Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter for independent delivery and withdrawal of fluids having an improved leading end to minimize stasis and an improved coupling for connection to externally located infusion and withdrawal tubes. The improved leading end has an ellipsoidally shaped tip with a smooth, uninterrupted surface and, in close proximity to the tip, a port or ports evenly spaced along the length of each lumen in staggered relation between each lumen. The improved coupling is a generally L-shaped, implantable transition device bonded to a percutaneous access device. The overall conformation of the multi-lumen catheter may be either a "U-shape" or an upright "Z-shape." Externally located infusion and withdrawal tubes are in fluid connection with an epidermal end of the transition device and a multi-lumen tube fits snugly over nipples at a subcutaneous end of the transition device.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter having a distal portion with a soft tip and reduced cross-section. The multilumen catheter of the present invention includes a flexible, elongated first catheter tube and a flexible, elongated, dual-lumen catheter tube which has a first and second lumens integrally formed and is disposed within the first catheter tube. The cross-section of the dual-lumen catheter tube is smaller than that of the first catheter tube and therefore, an independent, single lumen is defined in the space between the first catheter tube and the dual-lumen catheter tube. The dual-lumen catheter tube extends beyond the distal end of the first catheter tube thereby providing an overall reduced cross-section of the distal portion of the present multilumen catheter. Furthermore, the dual-lumen catheter tube may be formed from a softer material than that of the first cathether tube thereby providing a softer distal portion of the present multilumen catheter.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having a handpiece, a vibration source with the handpiece for generating mechanical vibrations in response to current supplied thereto, and elongated hollow tool operatively associated with the vibration source and attached to the handpiece at a point where essentially no vibrational motion occurs, the tool extending away from the handpiece to the cement to be removed. A method removing cement using the surgical apparatus by applying the tool to the cement and thereby applying mechanical vibration to the cement causing the cement to melt. Removing the cement by suction through the hollow elongated tool. Additional alternate method steps include rotating the tool to apply shear forces to the cement being removed, cooling and damping lateral vibrations at the tool end, and irrigating the cement while melting and removing it.

Abstract: A suction catheter provided with three conduits to provide th functions of suctioning, lavaging and oxygenating. The suction conduit is connected to a suction control member. The second conduit for the irrigating fluid is connected to a source of said fluid. The third conduit is connected to a source of gas under pressure. The gas conduit terminates within the irrigation conduit to form a common chamber at the distal end of the irrigation conduit from which fluid is propelled out by the pressurized gas. The gas may preferably contain oxygen.

Abstract: A low-profile angioplasty catheter is disclosed which is insertable through a guiding catheter. The angioplasty catheter has two balloons. The distal balloon dilates the stenosis. The proximal balloon is separately inflatable and selectively closes the annular passage between the angioplasty catheter and the guiding catheter. The angioplasty catheter has a central lumen with a series of openings allowing fluid communication from the central lumen into the annular passage proximally of the balloon which seals the annular passage. While the first balloon is inflated to dilate the stenosis, blood can be withdrawn from an arterial source through a lumen (or plurality thereof) in the guiding catheter and pumped into the annular passage between the angioplasty catheter and the guiding catheter.

Abstract: A dual lumen catheter especially for use in prolonged access haemodialysis, which meets the requirements of flexibility and softness for prolonged access in a vein, and which is shaped to include a curved portion to be placed between the tunnel and the subclavian vein.

