Abstract: The invention provides an assembly of a catheter and a cannula for cooperation therewith, wherein the catheter is provided with visible gradations disposed on the surface of the catheter adjacent its hub. The catheter cooperates with the cannula which is provided with gradations adjacent its distal tip. The arrangement in accordance with this invention allows for the accurate placement of small biological particles such as human embryos to appropriate body cavities.

Abstract: A method and device for long term monitoring of the blood level of various blood constituents. The monitoring is accomplished by capillary filtration and collection of an ultrafiltrate of blood. Filtration of the ultrafiltrate occurs through a filter composed of hollow fibers which are implanted within an interstitial body space in fluid communication with blood capillaries. The ultrafiltrate is drawn through the filter and into an ultrafiltrate collector which extends externally of the body. The collector provides a vacuum for withdrawing the ultrafiltrate and holds discrete liquid samples of the ultrafiltrate. The method and device is particularly suited for long term monitoring of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients or other blood chemical constituents in other patients.

Abstract: A in-line device for the aseptic collection and treatment of tissue aspirate comprising a cartridge housing a removable filter is described. The device provides filter means for removing desired cells from a crude tissue aspirate, a rake for scraping the cells from the surface of the filter and a pressure relief valve to divert the flow of aspirate when the filter capacity is exhausted. With the filter and rake removed the outer cartridge also serves as the barrel of a syringe for further transfer of harvested cells.

Abstract: Apparatus for us in intraocular surgical procedures utilizes a plurality of flexible conduits and a control valve to selectively supply an infusion cannula with either fluid or air. The air and fluid are pressurized for infusion by a continuous infusion air pump and supplied to the valve by parallel lengths of flexible tubing. The apparatus may be used to monitor and control the infusion pressure or to switch the infusion agent in a minimal time.

Abstract: A device and method for precise placement of a medical instrument for fluid delivery at, or withdrawal of fluid from, a predetermined location in a body is disclosed. A sensor, such as a proximity detector or electrically conductible circuitry, is implanted into the body adjacent to a predetermined location, which location preferably has an implanted reservoir thereat, for sensing the position of a medical instrument having an open end portion inserted into the reservoir to enable delivery of medicament into the reservoir or, in the alternative, to remove fluid from the reservoir. A signal indicative at least of a sensed desired positioning of the instrument is generated and used to assure that the instrument has been properly positioned, with additional circuitry also being provided to enable location of the implanted reservoir for positioning of the instrument prior to insertion into the body.

Abstract: A needle cartridge for a surgical operating pen or tatooing instrument, said cartridge having a reservoir filled with liquid pigment adapted to be discharged into the skin through a unique tri-needle assembly.

Abstract: A method provided for aspirating secreted fluids from a wound by means of a drain connected to a negative pressure source with variable negative pressure, the negative pressure effective at the drain being adjusted in accordance with a selectable pressure/time diagram. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method consisting of a negative pressure measuring device and a regulator controlling the negative pressure source, which regulator has inputs for the actual value determined by the negative pressure measuring device and for the prescribed set point value of the negative pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for accomplishing irrigation of the colon and or other intestinal portions through a stoma including establishing a path of fluid flow of irrigating liquid from a supply container through a feeding conduit into a stoma cone or like structure and further including a peristaltic action monitoring device disposed within the path of fluid flow of irrigating fluid. The monitory device is structured to indicate, through the provision of two separate parallel paths of fluid flow, the establishment of peristaltic action in the intestine which tends to reverse the direction of flow of the irrigating liquid from the stoma toward the monitory device and provides proper indication when the flow of irrigating liquid to the intestine or colon should be stopped.

Abstract: A perforate suction tip for removal of surgical debris with reduced clogging and with minimum trauma to tissue is disclosed. Suction ports are arranged on the tip so that suction ports which remain unblocked when surgical debris lodges in other suction ports operate as a vacuum modulator facilitating the removal of the blockage. Further, the likelihood of blocking every suction port, thereby aspirating and damaging tissue, is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Method for dissolving cholesterol calculus in vitro or in vivo comprising contacting the cholesterol calculus with methyl tertiary-butyl ether.

Abstract: A method provided for aspirating secreted fluids from a wound by means of a drain connected to a negative pressure source with variable negative pressure, the negative pressure effective at the drain being adjusted in accordance with a selectable pressure/time diagram. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method consisting of a negative pressure measuring device and a regulator controlling the negative pressure source, which regulator has inputs for the actual value determined by the negative pressure measuring device and for the prescribed set point value of the negative pressure.

