Abstract: A fluid dispensing machine, such as a peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis machine, includes a dispenser or cassette that pumps a medical fluid for dialysis or other treatments for patients. The machine includes and uses an autoconnect device for connecting containers of liquid, such as bags of dialysis fluid or medication fluids, to the machine, while maintaining the sterility of the connection. The autoconnect device removes the cap from the fluid bag and pierces the scaling membrane on tubing from the bag. This makes it easier for patients to receive treatment, especially home treatment. Other embodiments are useful for dispensing other liquids from other types of dispensing or pumping machines.

Abstract: An adaptor for discriminating connection of an oral tip having a length greater than 0.50 (12.70 mm) to a feeding line and for preventing sealed connection with a standard semi-rigid luer tip having a length less than or equal to 0.50 in (12.70 mm) is disclosed. The adaptor includes a duckbill valve spaced at least 0.50 in (12.70 mm) downstream from a first open end of the body such that when an oral tip is fully inserted into a connection port, the oral tip engages valve flaps of the duckbill valve and opens the valve, and when a standard semi-rigid luer tip is fully inserted into the connection port, the standard semi-rigid luer tip does not contact the valve flaps and the valve flaps remain in a closed position.

Abstract: A guidewire loader apparatus is provided for loading a guidewire into a lumen opening of a guidewire lumen of a medical device. The loader apparatus includes a first member defining a respective medical device receiving portion and a respective guidewire receiving portion in communication therewith via a respective interface portion. The loader apparatus further includes a second member configured for placement in an opposed relationship to the first member. The second member defines a respective medical device receiving portion and a respective guidewire receiving portion in communication therewith at a respective interface portion. The first member and the second member cooperatively associate with one another between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the medical device can be positioned into at least one respective medical device receiving portion.

Abstract: A method for coaxially connecting a first plastic tube (10, 110) to a second plastic tube (20, 120), said plastic tubes (10, 20). In particular being provided as part of a medical catheter (102), the two plastic tubes (10, 20) being connected by way of a tubular connecting piece (50), characterized in that the first plastic tube (10) and/or the second plastic tube (20) are integrally molded from the outside onto the tubular connecting piece (50) using a forming process such that an adhesive and/or positive connection is produced.

Abstract: A needleless luer access connector is disclosed having a septum disposed in a housing. The septum has a proximal portion with a cross section, a medial portion with a cross section smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion, and a distal portion. A longitudinal slit extends through the septum from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The septum and housing are designed so that septum will not be rotated or removed from the housing when the connector is accessed by a male luer taper. In addition, the septum and housing are designed to bias the slit at the distal portion closed and so a male luer connector does not have to extend completely through the distal portion to open the slit at the distal portion. Finally, the septum and housing are designed to minimize the amount of dead space in the connector when accessed with a male luer taper.

Abstract: A break-way PEG tube uses a releasable connector between two tubing segments to facilitate release of a feeding portion of the PEG tube when pulled on to avoid accidental removal of a distal portion of the PEG tube from a patient's abdomen.

Abstract: A connecting device for a catheter assembly is disclosed allowing a user to connect a catheter assembly to an adhesive pad which is then capable of anchoring the catheter assembly to a patient's leg. The connecting device may have an introducer body with an extension body and an attachment mechanism. The connecting device can be rotated along with or within a collar in a circular manner in order to facilitate the making of the connection with the adhesive pad. Additionally, the connecting device may contain an enlarged portion to enhance operability.

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 catheter connection system and a method of connecting the catheter connection system to a catheter. The catheter connection system includes a hub assembly and a collar. The hub assembly includes a cannula extending from a distal end thereof, and a collet defining an inner surface spaced apart from the cannula to permit passage of a catheter wall between the body and the cannula. The collet includes a proximal barb on an outer surface and the collar includes an attachment barb on an inner surface, engagement of the respective barbs acting to provide a permanent connection between the collar on the collet, while permitting free rotation of the collar about the collet.

