Abstract: Devices and kits for intracranial and other perfusions and methods of using the same including a container having a top and bottom including a flexible bag adapted to be suspended in top to bottom orientation and to hold, in a main chamber, a solution, suspension or emulsion filled up to a fill line, a first opening to the bag located below the fill line and adapted to be fitted to conduit, a second opening located below the fill line and adapted to be fitted to conduit, and a first fluid pathway incorporated into the bag adapted to conduct fluid pumped into the second opening from below the fill line to an outlet within the bag located above the fill line.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a medical container with multiple chambers and a production method thereof, where respective medicaments housed in a plurality of chambers can be separated without fail until performing the infusion and when performing the infusion, the respective medicaments can be easily mixed while keeping the sterile state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a closure-cap and a container in the form of a two-chamber cartridge in which an active ingredient and a solvent can be stored separately until the apparatus is used in a nebuliser, as well as an active substance concentrate in which the active substance is present as a solution or suspension for storage purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for stabilizing bicarbonate-based solutions for peritoneal dialysis or hemofiltration. The bicarbonate-based solutions of the present invention are formulated and stored in at least two parts—an alkaline bicarbonate concentrate and an acidic concentrate. The alkaline bicarbonate concentrate is adjusted to have a pH of about 8.6 to 10.0. The acidic concentrate is adjusted to have a stable, acidic pH ranging from about 1.0 to 3.0. Upon mixing, although some variation in the pH of the mixed bicarbonate solution exists, the inventors have discovered that with the appropriate selection of the parameters of the concentrates, the pH of the mixed solution is always within an acceptable physiological range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstituting a multiple component material is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention discloses an apparatus utilizing an operator controllable pressurization device to generate a pressure differential between two receptacles attached to the device. The receptacles may contain individual components of a multiple component material, and may include liquid-liquid or liquid-solid compounds. The apparatus includes a material transfer lumen attachable to a first and second component receptacle. A pressurization lumen is connected to one of the component receptacles to facilitate material transfer. One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a negative pressure differential created in the second receptacle to facilitate transfer. In another embodiment, a positive pressure is created in the first receptacle to force material transfer between the two receptacles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impermeable flexible multicompartment bag for medical use for sterile solutions, and to a method for the preparation of such bags. Impermeable flexible multicompartment bags for medical use for sterile solutions for perfusions, consisting of two welded sheets of a composite material wherein the sheets forming the inner wall of the bag consist of a polypropylene and are bonded to an outer layer of a thermoplastic polymer by means of a polyolefin layer, characterized in that the sheets facing the contents of the bags which are made of a homophase copolymer of propylene are immediately welded in the intercompartment region and in the peripheral region such that the weld forming the intercompartment region can be ruptured with a force in the range of from 10 to 30 N while the weld in the peripheral region cannot be ruptured.

Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a fluid conducting element. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and supports the fluid conducting element which, passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The fluid conducting element provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The fluid conducting element also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the individual.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstituting a multiple component material is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention discloses an apparatus utilizing an operator controllable pressurization device to generate a pressure differential between two receptacles attached to the device. The receptacles may contain individual components of a multiple component material, and may include liquid-liquid or liquid-solid compounds. The apparatus includes a material transfer lumen attachable to a first and second component receptacle. A pressurization lumen is connected to one of the component receptacles to facilitate material transfer. One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a negative pressure differential created in the second receptacle to facilitate transfer. In another embodiment, a positive pressure is created in the first receptacle to force material transfer between the two receptacles.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for storing and transporting peritoneal dialysate in dry or lyophilized form, and for forming a deliverable peritoneal dialysis solution therefrom. In one embodiment, a dry reagent bed, including reagents sufficient to produce a dialysis solution, is suspended in a diluent flow path through the apparatus housing. Continuous pressure on the reagent bed causes the bed to compact as it erodes when purified water is passed through the housing. The pressure ensures complete and even dissolution of the reagents. Through dry storage and simple dissolution, even in a home, the invention enables a wider variety of solution constituents, including reduced acid content and the use of bicarbonate as a stable buffer component. The latter is illustrated in a double-bed embodiment, where bicarbonate is stored separately from calcium or magnesium salts within a single housing.