Abstract: An apparatus for atraumatic access to the blood circuit includes a central tubular section connected to two lateral tubular sections. The central section includes a removable head having a blood taking and blood reinjection line, and a pair for obturating the blood flow, which may be activated by a rotation of the removable head through 90.degree.. The two lateral sections are connected to a vein or artery, forming a shunt. A recess in the closure makes it possible to clean and rinse the interior of the access device. The device makes it possible to treat, as often as necessary, an extra-corporal circulation of a patient's blood.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube is equipped for delivering a drug externally of the tube. The endotracheal tube includes a tube body having proximal end and distal ends, and at least one flexible irrigation cannula extending along the endotracheal tube body to its distal end. An irrigation diffuser means is attached to the irrigation cannula for spraying a drug delivered through the irrigation cannula externally of the endotracheal tube body. The endotracheal tube is particularly intended for artificial ventilation in surgical operations and in intensive resuscitation treatments. It is useful for the repeated administration and re-administration of drugs, for instance, of local anesthetics, anti-inflammatories and mucolytics in the course of intubation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endotracheal tube used for mechanical ventilation of a hospital patient, the endotracheal tube is useful in evacuating contaminated secretions that pool within the trachea above an inflatable cuff associated with the endotracheal tube. The endotrocheal tube of the present invention comprises a double lumen through which air may be circulated, thus creating an indirect gentle suction through a suction eye communicating with the distal ends of the lumens, and located at a position proximal to the inflation cuff. This gentle indirect suction reduces the risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa, which often occurs when applying direct suction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multiple lumen catheter with a tapered tip and an end aperture concentric with the main catheter body is described. The method includes providing a flexible elongate body extending about a longitudinal axis having a distal end, a proximal end, an outer wall, a septum extending between spaced points on the outer wall to define first and second lumens, and a third lumen defined about said axis in a central portion of the septum. A straight wire is inserted into the third lumen to project centrally from the distal end of the body and the distal end of the body is then inserted into a tapering mould having a centrally located aperture to receive the wire. The distal end of the body is softened in the mould such that the distal end deforms to a tapered shape with the outer wall of the body merging with the septum to close the first and second lumens. Openings are then formed in the outer wall communicating with the first and second lumens adjacent the distal end.

Abstract: Surgical procedures on biological tissue are carried out with the aid of a laser with substances being applied to the tissue before or during the treatment and these substances are absorbent in the range of the wavelength of the laser beam. A surgical manipulator can be provided and equipped with suction and irrigation channels and the substances can be directed to one of these channels via a metering unit. The application of substances such as sulfisomidine or sulfacetamide increases the ablation rate and reduces the threshold of the ablation process. At the same time, sensitive structures are protected from the damaging effects of the laser radiation as well as from the stray radiation and fluorescence radiation triggered by the laser radiation during the application of microsurgery to the eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for delivering and/or withdrawing fluids. For example, blood may be salvaged from a body cavity of a patient, in which a wand is provided having separate conduits for fluids. Means, for example a valve, is provided for opening or closing the desired conduits, depending upon whether the fluid is to be salvaged or lost to waste, sampled or returned directly to circulation. The apparatus is adapted for surgical use, and most particularly when a partial vacuum is drawn through the conduits, such that operation of the valve can exert a partial vacuum on one or more of the conduits. The entry ends of the conduits are disposed adjacent each other, with the conduits being joined as a wand. The valve is adapted for being actuated upon being held in the hand of the operator.

Abstract: A tool that lowers the temperature of the heart during surgery or other times when blood flow to the heart is cut off. The tool has the appearance of a spoon and includes an elongate handle part and a heart-cradling part at the end of the handle. A first passageway formed in the handle delivers a continuous flow of cold liquid to the rim of the heart-cradling part of the tool and the cold liquid flows continuously out of perforations formed about the rim of that part of the tool for as long as refrigeration is needed.

Abstract: A silicone catheter wound drain with parallel lumens or passageways formed inside to convey fluid from a wound. The drain has both holes and slots on the outside surface to admit fluid to the lumens and internal openings between the lumens to divert fluid from a blocked lumen to an adjacent lumen and back again after the blockage. The silicon wound drain may contain an embedded, elongated reinforcing fiber to strengthen the wound drain and prevent necking down during removal.

