Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body portion, a shaft, and an end effector that is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector includes an anvil and a staple cartridge. The anvil has a rigid bent tip configured to contact an angled surface of a nose portion of the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes gripping features along a staple deck that assist in gripping tissue during clamping. The staple deck of the cartridge may include multiple levels. The anvil further includes a slot with lateral portions having curved ends for receiving portions of a firing beam to guide the firing beam during a cutting and stapling action.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endovascular cutting device for carrying out surgical or medical operations. According to the invention, such a device includes two cutting blades, a means for remotely actuating the two cutting blades, and at least two flexible guide rods, said cutting blades being slidably mounted onto said guide rods, and said remote actuation means including a flexible transmission means, wherein a channel, through which the flexible guide rods (50) are to be inserted, extends through said cutting blades (11, 12, 101, 102) over the entire outer length thereof.

Abstract: A sterile dual-purpose closed intermittent urinary catheter system that may be used as either a drain line or a collection bag. A catheter resides within an inner cavity of an extensible sheath and may be extracted from a forward end through a hub for insertion into the urethra. A valve at a rearward end of the sheath may be opened to permit the sheath to function as a drain line, or closed to permit the sheath to function as a collection bag. The sheath has an extended length substantially longer than the catheter length. The catheter is extracted from within the sheath and inserted into the urethra to start urine flow. The urine may be collected in the sheath with the valve closed, or drained straight into a toilet with the valve open. The hub may have a source of lubrication to wet the catheter as it passes through.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement a handpiece which is capable of accepting and operating a number of different surgical tools or instruments adapted for use with the handpiece, each having one or multiple functions. The handpiece incorporates a coupling arrangement located at a distal end thereof which serves to attach the desired surgical instrument to the hand-piece via a locking mechanism, and also provides an electrical contact arrangement to support the functioning of an electrosurgical probe as well as a combined mechanical cutting and electrosurgical tool. Additionally, the handpiece accepts a conventional cutter which only requires power for driving a movable cutting element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body passage cleansing device suitable for being passed through an internal channel of an endoscope, comprising a distal plug having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said plug comprises channels, apertures and/or nozzles which are capable of allowing the passage of a fluid therethrough from said proximal end to said distal end, wherein said plug is connected to the distal end of a wire or other actuating means; wherein at least an outer portion of said distal plug is capable of being elastically deformed such that the external diameter and/or outline thereof may be reduced in response to inwardly-directed compression forces exerted thereon; and wherein said channels, apertures and/or nozzles are in a closed conformation when said distal plug is subject to said compression forces, and in an open conformation when said plug is not subject to said compression forces.

Abstract: A subglottic suctioning system with a tracheal tube having a ventilation lumen, a cuff inflation lumen, and a suction lumen are disclosed which may help reduce the incidence of ventilator associated (or acquired) pneumonia. The suction lumen communicates with the space in the trachea above the cuff where secretions accumulate. The suction lumen has a valve on the proximal end for connection to a source of vacuum. The valve is adapted to interrupt the supply of vacuum to the suction lumen to allow for the introduction of a rinsing fluid in its place and to automatically re-establish the connection to the source of vacuum upon completion of rinsing. The rinsing fluid aids in maintaining an open suction lumen and may include medicaments and mucolytic agents to enhance or promote healing or to alter the properties of the mucus to make removal easier. The user may easily and repeatedly alternate suction and rinsing fluid through the suction lumen, i.e.

Abstract: A valve for controlling delivery of fluid includes a valve seat comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a conical well having an opening, a beveled surface and a bottom, and a valve membrane comprising a conical portion having a base and a tip. The conical portion is configured to fit within the conical well of the valve seat. The valve membrane is configured to fluidly connect the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in an undeformed position and fluidly disconnect the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in a radially deformed position.

Abstract: A control valve (8) for a medical suction device (1) is provided, with the control valve (8) having an actuating element for freeing and closing a flow path (15) through a valve chamber (11) through the use of a valve plunger (12). Additional air intake openings (16) are formed on the actuating element (10) and define an additional flow path (21) through the valve chamber (11).

Abstract: A control valve includes a tube housing, a tube within the tube housing, and a clamp within the tube housing. The tube is disposed between a first portion of the tube housing and the clamp, and the clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position. The clamp in the open position is located away from the first portion of the tube housing, and the clamp in the first closed position is located adjacent to the first portion of the tube housing.