Abstract: Leaktight confinement appliance (1), intended to cooperate at least with one independent receptacle (3) containing a substance (4), having its own means (8) for transfer into and/or out of the said receptacle, and with at least one independent means (71) for delivery of a material, the said appliance comprising a handling chamber (2), defined by a wall (13) of flexible material substantially leaktight with respect to the external environment, arranged to connect at least the transfer means (8) of the receptacle (3) to the delivery means (71), inside the handling chamber (2). This appliance comprises a means for leaktight assembly (50) between the handling chamber (2) and the transfer means (8) of the receptacle (3), and a means (70) for leaktight connection between the handling chamber (2) and the delivery means (71).

Abstract: A flexible transparent container for improved storage of oxygen sensitive parenterally administerable agents comprising an inner, primary container enclosed in a substantially oxygen impermeable outer envelope with an oxygen absorber, capable of consuming essentially all residual oxygen after the outer envelope is sealed, and for sufficient period also the oxygen penetrating said envelope. The inner container is made of a polypropylene containing flexible polymeric material compatible with lipophilic agents capable of forming both permanent and peelable seals, while the envelope is made of a substantially water impermeable flexible multilayered polymeric material comprising a first outer substantially water impermeable polymeric film with oxygen barrier forming capacity, assembled with a second, inner polymeric film with a supplementary oxygen barrier forming capacity. The container essentially maintains its characteristics after being subjected to sterilization by steam or radiation.

Abstract: A neutral glucose-containing preparation with excellent stability and a near physiological pH, as a transfusion preparation with minimal glucose degradation by-products and a greatly reduced formic acid content; specifically, a glucose-containing preparation comprising separately housed first and second solutions, the first and second solutions satisfying the following conditions: (a) the first solution contains 2-50% glucose, and its pH is adjusted to 3-5 with an organic acid buffer solution; (b) the second solution contains an alkalizing agent, and has a pH value of 8-13 as a pH adjustor for the first solution; and (c) the glucose concentration is 1-15% in the preparation solution obtained by mixing the first solution and second solution, and the pH of the solution is in a range of 6-8. It is used particularly as a peritoneal perfusate, such as a perfusate for Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD).

Abstract: An improved transferset assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a medicament vial and a second container, such as a syringe, which includes an integral polymeric transfer assembly having a tubular collar portion, a radial portion overlying the rim of the first container, an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion which is integrally joined to the outer tubular portion by a radial intermediate web portion, a piercing member telescopically received in the inner tubular portion having a piercing end to pierce the closure sealing the open end of the first container and a removable closure which seals the open ends of the outer and inner tubular portions of the transfer assembly.

Abstract: Containers and methods for making containers are disclosed. The containers include a chamber and a pouch fixed within the chamber. During manufacture, the open edges of the pouch are sealed between the walls of the container by a seal defining, in part, the peripheral edge of the chamber.

Abstract: A device is provided for reconstituting a lyophilized or powdered medicament such as blood factor VIII which must be reconstituted just prior to use, such as by introduction of a sterile fluid from a syringe, which comprises a housing having an upper section capable of receiving a syringe and a lower section capable of receiving a vial containing the medicament in co-axial alignment with the syringe, a middle section connecting the upper and lower sections which has a central aperture which forms a passageway for fluid transfer between the syringe and the vial, and a hollow vented spike which extends downwardly from the central aperture for a length sufficient to ensure that the lower end of the spike will pierce the seal and enter the interior of a vial housed in the lower section of the device. The invention is advantageous because the vented opening in the spike will allow for an equalization of the pressure after the piercing of the vial by the spike which will facilitate the use of the device.

Abstract: A solution kit includes a prefilled syringe and a container containing a solvent charged therein. The prefilled syringe comprises a barrel provided at a distal end thereof with a tip closed by a twist-off type closing member, while the solvent container having a mouth portion closed by a twist-off type closing member. The tip of the prefilled syringe and the mouth portion of the solvent container are configured to engage with one another in liquid-tight engagement.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for storing and transporting peritoneal dialysate in dry or lyophilized form, and for forming a deliverable peritoneal dialysis solution therefrom. In one embodiment, a dry reagent bed, including reagents sufficient to produce a dialysis solution, is suspended in a diluent flow path through the apparatus housing. Continuous pressure on the reagent bed causes the bed to compact as it erodes when purified water is passed through the housing. The pressure ensures complete and even dissolution of the reagents. Through dry storage and simple dissolution, even in a home, the invention enables a wider variety of solution constituents, including reduced acid content and the use of bicarbonate as a stable buffer component. The latter is illustrated in a double-bed embodiment, where bicarbonate is stored separately from calcium or magnesium salts within a single housing.

