Abstract: The invention concerns a drainage device for removing fluids by suction from body cavities, in particular from pleural cavity (12), the device having a drainage line (52) for removing the fluids by suction and a device (84) for creating an underpressure in the body cavity. The invention calls for an auxiliary line (54) whose channel at the patent end is in fluid contact with the channel of the drainage line (52), and for a gas to be supplied to the body cavity through the auxiliary line. The drainage device proposed enables troubles in drainage to be avoided and ensures that the drainage system is not obstructed.

Abstract: Techniques for infusing drugs into the brain to treat neurodegenerative disorders by an implantable pump and catheter. The drugs are capable of altering the level of excitation of neruons in the brain. A sensor is used to detect an attribute of the nervous system which reflects the hyperexcitation of the nerve cells projecting onto the degenerating nerve cells. A microprocessor algorithm analyzes the output from the sensor in order to regulate the amount of drug delivered to the brain.

Abstract: A double lumen introducing needle includes a hub having diametrically opposing mounting and distal ends connected by an at least substantially straight axial passageway. A side passageway branches from a junction between the ends and extends away from the junction and the distal end of the hub at an acute angle to the reminder of the axial passageway and terminates in a separate side port. A first, inner lumen extends continuously and unbrokenly from the side passageway through the junction along the axial passageway and projects outwardly from the distal end of the hub. The open end of the inner lumen in the side port is fluidly isolated by a seal from the axial passageway. An outer tube is mounted to the hub at the distal end. The outer tube projects outwardly from the distal end around the first lumen and defines at least part of a second, outer lumen surrounding the first, inner lumen. The outer lumen is fluidly coupled with a syringe at the mounting end of the hub through the axial passageway.

Abstract: Surgical system for phacoemulsification providing infusion fluid apparatus and aspiration or evacuation apparatus to supplement the action of ultrasound vibrational energy applied to the surgical target area via a surgical handpiece. The supplemental apparatus for infusion and aspiration maintains a stable control volume within the anterior chamber of the human eye during a phacoemulsification procedure. Integration of the fluid pressure and flow sensors in a close proximity of less than 8 inches with the surgical handpieceand reduction of communicating fluid pressure and flow rate via fluid conduits allows fast system response time and accurate operation control.

Abstract: A catheter device for performing atherectomy procedures and the like in which cutting blades at the distal end of the catheter are extended by the application of fluid pressure to the catheter to inflate a balloon. One or more cutting blades are attached to the end of a resilient support that maintains the blade in a retracted position until engaged by the expanding balloon to extend the blade radially outward. Specific embodiments include separate expandable balloons provided on each side of the cutting blade to isolate the operative site and separate conduits for the infusion of a flushing liquid to the operative site.

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 tiop 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: A pulsed irrigation handpiece comprises a pulsed irrigation liquid outlet for applying liquid pulses to a surgical site, a pump unit reciprocatingly driveable for pumping pulses of irrigation liquid through the outlet, an electric powered drive unit for reciprocatingly driving the pump unit, and a housing containing the pump and drive units. A irrigation inlet hose leads from the pump unit out of the handpiece housing and is connectable to a remote irrigation liquid source. An irrigation inlet hose adjacent the remote end thereof and electric conductors extending along the irrigation inlet hose transfer electric power from the supply unit to the drive unit in the handpiece. Removable tips are alternatively removably attachable to the irrigation liquid outlet adjacent the front end of the handpiece.

Abstract: A multi-lumen coaxial catheter and method for making such a catheter are provided. The catheter includes three generally coaxially disposed catheter tubes having proximal and distal portions and defining three coaxial lumens. The distal portions are attached to the proximal portion of a sleeve. The distal portion of the sleeve extends outwardly from the proximal portion of the sleeve around the inner catheter tube to form a tip. The proximal portions of the catheter tubes are attached to a hub having passageways in fluid communication with the lumens extending longitudinally within the catheter tubes. The passageways are further in fluid communication with extension tubes also attached to the hub.