Abstract: A monitoring catheter for medical use characterized by a main tube for discharge path of body fluids, etc.; a first auxiliary tube for air flow which surrounds the main tube and is provided within the wall; a second auxiliary tube or a third auxiliary tube which forms passageway for liquid drug infusion or measures pressure; and a lead for measuring a temperature which is embedded within the wall of the main tube. The main tube has a plurality of bores on the wall near the tip portion thereof and also has a connecting portion for connecting with a container for drainage capture at the rear end of the main tube. The first auxiliary tube opens at the tip portion thereof towards the inside of the main tube and at the same time, is branched from the main tube near the rear end of the catheter and a filter is equipped at the rear end of the branched portion. The second auxiliary opens towards the outer surface of the catheter.

Abstract: An anasesthesia set which includes a straight epidural cannula with a ground opening, a spinal cannula which is longer and thinner than the epidural cannula and which is insertable therein such that its front end projects from the epidural cannula, and a catheter adapted to be advanced through the epidural cannula. The tip of the epidural cannula is bent and the opening is directed sideward. A hole is formed in the outer wall of the bend of the tip. The hole is centered on the longitudinal central axis of the epidural cannula and is smaller than the outer diameter of an epidural catheter. The tip of the spinal cannula enters the spinal channel straightly, whereas the epidural catheter is deflected from the spinal channel and introduced into the epidural space.

Abstract: A dual lumen catheter is disclosed for providing extracorporeal treatment such as hemodialysis, which is percutaneously inserted for either short-term or long-term vascular access. The catheter includes a main body having proximal and distal segments connected to a pair of clamping limbs via a manifold. The distal segment includes two tubular members laterally attached to each other, one of which is thinner than the other and collapsible for inserting the catheter through a much smaller diameter peel-away sheath. Contrary to existing practices, the lengths of the arterial and venous tubular members are reversed such as to provide a longer negative pressure intake lumen. A hydrophilic slip coating covers the distal segment to further ease the insertion of the distal segment into the peel-away sheath. The cross-sectional area of the proximal segment is generally elliptical shaped for providing a leak proof fit through the vascular access site.

Abstract: An in vivo extrapulmonary blood gas exchange device is disclosed having a hollow fiber bundle in gaseous communication with a coaxial dual lumen tube and having a furling apparatus for twisting one coaxial lumen relative to the other. The furling apparatus enables the outside diameter of the bundle of gas permeable tubes to be selectively adjusted to provide either a furled, small insertion diameter when inserting the apparatus into the venae cavae of a patient or an unfurled, expanded oxygenation diameter after the apparatus is in place within the venae cavae and the bundle of gas permeable tubes is deployed therein. The oxygenator is inserted into the patient through a single incision at one of the right external iliac, common femoral, or internal jugular veins. A novel distal tip configuration permits the oxygenator to be inserted into the patient utilizing an over-the-guidewire intravascular insertion technique.

Abstract: A surgical suction tube having a suction mouth open to a different direction from the axis of the tube and a fluid supply tube attached to the outside of the suction tube. With this suction tube, subcutaneous tissues such as fat can be efficiently aspirated by use of an aspirator without needlessly injuring blood vessels, nerve tissues and so on.

Abstract: A suction catheter includes a multilumen catheter tube that contains a primary lumen for removing undesirable fluid from a patient upon application of a vacuum, and a secondary lumen contiguous with the primary lumen suitable for providing liquid to the interior of the primary lumen and to a patient; means for providing liquid to the interior of the secondary lumen; a patient connecting member; a vacuum connecting member; and a protective sleeve extending between the patient connecting member and the vacuum connecting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting a multiple lumen catheter to a corresponding number of single lumen supply tubes, which allows access for further devices such as a bronco-scope or a suction catheter. The adapter comprises; a one-piece molded multiple lumen body, each lumen of the adapter body corresponding directly to a desired connection between the multiple lumen catheter and a corresponding number of single lumen supply tubes.

Abstract: A dual lumen catheter, for insertion into a vein of a patient for use in haemodialysis treatments, having first and second portions defining a shorter intake lumen and a longer return lumen. The intake lumen is closed at its end and receives blood through at least one opening in the side wall of the catheter and the second lumen includes the second portion which is of smaller cross-section than the first portion. Also described is a catheter having an intake lumen and a return lumen in which the return lumen has a tip of different stiffness from the main body of the catheter, the intake lumen being closed at its end and receiving fluid through an opening in the side wall of the catheter.

