Abstract: The invention provides a variety of surgical instruments for forming a liquid jet, which are useful for performing a wide variety of surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the invention provides surgical liquid jet instruments having a pressure lumen and an evacuation lumen, where the pressure lumen includes at least one nozzle for forming a liquid jet and where the evacuation lumen includes a jet-receiving opening for receiving the liquid jet when the instrument is in operation. In some embodiments, the pressure lumen and the evacuation lumen of the surgical liquid jet instruments are constructed and positionable relative to each other so that the liquid comprising the liquid jet, and any tissue or material entrained by the liquid jet can be evacuated through the evacuation lumen without the need for an external source of suction.

Abstract: A system and method for removing cataract cells inside of an eye having a heated inflatable brushing device adapted to pass through an incision in the lens capsule, the brush being inflated with a heated fluid after passing through the incision in the lens capsule. The brushing device has an abrasive surface and is coupled to a tube that is adapted to pass through the incision in the eye and kill and dislodge cells therefrom. The tube has a first passageway and a first orifice for infusing a fluid inside of the eye and dislodging cells therein and a second passageway and second orifice for aspirating the fluid and cells out of the eye. The brush device also can be coupled to a motor, which rotates or oscillates the brush device to further dislodge the cells from the incision of the eye, such as from the lens capsule. In another embodiment, the tube can be a closed system having an aperture in the periphery, the aperture extending from the surface of the tube to the first passageway.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for providing suction and/or irrigation has a surgical tool or electrode tip mounted within the wall of an elongated housing or cannula such that the passageway through the housing is substantially unobstructed. A mounting notch is formed in the elongated housing and the surgical tool is formed with a mounting tab that matches the mounting notch. The mounting tab is positioned into the mounting notch and is substantially flush with the wall of the elongated housing. The mounting tab is then secured to the wall of the elongated housing, for example, by laser welding. The surgical tool can be formed with various different tip shapes including, but not limited to, a J hook, an L hook, a spatula, a needle, and a ball. In one example, the surgical instrument is used as a laparoscopic electrosurgical instrument and the elongated housing and surgical tool are made of electrically conductive materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-lumen catheter assembly having an selectively attachable hub including a multi-lumen catheter tube that has a proximal portion and a distal portion and a hub assembly that has a proximal portion and a distal portion, whereby the distal portion of the catheter tube is selectively attachable to the proximal portion of the hub assembly after subcutaneous insertion of the proximal portion of the catheter tube into a patient.

Abstract: A method of inserting a multi-lumen catheter assembly. First, an incision is made near the area to be catheterized. The proximal portion of the multi-lumen catheter tube is then inserted into the area to be catheterized. A subcutaneous tunnel is created, and the first end of the tunnel is near the incision. The catheter tube is then routed through the subcutaneous tunnel and pulled tube through a second end of the subcutaneous tunnel. The hub body is then securely attached to the catheter tube by connecting the connection cover to the hub body by threaded engagement. In a preferred embodiment the hub body is attached to the catheter tube by backfitting the connection cover over the catheter tube. A compression sleeve is also backfit over the catheter tube. The cannulae of the hub body are inserted into the lumens of the catheter tube to create fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: An intraocular surgical apparatus is disclosed. The appartus includes an introduction tube for introducing perfusate into a closed intraocular affected part, a discharge tube for discharging the affected part together with the perfusate, a perfusate feed passage connected to the introduction tube, the perfusate feed passage incorporating a perfusate reservoir capable of feeding the perfusate with a predetermined rest liquid head pressure and a control valve for controlling the amount of perfusate to be fed from the perfusate reservoir to the introduction tube, and a. discharge passage connected to the discharge tube, the discharge passage incorporating a suction pump.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a vulnerable plaque treatment catheter arrangement for the treatment of a lipid pool at a site of vulnerable plaque within an artery. The catheter arrangement includes an elongated, hollow, flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated, flexible, steerable, lipid-enterable needle arranged within the shaft. The needle has at least one lumen therethrough in communication with a treatment source, to permit the rendering of the lipid pool into an innocuous entity.

