Abstract: A hand-held disposable body cavity irrigation device comprises a pump with an inlet and an outlet, a container for lavage fluid fastened removably to said pump, an applicator having an insertion tip, and divided longitudinally into an injection chamber with a first fitting and a drain chamber with a second fitting, and a first tube connecting said outlet to the first fitting wherein the first tube comprises at least one malleable element embedded longitudinally into an elastic wall, said inlet communicates with the lavage fluid within the container, and the drain chamber is disposed predominantly below the injection chamber and has at least one vent beyond the insertion tip.

Abstract: The invention provides implantable sustained release bioactive agent delivery devices that include a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension; and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent. The polymeric coated composition is formulated to provide controlled release of bioactive agent over time when introduced into physiological conditions. Methods of preparing implantable devices configured and formulated to provide controlled release of bioactive agent are also provided.

Abstract: An irrigation device for irrigating a body cavity, such as an ear canal, is disclosed. The irrigation device comprises a hand-held pumping device and an irrigating tip. The hand-held pumping device includes a liquid reservoir and a pumping mechanism, which may be in the form of a spray bottle with a squeeze trigger. The outlet of the pumping mechanism is directly connected to the irrigating tip. The irrigating tip includes a connector and a short end or irrigation tube that is made of a flexible material and has inner and outer dimensions and a length suitable for insertion into the ear canal. When liquid is drawn from the reservoir and propelled through the irrigating tip, the irrigating tip oscillates as the fluid passes through it and into the ear canal. Kits including an irrigating device, irrigating tips, a basin, and a holder for the irrigating device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for delivering or withdrawing a fluid to or from the body of a patient in a manner that permits delivery to be controlled based upon feedback from the patient, the system including a syringe assembly providing a syringe operably coupled to one or more sensors adapted to determine one or more corresponding parameters associated with fluid delivery and/or withdrawal, and a monitor adapted to be communicably associated with the one or more sensors of the syringe assembly, and optionally with other sensors or inputs providing additional parameters as well, the monitor comprising one or more read out mechanisms either directly or indirectly corresponding to the one or more fluid delivery/withdrawal parameters, and optionally with one or more of the additional parameters as well.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic treatment system and a method for selectively releasing a growth agent to a surgical site associated with a bone structure that was borne by endoscopically debrided osseus tissue and adapted for receiving the growth agent.

Abstract: The invention provides retrievable devices for sustained delivery of bioactive agent to a site within a patient, the devices including a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension; a cap at the proximal end of the body member; and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the transplantation of tissue from a donor site in a body to a recipient site. The device includes an outer chamber having an interior volume in which a perforated inner chamber can be placed. During the aspiration of tissue, a vacuum is formed in the interior volume of the outer chamber, to draw tissue from a cannula into the perforated inner chamber. The perforations are sized such that fat is collected within the inner chamber, while fluids and other materials are drawn through the perforations, away from the collected fat. For reinjection, the inner chamber can be removed from the outer chamber, and a sleeve positioned to cover the perforations and thereby form a syringe body that can be interconnected to a needle and plunger for reinjection of the collected fat.

Abstract: A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a washing reservoir by a flexible conduit. The washing reservoir has an outlet that is connected to the inlet of a tissue collection reservoir. Washed tissue can be removed from the washing reservoir by tipping or otherwise causing the outlet of the washing reservoir to be covered by washed tissue. Tissue collected in the tissue collection reservoir can be readied for injection into a body by removing an inner or filter chamber from an outer chamber and blocking holes in the body of the inner chamber to use the inner chamber as part of a syringe.

Abstract: A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a collection vessel by a flexible conduit. The collection vessel can comprise one or more syringe bodies. The syringe bodies are provided with tissue removed from a body using the cannula by a tissue transfer channel. As a result, multiple syringe bodies can be loaded with tissue, without requiring manual handling of that tissue. Alternatively or in addition, a collection bag can be provided for receiving tissue removed from a body using a cannula. The tissue collection bag can include a filter. A collection vessel comprising a collection bag can be used in combination with a collection vessel comprising one or more syringe bodies.