Abstract: Colon washing apparatus and methods wherein water flow to the colon may be by gravity flow or by pumped flow, wherein temperature control of the wash water is controlled by mixing of hot and cold water or by means of a water heater means, wherein wash water pressure is controlled by water head or by pump output pressure, and by pressure flow valve controls, wherein pulsating water flow may be used, wherein oxygen may be introduced into the wash water, wherein water penetration into the colon may be assisted by abdominal massage, wherein the nozzle may be introduced through the colon by water jet action, and wherein angular water jets from the nozzle may cause washing action ahead of the nozzle. The apparatus is fail-safe in that alternative modes of operation are available in case of power failure. The patient can control the apparatus in case of operator absence or patient discomfort.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for drawing blood from an injection site through an arterial line connected to a fluid supply. The apparatus includes a variable capacity pump mechanism housing having inner walls defining an interior chamber. The housing includes first and second ports connected to a variable capacity interior chamber. A retractable piston is disposed within the housing and is adapted to traverse within the chamber. A piston sealing member is provided about the piston in slidable sealing engagement with the chamber walls to cause fluid to be drawn into the chamber, thereby facilitating the extraction of a blood sample along the arterial line without the need to discharge an initial sample containing disproportionate amounts of supply fluid.

Abstract: A medication infusion device (10) wherein a septum fitting (14) includes a housing (50) that cooperates with an annular band (68) and a septum (66) to define a cavity (80). A poppet (84) cooperates with a seating ring (88), annular band (68) and septum (66) to define an antechamber (85), and to form a seal between the septum and a reservior (32). The septum (66) is held in compression between the annular band (68) and a guide (56) to improve resealing of the septum.

Abstract: A suction catheter for sucking body fluids at surgical operations. The catheter comprises an inner and an outer tube manufactured through a coextruding procedure and which form an integrated unit. The outside of the inner tube and/or the inside of the outer tube is provided with longitudinal profilings, which form channels between the inner and outer tube. The channels communicate with the ambient air and provide an air supply to the suction channel when the catheter opening is stopped up.

Abstract: The disposable adaptor to permit aspiration and/or irrigation fluid to pass through an ultrasonic surgical instrument without permitting leakage of the fluid from or into the interior of the instrument. The adaptor includes a generally annular housing defining a lumen for receiving the horn of the ultrasonic instrument and having inner seals forming a seal between the confronting surface of the adaptor and horn for prohibiting leakage along the exterior wall of the horn and an outer seal for forming a tight seal between the confronting surface of the adaptor and the instrument shroud for prohibiting leakage along the exterior surface of the adaptor. The adaptor includes a flange at its distal end with a circumferential groove extending partially about the adaptor and cooperating with a mating projection on the distal end of the instrument shroud to provide rotational orientation for the adaptor with respect to the shroud.

Abstract: A specially designed first adaptor or connector is permanently attached to a blood source secured from a donor and kept at a hospital blood bank. This first connector is color-coded and has the type blood in the source imprinted thereon. Further, it includes a blood carrying projection of given dimensions. A second connector, in turn, is permanently secured to a blood infusion line or tube leading from a potential recipient or patient's vein. This second connector is also color-coded and provided with an imprint of the patient's type blood. Further, the connector includes a blood receiving bore of given dimensions, the color coding, printing of the blood type and the given dimensions for the second connector being determined by the blood type of the patient.

Abstract: An indicator element is movably mounted within a flow channel and is structured to travel along with and in the direction of the passage of irrigating fluid passing through the flow channel. A switching assembly is associated with the flow channel and an indicator assembly for activation of the latter wherein a predetermined position of the indicator element within the flow channel is indicative of the establishment of peristaltic action of the intestine being irrigated and of the intestine receiving adequate irrigating fluid to cause evacuation of the fecal matter contained therein. Activation of the indicator assembly informs the operator that sufficient fluid has entered the intestine to cause the peristaltic action and evacuation so that fluid flow from a fluid supply to the intestine may be stopped.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling, or refilling, the internal reservoir of a medication infusion system, wherein filling or refilling is permitted only when a means for injecting medication is properly positioned relative to the reservoir. Prior to filling or refilling, a pressure integrity check can be made to help assure that injected medication enters the reservoir without leakage. Additionally, flushing of a portion or all of the medication reservoir can be accomplished if desired. Medication is introduced to and is stored in the reservoir at a pressure below ambient body pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheters and methods which minimize catheter obstruction during use. The apparatus includes a receiving chamber or reservoir having a relatively small internal volume while employing a penetrable membrane and relatively enlarged target surface area. The reservoir is interconnected with the peritoneal cavity by a hollow stem. The penetrable membrane accommodates a hollow needle being inserted into the receiving reservoir and is configurated with a dome-like profile so that the membrane may also be depressed to expel insulin from the receiving reservoir into the peritoneal cavity in a direction generally toward the mesenteric peritoneal membrane.The distal end of the hollow stem (which is situated inside the peritoneal cavity), is constructed so as to minimize the likelihood of catheter obstruction during use by a patient.