Abstract: Blood is withdrawn from a vein by a double lumen catheter that has an elongated tube with unitary outer walls. A longitudinal planar septum divides the interior of the tube into an inlet lumen and a longer return lumen. The inlet lumen extends from a proximal end of the tube to an end terminating in a distally forward facing aperture. The return lumen extends contiguously with the inlet lumen from the proximal end of the tube to an end terminating in a distally forward facing aperture spaced in the longitudinal direction distally forward of the inlet lumen aperture. A diverting structure extends from an outer wall of the return lumen distally forward of the aperture of the inlet lumen. The diverting structure diverts flow of treated fluid discharged from the return lumen away from the distally forward facing aperture of the inlet lumen. The blood withdrawn via the catheter is circulated for treatment in a blood purification system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interventional device for interacting with occlusive material. A wall attachment jet moves and removes particulate from lumens such as vessels.

Abstract: Phaco tip apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having an ultrasonic drive assembly includes a needle having a tip for emulsifying a cataractic lens and a lumen for aspirating emulsified lens. A compressible sleeve establishes an annular passage around the needle and enables irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through a cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle. The compressible sleeve includes a wall configuration for controlling compression of the sleeve in order to cause the compressible sleeve to shape and conform to the cornea/sclera wound and limit fluid egress from the wound. A bypass port, disposed in said needle and under said compressible sleeve, establishes fluid communication between the lumen and the annular passage in order to enable irrigation fluid to pass into said lumen upon clogging of the tip, thus providing fluid surge protection.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for one-step preparation of fibrinogen adhesive by polyethylene glycol-mediated precipitation from plasma are disclosed. The methods and apparatus of the invention permit preparation of autologous fibrinogen adhesive composition from the patient during surgery, and can be applied generally to provide such compositions. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for application of sealant comprising this fibrinogen adhesive composition.

Abstract: A tubing having unitary construction and having a single lumen portion, a multilumen portion and a transition portion therebetween. The single lumen is in fluid communication with each and every lumen comprising the multilumen portion. The tubing may be made in any desired length by means of extrusion. The outer surface of the tubing may be either smooth or grooved and have any desired cross-sectional geometry. Similarly, any of the lumens can be made to have a desired cross-sectional shape and size. Although the tubing can be made from any extrudable material, a preferred material is medical grade silicone clastomer. An extrusion apparatus and a method for making the tubing in a continuous process is described.

Abstract: An improved suction and irrigation system for debriding a tract wound includes a suction and irrigation handpiece and a dual lumen suction and irrigation tip that is removably connectible to the handpiece. The tip has a flexible shaft and a connector for connecting the shaft to the handpiece. The flexibility of the shaft facilitates advancement of the shaft to the deepest part of the tract wound while also limiting further trauma to the wound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual lumen access catheter, for facilitating placement of two procedure wires across a treatment site. In one application, the catheter is used to place a first wire extending between a contralateral iliac and an ipsilateral iliac across the terminal bifurcation of the aorta, and a second wire extending through a portion of the ipsilateral iliac and into the aorta. Methods of placing the wires, such as for subsequent deployment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm bifurcation graft, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for at least reducing the mineral content of a vascular calcified lesion, i.e. a calcified lesion present on the vascular tissue of a host. In the subject methods, the local environment of the lesion is maintained at a subphysiologic pH for a period of time sufficient for the mineral content of the lesion to be reduced, e.g. by flushing the lesion with a fluid capable of locally increasing the proton concentration in the region of the lesion. Also provided are catheters for use in performing the subject methods, where the catheters at least include a first lumen capable of delivering fluid to a vascular site and a second lumen capable of removing fluid from a vascular site. The subject methods and devices find particular use in the treatment of vascular diseases associated with the presence of calcified lesions on vascular tissue.