Abstract: A syringe apparatus for mixing and delivering a two-part material has (i) a syringe barrel and a plunger. The apparatus also has a paddle slidably coupled to the plunger. A distal insertion end of the plunger has a slot therein. A proximal end of the paddle is slidably coupled within the slot. The paddle is movable between an extended position and a contracted position with respect to the plunger. Upon placing material into the barrel, such as through an opening in the wall of the barrel, the paddle can be employed to mix the material. After such mixing, the plunger is pressed further into the barrel without removing the paddle, thereby expressing the mixed material from the barrel and compressing the paddle into the slot of the plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling an ampule of a needle-less injector suitable for injecting liquid medication includes an ampule and a fluid holder. The ampule is for containing the fluid, and the fluid holder is for delivering the fluid. The fluid holder also includes a fluid plunger rod. The ampule is coupled to the fluid holder to provide fluid communication between the ampule and the fluid holder. The fluid plunger rod is depressed to load the fluid from the fluid holder into the ampule to fill the ampule. The ampule may further include an ampule plunger rod. After the ampule is loaded with fluid, the ampule plunger rod is depressed to expel bubbles back into the fluid holder from the ampule.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved vial transfer assembly or vial transferset which may be attached to a vial under sterile conditions and used to transfer fluid to or from a conventional vial. The transferset includes a tubular transfer member which is sealingly supported on the rim portion of a vial stopper, a piercing member having a piercing end reciprocally supported by an internal surface of the transfer member, a cap enclosing the tubular transfer member and a collar preferably formed of a malleable material which secures the assembly on the stopper, which is crimped beneath the vial rim. The piercing member has a generally longitudinal external channel which, upon piercing the planar portion of the stopper, establishes fluid communication with the vial through the tubular transfer member. The distal end of the tubular transfer member includes a Luer lock for establishing fluid communication to a syringe, IV set or the like.

Abstract: A method and device for filling a syringe with a chemical solution such as a contrast agent is disclosed. The device has a cylinder holder, a piston holder, a driving mechanism to move the piston holder relative to the cylinder holder, a keyboard to input test conditions, and a computer. Based on the test conditions, the computer calculates the volume of the chemical solution necessary for a patient. The piston holder is allowed to aspirate the precise volume necessary for the patient from a bottle where the chemical solution is stored. Thus the correct and necessary volume of the chemical solution is transferred from the bottle to the syringe, which minimizes the waste of the chemical solution.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for storing and transporting peritoneal dialysate in dry or lyophilized form, and for forming a deliverable peritoneal dialysis solution therefrom. In one embodiment, a dry reagent bed, including reagents sufficient to produce a dialysis solution, is suspended in a diluent flow path through the apparatus housing. Continuous pressure on the reagent bed causes the bed to compact as it erodes when purified water is passed through the housing. The pressure ensures complete and even dissolution of the reagents. Through dry storage and simple dissolution, even in a home, the invention enables a wider variety of solution constituents, including reduced acid content and the use of bicarbonate as a stable buffer component. The latter is illustrated in a double-bed embodiment, where bicarbonate is stored separately from calcium or magnesium salts within a single housing.

Abstract: Robotic manipulation of three-part plastic preparation assemblies automatically produces IV solutions which conform to a input specifications of a pharmacist located on site or remotely, including preparation telerobotically. The transparent plastic bag assemblies are stored in a magazine, and are extracted automatically one by one for preparation of individual prescriptions. A supply bag is prefilled with U.S.P. water and is connected through a valve to a mixing bag. Unit dose holders with medicaments and pH adjusting chemistries are dispensed into the mixing bag through an inlet where they are broken open by manipulation, and water is introduced. The bag contents are mixed by rotation of a magnetic mixing bar. The mixing bag is connected by a second valve through a filter to an administration bag. Negative pressure is applied to the administration bag to draw the solution through the filter. The administration bag is then heat sealed and severed from the filter for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a needle. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and the needle passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The needle is attached to one of the adapters for support and provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The needle also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing medication and filling an ampule of a needle-less injector suitable for injecting liquid medication includes a reagent holder and a diluent holder. The regent holder is for containing a reagent, and the diluent holder is for containing a diluent. The diluent holder also includes a diluent plunger rod. The reagent holder is coupled to the diluent holder to provide fluid communication between the reagent holder and the diluent holder. The diluent plunger rod is depressed to load the diluent from the diluent holder into the reagent holder to mix with the reagent to produce the liquid medication for filling the ampule. The reagent holder may further include a reagent plunger rod. After the reagent and the diluent are mixed in the reagent holder to produce the liquid medication, the reagent plunger rod is depressed to load the liquid medication back into the diluent holder for filling the ampule.