Abstract: A self-retaining catheter assembly is provided which includes a first and second catheter and a retaining sleeve. The first and second catheters each have an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a lumen which extends longitudinally through the catheter. The first catheter has a proximal portion which is for placement within a first subcutaneous area, and the second catheter has a proximal portion which is for placement within a second subcutaneous area. The first and second catheters also each have distal portions for placement within an area to be catheterized. The retaining sleeve is positioned around a portion of the exterior surfaces of the catheters which is located proximal to the distal portions of the catheters.

Abstract: A flexible, integral polymer resistance heated conduit is provided that is particularly suitable for use with physiological fluids. The conduit is highly effective in uniformly heating a fluid and in maintaining the fluid at a uniform, predetermined temperature. The conduit is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, and is at least partially transparent or translucent, thereby allowing easy viewing of its contents.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter which comprises a pair of separate lumens defining a higher pressure lumen and a lower pressure lumen, plus a side opening positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter and communicating with the lower pressure lumen. A relatively thin tube defines the higher pressure lumen. One incorporates the relatively thin tube into a lumen of a relatively thick tube, followed by forming of the distal end of the high pressure lumen to curve rearwardly to form a proximally extending section having a proximal end. One then forms the side opening at a position adjacent the proximal end of the proximally extending section. The relatively thin tube may carry fibrous reinforcement to facilitate its use in defining the higher pressure lumen.

Abstract: A suction catheter has a tubular body with a distal end, a proximal end, and an inlet lumen and a discharge lumen formed in the catheter body. At the distal end of the catheter, the inlet lumen is connected with a nozzle, and the discharge lumen opens into a suction inlet. At the proximal end of the catheter, the lumens are connected to a proximal hub having an inlet port and a discharge port. The inlet lumen may be formed in a separate tube received inside the catheter body, and the suction catheter may include a guidewire lumen adapted to receive a guidewire.

Abstract: A remote tubing assembly is provided which includes a remote tubing attachment which is connected at a first end to a surgical suction/irrigation valve and at a second end to either an instrument insert probe, trocar(s), or a handpiece to provide concurrent smoke evacuation, suction and irrigation at an operative site while a surgeon is simultaneously utilizing surgical hand instruments at the operative site. The remote tubing assembly allows for major smoke removal as well as suction and irrigation while utilizing hand instruments. Thus, the present invention allows a surgeon to concentrate on detailed dissection, while keeping the operative field free of smoke and debris.

Abstract: A cannula system for a biventricular cardiac support system or a cardiopulmonary bypass system wherein a first cannula having a pair of side-by-side lumens is adapted to be positioned within the left atrium and left ventricle and aorta of a patient. Blood from the left atrium and left ventricle drains into one of the lumens in the first cannula and is conveyed to the inlet of a pulsatile flow cardiopulmonary bypass pump from where it is pumped through the other lumen into the aorta of the patient. An inflatable balloon is provided at the distal end of the first cannula for holding the distal end of the cannula in the aorta above the aortic valve. The first cannula includes an axially extending bore communicating with a space in the aorta between the inflated balloon and the aortic valve for conveying cardioplegic solution to the space communicating with the left and right arteries of the patient.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for applying a multiple component tissue adhesive, which apparatus has component conveying channels for the components of the tissue adhesive, extending in a one-piece construction part from a connecting part to a delivery part, and a gas conveying channel for a medicinal gas serving for atomizing the tissue adhesive components, wherein all the conveying channels end in separate exit openings at a front side of the delivery part and extend parallel to one another over at least that part of their longitudinal extension which is immediately upstream of the exit openings, and wherein the component conveying channels together are enclosed by the gas conveying channel at least on that part of their longitudinal extension immediately in front of their exit openings.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable assembly for sealing an incision or puncture in the body of the patient including a first member which is positioned generally along the wall of the blood vessel, duct, body cavity or lumen of the patient and a gelatinous material which is injected into the incision or puncture around a filament or clip member which is associated with the first member to seal the incision or puncture from the flow of fluids through the blood vessel, duct or lumen of the patient and the method therefore.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically observing a body cavity in which the view field is made more clear by eliminating mucus in the body cavity. The apparatus includes a tubular fluid passage forming member which surrounds an insert part and which is inserted into the body cavity. A space between the fluid passage forming member and the outer face of the insert part is divided into a fluid supply space and discharge space. The fluid supply space is externally supplied with fluid such as clean water and the mucus in the body cavity is discharged to the outside of the body via the fluid discharge space. The fluid passage forming member is made of economical material such as plastics so that it may be disposable, reducing the risk of infecting a patient with a virus.