Abstract: A catheter connector system for a subcutaneously placed catheter and method of attaching a catheter to extracorporeal medical equipment. The catheter connector system and method enables proximal trimming of the placed catheter and facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter. The method includes sliding a boot and dilator combination over a portion of a catheter extending from a venipuncture site until a distal end of the boot is positioned in the venipuncture site, removing the dilator from the boot, and trimming a portion of the catheter extending from a proximal end of the boot. A bifurcation assembly may be attached to the proximal end of the boot following trimming of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a coaxial catheter and insert, and method of making. The catheter assembly includes a coaxial catheter, an insert, and a hub. The coaxial catheter includes an inner lumen and an outer lumen. The insert includes first and second passageways, the first passageway defined from a first opening on a distal end of the insert to a second opening on a proximal end of the insert, the second passageway branching from the first passageway to a third opening. A portion of the insert distal end is received in a proximal opening of the outer lumen, and a proximal section of the inner lumen extends through the first passageway. The hub is molded over the insert and a proximal section of the outer lumen.

Abstract: A catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterile transfer device for fluids, be they liquids or gases. It is comprised of a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Preferably, it is a central bore formed through the entire length of the body. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, sample bag and the like. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when it the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components.

Abstract: A device for inserting a cannula into tissue, including a cannula, a protective element which can accommodate said cannula, an operating element for moving the cannula out of the protective element, and a holder fixedly connected to the cannula. The invention encompasses a system for connecting a liquid supply to the cannula.

Abstract: The present invention provides catheter cleaning devices that are effective at reducing microbial contamination of a catheter port entry. For example, the invention provides a catheter, a catheter cleaning device and a catheter cleaning injection port cap, each of which reduces potential microbial contamination at a catheter port entry.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for interconnecting, sealed against contamination, the ends of tubes by two cooperating connecting components, each having an inlet and an outlet for connection to each other. The connecting components each have a connecting plane, into which the outlets open, each covered by a protective component, and which are movable into engagement with each other with the outlets facing each other. A locking element, which is slidably arranged on one connecting component, is, in a controlled manner and without interruption of the sliding movement, movable onto the other connecting component to a distinct end position. The protective components are removable by means of the locking element when this is moved, and the outlets are sealingly pressable against each other. The locking element is prevented from moving until a predetermined force is applied in the moving direction.

Abstract: A clamp (110) for releasably clamping a catheter, including a body having a first portion (112), a second portion (122), and a hinge (132) connecting the first portion and the second portion, such that the first portion is disposed to face the second portion. The first portion (112) includes a tab (134) extending distal from the hinge (132) and wherein the second portion (122) includes a locking means (146) for releasably locking the tab (134) to the second portion (122). A method of releasably clamping a plurality of catheter lumens (100,102) during catheter insertion and a method of locating a catheter insertion distance based on the location of the clamp are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a connector for coupling to a guiding catheter including a housing defining a conduit communicating with the interior of the guiding catheter, the housing including first and second housing portions which are manually positionable in various relative mutual axial orientations, a selectably openable normally closed valve associated with the conduit for selectable sealing thereof, the selectably openable valve having an open state, a closed state and at least one partially open state realized by suitable relative mutual axial orientation of the first and second housing portions and permitting at least one elongate element to extend therethrough, even when the valve is, in the closed state, the selectably openable valve including a spring which urges the valve towards the closed state and an automatically engageable and manually disengageable valve state governing mechanism operative for automatically retaining the valve in, a state other than the closed state against the urging of the spring.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter comprises a tube, a female connector and an elastically deformable hemostasis valve which can be pressed by a male connector. An opening taper portion tapered forwardly is formed in a longitudinal intermediate portion of an inner circumferential surface of the female connector. The elastically deformable hemostasis valve is provided longitudinally slidably in the opening taper portion of the female connector and an inside portion extending rearwardly from the opening taper portion. The hemostasis valve includes; a body having a hollow form opened at its front and rear ends or a tubular portion fitted over the connecting portion from a rearward direction; and an openable/closable portion being opened by elastic deformation of the body or the tubular portion.

Abstract: There is provided a looped tether to prevent the over-withdrawal of a suction catheter from a connecting fitting in a closed suction catheter respiratory device. The looped tether is made from a single thread or strand that is looped or doubled in length with the two loose ends connected together to produce the loop. The looped tether provides better distribution of the forces at the ends of the device and is relatively simple to assemble. Also provided is a system for preventing the over-withdrawal of a suction catheter from a connecting fitting in a closed suction catheter respiratory device.

