female member. A sleeve preferably extends in the first bore to cover the opening of the second bore into the first bore to form a one-way valve. The valve member preferably includes parts at least which are resilient and positively lock the male and female members together upon insertion.

Abstract: A colonic lavaging machine has a pressure switch operable by pressure in a water supply line to a speculum. The pressure switch is coupled with a valve that cyclically controls the flow of waste water from the speculum.

Abstract: A continuous flow peritoneal dialysis system and process is disclosed which includes a source of sterilized peritoneal dialysis system in the form of a gravity feed head vessel (32). A by-pass valve (34) connects the head vessel to an inflow/outflow directional valve 40 which controls the inflow and outflow of the sterilized dialysis fluid to a peritoneal catheter (12). The peritoneal catheter is implanted into the peritoneal membrane (14) of the peritoneal cavity (15). A connectable/disconnectable inflow line (42) and outflow line (48) are connected to an inflow catheter (44) and outflow catheter (46), respectively, of the double peritoneal catheter (12). A pressure monitor (50) in the outflow line (48) monitors the pressure within the cavity (15) and adjusts the inflow and outflow accordingly to maintain a predetermined volume and pressure of dialysis fluid in the cavity to maintain the membrane (14) properly distended at all times for maximum dialysis efficiency and patient comfort.

Abstract: A device for draining wounds comprises an elongated catheter member having first and second lumens, an antibacteria filter received in communication with the second lumen adjacent the proximal end thereof and a check valve which is interposed between the proximal end of said second lumen and the filter. The distal end of the catheter member is receivable in a wound for draining the wound via suction applied to the proximal end of the first lumen, and a venting effect is provided by the second lumen through the filter and the check valve. The check valve prevents the backflow of liquids through the second catheter member into the filter to prevent the clogging thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is with respect to a dialysis pumping system, and more specially to a single needle dialysis apparatus with a dialyser having blood and dialysate circuits and which has blood inlets and outlets that are joined by intake and outlet lines with at least one blood connection. The intake line has a driving pump and a blood pump powered by driving fluid from said driving pump and pump valves placed upstream and downstream from the said blood pump. Furthermore the outlet line has a further shut off valve. The blood pump unit has a generally stiff housing with a pipe-like liner in it walling off the space in the housing into a first chamber for blood and a second driving fluid chamber that is joined up with the driving pump, that may be a bellows pump and is joined up with the housing by an air circuit with sensors or valve driving parts for controlling motion of air into and out of the housing.

Abstract: A movable blood aspiration wand, especially for use in autotransfusion, carries with it a tank for anticoagulant replenished from an anticoagulant source fixed at a high source and is connected to a blood reservoir at a low elevation. Differences in wand height relative to the source and to the blood reservoir are compensated for, so that differences in wand height and corresponding blood and anticoagulant head do not substantially vary the anticoagulant proportion added to the aspirated blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device made by a concentric dual lumen catheter, a pump, a small hemofilter, a glucose sensor which, by means of a microinfusion pump with a stepping motor controlled by a microprocessor can, through another concentric dual lumen catheter, inject insulin or glucose into the blood stream depending on glycemic levels.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus and method for clamping the blood glucose concentration of a subject at any one of a plurality of levels. A desired clamping level (BC) is selected and the value of the present blood glucose concentration, corrected to fit a least squares regression lines (GY) in the bloodstream of the subject is periodically determined. Dextrose is introduced into the bloodstream of the subject at a rate (DR) derived in accordance with ##EQU1## wherein: DR=dextrose infusion rate for clamp (mg/min)WT=body weight (kg)BC=desired clamp level (mg %)GY=present blood glucose level, corrected to fit a least squares regression line (mg %)M=slope of the least squares regression line fit for the last five glucose valuesKS=constant to allow adjustment for differences in metabolism ##EQU2## (Glucose utilization in mg/kg/min).

Abstract: An artificial pancreas comprising a blood sugar determination unit for measuring the blood sugar of the living body, an injection unit including a container for a blood sugar control agent and a feed pump for the control agent and adapted to inject the control agent into the living body, and an arithmetic control unit for calculating the dose of the control agent based on the blood sugar measurement and controlling the pump of the injection unit in accordance with the result of calculation. The blood sugar determination unit has an electrode assembly to be inserted into the living body for measuring the blood sugar. The feed pump comprises a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on a rotatable roller holder along the outer periphery of the holder and an elastic tube having an intermediate portion reeved around some of the rollers under tension.