Abstract: A diathermic hand-held instrument (1) and a detachable endoscopic probe (101) for use in surgical operations, particularly in laprascopic ultrasonic dissections during which surgery-related hemorrhaging must be stopped, e.g., by means of inert gas welding the blood vessels. The endoscopic probe (101) of the present invention provides for both coagulation and dissection in one tool. In particular, a sonotrode (8) that receives a gas supply line (19) and a suction line (6) is embodied to be electrically conductive. The endoscopic probe (101) also may be attached to alternative hand-held instruments.

Abstract: Heat transfer catheter apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed wherein fluid connection means is provided between the distal portions of two adjacent, thin-walled, high strength fluid lumens to define a closed loop fluid circulation system capable of controlled delivery of thermal energy to or withdrawal of thermal energy from remote internal body locations.

Abstract: A method is provided for inserting a multiple catheter assembly into an area of a body to be catheterized through a single incision. Two independent catheters which are independently movable with respect to each other, or unattached to each other, along their entire length are inserted into the single incision. In use, the first catheter withdraws fluid from the area and the second catheter delivers fluid to the area. As part of the insertion method, the longitudinal distance between proximal portions of the two catheters are adjusted to provide a predetermined longitudinal distance between distal portions of the two catheters within the area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing a collapsible infusion conduit in a blood vessel includes a catheter formed as a normally-flattened tube of flexible, collapsible plastic. When placed in a blood vessel, the catheter collapses to a flattened configuration for lying along the wall of the blood vessel to avoid obstruction to blood flow. During infusion, infusion fluid expands the catheter to a generally oval flow path. The catheter may be initially placed in the blood vessel by pre-loading the catheter over a guide wire and inserting the catheter and guide wire through an introducer sheath into the blood vessel. Infusion fluid is thereafter applied to the trailing end of the catheter to expand the catheter to facilitate withdrawal of the guide wire. Alternatively, the leading end of the catheter may initially be sealed, and placement into the blood vessel is achieved through an introducer sheath by inflating the catheter with pressurized fluid to temporarily render the catheter rigid and generally oval.

Abstract: A assembly for use in performing a medical procedure within a region in a body of a patient having a vessel therein comprising a multi-port introducer adapted to be inserted into a vessel of the patient. The multi-port introducer includes an elongate body having proximal and distal extremities and has spaced-apart lumens extending from the proximal extremity toward the distal extremity. The elongate tubular body has ports therein at the proximal extremity in communication with the lumens and openings in the distal extremity in communication with the lumens. The elongate tubular body has a length so that it can extend from the exterior of the body to said region in the body. A plurality of catheters is provided. Each of the catheters is slidably disposed in a separate lumen in the multi-port introducer and has a distal extremity adapted to be disposed in the vessel of the patient.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's prostate. An endoscopic instrument is inserted through the patient's urethra such that a distal portion of the endoscopic instrument is inserted into the patient's prostatic urethra and engaged with an interior wall of the prostatic urethra. A laterally transmitting laser fiber tip of a laser fiber is placed in the endoscopic instrument adjacent to a window therein such that the tip is spaced laterally from an area of the interior wall of the prostatic urethra. Laser light energy is transmitted laterally from the tip through the window onto the interior wall for treatment thereof. A telescope may be placed adjacent the laser fiber tip so that the interior wall of the prostatic urethra may be viewed. Irrigating fluid may be provided from a source external of the patient through the endoscopic instrument to a proximity of the tip. Excess fluid may be returned through the instrument to a fluid dump zone external of the patient's body.