Abstract: A double-lumen catheter is made of two generally coaxial tubes. The tubes are joined, at their distal ends, by a sleeve inserted between the tubes, the sleeve being bonded to both tubes. The inner and outer tubes are connected, respectively, at their proximal ends, to first and second hubs. The hubs are bonded together. The distal ends of the tubes may be formed into a tapered tip, preferably having a rounded edge. The proximal ends of the tubes can be connected to external fluid devices. The invention also includes a method of making the catheter. According to this method, inner and outer tubes are separately formed, and the proximal end of each tube is connected to a hub. Then, the inner tube is threaded into the outer tube, until the distal ends of the tubes are near each other. A sleeve is inserted between the tubes, at the distal end, and the sleeve is then bonded to both tubes. The hubs are also bonded together. Thus, the tubes are firmly joined to each other, but only at their distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A ligator assembly comprising a hollow, two-piece, bullet-shaped case dimensioned to be inserted in and through a body member, a pair of suture needles carried by the case, and a suture affixed to the needles. The case is provided with a pair of guide tubes for retaining the needles and guiding them out through a substantially transverse slot at the end of the case. A drive mechanism is also provided for remotely driving the needles longitudinally out of the case through the slot. The case is selectively connectable to an elongated tubular operator for placement of the ligator assembly. Apparatus for effecting an anastomosis comprises female and male connector components usable with an operator, an inflatable anvil assembly, and a connector actuator and which include mutually facing clamping surfaces for clamping generally annular tissue portions of the first and second body members together. The female connector component includes a plurality of resilient legs having bores extending therethrough.

Abstract: Ocular perfusion during intraocular surgery of the anterior or posterior ocular cavity is optimized through the method of using a gas pump having a discernible and controllable output pressure to pressurize a reservoir of liquid infusate, which is supplied under pressure to a surgical infusion instrument for perfusion of the selected ocular chamber (Gas Forced Liquid Infusion, GFLI). The infusate selection and the infusate pressure can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy and both can be rapidly varied by audible command. Preferentially a human sensible indication of pressure is constantly available at the gas pump.

Abstract: A multi-luminal catheter of this invention is characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of each lumen at a connection portion for an extension tube is molded in accordance with the outer shape of the extension tube to be connected. Accordingly, smooth and hermetic connection between a catheter body and the extension tube, that has not been accomplished in the past, can be obtained, and the formation of steps of the lumen which increases fluid resistance can be prevented. This multi-luminal catheter can be produced by pressing a core metal having substantially the same shape as that of the outer shape of the extension tube into each lumen of the catheter body at the connection portion for the extension tube and inserting the connection portion for the extension tube into a molding die while heating it.

Abstract: A single stage catheter which is used in open heart surgery to by-pass blood from the heart to a life support machine. The single stage catheter has a spiral lead flute for insertion into the inferior vena cava of the heart and a root section with multiple openings to be positioned in the right atrium of the heart. The flutes of the spiral lead to small quadrant openings in the end of the root section which also has long and short axial slot openings leading to the interior of the catheter. An obturator is designed to block the long and short axial slots during insertion to allow flow only through the quadrant openings to the interior of the obturator.

Abstract: An arthroscope cannula including inner and outer intimately engaged concentric tubes with the inner tube having a longitudinally extending wall depression defining, in conjunction with the outer tube, a pressure passage. The inner tube receives the scope which is restrained therein by the wall depression to define an inflow fluid passage. The outer tube is selectively removable from about the inner tube with both tubes mounting on and projecting from a flow controlling and directing bridge assembly.