Abstract: A catheter system and method 10 for placing a medical device proximate an ostial lesion. The catheter system 10 has a guide catheter 14 with a proximal end 16 and a distal end 18. A sheath 22 with an internal lumen 24 surrounds the guide catheter 14. The sheath 22 has a near end 26 and a far end 28. A cavity 32 is defined between the outside of the guide catheter 14 and the inside of the sheath 22. One or more longtitudinal connecting components 34 extend axially within the cavity with an actuating mechanism 38. An ostial locating member 42 extends from the far end 22 of the sheath so that the ostial locating member 42 lies outside the guide catheter 14. The ostial locating member 42 has at least two flexible, radially extending struts 44 that terminate with radio-opaque feet 46 that lie in an ostial plane 48 when they are advanced in a distal direction from outside the distal end 40 of the guide catheter 14 and against the interior wall of the aorta 50.

Abstract: A coupling device for releasable connection of a medical tubing, such as a catheter, is disclosed. The coupling device has no coupling parts being inserted into the lumen of the medical tubing, and is consequently very advantageous for use with medical tubing with soft walls and/or small internal diameters. The coupling device comprises a hollow body member having a first end for receiving an end part of the medical tubing, an opposite second end, for conveying an input or output to said medical tubing, and an intermediate part between said first end and second end, said intermediate part being arranged to accommodate the end part of the medical tubing inserted through said first end and having an inwardly variable diameter.

Abstract: A system for moving particles suspended in a first fluid, and for infusing them into the stream of a second fluid, includes a catheter with a multi-lumen distal tip. The tip is formed with a plurality of parallel lumens, wherein each lumen has a predetermined diameter. Importantly, the diameter of each lumen is dimensioned to sequentially receive particles therethrough, to prevent the particles from flocculating before they enter the stream of the second fluid. A valve, affixed to the outside of the catheter, can be provided to regulate flow of the second fluid and thereby facilitate entry of the particles into the stream of the second fluid.

Abstract: A catheter for implantation into a patient having a catheter tube having a distal end, a means for trimming the distal end of the catheter tube after subcutaneous insertion of the tip of the catheter lumen into a desired position within the patient to form a trimmed end portion, and a means for selectively positioning each respective lumen of the trimmed end portion of the catheter tube into fluid communication with the respective first end of one attachment tube. The attachment tube is select fluid communication with a desired medical device.

Abstract: Positive displacement fluid lock ports for use in combination with an indwelling catheter and a syringe during a flushing/locking procedure are provided. The fluid lock port includes a housing having a distal and a proximal end; a resilient conduit supported within the housing, wherein the conduit defines a lumen therethrough; and at least one biasing member supported in the housing and being operatively associatable with the resilient conduit. The at least one biasing member has a first condition restrained from deforming the resilient conduit and a second condition operatively engaged with the resilient conduit to at least partially occlude the lumen of the resilient conduit.

Abstract: A detachment mechanism, and methods of use, for use in delivering a medical device preferably over a guidewire are provided. The detachment mechanism includes a first and second engagement member. The members are configured to receive the guidewire and have a first end attached to the control member and the device, respectively, a second end, and a notch formed in the body to form an interlocking tooth. The notch is sized to receive the interlocking tooth of the other member. The members are interlockable to couple the medical device to the control member and to allow the guidewire to pass therethrough. The notch can be angled to permit easier detachment between the members and for better torqueability and pushability/pullability between the control member and the medical device. The members can also include a bend region configured to enhance bendability along a portion of the members.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter made of a shape memory material with shape memory properties, so that the indwelling catheter comprises a first shape below a transition temperature and a second shape above the transition temperature, wherein the indwelling catheter comprises lamellas separate from one another in circumferential direction at its distal end, which lamellas extend in a longitudinal direction of the catheter below the transition temperature and are bent in outward direction above the transition temperature.

Abstract: A delivery assembly (10) for an implant (30) includes a release mechanism comprising a locking element (52) and a blocking member (56). The locking element (52) includes a latching pin (14) that engages with an eyelet (54) in the implant (30) to attach the implant (30) to a distal end of an inner catheter (36) of the deployment of the delivery assembly (10). The blocking member (56) prevents premature disengagement of the latching pin (14) from the implant (30). Withdrawal of the blocking member (56) allows disengagement of the latching pin (14) once the implant (30) has been correctly positioned within a patient's vasculature. The locking pin (52) and the blocking member (56) extend along the lumen of the inner catheter (36) from a handle (12) at the proximal end thereof, and are arranged such that a guide wire (34) is also able to extend through the lumen of the inner catheter (36). The locking pin (52) and the blocking member (56) preferably have a crescent-shaped transverse cross section.