Abstract: A medical device for providing retrograde venous perfusion to the cerebral vasculature for treatment of global or focal cerebral ischemia is disclosed. The device includes a catheter having an infusion port at its distal end, venous drainage port(s), and an expandable occluder disposed between the infusion port and drainage port(s). The catheter is adapted for insertion in the superior vena cava or the internal jugular vein. The catheter is attached proximally to a pump and an oxygenator with or without a cooling system. Alternatively, the device comprises two catheters, each having a lumen communicating with a distal infusion port and an occluder mounted proximal to the port. The catheters are adapted for insertion in the internal jugular veins distal to jugular venous valves. Methods of using the devices to provide retrograde venous perfusion and isolated cerebral hypothermia are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: The invention provides a variety of surgical instruments for forming a liquid jet, which are useful for performing a wide variety of surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the invention provides surgical liquid jet instruments having a pressure lumen and an evacuation lumen, where the pressure lumen includes at least one nozzle for forming a liquid jet and where the evacuation lumen includes a jet-receiving opening for receiving the liquid jet when the instrument is in operation. In some embodiments, the pressure lumen and the evacuation lumen of the surgical liquid jet instruments are constructed and positionable relative to each other so that the liquid comprising the liquid jet, and any tissue or material entrained by the liquid jet can be evacuated through the evacuation lumen without the need for an external source of suction.

Abstract: The invention is a catheter with a fluid flow divider positioned near the distal end of the catheter for dividing a first lumen into two channels at a point where a second lumen branches from the first lumen, and for selectively perfusing the branch lumen. The invention is particularly suited for use in the aortic arch. The fluid flow divider may comprise one or more inflatable chambers or one or more deployable shrouds comprising a plurality of arms with a webbing extending between adjacent arms. The inflatable chambers may be relatively noncompliant or they may be compliant, exhibiting elastic behavior after initial inflation, to closely fit the aortic lumen size and curvature. The catheter may further include one or more additional or auxiliary flow control members located upstream or downstream from the fluid flop divider to further segment the patient's circulatory system for selective perfusion to different organ systems within the body or to assist in anchoring the catheter in a desired position.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therein. An administering portion is disposed at the distal end of the catheter and is configured to administer a bolus of liquid in response to positive pressure in a distal portion of the lumen. The catheter system of the present invention has a dead space of less 0.32 cc and preferably less than 0.15 cc in which residual therapeutic agents remain after delivery. The present invention also includes a method of administering a liquid to a treatment site. The distal end of the catheter is transluminally positioned proximate the treatment site. The catheter is charged by placing a bolus of the liquid in the lumen A positive pressure is created to drive the bolus to the administering tip to express the bolus from the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: ARPE-19 cells were evaluated as a platform cell line for encapsulated and un-encapsulated cell-based delivery technology. ARPE-19 cells were found to be hardy (the cell line is viable under stringent conditions, such as in central nervous system or intra-ocular environment); can be genetically modified to secrete the protein of choice; has a long life span; is of human origin; has good in vivo device viability; delivers efficacious quantity of growth factor; triggers no or low level host immune reaction, and is non-tumorigenic.

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having an ultrasonic drive assembly attached to a hollow needle includes a compressible sleeve for establishing an annual passage around the needle and enabling the irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through a cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle. The compressible sleeve includes a wall configuration for controlling compression of the sleeve in order to cause the compressible sleeve to shape and conform to the corneal/sclera wound and limit fluid egress from the wound. A hub is provided for attaching the compressible sleeve to the handpiece and enabling the needle to be angularly displaced within the compressible sleeve means during phacoemulsification.

Abstract: An intraocular irrigation/aspiration device (10) including a hollow shaft (12) with a distal tip portion (20) and a proximal portion (24). The shaft (12) includes a lumen (18) extending through the shaft (12) wherein the lumen (18) is of reduced cross-sectional area in the proximal portion (24) so as to regulate aspiration of fluid and reduce post occlusion surge phenomena. Preferably, the device (10) includes an outer sleeve (26) which is flexible so as to enable a small incision in the eye to engage closely with the shaft (12).