Abstract: The multiple lumen catheter of this invention has a tubular member with a flexible cylindrical wall, the member comprising an outer and inner tubular body forming multiple lumens within the tubular member, an opening in the wall of the outer tubular body, an inflatable member attached to the distal end portion of the tubular member and covering the opening in the outer tubular body, and a bushing disposed between the outer and inner tubular bodies within the outer lumen in the tubular member, said bushing having an aperture surrounding the opening, and said aperture creating a channel from the outer lumen through the bushing, through the outer tubular body, and to the interior surface of the inflatable member. Also disclosed is a method of constructing the catheter. The bushing used in the construction of the catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite suction and irrigation probe is provided for performing the functions of irrigation and suction alone or simultaneously with the use of a single trumpet valve. The probe consist of an inner cannula and an outer cannula. In the first embodiment the inner cannula is attached to one probe mount end of the valve body while the outer cannula is attached to a second and opposite probe mount end. The inner cannula is inserted through a common channel of the valve body and the outer cannula. In the second embodiment, the inner cannula is attached to the outer cannula prior to attaching the probe to the valve body. The designated suction and irrigation ports located within the common channel of the valve body are isolated from each other to provide discrete and dedicated ports.

Abstract: Blood is circulated through a multiple lumen catheter which connects between a vein of a patient and the blood treatment device. The catheter and the lumens thereof each define distal ends which are positioned within the vein. By this invention, one withdraws blood from the vein through one of the lumens at a flow rate of at least about 200 ml./min. while also inserting blood into the vein through another of said lumens at a similar flow rate. The distal ends of the lumens are longitudinally spaced from each other by no more than about 5 mm. It have been found that the following advantages can be achieved by this method: less clot formation coupled with low direct blood recirculation and longer catheter survival. Also, the catheter works well in either direction of blood flow through the respective lumens.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for aspiration and irrigation of a surgical site. The device includes at least one rotatable trumpet valve to provide for variable orientation of the device during use. Connection ports for irrigation fluid and a suction means are provided which communicate with a single lumen cannula which transports both the irrigation fluid and the suction pressure to the surgical site. The single lumen cannula is provided with a sleeve means to vary the pressure of the irrigation fluid to provide for high pressure application of the irrigation fluid to perform hydrodissection. A plurality of dissector tips and a novel means of securing the tips to the single lumen cannula are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the removal of viscoelastic material from an eye chamber. The apparatus enables a procedure, or method, which includes the steps of directing an irrigation fluid toward a viscoelastic material disposed in an eye chamber in order to loosen said viscoelastic material from eye chamber surfaces, hydraulically forcing the loosened viscoelastic material from the chamber surfaces, and aspirating the loosened viscoelastic material from the eye chamber.

Abstract: Refillable immunoisolatory neurological therapy devices for local and controlled delivery of a biologically active factor to the brain of a patient. The devices include a cell chamber adapted for infusion with nsecretory cells and having at least one semipermeable or permselective surface across which biologically active factors secreted by the cells can be delivered to the brain. The devices also include means for introducing secretory cells into the cell chamber, and means for renewing the cells or cell medium.

Abstract: A continuous flow cystoscope is shown. The cystoscope includes an outer sheath having an outer surface, a hollowed out central area extending along a central axis which extends therethrough, a proximal section and a distal section. The distal section includes a distal end having a member defining an opening. In the preferred embodiment, the outer sheath opening is formed at an acute angle relative the central axis. The distal section of the outer sheath includes an elongated fenestra extending distally therefrom along a path substantially parallel to and spaced from the central axis. The proximal section of the outer sheath includes an inlet port and an outlet port. An inner member is positioned within the hollowed out central area of the outer sheath and includes an inner member channel having a first passageway which is adapted to receive a telescope and a second passageway which is utilized for passing a working tool, such as a laser fiber.