Abstract: To even out the contact pressure acting on a catheter when the catheter is fastened and fixed with a packing of a connector. When body-pressing surfaces of A and B members at which a body of the packing is to be pressed come into contact with the body of the packing and the body starts to be pressed, projections of the packing are pressed with a delay from the pressing of the body because of gaps provided between the projections of the packing and projection-pressing surfaces at which the projections of the packing are to be pressed. Thus, the contact pressure acing on the .

Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.

Abstract: A closed specimen collection system includes a port tube that is rotatably attached to tubing of a urinary drainage system attached to an indwelling urinary catheter. The port tube has a one-way valve located adjacent one end formed to fit sealably with a shaped nozzle. A collection has a proximal end and a distal end with a shaped nozzle at the proximal end adapted to fit sealably into the port tube adjacent the one-way valve. A specimen container has a hollow body, a back end and a front end with a sealable aperture sized and shaped to attach to the distal end of the collection tube. A piston fits closely within the hollow body and is attached to an actuating rod. When the actuating rod is moved away from the front end of the container, urine will flow into the specimen container through the collection tube in a sterile condition.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (1), including an outer catheter (2) and an inner catheter (6) capable of being inserted into the outer catheter (2). The catheter assembly is characterized in that an outer catheter hub (5) and an inner catheter hub (9) are fixedly fitted to each other so that the two catheters are not rotated nor moved relative to each other, and when fitted to each other, at least a part of the tip of the inner catheter (6) is protruded by 10 mm or shorter from the tip of the outer catheter (2). When the inner catheter is inserted into the outer catheter, operabilities such as kink resistance, press-in performance, and torque transmission performance are excellent and the inner diameter thereof is increased when the catheter is used after indwelling. As a result, the range of choices of a catheter for treatment can be increased.

Abstract: A proximally trimmable catheter is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter includes a multi-lumen catheter tube, one or more extension tubes, and a hub for fluidly connecting the two. In a first unlocked state, the hub is axially slidable along the catheter tube. The hub includes tube pins that are in fluid communication with the extension tubes. A cutting member is positioned to longitudinally cut the catheter tube during axial sliding of the hub along the catheter tube such that distal portions of the tube pins remain disposed within the lumens of the catheter tube. When positioned as desired, the hub is locked into a second locked state and is no longer axially slidable along the catheter tube. The tube pins are fluidly sealed within the lumens of the catheter tube as to establish fluid communication between the extension tubes and the lumens via the tube pins.

Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.

Abstract: A multi-component connector apparatus having a base component, an intermediate component and an end member are assembled end to end by rotational engagement. An elastic sheath extends over and covers portions of the base member, the intermediate member and the end member in a manner that precludes inadvertent decoupling of these assembled components. The sheath also prevents contamination of the assembled components after sterilization.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid carrying connector comprising a luer lock connector is provided. At least one projection is defined on, or extending from, a surface of the luer lock connector. A shroud is moveably positioned with respect to the luer lock connector. The shroud comprises at least one projection that is rotatably positionable with the projection of the luer lock connector. In one rotational direction of the shroud, the projection of the shroud rotates the projection of the luer lock connector in the rotational direction. In an opposite rotational direction of the shroud, the projection of the shroud does not rotate the projection of the luer lock connector in the opposite rotational direction.

Abstract: A medical valve has an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a movable member with a member channel therethrough. The member channel extends between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the movable member. The movable member is movable in a given direction to cause the valve to transition from the closed mode to the open mode. The distal opening of the member channel has a given dimension that is generally parallel with the given direction, and a second dimension that is generally orthogonal to the given dimension. The given dimension is smaller than the second dimension.

Abstract: A needle shield assembly including a hinged needle shield is provided. A ramp is provided in proximity to a hinge that connects the needle shield to base assembly. The ramp is preferably flexible, and, if compressed, resiliently urges the needle shield to a preferred angular position with respect to a syringe. The needle shield is movable between a fully opened position where it is canted at an angle with respect to the syringe and a closed position in which it envelops the needle. One or more locking elements are preferably provided on the needle shield for maintaining it in a locked, needle protecting position.