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.

Abstract: A technique is described for liquefying, or gelifying, a hardened, cataractous lens nucleus and aspirating the same. Heat or heated solution is delivered to the lens nucleus in vivo so that the heat or heated solution is placed in contact with the hardened nucleus in order to heat and liquefy the same. The lens nucleus is irrigated simultaneously with a cooled solution to thereby limit to a very small area where the heat or heated solution is present in the eye. This allows the surgeon precise control over which intraocular anterior segment structures are exposed to the heat or heated solution. The liquefied lens nuclear material is then aspirated from the eye. The above allows the removal of a lens nucleus through a 1 to 2 mm corneal or limbal incision which is smaller than the smallest incision allowable with previously known small incision cataract techniques. The above benefits the patient as it allows small incision cataract removal to be done in a way that is non-traumatic to intraocular structures.

Abstract: Medical instrumentation for intrusion of body cavities and canals, such as the gastrointestinal, urinal, vaginal and vascular tracts, is provided with unconventional surface structure replacing the conventional slippery low friction surfaces. Thus at least the surface zones of instrumentation surfaces tending to contact human tissue in ingress and egress are provided with a textured surface having a bidirectional coefficient of friction with the human tissue in the tracts being treated, which surface has the characteristic of favoring ingress movement into the work site and impeding egress movement out of the work site. The subject instrumentation with the specially textured surfaces includes viewing, therapeutic, surgical and biopsy instruments, catheters, guide cables, encompassing tubulation, and the like. This improved instrumentation expedites push endoscopy prodedures for example giving the surgeon a better feel for finding appropriate canal pathways and work sites.

Abstract: A suction device with an irrigation function exhibits reduced occurrence of jamming and can be easily manipulated. A flexible tube 21 is removably connected to a flexible tube connection 22 of a suction device body 20. A suction path 25 is substantially straightly aligned with the flexible tube connection 22. An irrigation path 27 is formed as a branch path of the suction path 25. When a rotation lever 31 is not pressed, the suction path 25 communicates with the flexible tube 21. As the lever 31 is pressed, the communication is disconnected and the irrigation path 27 begins to communicate with the flexible tube 21 through a zero point state.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of tissue comprises a wound dressing (10) which has a porous layer (11) for contacting a wound site and a lumen tube (20) which includes at least first and second conduits (22,23). A proximal end (21) of the lumen tube is installed into the porous layer of the wound dressing and at least one distal end (40) of the tube provides a first coupling means (35) for coupling the first conduit to a source of vacuum supply and a second coupling means (43) which couples the second conduit to a source of treatment fluid which is beneficial to wound healing. The first and second conduits provide fluid communication between the porous layer (11) and the first and second coupling means.

Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, includes: an irrigation fluid supplying unit, which supplies irrigation fluid into a patient eye; an aspiration unit provided with a hand piece having an aspiration hole, which aspirates through the aspiration hole a removed tissue along with the irrigation fluid supplied into the patient eye; a pressure sensor which detects vacuum pressure caused by the aspiration unit; and a control unit connected to the irrigation fluid supplying unit and the pressure sensor, which varies at least one of irrigation rate and irrigation pressure by controlling the irrigation fluid supplying unit based on the detected vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A device for removing pathological centers is therefore proposed which consists of a supply capillary (11) with a supply channel (14), wherein the supply channel (14) has at its distal end a throttle and is operatively connected to the discharge channel (13) of the discharge capillary (12).

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having an ultrasonic drive assembly attached to a hollow needle includes a compressible sleeve for establishing an annual passage around the needle and enabling the irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through a cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle. The compressible sleeve includes a wall configuration for controlling compression of the sleeve in order to cause the compressible sleeve to shape and conform to the corneal/sclera wound and limit fluid egress from the wound. A hub is provided for attaching the compressible sleeve to the handpiece and enabling the needle to be angularly displaced within the compressible sleeve means during phacoemulsification.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens mounted to a body. At least one lumen is used for aspiration and at least one other lumen is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. A portion of the second lumen is enlarged to form a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the second lumen. The pumping chamber may use any type of heater, such as a resistive heater or an induction heater.