Abstract: A containment arrangement for safely and effectively treating a wound on a patient without contaminating attending personnel. The arrangement comprises a patient receiving first enclosure having a patient contacting periphery, a pressurizable source in communication with the patient through a wall of the enclosure for enlarging the enclosure, and a sealing means arranged in the patient contacting periphery. A hand manipulable fluid discharge nozzle is extendably arranged through the enclosure for providing controllable treatment fluid to the wound on the patient within the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (A) for injection of therapeutic agents into surrounding lumenal tissue, for example, to treat urinary incontinence and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Abstract: Devices, such as medical devices for inhibiting conception, and methods of using and/or making these devices. In one aspect of the disclosure, a medical device has a delivery system and a first insert, which is removably coupled to the delivery system and which is designed to be deployed within a portion of a first fallopian tube, and a second insert, which is removably coupled to the delivery system and which is designed to be deployed within a portion of a second fallopian tube. Other aspects of the disclosure include, among other things, inserts made from one or more polymers; inserts which are designed to pierce and remain in place; and inserts which are implanted through a fluid delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes two syringes, or a “double barrel syringe,” includes one syringe that injects or infuses while the other syringe aspirates. The double barrel syringe is a hand-held, hand-operated device with which injection and aspiration may be effected by a single action. The double barrel syringe may include a handle with two member. A first member includes one arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of a first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of a second syringe. A second member of the handle includes one arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of the first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of the second syringe. Methods for injecting or infusing simultaneously with aspirating are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are novel medical delivery devices that can be used to effectively distribute a medical agent to multiple sites within a tissue volume without requiring the device to be repositioned, including for example to distribute the medical agent within the nucleus pulposus tissue of a spinal disc. Also described are medical delivery devices configured to simultaneously remove fluid from the tissue volume into which a medical agent is being delivered, thus avoiding or otherwise decreasing any pressure build-up and facilitating an effective, uniform delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A flexible extension for a shape memory polymer occlusion removal device. A shape memory polymer instrument is transported through a vessel via a catheter. A flexible elongated unit is operatively connected to the distal end of the shape memory polymer instrument to enhance maneuverability through tortuous paths en route to the occlusion.

Abstract: An in-vivo bioreactor device producing a dialysis effect by acting within the gastrointestinal tract for the removal of undesirable concentrated intestinal or blood substances or metabolites is disclosed. The ingestible device is comprised of a body wall that surrounds an internal compartment. Along the wall of the shell are openings located around the periphery that allow bodily fluids to enter and exit device. The wall of the device is comprised in whole or at least in part of materials that are impermeable to the passage of external fluids and maintains its physical and chemical integrity in the environment of use during its activity. Semi-permeable membranes located either internally or externally of the device are able to withstand all physiological temperatures and pH and act in a similar manner to dialysis membranes that are used for the separation of substances in suspensions, solutions, tissue cultures, etc.

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: The invention described herein provides a solid dosage form administration system comprising: an oral solid dosage form containing an active ingredient; and a hand-held applicator; wherein the hand-held applicator is removably coupled to the dosage form. The system includes a reversible coupling structure permitting repeated engagement and disengagement of the dosage form component from the hand-held applicator component of the system. In one embodiment, the applicator is composed of a soft durometer flexible polymeric material. The invention can be used to administer various medicaments, and is especially useful in treatment of nicotine addiction.

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: To accomplish isolation and removal of a substance from a vasculature, a catheter is employed to occlude a vessel of the vasculature. The substance is thus isolated in the vasculature and can be removed. In this way, the substance is removed before entering other parts of the circulatory system. This method is applicable to removal of contrast from the coronary sinus shortly after injection of the coronary arteries with the contrast. The method substantially minimizes or avoids renal dysfunction caused by angiographic procedures in which contrast must be injected. Such angiographic procedures are often performed during intervention procedures. This method substantially prevents circulation of the contrast to the kidneys where it could otherwise cause renal dysfunction or failure. The apparatus for implementation of the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for draining and decompressing a colon in which a drainage tube is inserted through the anus into the colon to extend through the entire colon. The drainage tube is fixed in position and suction is applied therethrough to cause fecal matter to pass therein through apertures and be withdrawn from the colon. The drainage tube is inserted by inserting a guidewire into the colon through the anus, manipulating and pushing the guidewire to the cecum, passing a filament through the colon wall to engage the guidewire, pulling the guidewire out of the colon and anus to draw the filament through the colon and out of the anus, attaching the drainage tube to the filament and drawing the filament with attached drainage tube through the anus into the colon. The invention also relates to constructions of the guidewire, the drainage tube and methods for inserting drainage tubes using guidewires.

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: This invention relates generally to the field of medical devices for delivering contrast media during medical diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedures and more particularly, this invention relates to improved contrast media delivery systems and methods of use which allow adjustment of contrast media concentration and injection parameters either before or during an injection procedure to provide patient specific dosing of contrast media, thus decreasing the waste and cost of these procedures while increasing their efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first instrument for inserting into a lens capsule and removing a cataract therein, the first instrument including a lumen for aspiration of cataract tissue and irrigation fluid from the lens capsule and manipulate the cataract until cataract is removed. The second instrument includes an irrigation port for introducing the irrigation fluid into the lens capsule.