Abstract: A wholly implantable continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis system comprises a first part (20) including tubing (21) for location as an access catheter affording a flowpath for dialysing solution from a subcutaneous portal, accessible by percutaneous needle, to the peritoneal cavity (11), and a second part (30) including a pump (33) and a further tubing (31, 32) serially interconnectable for location as a shunt affording a flowpath for the solution, following dialysis, from the cavity to the bladder (12), the pump being operable under control by the patient (10) to effect the shunt flow.

Abstract: Ocular perfusion during intraocular surgery of the anterior or posterior ocular cavity is optimized through the method of using a gas pump having a discernible and controllable output pressure to pressurize a reservoir of liquid infusate, which is supplied under pressure to a surgical infusion instrument for perfusion of the selected ocular chamber (Gas Forced Liquid Infusion, GFLI). The infusate selection and the infusate pressure can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy and both can be rapidly varied by audible command. Preferentially a human sensible indication of pressure is constantly available at the gas pump.

Abstract: An aspirating/ventilating or aspirating apparatus comprising multi-lumen catheter tubes, for evacuation of lung secretions and for other functions as well. Two and three lumen catheter tubes which comprise three unique distal catheter end structures are disclosed. Material comprising oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the lungs under positive pressure through a first lumen of the catheter tube at a predetermined rate while secretions (and gas) are simultaneously aspirated from the lung into a second lumen by force of negative pressure. Oxygen gas inflow is controlled to equal gas outflow to maintain the partial pressure of oxygen into the lung at a high respiratory level. In a first distal catheter end structure, an oxygen-containing gas is introduced through the first lumen as a circumscribing jet around the second lumen to provide fluid flow turbulence external to a second lumen to improve homogenization of localized secretions resulting in more efficient aspiration.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for monitoring the cumulative amount of blood in a blood-containing liquid mixture emanating from a patient during a surgical procedure, or during recovery from a surgical procedure. The apparatus comprises a conduit for withdrawing a liquid mixture comprising blood from the surgical site. The liquid mixture is filtered, after which the blood concentration of the liquid mixture is measured by a first measuring means. The volumetric flow rate of the liquid mixture is also measured by a second measuring means. The liquid mixture blood concentration and flow rate readings are used to electronically calculate the cumulative amount of blood lost by the patient to the liquid mixture. Finally, the cumulative blood loss value is displayed. The liquid mixture is disposed of following the two measurements. A method of using such an apparatus during a surgical procedure and/or during recovery from a surgical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which has two concentric transfer tubes: an outer tube and an inner tube. One tube is used for aspiration of fluid, the other for infusion of fluid. The concentric tubing section has proximal and distal ends, the distal end being tapered and having openings for simultaneous aspiration and infusion eye fluid. On the proximal end, the inner transfer tube extends a proximal length greater than the outer transfer tube. The concentric inner and outer transfer tubes are both connected to independent supply tubes. The proximal end of the inner transfer tube, being longer than the outer transfer tube, pierces and protrudes through the wall of the flexible fluid tube connected to the proximal end of the outer tube. This protrusion provides a place on the inner transfer tube for its own independent connection to a supply tube. The tubing assembly is contained within and supported by an elongated, generally tubular housing.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided comprising a flexible cannula having at least two lumens formed in the entire length of the cannula. A plug seals one end of one of the lumens. One end of a filament is connected to the underside of the plug and the filament extends through the entire length of the lumen. The plug is configured such that by pulling on the other end of the filament the plug is pulled through the lumen to thereby extract a culture sample when the catheter is implanted. A culture sample can be taken to detect the possibility of catheter sepsis, without the need to remove the catheter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catheter useful in examination of the small bowel which incorporates three lumens and a balloon and can thus prevent reflux of infused fluid as well as clear obstructions of the infusion ports.