Abstract: An intravascular device and associated system which utilizes pressurized fluid to extract occlusive material. The device and system includes several unique features which provide desirable advantages over prior art devices. For example, the device is particularly suitable for removing occlusive material which is diffuse, friable, grumous-like, paste-like, granular, and/or chunky. The device includes independently movable fluid input and fluid output tubes and may be advanced over a guide wire. The fluid port holes are located immediately adjacent the distal end of the fluid output tube so as to engage the occlusive material without the need to first traverse the occlusive material with the device. The system utilizes a unique constant volume pump and associated pressure sensors to maintain balanced flow and immediately detect and correct conditions which may cause clinical complications.

Abstract: The present invention is a ureteral catheter-foley catheter connector adapter for connecting ureteral catheters to a foley catheter-foley collection bag arrangement. It includes a main body having a top and a bottom and a first hollow orifice located therein with an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom of the main body. The main body has at least one shoulder extending outwardly therefrom, and each shoulder has at least one orifice therein forming a shoulder inlet. The shoulder orifices are connected to the first hollow orifice of the main body. The shoulder inlets include connecting mechanisms for fixedly connecting the shoulder inlets to ureteral catheters. These may be tapered walls for force-fitting the ureteral catheter distal ends, O-ring fittings, flexible neck portions of the shoulder inlets or other mechanisms. The present invention is also directed to a system which includes at least one ureteral catheter, a foley catheter, a foley collection bag and the connector adapter.

Abstract: A cutting and suctioning instrument is disclosed for use in surgery which is adapted for coupling to an external high pressure fluid source and an external vacuum source, which comprises an irrigation tube configured for coupling to the external high pressure fluid source. The distal end of the irrigation tube forms a nozzle to direct the high pressure fluid in the form of a high pressure fluid stream. A suction tube is provided for coupling to the external vacuum source. The distal end is positioned opposite the nozzle of the irrigation tube and is configured to receive and suction away waste fluid and separated tissue. A method for cutting tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for hemodialysis comprises a flexible catheter tube defining a plurality of separate lumens. The catheter defines an arc angle of generally U-shape in its natural, unstressed configuration. Thus, the catheter may be implanted with a distal catheter portion residing in a vein of the patient, the distal catheter portion being of substantially the shape of the vein in its natural, unstressed condition. Also, a proximal catheter portion resides in a surgically created tunnel extending from the vein and through the skin of the patient, this section of the Catheter also being typically in its natural, unstressed condition. Thus blood may be removed from the vein through one lumen of the catheter, and blood may be returned to the vein through another lumen of the catheter, while the catheter is subject to long term indwelling in the body.

Abstract: An intravenous fiber membrane oxygenator is disclosed in several embodiments wherein the fibers either run at a transverse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the oxygenator and/or are of a reduced length to optimize the gas transfer efficiency of the oxygenator. Various helical or spiral wraps of fibers are disclosed. One embodiment utilizes two sets of longitudinally extending fibers wherein the oxygen gas is moved in opposite directions from a central location of the oxygenator.