Abstract: A device for inserting implantable objects beneath the skin of a patient includes a handle for grasping the device and a base connected to the handle. The base comprises a post, a cannula, and a flexible actuator positioned in an angled track. The cannula is positioned coaxially around and is longitudinally slidable over the post from an extended position, where an implantable object is retained in the cannula, to a retracted position, where the implantable object is released from the cannula. A flexible actuator positioned on an angled track in the base is slidably engaged with a boss on the cannula and is used to move the cannula from an extended position to a retracted position to release the implantable object from the cannula; the actuator flexes between a locked and an unlocked position. The angled track provides for control of the release of the implantable object.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in ophthalmic surgery in which a container for fluid is connected to a line through which fluid flows to a surgical handpiece for the irrigation of a patient's eye are provided. A sensor emits a magnetic field and a detector causes another magnetic field to be generated. The interaction of the two magnetic fields causes a pulse to be generated. Based on the timing of the generated pulse, the apparatus or method determines the absolute position of the support coupled to the container and adjusts the height of the support. Circuitry is also provided to prevent changes in height of the support by preventing supply of drive currents and by applying a hold current or by generating an electro motive force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid displacement arrangement for displacing a liquid in a controlled manner to the body of a person, such displacement being required particularly in relation to procedures associated with the manipulation or destruction of ureteric and kidney stones. The liquid displacement arrangement includes in combination a syringe-type pump, a feed arrangement for feeding liquid in a controlled unidirectional mode from a supply container to the body of a person and a foot operated operating mechanism on which the syringe-type pump can be releasably located for the operation thereof. Use of the liquid displacement arrangement permits the person performing a procedure to control himself the feed of liquid required for the procedure.

Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid from a squeeze bottle to various parts of the body that may be difficult to reach includes two rigid arms connected by an adjustable angle joint. One end of the first arm screws onto the bottle. The other end of the second arm ends in a tubular connector such as a grease gun fitting. A flexible tube provides a fluid passage between the bottle and the tubular connector. A variety of terminals for different purposes can sealingly snap onto the tubular connector. The terminals preferably have a grease fitting for easy connection. The terminals may include an enema tip, a douche tip, a bidet tip and a suntan lotion spreader. The arms may retract telescopically for compact transport and storage.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods for electrotransport of a drug or other beneficial agent through a skin or mucosal membrane surface. In one embodiment, at least one of the cathode or anode electrode of an electrochemical cell is configured, at least in part, as an electroactive needle for insertion all or part way through the stratum corneum of a patient's skin. A reservoir containing a beneficial agent may be provided in fluid communication with one or more electroactive needles, in which case the electroactive needle(s) may be configured with a hollow bore interior for transport of the beneficial agent directly into a subject's tissues. In a related embodiment, an electroactive needle is configured for intravenous and/or intramuscular use. The invention also includes an electrotransport system comprising an electrochemically active porous substrate. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises an electrotransport system having one or more implantable active porous electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biocompatible, hemostatic, cross-linked gelatin composition comprising a biocompatible material comprising cross-linked gelatin and a sufficient amount of wetting agent to permit uniform wetting of the sponge in the presence of an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A hand-held applicator delivers liquid or semi-liquid compositions, such as adhesives, to an internal tissue or organ in an even and controlled manner. The applicator includes a pump, a tubular extension that is thin enough to pass through an endoscopic pathway or trocar, a proximal end of the tubular extension being sealingly connected to the pump, and an applicator tip that attaches to the distal end of the tubular extension. The tip includes the liquid and the pump pumps the liquid to the internal tissue in an even and controlled manner without contact of the liquid by the pump. The pump is preferably a micropipetter that includes a hand-held portion having a hand-actuatable plunger that does not come in direct, physical contact with the liquid to be dispensed. The composition may be an adhesive such as an alpha-cyanoacrylate. The device may further include a wound closure device including at least two closure pins extending from the distal end of the tubular extension.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved vagina cleaning system. The improved system comprises a vagina opener, a vagina cleaning-solution sprayer, a multiple-functional vagina cleaning solution, and a health-promoting bacteria introducer. The system is used to remove semen from the vagina to prevent pregnancy, to reduce pathogenic microorganisms in the vagina to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, to remove other unwanted materials from the vagina to eliminate discomfort, and to add health-promoting bacteria into the vagina to prevent abnormal colonization of microflora in the vaginal cavity. The present invention also discloses methods of using the system for cleaning the vaginal cavity and for introducing health-promoting bacteria into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A nostril cleaning system for assisting individuals in the efficient cleaning of their nostrils. The nostril cleaning system includes a housing, a control pad having a plurality of control buttons, a plurality of section members pivotally attached within an upper portion of the housing forming a tapered shape, a covering removably positioned about the plurality of section members, and a cover member removably attachable about the upper portion of the housing for enclosing the covering. The covering is preferably comprised of foam material an outer layer and an inner layer wherein the inner layer is denser than the outer layer and capable of absorbing fluids. The control pad is mechanically connected to the section members for controlling their relative positions. When the section members are expanded outwardly, the covering is simultaneously expanded outwardly to engage the inner walls of the nasal passage.