Abstract: A dual lumen catheter apparatus and method. The apparatus has an elongated catheter body adapted for insertion into a vein or a fluid-containing body cavity of a patient such as the right atrium of a heart. The catheter body has a septum that runs longitudinally through the interior of the catheter body so as to divide the interior of the catheter into a first and a second lumen. The septum is offset from the longitudinal center axis of the catheter so that the cross-sectional area of the two lumens are of different sizes. The first lumen has a cross-sectional size that is relatively large so that a sufficient volumetric flow rate of blood that is to be oxygenated is able to flow by means of gravity drainage through the first lumen whereas the second lumen is smaller but is still sufficiently large so that an essentially equal volumetric flow rate of blood that has been oxygenated can be returned under pressure through the second lumen.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for the long term continuous delivery of medication to hollow body organs. It is particularly suited for the deivery of chemotherapy drugs to lesions in the walls of those organs. The invention, specially designed for the treatment of the prostate gland, comprises a urinary drainage catheter which has an additional lumen within the wall thereof, said lumen proximate end connected to a space external of the catheter wall enclosed by a porous membrane. The distal end of the lumen, which is external to the penis when the catheter is positioned in the body, has a valved end for introduction of liquid medication therethrough. In use, the catheter is placed within the urethra, with the porous membrane portion adjacent the prostatic ducts. Medication introduced through said valve is transmitted along the lumen into the space between the catheter and the porous membrane, through the membrane and into contact with the prostatic ducts.

Abstract: A draining catheter for the prevention of infectious diseases around its outside periphery, which has a secondary channel system for the application of anti-microbial agents to the area surrounding its outside periphery.

Abstract: Catheters having three lumens for injection and removal of fluids comprise an elongated tube having an integrally formed septum which extends throughout the length of the tube and defines the three lumens which may have the same or different cross-sectional areas. A smooth conical tapered tip is provided at the distal end of the tube and one of the lumens extends continuously through the tip to an opening at the apex of the tip. The other lumens extend continuously from the proximal end of the tube to openings in their sidewalls at a location axially spaced from the tip at the distal end. These catheters permit higher rates of fluid transfer in dialysis and like procedures than do double lumen catheters and are less prone to occlusion.

Abstract: A catheter and fluid pumping apparatus and the method for bypassing portions of the heart to temporarily reduce the work load on the heart muscle. A double tube catheter is introduced into the femoral vein or artery and is advanced into the ventricle where blood is drawn and mechanically pumped back into the heart at a position downstream, such as the aorta or the pulmonary artery. The desired cardiac circulation can be maintained while relieving the load on the heart muscle to enable it to rebuild its strength.

Abstract: To provide access to the circulatory system, and to allow withdrawal and return of blood, of a living body, a T shaped implantable device includes a bar having outlet ends connected to the circulatory system, and a shaft having an end for forming an access well connectable to an external exchange system. The device can be connected, or disconnected, to the external exchange system by means of a rotary plug which is in the shape of a substantially cylindrical, circular disk whose outer diameter corresponds substantially to the inside diameter of the access well. The rotary plug operates in conjunction with a complementary component in the access well to ensure that the disk bears with pressure on the bottom of the access well, such that the closure of the well is leakproof.

Abstract: A vascular catheter for delivering a uniform flow of therapeutic fluid over a length of the catheter. The catheter is particularly suitable for delivering thrombolytic agents to a thrombus or clot in a patient's arterial system. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter has a relatively thick-walled tubular body with a central lumen for advancement over a guidewire and a plurality of fluid delivering lumens disposed within the relatively thick wall. Each of the smaller lumens has a single flow passageway to discharge therapeutic fluid to the exterior of the catheter.

Abstract: A retaining device comprising, a reservoir for retaining a liquid, a first elongated conduit, and a second elongated conduit. An upper end of the first and second conduits is connected in fluid communication to the reservoir. Upper ends of the first and second conduits are retained to the reservoir in order to prevent them from inadvertently pulling out from the reservoir.