Abstract: The debridement tip of the instant invention provides efficient cleaning action and is capable of handling excessive amounts of debris. It also is able to track irregular debridement sites such as canals and gutter wounds. It furthermore visually indicates when it is clogged. The debridement tip comprises an inner cannula and an outer cannula. The outer cannula is flexible so that it tracks the debridement site. The outer cannula surrounds the inner cannula and forms an enlarged collection chamber near a proximal end of the debridement tip for collecting debris. The collection chamber is easily opened to allow removal of the debris. The collection chamber is also flexible so that if the tip becomes clogged either the outer cannula or the collection chamber or both will collapse thus visually indicating the clogged condition. A filter at one end of the collection chamber prevents large debris from leaving the chamber. The filter is shaped to resist clogging.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual lumen catheter comprising outer and inner tube materials. A main portion extends axially and has a selected first cross-section. The main portion includes main portions of the respective outer and inner tube materials which together define an annular intake lumen and a main portion of a return lumen contained inside the intake lumen. A tubular transition portion is made up integrally of both the outer and inner tube materials and has a second cross-section smaller than the first cross-section. The transition portion extends axially from the distal end of the main portion and this can be extended to include a tip portion made up only of outer tube material and which extends axially from the transition portion. The transition portion on its own, or with the tip portion, defines a tip section which is a continuation of said main part of the return lumen to complete the return lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing a collapsible infusion conduit in a blood vessel includes a catheter formed as a normally-flattened tube of flexible, collapsible plastic. When placed in a blood vessel, the catheter collapses to a flattened configuration for lying along the wall of the blood vessel to avoid obstruction to blood flow. During infusion, infusion fluid expands the catheter to a generally oval flow path. The catheter may be initially placed in the blood vessel by pre-loading the catheter over a guide wire and inserting the catheter and guide wire through an introducer sheath into the blood vessel. Infusion fluid is thereafter applied to the trailing end of the catheter to expand the catheter to facilitate withdrawal of the guide wire. Alternatively, the leading end of the catheter may initially be sealed, and placement into the blood vessel is achieved through an introducer sheath by inflating the catheter with pressurized fluid to temporarily render the catheter rigid and generally oval.

Abstract: The invention provides a triple lumen catheter for use in treatment of humans by inserting the catheter into a blood vessel over a Seldinger guidewire, and using the catheter to extract blood at a selected location in the blood vessel and to return treated blood downstream of the location after treatment. The catheter includes an elongate body and a tip at the distal end of the body. The body has an outer wall and an integral internal septum combining with the outer wall to define a pair of similar C-shaped lumens extending longitudinally in the body. The outer wall of the body defines at least one intake aperture and at least one return aperture and the intake aperture is spaced longitudinally from the tip and from the return aperture with the return aperture being nearer the tip than is the intake lumen. The septum defines a third lumen smaller than the C-shaped lumens and proportioned to slidably receive the guidewire during insertion and to provide a path for the medicament after insertion.

Abstract: A catheter (1, 18) is essentially rigid in cross-section in the peripheral region, and has at least two lumina (3, 4, 19, 20), which are mutually separated by a wall (2, 21) which can be expanded and/or deformed in the transverse plane. The flow cross-sections of the lumina change owing to the deformation of the separating wall (2, 21), depending on the prevailing differential pressure. If drugs are introduced through the lumina one after another, then there is used, in the lumen, an over pressure in relation to the other lumen or lumina, which causes a deformation of the separating wall (2, 21), and hence a reduction in the resistance to flow. The catheter (24) can, therefore, be given a smaller cross-section than that of the prior art multi-lumen catheters (32, 33, 34), resulting in easier manipulation by the doctor and less risk for the patient.

Abstract: The drainage catheter comprises a basic tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, a pressure channel in the tubular body and a discharge channel in the tubular body, the distal end having a bending of the pressure channel to communicate with the discharge channel. A nozzle ejector formation is provided in the distal end of the catheter after the bend in the pressure channel and having an orifice facing proximally into the discharge channel. The distal end further has an inlet opening disposed adjacent the orifice of the nozzle ejector formation. The basic tubular body has, at the proximal end, a pressure inlet to the pressure channel and a discharge outlet from the discharge channel.

Abstract: An elongated catheter formed with multiple lumens from coextruded or other materials such that the inner surface of the extension members or body portion of the catheter may include a higher durometer than the outer surface of the extension members or body portion of the catheter to reduce septum deflection during normal use, and the likelihood of tearing or sticking of the extension members is reduced and the catheter includes a pair of generally cylindrical lumens and the catheter preferably includes a third lumen which is substantially smaller than the first two lumens and the cross sectional area of the lumens of the catheter are maximized with the septums of the catheter being oriented to maximize the flow of fluids through the catheter.