Abstract: A system for insufflation and recirculation of insufflation fluid in a surgical procedure. The system includes a control unit having a fluid pump, a supply conduit, a return fluid conduit and a pressure-controlled valve. The fluid pump is adapted and configured to circulate insufflation fluid through the system. The supply conduit is in fluid communication with an output of the fluid pump and configured and adapted for delivering pressurized insufflation fluid to an output port of the control unit. The return conduit is in fluid communication with an input of the fluid pump for delivering insufflation fluid to the fluid pump and is configured and adapted for returning insufflation fluid from an input port of the control unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for the control of valves for flow path control, in particular in a medical treatment machine, having a plurality of processes for the manufacture of flow paths by control of a group of valves, with each process claiming a group of valves suitable for its carrying out for itself so that other processes cannot change the switching state of these valves and with each process itself making a decision on the release of the valves claimed by it. In addition, a method is provided for monitoring the then current and/or scheduled state of a plurality of valves in the flow path control, determining the connections resulting from the switching state of the valves, and comparing the resulting connections with a predetermined number of non-permitted connections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reducing pressure variations in a fluid flowing in an aspiration branch of a surgical system, which pressure variations are generated by a pump that delivers in a non-continuous manner in the active operating state, with a diffuser arrangement which is arranged, in the aspiration branch, upstream of the pump in the direction of flow of the fluid. The invention also relates to a surgical system, in particular an ophthalmic microsurgical system for lens surgery.

Abstract: A break-away intravenous (IV) therapy fitting designed to eliminate loss of an intravenous site on a patient's arm is herein disclosed, comprising a two-piece coupling having a first side that connects to the IV tubing leading to an IV fluid supply. The second side is connected to the peripheral IV site on the patient's body. In use, the two (2) sides are connected, thereby allowing fluids to flow through. Upon application of a certain amount of stress against the IV tubing, the coupling would detach. Both halves of the coupling comprise internal valving members to avoid leakage, thus stopping flow on either side upon disconnection.

Abstract: Systems for insufflation and recirculation of insufflation fluid in a surgical procedure include a control unit having a fluid pump, a supply conduit, a return fluid conduit and a pressure-controlled valve. The pressure-controlled valve is in fluid communication with an insufflation gas supply, the supply conduit and the return conduit and is adapted and configured to respond to pressure control signals to adjust position and thereby system flow parameters, to reduce entrainment of air from the surrounding environment, and to increase the concentration of insufflation gas in an operative space, and/or to reduce an overpressure condition in the operative space.

Abstract: In a method for the automatic control of blood pumps, an optimization of the blood flow is achieved by periodic speed interventions and flow changes thereby occurring, using a formed differential variable and a control algorithm. In addition, the location of possible flow resistances on the venous or arterial side can be ascertained.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.

Abstract: A method for the control of valves for flow path control, in particular in a medical treatment machine, having a plurality of processes for the manufacture of flow paths by control of a group of valves, with each process claiming a group of valves suitable for its carrying out for itself so that other processes cannot change the switching state of these valves and with each process itself making a decision on the release of the valves claimed by it. In addition, a method is provided for monitoring the then current and/or scheduled state of a plurality of valves in the flow path control, determining the connections resulting from the switching state of the valves, and comparing the resulting connections with a predetermined number of non-permitted connections.

Abstract: A flow controller controls flow through a deformable conduit by compressing the conduit. The conduit may be compressed along a section of its length. The controller may include a cam driven by an actuator, the cam driving a clamp to compress the conduit. The actuator may be a dial. The cam may be shaped such that the flow rate varies linearly with rotation of the dial. The controller may include a clicker to allow the controller to be set in a number of different positions, allowing ease of adjustment and preventing drift or accidental adjustment of the flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention relate to a method and corresponding apparatus for extraction of a sample from a sample source. A fluid is injected into the sample source and the sample source is vibrated. A sample is withdrawn from the vibrated sample source and the sample source is evaluated by measuring one or more identifying parameters in the withdrawn sample.

Abstract: Transfer sets are disclosed in the present patent. The transfer set provides a connection between a source of peritoneal dialysis fluid and a patient for whom peritoneal dialysis has been prescribed. The transfer sets disclosed herein are smaller and provide a more compact and convenient device by which a dialysis patient controls the flow of dialysis fluid to and from the peritoneum of the patient. The devices are more compact and convenient because they include more convenient mechanisms for starting and stopping flow of the dialysis fluid. It is also easy to determine whether the mechanism is in a closed or open configuration by simply looking at the mechanism.