Abstract: A bag for an infusion solution has front and back wall portions each formed of a flexible plastic film and provided with a plurality of chambers which are filled with one infusion solution and another infusion solution or medicament, independently. The chambers are sectioned by a boundary portion having at least one weak seal portion which is closed by separably bonding inside surfaces of the plastic films mutually facing at the boundary portion so that the one infusion solution and the another infusion solution or medicament in the respective chambers are mixed together when the weak seal portion is opened. The weak seal portion is formed by applying a separable coating material, which provides a reduced bonding strength in a heat sealing process, on one or both inside surfaces of the plastic films mutually facing at the boundary portion and then effecting heat sealing process to the boundary portion. The separable coating material is applied in a form of a dot-pattern through a printing process.

Abstract: The improved vial transfer assembly or vial transferset may be attached to a vial under sterile conditions and used to transfer fluid to or from a conventional vial. The transferset includes a tubular transfer member which is sealingly supported on the rim portion of a vial stopper, a piercing member having a piercing end reciprocally supported by an internal surface of the transfer member, a cap enclosing the tubular transfer member and a collar preferably formed of a malleable material which secures the assembly on the stopper, which is crimped beneath the vial rim. The piercing member has a generally longitudinal external channel which, upon piercing the planar portion of the stopper, establishes fluid communication with the vial through the tubular transfer member. The distal end of the tubular transfer member includes a Luer lock for establishing fluid communication to a syringe, IV set or the like.

Abstract: A container for therapeutic use is formed of a main body, which is made of a flexible resin and provided with a bag portion. The bag portion is formed in a flat shape at at least a part thereof where mutually-opposing walls of the bag portion are peelably welded together at inner surfaces thereof to form a welded region. A hole is formed as an attachment hole through at least one of the mutually-opposing walls in the welded region. A holder with a medicament placed therein, said medicament being prone to a change in property or color upon absorption of moisture, is hermetically attached to the at least one wall over the attachment hole to seal the medicament in the holder. A moisture-barrier member with a desiccant placed therein is arranged on a side opposite to the holder so that the other wall of the bag portion is hermetically covered by the moisture-barrier member at a position at least corresponding to the attachment hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sequestration of components of a fluid by forcing heavier fractions of the fluid to pass beyond a yieldable partition integrally formed within a bag. Fluid fractions remain sequestered within bag compartments when forces driving the heavier fraction have been removed.

Abstract: The means and methods of inactivating viruses and other organisms in cell-containing or biopolymer-containing compositions comprising contacting such compositions with selective ethyleneimine oligomer inactivating agents are disclosed. The means and methods of this invention selectively modify functional nucleic acids in a cell-containing or biopolymer-containing composition using selective ethyleneimine oligomer inactivating agents, such as the trimer or tetramer without significant alteration of proteins or other biopolymers.

Abstract: An apparatus for altering characteristics of a fluid. The apparatus includes a first perimeter wall defining an internal chamber therein. The first perimeter wall defines a first opening and a second opening therethrough. The first opening is constructed to be fluidly connected to a fluid source. The internal chamber defined in said first perimeter wall is constructed to contain a beneficial agent therein. A beneficial agent is disposed in the internal chamber defined in the first perimeter wall, the beneficial agent being dispersible in a fluid flowing from the first opening to the second opening through the internal chamber defined in the first perimeter wall.

Abstract: A device for mixing and delivering a curable biomaterial using minimally invasive techniques. The device provides a mixing path that is configured to contribute a longitudinal distance dimension to the device that is considerably less than the length of the mixing path itself. In so doing, the device can provide improved ergonomic control and single-handed operation in the course of mixing biomaterial components, in order to initiate cure, and delivering the mixed biomaterial through a delivery conduit and to a tissue site in vivo. Optional features of the device include the ability to warm the biomaterial components, to position or retract a protective sheath covering the delivery conduit, and the ability to divert or shunt an initial volume of mixed biomaterial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package for storing, mixing, resuspending and dispensing sterile or non-sterile solutions or suspensions and comprises a sterilizable bag having fittings which provide for the introduction and exit of fluids and solids, as well as means for resuspending and stirring the fluids. Additionally, structural support means are provided for shipment, filling and dispensing. Unlike conventional stainless steel equipment, the system is disposable, does not require cleaning, provides for safe, rapid and accurate resuspension of suspended solids and can accommodate a wide range of liquid volumes.