Abstract: A composite suction and irrigation probe is provided for performing the functions of irrigation and suction alone or simultaneously with the use of a single trumpet valve. The probe consist of an inner cannula and an outer cannula. In the first embodiment the inner cannula is attached to one probe mount end of the valve body while the outer cannula is attached to a second and opposite probe mount end. The inner cannula is inserted through a common channel of the valve body and the outer cannula. In the second embodiment, the inner cannula is attached to the outer cannula prior to attaching the probe to the valve body. The designated suction and irrigation ports located within the common channel of the valve body are isolated from each other to provide discrete and dedicated ports.

Abstract: A probe for use in collecting liquids entrained with a gaseous component, particularly collecting a patient's blood with entrained gas bubbles from a surgical site for autologous reinfusion. The probe separates the gaseous component from the collected liquid, particularly separating air bubbles from blood cells to inhibit hemolysis, platelet degradation and protein denaturation. An elongated probe body has a distal end to be inserted into the liquid to be collected through an inlet by jet pump action into a centrally disposed mixing chamber. A diffuser is formed within the probe body proximal to and in axial alignment with the inlet and mixing chamber leading to a liquid exit. A jet pump nozzle is formed in the probe distal tip surrounding the inlet in the form of an annular chamber into which pressurized drive fluid is introduced through a distribution channel system extending along the probe body from the proximal end.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture which are adapted for use in contact with one or more biologically active agents are coated with a glassy carbohydrate film. The glassy film provides a reduced surface energy coating which exhibits a reduced degree of binding with biologically active agents. Methods for applying the glassy carbohydrate film are disclosed wherein the glassy film is adsorbed directly onto the article surface. The coated articles are for use both in vitro and in vivo where contact with biologically active agents is expected.

Abstract: A no-sepsis urinary catheter, comprising three lumens, each in fluid communication with a drainage tip for receiving urine from the bladder, a retention balloon for retaining the catheter within the bladder, and a microporous bacteriostasis balloon for the diffusion by osmosis of a pharmaceutical agent for the killing and prevention of bacteria growth within and around the bladder to preclude the development of sepsis therein.

Abstract: An intravascular device to assist in the visualization of intravascular lumens and the navigation of guide members, the device including two elongate coaxial tubes which define a central lumen and an annular lumen. A manifold is coupled to the proximal end of the two tubes and includes a first port connected to the central lumen and a second port in fluid communication with the annular lumen. The central lumen and the annular lumen are fluidly independent at the proximal end and are open to the vasculature at the distal end. The coaxial tubes engage each other at the distal end to limit longitudinal movement therebetween.

Abstract: An improved syringe having a double walled barrel, a first tip communicating with the interior of the barrel, a plunger slideable within the barrel for delivering impression material through the first tip, and a second tip communicating with the space between the walls of the barrel for delivering a cleansing fluid about the impression material.

Abstract: This intravascular catheter comprises a multi-aperture pipe design for the perfusion of medicines which are mutually incompatible in their pure state or for carrying out several different functions. In order to permit the implantation of this catheter by the "tunnelling" method, this multi-aperture pipe (1) forms only the distal part of this catheter. The catheter also comprises separate tubes (2a, 2b) equal in number to the apertures of the first pipe and which extend back from this pipe to form the middle part (2) of the catheter; and a single-aperture pipe (3) forming the proximal end of the assembly which terminates in a rigid needle (4) suitable for carrying out the tunnelling. Two connectors (5 and 6) serve respectively to join each aperture (1a, 1b) of the multi-aperture pipe (1) to one of the separate tubes (2a or 2b) of the middle part (2), and to connect the opposite ends of these tubes (2a, 2b) to the corresponding end of the single-aperture pipe (3).

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter assembly having an elongate main body extending longitudinally between proximal and distal ends. A tip structure is attached to the distal end of the main body and also extends longitudinally. The main body and tip structure combine to define side-by-side intake and return lumens and the intake lumen terminates at a transverse intake opening at the distal end of the main body. The return lumen terminates at the distal end of the tip structure at a transverse return opening and a side opening is provided adjacent the return opening. A tubular applicator passes through the intake lumen, through the side opening and into the return lumen. This permits the assembly to be passed over a guide wire by engaging the wire inside the tubular applicator.