Abstract: Visceral fat may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered in pulses, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the visceral fat to soften, liquefy, or gellify, without damaging the subject's internal organs that are in the vicinity of the visceral fat. The visceral fat that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.

Abstract: A syringe system having a syringe with a body and a hollow barrel chamber, and a plunger shaft slidable therein, and a needle body. The syringe system includes a valve housing having a valve guide chamber with an input port fluidly connectable to a fluid pressurizing means, a storage port in fluid communication with the barrel chamber, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the needle body. A valve body is contained in the valve housing with a valve plunger slidable in the valve guide chamber. The valve plunger is slidable to a first position, where the dispensing port and storage empty port is closed and the input port and storage fill port are opened, and a second position where the input port and storage fill port is closed and the storage empty port and discharge port are opened.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) having an outer catheter (12) and an inner catheter (14) extending coaxially through the outer catheter, and a hub (16). The inner catheter (14) is axially movable within and with respect to the outer catheter (14) by use of an actuator assembly (130) such that the catheter assembly has an opened condition permitting fluid communication with vasculature of a patient, and a closed condition preventing fluid communication with the vasculature of the patient. The opened condition permits the intended use of the catheter assembly such as for hemodialysis of the patient. In the closed condition, locking solution may be maintained in the catheter assembly and later removed therefrom, with essentially no locking solution leaving the catheter assembly or entering the patient. The actuator assembly (130) is secured to a proximal end portion (128) of the inner catheter (14) as it protrudes proximally from the hub (16), where it is accessible to the practitioner.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument with a movable fluid delivery sheath assembly for variable fluid supply during surgical procedures is disclosed. The instrument comprises at least one active electrode and at least one return electrode, positioned on the instrument distal end. The sheath assembly has an outer sheath that is external to the instrument shaft, to provide a lumen. The sheath assembly lumen is axially movable between first and second positions relative to a fluid delivery element, for varying target site treatment and fluid delivery. In the first position the shaft distal end is axially distal to a leading edge of the sheath assembly. In the second position the sheath assembly distal leading edge is positioned axially adjacent or distal to the end of the shaft. The fluid delivery element comprises an inner lumen extending through at least a portion of the shaft, and at least one port extending radially through the shaft. The port is in communication with the inner lumen.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having active and return electrodes with a movable suction sheath for variable fluid and debris removal during surgical procedures is disclosed. The suction apparatus has an outer sheath that is external to a shaft to provide a lumen. The sheath assembly is axially movable relative to the fluid aspiration element between first and second positions for treating the target site and fluid and debris removal, respectively. The first position positions the distal end of the shaft axially distal to a leading edge of the sheath assembly. The second position positions the distal leading edge of the sheath assembly axially adjacent to the end of the shaft. The fluid aspiration element comprises an inner lumen extending through the shaft, and at least one port extending radially through the shaft. The port is in communication with the inner lumen. A vacuum provides suction through the port and inner lumen.

Abstract: A system to minimize fluid turbulence inside a tissue cavity during endoscopic procedures. A body tissue cavity of a subject is distended by continuous flow irrigation using a solenoid operated pump on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by the outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss into the subject's body system during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.

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 valve for controlling delivery of fluid includes a valve seat comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a conical well having an opening, a beveled surface and a bottom, and a valve membrane comprising a conical portion having a base and a tip. The conical portion is configured to fit within the conical well of the valve seat. The valve membrane is configured to fluidly connect the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in an undeformed position and fluidly disconnect the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in a radially deformed position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a suction evacuation system, or smoke evacuation system, for incorporation into hand-held surgical devices. In particular, the system according to embodiments of the invention can be used in hand-held surgical suction-irrigation devices that may also include electrical systems which deliver energy to effect cutting, ablation and coagulation effects at the surgical site. Embodiments of the invention provide a smoke evacuation system that can be incorporated into a hand-held surgical device wherein the smoke evacuation system is structurally and functionally integrated with the suction control system of the device.