Abstract: A container for a sterile medical solution comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a rigid top border having a central portion and peripheral portions. At least one separation line joints the upper and lower surfaces of the container to form first and second compartments. The top border of the container includes lines of weakness in the central portion thereof to form a hinged connection between the peripheral portions of the top border so that solutions in the first and second compartments are more quickly mixed when openable connectors between the compartments are broken.

Abstract: A container for enclosing a sterile medical solution and method for mixing the same, such as a peritoneal dialysis solution. The container comprises a first compartment comprising the major part of the solution, such as an electrolyte solution comprising NaCl, CaCl.sub.2, etc., and two separate compartments, each comprising glucose in a high concentration. The entire container is autoclaved including the solutions as separated, thereby minimizing the formation of toxic products. During preparation for use, the second compartment or the third compartment, or both, are connected to the first compartment by breaking pins in a connection tube for each compartment. Depending upon the compartments connected to the first compartment, a different concentration of glucose results. Thus, all three of the usually employed glucose concentrations may be provided in a single container.

Abstract: An adaptor for drawing a liquid from a container that is sealed with a plug or for filling the container. The container being sealed with a plug that is attached by a flange cap. At least one mandrel on the front end of the adaptor for penetrating the plug, a connecting part with an inner cone at the rear end for hooking up medical devices, and a flat gripping element in the intermediate area for facilitating the adaptation process. A funnel that is open toward the rear end is arranged on the connecting part of the adaptor. In addition, an elastic centering and gripping part is arranged toward the front end of the adaptor on the gripping element. The inner contour of the centering and gripping part approximately corresponds, at least in terms of area, to the outer contour of the flange cap that attaches the plug to the injection container. The inner contour also has locking elements that engage behind the flange cap at least in sections.

Abstract: A fluid vessel which include a drug storing chamber, a capping member for hermetically sealing the mouth portion of the drug storing chamber, and a solvent chamber joined to the bottom of the drug storing chamber, wherein the drug storing chamber is provided with a communication hole at the bottom thereof for communicating with the solvent chamber and includes a protruding piece which hermetically seals the communication hole, protrudes into the drug storing chamber, and is movable so as to open the communication hole, while the capping member has an engaging portion to be engaged with the tip of the protruding piece whereby the protruding piece is moved to open the communication hole by rotation of the capping member. This vessel serves to simplify the manufacturing process and reduces the number of components, is readily disposed of, facilitates mixing the drug with the solvent, and is easy to store and handle in hospitals and other facilities.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multilayer polymer film and a multichamber bag, whose bag chambers are formed by seams in the outer border zone and by at least one seam in the chamber separation zone, whereby the seams are formed from the polymer materials facing the chambers. The polymer materials facing the chambers are inseparably sealed together in the outer border zone and sealed together in the chamber separation zone such that the seam is separable with a force which lies in the range from 5 to 20 N. The different strength of the bond from the sealing process is obtained by varying sealing temperatures.

Abstract: A flexible transparent container for improved storage of oxygen sensitive parenterally administerable agents comprising an inner, primary container enclosed in a substantially oxygen impermeable outer envelope with an oxygen absorber, capable of consuming essentially all residual oxygen after the outer envelope is sealed, and for sufficient period also the oxygen penetrating said envelope. The inner container is made of a polypropylene containing flexible polymeric material compatible with lipophilic agents capable of forming both permanent and peelable seals, while the envelope is made of a substantially water impermeable flexible multilayered polymeric material comprising a first outer substantially water impermeable polymeric film with oxygen barrier forming capacity, assembled with a second, inner polymeric film with a supplementary oxygen barrier forming capacity. The container essentially maintains its characteristics after being subjected to sterilization by steam or radiation.

Abstract: The improved vial transfer assembly or vial transferset may be attached to a vial under sterile conditions and used to transfer fluid to or from a conventional vial. The transferset includes a tubular transfer member which is sealingly supported on the rim portion of a vial stopper, a piercing member having a piercing end reciprocally supported by an internal surface of the transfer member, a cap enclosing the tubular transfer member and a collar preferably formed of a malleable material which secures the assembly on the stopper, which is crimped beneath the vial rim. The piercing member has a generally longitudinal external channel which, upon piercing the planar portion of the stopper, establishes fluid communication with the vial through the tubular transfer member. The distal end of the tubular transfer member includes a Luer lock for establishing fluid communication to a syringe, IV set or the like.