Abstract: A system for safely irrigating nasal and sinus cavities using a portable and reusable device which can be conveniently coupled to a fluid container, wherein the system includes an adapter end for coupling to the fluid container, an insertion end which directs fluid from the fluid container into the nasal and sinus cavities while preventing damage thereto by preventing insertion of the insertion end into the nasal cavities beyond a predetermined length, and a curved section of tubing which is coupled to the adapter end and the insertion end, wherein the curved section of tubing makes the user hold the fluid container in a correct position for directing solution from the fluid container into the nasal and sinus cavities.

Abstract: A disposable high density optically readable polydeoxynucleotide array with integral fluorescence excitation and fluorescence emission channels is described. The compact array size allows integration into several types of interventional devices such as catheters, guidewires, needles, trocars and may be used intraoperatively. Highly sensitive monitoring of the metabolic and disease pathways of cells in vivo under varying chemical, genetic and environmental conditions is afforded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel douche nozzle suitable for vaginally administering a douche fluid.

Abstract: Nasal, sinus and otic packings exhibiting a less adherent surface when in contact with tissue and being less traumatic on removal are prepared. In a first embodiment, polyvinyl acetal foamed packing material undergoes a surface modification imparting a non-adherent hydrogel coated surface. The surface modification is accomplished after final processing and fabrication of the packing product shape. The packing material is subjected to either an atomized spray of an aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol or a polyvinyl acetate/polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. In another embodiment, a foamed polyvinyl acetal material is produced by crosslinking polyvinyl alcohol with an organic compound containing two hydroxyl reactive groups in the presence of an inert gas. An aqueous solution containing polyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed into the reaction during crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for the application of material and comprising an elongated unit, a material application member pivotally connceted to the distal end of the elongated unit, so as to allow movement of an applicating member relative to the elongated unit, means for retaining the applicating member in a desired angular positon during surgical intervention. In particular, an instrument according to the invention is suited for the application of surgical sheet repair material. An instrument according to the invention is designed for use in minimally invasive, endoscopic or conventional surgery.

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 synchronous vitreous lavage device for ophthalmology an includes a platform, a pair of main supporters, an auxiliary supporter, a pair of gears, a pair of movable seats, a pair of screw rods, and a clamp. When the screw rods rotate in different directions, the two movable seats move in opposite direction. Thus, the lavage device simultaneously drains bloody water from the 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 new use of hydrophobic zeolites, viz. for removing preservatives from (poly)peptide solutions, e.g. solutions of pharmaceutical preparations. The use is of particular interest in connection with protein solutions, especially insulin solutions. The invention further relates to an injection syringe for such solutions, in which syringe a zeolite of the type at issue is placed for contact with the solution to remove preservatives therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laparoscopic insertion and application of a sheet like material (such as an adhesion barrier) and the like products enables the laparoscopic surgeon to utilize large and full size sheets of Interceed (3".times.4") in abdominal (including pelvic) surgery. In laparoscopy surgery of the abdomen (including pelvis), all instrumentation and all surgical products must be introduced through "ports" consisting of valved sleeved or tubes. To properly and efficiently introduce and apply a large or full size sheet of sheet like material, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for grasping and furling the sheet and then unfurling, releasing and applying it after passage into the patient's abdominal cavity. The instrument consists of an operational grasping and furling portion which is rotated to furl the sheet like material. It is then "backloaded" or drawn into a tubular portion of the instrument, an inserter sheath for passage through the valved "port".