Abstract: A suction control device for an aspirator system includes a generally T-shaped body having a main lumen and a passage which extends outwardly from the lumen to the exterior of the body through a vent or chimney portion of the body, and a resiliently deformable closure cap having one or more apertures therethrough which is received on the end of the chimney portion. The chimney portion is preferably formed with a flared terminal end, and the cap is resiliently depressible to a closed position wherein the apertured portion thereof is urged against the inner surface of the flared chimney portion end to obstruct the apertures in the cap and thereby close off the chimney portion. When the device is in the open position thereof, suction communication in the main lumen is interrupted by a venting effect through the chimney portion; and when the device is in its closed position, suction or negative pressure may be transmitted through the main lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus for accomplishing irrigation of the colon and/or other intestinal portions through a stoma including an established path of fluid flow of irrigating liquid from a supply container through a feeding tube into a stoma cone or like structure and further including a peristaltic action monitoring device disposed within the path of fluid flow of irrigating fluid which is structured to indicate, through visual observation, the establishment of peristaltic action in the intestine which tends to reverse the direction of flow of the irrigating fluid and provides proper indication when the flow of the irrigating fluid to the intestine or colon should be stopped.

Abstract: A surgical suction tip includes an outer housing and an inner removable filter device. The housing includes a suction opening at one end and a filter receiving handle formed as a sleeve at the other end; the inner removable filter device is connected in the filter receiving handle by a quick connect-disconnect means; the housing tapers so as to increase in size from its suction opening to the filter device. A seal is located between the housing and filter device.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly includes first and second connector members, each associated with a fluid conduit and having a meltable wall which normally seals the connector member, and thus the associated conduit. The connector members can be coupled together, with the meltable walls positioned in facing contact. One of the meltable walls includes a radiant energy absorbing material. The other meltable wall is relatively non-absorbant of radiant energy, but does conduct heat energy. By exposing the coupled assembly to a source of radiant energy, the one wall melts in response to thermal radiation, while the other wall conducts heat energy from the melting wall to also melt. By melting, the walls open a fluid path between the fluid conduits.

Abstract: An improved surgical suction probe includes a tubular probe portion and a tubular handle portion joined together to define an internal bore. A reciprocable one-piece valve is disposed within the bore and is movable between flow and non-flow positions for regulating flow of material through the probe. The components of the probe may be easily and inexpensively fabricated from plastic or other suitable material, thus providing a suitable suction probe arrangement with the necessary operational characteristics which may be fabricated inexpensively for single use service.

Abstract: Glaucoma treatment device for surgical implant for the treatment and management of glaucoma. The glaucoma treatment device includes a single continuous length of cylindrical member having two ends substantially in a first plane and angled slightly inwards toward each other, two smaller loops having the small loops substantially in a like second plane at a slight outward angle to the first plane and each outer end of the small loops connected to the two ends, and an elongated large loop with a large end radius in between the two ends, substantially positioned in the first plane and connected to the inner ends of the smaller loops. The cylindrical member can consist of polymethylmethacrylate or like material. The device is surgically implanted in the eye under a partial thickness scleral flap in the newly formed scleral bed, and secures a channel for aqueous humor to flow away from the eye.

Abstract: A blood suction device for removing blood from a surgical field is provided which can be controlled by a pressure sensing means mounted on a suction tip of the device for starting and stopping the roller pump of the device, and changing the revolution rate of the roller pump, thus enabling to reduce possible hemolysis, clothing and other undesirable effects. The blood suction device comprises pressure sensing means for detecting the pressure exerted thereupon which can be handled adjacent the suction tip by means of pneumatic pressure, and control means for controlling the revolution rate in response to the sensed pressure. The revolution rate when the device is not gripped or pushed by the operator may be set either at zero revolution or at any desired revolution.

Abstract: A sustained release capsule for introduction through the esophagus to the rumen of a ruminant has a tubular barrel containing a body of active composition urged by a piston and spring into sealing engagement with a constriction end wall shaped with a peripheral curved border leading to a frustoconical portion defining a delivery opening, the shape and width of such wall controlling the release rate to the rumen. The open front end of the barrel is closed by a hemispherical cap connected at the center of its convex outer face to a wing having opposite arms normally outstanding at near 90.degree. from the capsule body but resiliently bendable over a long arc along the convex face of the cap to retracted positions for introduction of the capsule through the esophagus. In the rumen, the arms return to near 90.degree. positions to hinder regurgitation of the capsule and to better withstand working and contractions of the rumen.

Abstract: An enteric feeding tube including a weighted bolus at its distal end to facilitate insertion and positioning of the tube within the gastrointestinal tract. The tube includes a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent its distal end for the introduction to or extraction from the gastrointestinal tract of fluids or comminuted solids. The weighted bolus includes a plurality of tungsten carbide spheres to provide the necessary weight for proper placement, the spheres being arranged in side-by-side relationship within the tubular bolus, which is so sized as to permit limited axial movement of the spheres to facilitate bending of the bolus as necessary.

Abstract: Surgical suction apparatus for applying suction to surgical debris to clear a surgical wound and including structure for clearing any surgical debris lodged in the entrance aperture of the apparatus and which structure may also be used to vary the effective size of the entrance aperture to vary the suction applied to the surgical debris.