Abstract: A dual lumen catheter, for insertion into a vein of a patient for use in haemodialysis treatments, having first and second portions defining a shorter intake lumen and a longer return lumen. The intake lumen is closed at its end and receives blood through at least one opening in the side wall of the catheter and the second lumen includes the second portion which is of smaller cross-section than the first portion. Also described is a catheter having an intake lumen and a return lumen in which the return lumen has a tip of different stiffness from the main body of the catheter, the intake lumen being closed at its end and receiving fluid through an opening in the side wall of the catheter. Methods of making such catheters are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for use during examination of the colon of a patient includes an insertion member and a tube member. The insertion member, which occludes the opening into the colon, has first and second channels extending between inner and outer ends. The first channel receives a colonoscope, while the second channel receives the tube member. Seals are provided to prevent air leakage from inside of the colon out through the two channels. The tube member provides a conduit into the colon that is independent of the colonoscope. The tube member has an inside channel for receiving colonoscopic tools. There is an inflatable balloon at the inner end of the tube member, for blunting the tube member inner end. An inflation channel extending betwen the balloon and the tube member outer end allows the balloon to be remotely inflated. With the insertion member in place in the opening, the tube member is inserted into the colon, via the second channel.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube having a first lumen for ventilation, a second lumen having an elastic, collapsible wall attached to an inner wall of the tube, and optionally a third lumen for supplying an inflatable balloon at a distal end of the tube. The second lumen includes a port for applying medications thereto, and a distal end for expelling such medications at the distal end of the tube. The wall of the second lumen is connected at two line joints to the inner wall of the tube, and includes a flared distal end portion which is tacked down for preventing maintained inflation. The second lumen wall thus forms a boundary between the first lumen and the second lumen, and allows transmission of pressure from the former to the latter. When the tube is inserted into a patient, medication can be applied through the port of the second lumen.

Abstract: A double lumen flexible catheter for peritonetal dialysis comprises a double lumen structure with inner and outer tubes. The outer tube has a plurality of openings the inner tube being stretched in tension to prevent kinking of the catheter. The inner tube has a single outlet at the free end of the catheter. The tubing for the catheter is sufficiently flexible to permit the catheter to lie loosely and freely in the body cavity. Treatment fluids are delivered to the peritoneal cavity through the inner tube and removed via the outer tube.

Abstract: A catheter useful in draining cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles of a brain. The catheter utilizes a series of holes arranged in a helical pattern at the forward or ventricular end portion of the catheter. Exterior grooves may be provided in the ventricular end of the catheter within which the holes are protectively sheltered from contact with surrounding ventricular tissue. The catheter, and particularly its ventricular end, may be capable of elastic elongation upon insertion of a rigid stylet within the catheter, the diameter of the ventricular end portion become reduced in response to its axial elongation to facilitate disengagement of the catheter with the surrounding ventricular tissue to permit the catheter to be withdrawn.

Abstract: A suction device is provided having a tube connectable at its proximal end to a vacuum source and open at its distal end to provide suction at the distal end. A porous barrier is located within the tube distal end, being either a rigid screen filter or supporting a compressible filter which is drawn against the barrier by the tube vacuum. The filter alternatively may be secured to a housing which is securable to the tube distal end. The device further has a second tube disposed around the first tube, with the second tube being closed at opposite ends around the first tube to define an irrigation channel therebetween. The channel is connected to an irrigation source and has discharge openings at its distal end. The suction and irrigation functions of the channels can be reversed with the small openings in the outer channel defining a rigid screen during suction.

Abstract: An aqua-stream and aspirator for crushing and removing brain tumors in cerbral surgery comprises a pressure chamber, a soft bottle filled with a sterilized saline solution and mounted within the pressure chamber, an irrigation tube connected at one end to an outlet of the soft bottle, an ejection needle removably connected to the other end of the irrigation tube via a swtich for controlling passage of the solution through the irrigation tube, and a suction tube extending parallel to the ejection needle. The pressure chamber is adapted to be pressurized with a harmless gas so as to compress the soft bottle to eject the solution in the soft bottle from the ejection needle. The ejection needle has a nozzle which is bent in such a manner that the solution ejected from the nozzle is directed toward a confronting inside wall of the tip of the suction tube.