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laparoscopic insertion and application of a liquid, gel or like medicinal material enables the laparoscopic surgeon to utilize various spray patterns to apply the desired material. In laparoscopy surgery of the abdomen (including pelvis), all instrumentation and all surgical products must be introduced through "ports" consisting of valved, sleeved or tubes. To properly and efficiently introduce and apply liquid, gel or like medicinal material, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing the desired material with a desired pattern or spray. The instrument consists of an elongated instrument body that can receive a selected flexible delivery tube having a distal end with a nozzle. The instrument body articulates at its distal end, thereby flexing the dispensing tube. The selected nozzle of the selected dispensing tube can be flexed to dispense with a desired spray pattern to a spray head, into any position of the patient's abdominal cavity.

Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration apparatus is provided for use with surgical instrumentation requiring irrigation and aspiration of fluids and a peristaltic pump. The apparatus includes a housing and a manifold for connecting a transfer tube with aspiration and irrigation lines from the surgical instrumentation and with waste and supply lines. An opening the housing enables access to the transfer tube in order to control fluid flow therein. A diaphragm mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the aspiration tube enables both pressure measurement and pressure control in the tubing when the housing is inserted into a drawer in the console and in operative engagement with a peristaltic pump head disposed therein.

Abstract: A system for backflushing an irrigation-aspiration handpiece tip includes a source of backflushing fluid, a syringe for injecting the fluid through an aspiration tube of an irrigation-aspiration handpiece, the aspiration tube of the handpiece being connected to an aspiration tube of the irrigation-aspiration handpiece tip, and a coupling device for connecting the syringe to the aspiration tube of the irrigation-aspiration handpiece. The coupling device includes an inlet end and an outlet end, a receptacle at the inlet end for receiving the syringe and a passageway extending between the receptacle and the outlet end for passage of the backflushing fluid. The outlet end of the coupling device connects to the aspiration tube to complete the connection between the syringe and the aspiration tube of the irrigation-aspiration handpiece.

Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration apparatus is provided for use with surgical instrumentation requiring irrigation and aspiration of fluids and a peristaltic pump. The apparatus includes a housing and a manifold for connecting a transfer tube with aspiration and irrigation lines from the surgical instrumentation and with waste and supply lines. An opening the housing enables access to the transfer tube in order to control fluid flow therein. A diaphragm mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the aspiration tube enables both pressure measurement and pressure control in the tubing when the housing is inserted into a drawer in the console and in operative engagement with a peristaltic pump head disposed therein.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for thoracoscopically arresting the heart and establishing cardiopulmonary bypass, thus facilitating a variety of less-invasive surgical procedures on and within the heart and great vessels of the thorax. In one embodiment, the invention provides a thoracoscopic system for arresting a patient's heart including a clamp configured for introduction into the patient's thoracic cavity through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest. The clamp is positionable about the patient's ascending aorta between the coronary arteries and the brachiocephalic artery. The clamp is coupled to the distal end of an elongated handle means for manipulating the clamp from a location outside of the patient's thoracic cavity. A means for actuating the clamp is coupled to the proximal end of the handle means. When actuated, the clamp blocks blood flow through the ascending aorta.

Abstract: A method of irrigation of a cavity of a human body by means of a medical device consisting of a container for a fluid and a filter. The container is formed with an open neck and a peripheral wall defining the receiving volume. A portion of the peripheral wall at the open neck is squeezable. The filter consists of an elongated filter element situated at an open neck of the container adjacent the squeezable portion and extending within the fluid receiving volume. The method comprises the steps of applying compressional forces to the squeezable portion of the container to urge the fluid from the fluid receiving volume into the body cavity; releasing the compressional forces to allow the squeezable portion to expand and to withdraw the fluid from the body cavity into the fluid receiving volume; and repeating the above steps.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight bowel evacuation system is made up of a water bag which is elevated above the patient with a check valve in the delivery line from the water bag into a rectal insertion tube or speculum, a drain line leading from the speculum includes a disposable valve member for selectively opening and closing the drain line, and one or more pressurizing members in the form of manual squeeze bulbs are provided to simultaneously open the check valve for delivery of water from the water bag through the speculum and close the drain valve while the check valve is open and further is open to simultaneously close the check valve when the drain is opened. In a modified form, a flow control valve in communication with a source of air under pressure takes the place of the manual squeeze bulb to control opening and closing of the valve members.

Abstract: An irrigation device for use in an ear canal is a main body of substantially conical shape having a central axis. There is at least one input duct connecting to a lavage liquid delivery apparatus for injecting the lavage liquid into the ear canal. There is at least one output duct allowing the continuous drainage of used lavage liquid. At least a part of the input duct has an axis which is inclined relative to the central axis of the main body. This directs impingement of the lavage liquid against wall surfaces and not against the eardrum.