Abstract: A smoke evacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures involving the use of a laser or cautery at a surgical site having an associated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system includes a filter with a site side and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site and the filter. The filter includes a filter media and a housing substantially surrounding the filter media with a space between the filter media and the housing to collect condensed vapor. The filter exhibits low resistance or a low pressure drop and resists fluid flow, whereby the higher than ambient pressure is not substantially diminished and generates a fluid flow in the fluid flow path tending to carry smoke to and through the filter.

Abstract: A portable peritoneal dialysis apparatus having a side-hinged, inclined door for enclosing a disposable cassette that seals tightly shut using air pressure which imposes a safety interlock, a cassette with its inlet/outlet tube exclusively along the lower edge so that the connected lines can hang straight, a circumferential channel defined in the cassette, and a pneumatic system for sealing the membranes of both the pump chamber diaphragms and the pressure sensor diaphragms in the cassette to the respective mating pistons and pressure sensors in the cycler. In addition a system for draining patient line fluid to an empty solution bag is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid control device is attached to tubes carrying irrigation solution to form the system. The control device splits the flow through a fiber optic scope and a fluid control unit. The fluid control unit controls rate of flow and direction. The operator utilizing a fluid rate and flow direction control device easily controls the flow of fluid into the joint, out of the joint, or no flow. The increased flow prevents collapse of a joint space and maintains clear visualization. The fluid flow solely relies on a gravity feed by having a fluid reservoir positioned at a high point in the system. It contains no fluid pump, vacuum or electronic controller while safely and reliably performing the functions of more complex devices.

Abstract: A syringe system having a syringe with a body and a hollow barrel chamber, and a plunger shaft slidable in the barrel chamber, and a needle body adapted for holding a needle. The syringe system includes a valve housing having a valve guide chamber therein, where the valve guide chamber has an input port fluidly connectable to a fluid pressurizing means, a storage port in fluid communication with the barrel chamber, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the needle body. A valve body is contained in the valve housing. The valve body includes a valve plunger slidable in the valve guide chamber, and a biasing member coupled to the valve plunger at a first end of the biasing member.

Abstract: A smoke evacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures involving the use of a laser or cautery at a surgical site having an associated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system includes a filter with a site side and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site and the filter. The filter includes a filter media and a housing substantially surrounding the filter media with a space between the filter media and the housing to collect condensed vapor. The filter exhibits low resistance or a low pressure drop and resists fluid flow, whereby the higher than ambient pressure is not substantially diminished and generates a fluid flow in the fluid flow path tending to carry smoke to and through the filter.

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: This distribution device comprises a syringe body (30), a distributor (32), a feed tube (56) for a first active medical fluid opening into the syringe body (30), a tube (60) for the injection of this active fluid connected to a distal extremity (46) of the syringe body (30), a pressurized tube (64) designed to be connected to a patient through a pressurized line (12) and a tube (66) for the measurement of venous or arterial pressure. The pressurized, injection and measurement tubes open into a chamber (62) bounded within the body (32B) of the distributor (32). The device (2) comprises a flush tube (68) which is at least partly bounded by the body (32B) of the distributor (32), which opens into the chamber (62) and is fitted with a valve (70, 80) which can be operated manually.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for the prevention of conception and infection by sexually transmitted infections, said kit comprising the combination of a barrier-type device, a vaginal applicator, and a prophylactic agent. The present invention also relates to a barrier-type device for the prevention of conception and infection by sexually transmitted infections. The present invention also relates to a vaginal applicator useful for depositing a prophylactic agent in divided doses and in multiple directions over the barrier-type device and over a desired area of the cervix and the vagina.

Abstract: A fine flow pinch adjust has a T shaped fluid communication path. A flexible tube is inserted within the fluid communication path in other than a straight path. A screw is inserted in one branch of the T unoccupied by the flexible tubing such that the screw cooperatively engages threads on the opening wall and such that the screw can engage the tubing when turned sufficiently in a known direction.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a resilient piston. The valve includes a valve housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an interior cavity. A resilient piston made of a homogeneous material is slidably mounted on a pin and positioned within the interior cavity. The piston is compressed between the pin and the housing.

Abstract: A device for cardiocirculatory assistance, also named a ventricular assist device, includes a haematic pump (50) with a pump body (7) having an inner space (21) defined by a rigid structure (51) and a pair of mobile membranes (16, 17) alternately driven in opposite directions by alternately positive pressure and negative pressure gas supplied to recesses (19, 20) surrounding the two membranes by means of an external pneumatic force generating unit (1). This device achieves excellent operation results while maintaining a reduced size and reduced weight.