Abstract: High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for the dialysis of blood, a method for fabricating the same, and an improved method for the dialysis of blood.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens or tubes mounted to a body. At least one tube is used for aspiration and at least one other tube is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. A portion of the second tube is enlarged to form a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the second tube. The pumping chamber may use a pair of electrodes.

Abstract: Essentially inelastic backing material for medical purposes, characterized in that the backing material has an addition of high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having an ultimate tensile stress strength of at least 60 cN/tex, preferably from 80 to 500 cN/tex, the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having a water absorption of less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and, with particular preference, less than 3% and the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or threads giving the backing material an ultimate stress strength of at least 50 N/cm, preferably from 60 to 450 N/cm and, with particular preference, from 65 to 250 N/cm, and in that the backing material is coated at least partially on at least one side with a hotmelt adhesive composition.

Abstract: A catheter to be inserted into a blood vessel and guided by said blood vessel which comprises a substantially cylindrical wall structure which defines an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, an opening formed in said cylindrical wall structure which extends into said catheter body forming a microdialysis chamber therein having a proximal and distal end, a microdialysis membrane covering said opening such that said microdialysis chamber has at least a portion of said microdialysis membrane as part of its wall, first and second channels extending through at least a portion of said catheter body and having proximal and distal ends, a cross channel connecting one of said first or second channels to the more distal side of said microdialysis chamber and the other of said first or second channels connected to the more proximal side of said microdialysis chamber, said proximal ends of said first and second channels being connected to an external means for circulating, monitoring and analyz

Abstract: Suction tube for surgical purposes, especially for draining of body compartments in connection to an organ, which suction tube comprise an inner tube, whose distal end is open and a outer tube, provided with a peripherally arranged holes, wherein the outer tube exhibits a cross section having at least one essentially flat side, being faced against the organ during draining

Abstract: A passage for irrigation liquid extends lengthwise along the exterior surface of the body of a phacoemulsifier handpiece and is formed between an outer arcuate section and the exterior surface of the body itself. The passage is of noncircular cross section so that it protrudes from the body, but to a lesser degree than a circular conduit having the same cross-sectional area.

Abstract: To reduce damage to surrounding tissue while fragmenting some tissue such as for example not damaging the capsular wall while removing the lens during cataract removal surgery or not damaging artery or vein walls during bypass surgery while freeing the artery or vein to be transplanted, an incision is made for the insertion of surface—a handpiece tip. The tip is rotated and reciprocated ultrasonically at the same time so that tissue is fragmented by the combined motion of a fragmenting surface perpendicular to the surface and at an angle to the surface many times during a single revolution or part of a revolution.

Abstract: An earpiece for cleaning wax or other foreign material from the ear canal of a patient or delivering a therapeutic agent into the ear canal. The device has a fluid outlet that directs the fluid passing therethrough at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the device. The fluid is thereby directed at the wall of the ear canal so reducing the likelihood of damage to the delicate structures of the eardrum. The device is also designed to allow inspection of the ear canal when it is in place so removing the need of repositioning equipment following cleaning of the canal.

Abstract: The invention provides a cylindrical elongate body extending from a proximal to a distal end, the body defining two similar longitudinally extending lumens separated by a septum and a further lumen defined within the septum, a tip extending from the distal end of the body defining a part of the further lumen, a connector at the proximal end, tubes coupled to the connector and in fluid communication through the connector one with each of the respective lumens, the body defining openings providing access one to each of the longitudinally extending lumens, the openings being spaced from one another longitudinally of the body and the further lumen extending longitudinally beyond the longitudinally extending lumens and through the tip, the further lumen terminating at an opening at the distal end of the tip and the tip being convergently tapered as it extends longitudinally from the body and the longitudinally extending lumens being blocked immediately adjacent and distally of the openings.