Abstract: An infusion control apparatus senses drops of an infusion liquid by way of a variation in the quantity of light received from a light source after the light passes through a drop chamber. When drops of the liquid are not sensed over a predetermined period of time, a cut-off operation for closing off an infusion liquid flow passage starts and takes priority over other forms of control. When a drop-wise flow of the liquid is sensed during the cut-off operation, the flow passage closing action is interrupted and a transition is made to resume control wherein the liquid drop interval is computed from an input signal based on the variation in received light, and the liquid flow passage is adjusted so that the drop interval is made to approach a set value.

Abstract: An instrument for removing liquid and other material from an operating site through an evacuation line under the control of a pump, in which the fluid flow in the line is sensed and a control signal produced when material blocking the line is cleared thereby creating a surge in the fluid flow coming into the line, wherein the control signal operates to apply fluid from a separate source into the line and to stop the pump motor to thereby rapidly equalize the pressure between the operating site and the line. An arrangement is also provided to sense evacuation flow in the line when the pump is not operating and to apply the fluid from the separate source into the line to equalize the pressure.

Abstract: An intravenous monitoring system in which dynamic reference threshold circuitry is used to provide output signals indicating the presence of liquid passing through the drip chamber of an intravenous feeding apparatus. A light sensor that detects the presence of liquid passing through the drip chamber generates a detecting signal that is amplified and processed by the dynamic reference threshold circuitry. The dynamic reference threshold circuitry comprises a comparator circuit, and a D.C. component reference circuit that provides the reference threshold to the comparator circuit. The amplified detecting signal is directed both to an input of the comparator circuit and the D.C. component reference circuit. The D.C. component reference circuit uses a diode to produce a voltage drop in the amplified detecting signal and an RC circuit to both store and emit a residual signal when there is a sudden drop in the amplified detecting signal.

Abstract: A two-pump single needle hemodialysis system is provided in which a flexible blood accumulator bag is located between the dialyzer and the second, venous blood pump. The accumulator bag is filled as the first, arterial blood pump is operated. Blood is pumped through the dialyzer and into the bag until the bag is full and taut. At this time, a rise in pressure is detected and the venous blood pump is activated to withdraw blood from the accumulator bag. The use of the accumulator bag assures that low blood pressures are maintained in the system.

Abstract: A controller for a two-directional air pump, of the type used in performing medical experiments is described. The controller includes a level sensing apparatus which is used to initiate an electric signal which controls a pneumatic solenoid which toggles the two-directional pump. Using the apparatus, the Doluisio technique may be performed automatically.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood circulation system including a line for withdrawing the venous blood from the patient, an artificial lung provided on the line, a reservoir for the blood withdrawn, a blood supply line for sending out the blood from the reservoir to the artery of the patient, and a blood supply pump provided on the blood supply line and serving as an artificial heart. The amount of blood to be supplied is automatically controlled to maintain the arterial pressure of the patient in a suitable required range. The blood supply pump is stopped when the arterial pressure of the patient measured is above a predetermined upper limit value, while the pump is driven when the arterial pressure has lowered to a level below a lower limit value. The amount of blood to be withdrawn is also controlled automatically to keep the central venous pressure of the patient approximately constant. The blood withdrawing line has a blood withdrawing pump.

Abstract: Apparatus controls the rate of passage of fluid drops through a drip controller in accordance with a preset rate. When the rate of passage of the fluid drops is less than the preset rate, a stepper motor is incrementally operated at progressive instants of time to open the drip chamber until the measured rate is equal to the preset rate. When the rate of passage of the fluid drops is greater than the preset rate, the stepper motor is operated instantaneously to close the passage through a number of increments corresponding to the difference in the measured and preset rates.An alarm is energized when the stepper motor is positioned to provide for a maximum flow of fluid and the rate is still below the preset rate. An alarm is also energized when the passage is closed and the preset rate indicates a desired flow of fluid.An emergency motor is also provided to control the opening in the passage. Before the operation of the apparatus is instituted, the stepper motor is operated to close the drip chamber.

Abstract: A novel acute care cerebral support system and method for treating severly ischemic brains is disclosed wherein an oxygenated nutrient emulsion is circulated through at least a portion of the ventriculo-subarachnoid spaces. The nutrient emulsion contains an oxygenatable non-aqueous component, an aqueous nutrient component, an emulsification component, and other components which render physiologic acceptability to the nutrient emulsion. The disclosed system and method have been shown to effectively exchange oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, and other metabolites in severely stroked brains. Significant restoration of oxidative metabolism and electrographic activity result from the disclosed treatment. Methods for producing the nutrient emulsion and a system for delivering that emulsion to the cerebrospinal pathway are also disclosed. Additionally, novel diagnostic methods for diagnosing the physiologic state of hypoxic-ischemic and other diseased neurologic tissue during treatment are provided.