Abstract: Medicinal applicator suitable for delivering medicinal material in a measured dose and concentration to a body cavity, having an elongate support body with an external surface and a blunt distal end to facilitate insertion into a body cavity and a support element receiving zone located towards the distal end for receiving the support element. The support element receiving zone is configured to receive a correspondingly shaped support element for carrying medicinal material, whereby upon insertion of the elongate body into the body cavity, medicinal material supported on the support element located in the receiving zone is released to a desired location within the cavity.

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 valve assembly includes a housing defining an aperture, a passageway, and a branch passage. The branch passage extends from the aperture and intersects and communicates with the passageway. The branch passage is disposed at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the passageway. A piston is disposed at least partially within the branch passage and is movable from a first position to a second position. The piston allows communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the first position, and the piston blocks communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the second position. An angled seal may be positioned around the piston.

Abstract: A shape memory shutter device for controlling the rectum of a disabled person, comprises a section of conduit to be connected to the rectum of the disabled person, and a shutter which controls the passage through the conduit section and actuated by a shape memory actuator. The shutter comprises a plurality of petals positioned circumferentially around the conduit section and able to move between a closed and an open position. The actuator comprises shape memory wires associated to the petals which are supplied with electrical current to cause opening of the petals.

Abstract: A smoke evacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures involving the use of a laser or cautery at a surgical site having an associated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system includes a filter with a site side and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site and the filter. The filter includes a filter media and a housing substantially surrounding the filter media with a space between the filter media and the housing to collect condensed vapor. The filter exhibits low resistance or a low pressure drop and resists fluid flow, whereby the higher than ambient pressure is not substantially diminished and generates a fluid flow in the fluid flow path tending to carry smoke to and through the filter.

Abstract: An implantable vascular access device includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, an interior chamber defined therein and a valve positioned between the inlet and the interior chamber. The valve is subcutaneously manipulated between an open position, in which fluid can flow between the inlet and the interior chamber, and a closed position in which the valve occludes the inlet. The device may include any combination of multiple inlets, outlets and/or interior chambers. In the preferred embodiment, the housing includes two separate interior chambers suitable for the inflow and outflow of a typical hemodialysis procedure. A method for accessing a vascular structure is provided which includes the steps of subcutaneously implanting the device connecting one end of a cannula to the outlet of the device and another end of the cannula to a selected vascular structure. The valve of the device is manipulated to permit fluid communication between the inlet of the device and the selected vascular structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blood aspiration system that is configured to enable various types of aspiration through a working lumen of a catheter. The blood aspiration system facilitates natural aspiration by providing a circuit between a patient's arterial and venous vasculature, and also comprises a manually actuated pump configured to selectively vary rates of aspiration in the working lumen. The blood aspiration system further comprises an external port that allows suction-assisted aspiration or infusion through the working lumen, and further comprises a detachable filter that removes emboli prior to reperfusing blood into a patient's venous vasculature.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus is provided that includes a tubular body having a distal end. The body defines first and second lumens. The first lumen has a first adapter that includes a first valve biased to seal the proximal end. The first lumen defines a first lateral port and the second lumen defines a second lateral port. A push rod is connected to the first valve for corresponding movement therewith and extends to a tip. The tip includes a first member extending into the first lumen and a second member extending into the second lumen such that the first member seals the first lateral port and the second member seals the second lateral port in a closed position of the tip. The first valve is engageable such that fluid communication is established between the proximal end of the first lumen and the first lumen, and the first and second members move to an open position whereby fluid communication is established.

Abstract: A sterile to sterile connection device comprising a connector and one or more coupling devices. The connector has body portion which has two openings sealed from the environment so as to form a sterile environment within the connector. At least one of the openings being sealed from the environment by a sterile barrier plug. The connector also has a port capable movement within the body of the connector to at least an open and a closed position. The coupling device is formed of a body having two openings and a stem having a bore through at least a portion of the stem. The stem is contained within the body and capable of moving at least linearly through the body between a first and second stem position. One of the openings of the stem is sealed from the environment by a sterile barrier plug and the other is sealed to a presterilized component. The coupling device opening containing the sterile barrier plug is attached to either the inlet or outlet of the connector.