Abstract: A disposable container for preparing bone cement, comprising a flexible bag member, the bag member being substantially sealed; a port member for transferring a substantially liquid composition into the flexible bag member; and wherein the bag member includes a resilient membrane covering the port member.

Abstract: A blood collection device comprising formed additive particles. The additive particles are an improvement over available additive formulations that are powder blended in that the components of the additive particles of the present invention are in each formed particle. The formed additive particles comprise a fluoride salt and an ethylenediaminetetraacetate salt or a heparin salt to consistently minimize glycolysis and coagulation of a blood specimen with low hemolysis.

Abstract: A cap assembly is provided for mounting over the mouth of a container which is occluded with a stopper. The cap assembly includes a housing, a moveable piercing member or penetrator within the housing, a removable overcap over the housing, and a ferrule connecting the housing to the container. A preferred form of the penetrator is fabricated from sheet metal in a progressive die stamping process. One form of the overcap includes a frangible construction that permits the upper part of the overcap to be torn away to expose the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and mixing together of diluents and medicaments. The container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, in which the diluents and medicaments are stored. The container is constructed of thermoplastic materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The seals are ruptured by manipulation of the container to thereby mix the contents together for delivery through standard IV arrangement to a patient. The seals are constructed to provide a non-linear resistance characteristic to hydraulic pressure, which causes the seal to peel open completely along its length. The container is folded-over along the line of one of the seals and also includes a locking tab and retaining slot to secure the bag in a folded-over condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating waste liquids containing body fluids so as to prevent problems such as nosocomial infection due to such waste liquids containing body fluids discharged from patients under (surgical) operation or treatment, particularly those waste liquids containing blood or an irrigation liquid used to irrigate the body cavity of such patient. The method includes collecting a waste liquid containing body fluids into a container, separating the waste liquid into a supernatant liquor and a flocculate within the container, discharging the supernatant liquor from the container, and disposing of the flocculate remaining in the container together with the container.

Abstract: Sterile solutions containing pharmaceuticals suitable for use in low and micro-gravity environments are prepared with unit dose pharmaceutical dispensers having a pre-measured quantity of medicament. A compressed air reservoir may be activated to rupture the dispenser and positively expel the unit dose into solution. This can be accomplished by inverting a bag containing the pharmaceutical or by operation of a piston which pushes all the pharmaceutical from the dispenser. A robot either places the pharmaceutical dispensers inside a mixing chamber or connects the dispensers to the mixing chamber, which comprises a flexible bag expandable to receive sterile water and pharmaceuticals. The mixing chamber may collapse under cabin pressure to drive prepared solutions from the chamber through a sterilization filter into an intravenous bag or dispensing unit.

Abstract: A pair of plastic containers are compressed intermediate a pair of jaws and RF energy is applied as a function of the change in impedance of the melting plastic between the jaws to sterilize with heat the plastic intermediate the pair of jaws and to form a sterile rupturable membrane encircled by a seal to permit fluid communication on demand between the containers upon rupture of the membrane. The use of RF energy to heat bipolar plastic material (dielectric material) both sterilizes the plastic material and welds the plastic material at a proper temperature to form the rupturable membrane without the use of any instrumentation indicative of temperature or other control parameters.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and mixing together of diluents and medicaments. The container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by preferentially peelable seals, in which the diluents and medicaments are stored. The container is constructed of thermoplastic materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The peelable seals are ruptured by manipulation of the container to thereby mix the contents together for delivery through standard IV arrangement to a patient. The seals are constructed such that the seal between the diluent and medicament compartments is preferentially ruptured such that a liquid medicament and a diluent are always mixed before the combined solution is accessible for administration. The container is fillable with a single component liquid medicament which may be susceptible to sloshing or turbulence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing and administering one or more drug solutions for continuous infusion. Flow rates are standardized by varying the drug concentrations according to a preestablished set of tables. The method of the present invention greatly simplifies clinical application of continuous infusion anesthesia, and allows easy preparation of different volumes which can minimize drug wastage. The standardization of rate taught by the present method eases interpretation and mixing, resulting in easier application of drugs and increased patient safety. An apparatus is desirably used to assist in achieving the objectives of the present invention. The device facilitates accurate and efficient conversion to the nonstandard flow rates required for special applications such as neonatal anesthesia and others.

Abstract: Solutions which contain L-carnitine and alkanoyl L-carnitine are useful for stabilizing blood for transfusions.