Abstract: A medical aspirator including an automatic valve means to reverse the flow of air upon stoppage of the suction system whereby the stoppage may be dislodged and the normal suction function of the aspirator is reinstituted. The aspirator includes a spring loaded suction responsive trigger means to rotate the valve means.

Abstract: A gravitational flow system for the sequential administration of medical liquids to a patient comprises a primary container connected to a primary tube, a secondary container connected to a secondary tube, and a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve which connects them and is in fluid communication with a common tube extending to the patient. A primary flow control device is positioned in the primary flow path and a secondary flow control device is positioned in the secondary flow path. In operation, the system dispenses primary liquid unless interrupted by a flow of secondary liquid. In that instance, primary liquid flow is cut off by an air capturing pocket. At the same time, a plurality of air barriers prevent infusion of air into the patient.

Abstract: A machine for infusion and withdrawal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity of a person. A plurality of bags of fluid each rests atop spaced apart trays arranged in a stack and supported by a vertical secondary frame slidably mounted in a main frame. Moveable pins mounted to the main frame sequentially support the secondary frame and an adjacent tray until the entire secondary frame and stack of trays move downwardly pass the pins. The trays include clamping mechanisms engaged with the tubular ports of each bag to control fluid flow through the port of a particular bag supported by a tray. Pins are fixedly mounted to bars slideably mounted to the main frame and moved either manually or by means of a solenoid to control movement of the trays and secondary frame and thus fluid flow.

Abstract: A blood pump and oxygenator monitor-controller and display device is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of data communication ports, a plurality of data and output control ports all operably connected to decision making or computer circuitry, and a plurality of digital and/or analog displays or controlling means responsive thereto for the purposes of displaying measured and calculated data and/or for monitoring and controlling the operation of various sub-systems contained in a blood pumping and oxygenating system.

Abstract: Insulin delivery system comprises insulin reservoir, pump and subcutaneous needle. Pump is electromechanically-driven at a preselectable fixed rate and can be additionally actuated to deliver a preprandial bolus of selected dosage.

Abstract: A blood donation unit in which a reduced outside diameter phlebotomy needle is employed to minimize donor discomfort. The blood flow if, however, maintained at a flow level similar to that obtained with standard gauge phlebotomy needles by a roller pump which provides a predetermined pressure differential between the ends of the phlebotomy needle. The blood is mixed with a predetermined ratio of anticoagulant immediately after passing through the phlebotomy needle. The ratio of whole blood to anticoagulant is independent of the volume of whole blood collected.

Abstract: Intravenous monitor for monitoring drip rate being delivered to a patient from an intravenous solution container and visually displaying the drip rate on a digital readout of the monitor. The monitor includes an alarm for signaling deviations from predetermined adjustable maximum and minimum drip rates. The intravenous monitor includes a photocell reader sensor which positions around a drip chamber below the intravenous container and a horizontal support which maintains vertical orientation of the drip chamber.

Abstract: A novel system and method for treating ischemic neurologic tissue is disclosed wherein an oxygenated nutrient emulsion is circulated through at least a portion of the cerebospinal pathway. The nutrient emulsion contains an oxygenatable non-aqueous component, an aqueous nutrient component, an emulsification component, and other components which render physiologic acceptability of the nutrient emulsion. Methods for producing the nutrient emulsion and a system for delivering that emulsion to the cerebrospinal pathway are also disclosed. Additionally, novel diagnostic methods for diagnosing the physiologic state of hypoxic-ischemic and other diseased neurologic tissue during treatment are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for assuring that fluid is introduced from a pump to a receiver, such as a patient, at a controlled and safe pressure. This arrangement includes conduit means, such as inlet and outlet lines, which extend from the pump to the receiver and which are included in a disposable unit. The disposable unit includes detent means cooperative with detent means in the pump to hold the disposable unit in releasable relationship with the pump.Resilient means such as diaphragm are disposed in the conduit means in the disposable unit. The resilient means expand or contract in accordance with the pressure of the fluid in the outlet line. Actuatable means such as an actuatable arm is disposed in the disposable unit and is captured in the conduit means and is positioned in abutting relationship with the diaphragm for movement with the diaphragm.