Abstract: A multiple lumen catheter assembly and methods for inserting the same are provided. The assembly includes a splittable membrane joining a first catheter and a second catheter for allowing the catheters to be at least partially longitudinally split from each other. Each catheter has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter. One method for inserting the assembly includes making an incision near the area to be catheterized, at least partially splitting the distal end regions of the catheters from each other by splitting apart the splittable membrane, and inserting the distal end regions of the catheters in a juxtaposed relation through the incision and into the area to be catheterized. In another method, the catheters are first tunnelled subcutaneously by pulling the distal end regions of the catheters in the assembly through a tunnel and outwardly from the tunnel near the area to be catheterized, leaving proximal end regions at least partially within the tunnel.

Abstract: A surgical suction cutting instrument includes a tubular outer member defining a cutting chamber with an opening, an inner member with a distal cutting edge movably received in the outer tubular member and a flushing mechanism for supplying fluid to the cutting chamber via an outlet communicating with the cutting chamber. The cutting edge of the inner member is disposed within the cutting chamber adjacent the opening to engage bodily tissue through the opening, and a lumen is preferably defined through the inner tubular member in communication with the cutting chamber for aspirating cut bodily tissue. In one embodiment, the flushing mechanism includes a tubular member disposed alongside the outer tubular member and having an outlet communicating with the cutting chamber for supplying fluid to the cutting chamber to prevent and clear clogging of the passage without the need of having to remove the cutting instrument from the surgical site.

Abstract: A needle for use with an apparatus for injecting fluid into a pierced body orifice has a hollow body having an axis and an internal bore along the axis, a blunt, closed first end, an open second end with an interface to a closure for attachment to a reservoir, and one or more side openings at substantially a right angle to the axis communicating from the internal bore to outside the hollow body. The needle may be curved or straight. A fluid injection system based on the needle uses such as squeeze bottles or syringes to express material through the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for irrigating a local irrigation site includes a suction/irrigation tip that is removably connected to a suction/irrigation handpiece. The tip has an irrigation tube for directing irrigation liquid to the irrigation site, and a suction tube coaxially aligned within the irrigation tube. The handpiece pumps irrigation liquid from an external reservoir, through the annular space between the irrigation tubes and the suction tube to the irrigation site. Suction is applied to the site through the central suction lumen which has a large unobstructed opening to reduce clogging. A flexible splash shield, slidably mounted to the tip, is conically shaped and extends distally from a collar to a rim. The rim is sized to fit around and about the local site.

Abstract: A surgical device which has an elongated body which is curved at one of its ends, and which has two through passages at each of its ends and two connecting lines connecting the through passages in such a way that each of the connecting lines connects one through passage at one end of the elongated body to a through passage at the other end of the elongated body. The elongated body also has both two selective control means mounted on it, each of which is capable of controlling the fluid circulation in the connecting lines, and two actuating members for actuating the selective control means. The surgical device also includes at least one first joining piece carrying a first tubular connector which can be brought into communication with such a body side. The first joining piece can be mounted at either end of the elongated body, so that the first tubular connector is connected, in common and in a sealed manner, to the two through passages of the end on which the first joining piece is mounted.

Abstract: A multi-lumen intravenous catheter for use in treating a patient's blood comprising an elongated cylindrical tube with at least first, second and third lumens formed inside. The first lumen is adapted to accept a guide wire for guiding the catheter during insertion into a blood vessel of the patient or therapeutics for introduction into the patient's bloodstream. The second lumen is adapted to return treated blood to the patient's blood vessel and has a smooth, circular or ellipsoidal cross-section. The third lumen is adapted to extract blood from the patient's blood vessel for treatment and has a substantially elliptical or football-shaped cross-section and a cross-sectional area which is 10 to 30 percent larger than a cross-sectional area of the second lumen. Despite such unbalanced cross-sections, the second and third lumens have substantially equal blood flow rates during treatment of the patient's blood.