Abstract: A catheter device having an elongated tubular member with a proximal end and a distal end, and a needle disposed near the distal end. In one embodiment, the needle has a rigid, penetrating tip coupled to a flexible portion by an overlapping joint. The flexible portion enables the needle to bend to a penetrating angle relative to the distal end of the elongated tubular member and penetrate a body tissue without kinking.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is an apparatus for administering liquids into the human body characterized in that it has at least one main loading channel provided with at least one main administration point able to be connected to at least one container holding the liquid and at least one secondary loading channel, separated from the first by a membrane, provided with at least one container holding the liquid. Such apparatus allows the independent and simultaneous administration of liquids incompatible with each other, into the human body.

Abstract: A universal introducer adapter which can be inserted into a pre-placed introducer of arbitrary dimensions eliminates the need to replace or remove the introducer. The adapter includes a distal portion with a retainer in the form of a soft elastic material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a syringe for use in enteral feeding includes providing a premolded syringe body having a plunger end and an outlet end, loading the premolded syringe body into a mold having a core pin extending into the outlet end of the premolded syringe body, closing the mold to thereby retain the premolded syringe therein and to close a mold cavity around the outlet end of the syringe body, injection molding by injecting plastic molding material into the mold cavity and cooling to thereby form a tip at the outlet end of the premolded syringe body, and opening the mold and extracting the syringe body and the tip.

Abstract: This invention relates to a syringe-activated valve for flushing a catheter for delivering an implant to an anatomical site, such as a patent foramen ovale in a patient and method thereof. In one embodiment, a catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a “Y” connector at the proximal end, the “Y” connector having a guide wire port and a connector port, a syringe activated valve having a first end and a second end, the second end of syringe-activated valve connecting to the connector port of the “Y” connector, and a syringe connecting to the first end of the syringe-activated valve. Saline is injected by the syringe through the syringe-activated valve into the proximal end of the catheter, thereby flushing air from the catheter lumen out of the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A fluid connector comprising a housing having an access site, and a cover member passively positioned in an initial covering relationship with the access site, the cover member being reversible from an uncovered relationship under load to the initial covering relationship, is described. A method of preventing contamination and aseptically covering an access site of a fluid connector with a cover member is also described.

Abstract: A coupling device (1) for the connection of two ends (3, 9) of respective tubular members (2, 5), allowing the contact of the flowing fluid only with elements inside a closed container, circumstances and an inherently easy connection operation, thus it can be carried out, comprising: a closed container (10) housing said ends (3, 9) of respective tubular members (2, 5), one of said tubular members having a flexible terminal section (8) thereof inside said closed container; a mobile connection member (15), coupled at the end of said flexible terminal section (8), having a nozzle (16) apt to be inserted within a receiving end of the other tubular member,—and a cam device, located inside said closed container (10) and apt to be actuated from the outside of said closed container, apt to cooperate with said mobile connection member (15), the cam device causing the insertion and the ejection of said nozzle in and from said receiving end, and the corresponding connection and the disconnection of the two ends.

Abstract: A spinal cannula for delivering a therapeutic agent to a spinal cord target includes proximal and distal end portions, a middle portion, and a deployable cannula member having distal and proximal end portions and a first lumen extending between the end portions. The spinal cannula includes a fluid delivery line operably connected to the proximal end portion of the deployable cannula member, and a fluid delivery line including a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen. The spinal cannula includes a support cannula proximally located from the deployable cannula member and securely connected to a portion of the fluid delivery line. Additionally, the spinal cannula includes a delivery cannula having distal and proximal end portions and a third lumen extending between the end portions for receiving the support cannula. The proximal end portion includes a locking mechanism for releasably engaging the proximal end portion of the support cannula.

Abstract: A clamping device for gripping a catheter shaft to facilitate advancement in a patient's body lumen. The clamping device is preferably configured to be releasably secured to the catheter shaft and longitudinally slidable along the catheter shaft. The clamping device comprises a body portion that couples to a portion of the catheter adapter on a proximal end, and an axially directed internal lumen sized to receive the catheter shaft. Extending longitudinally from the body portion are opposed, resilient cantilevered fingers that flex inwardly against the catheter shaft upon application of digital pressure from the practitioner's thumb and forefinger to grip and capture the catheter shaft, thereby increasing the surface area of the interaction between the practitioner and the catheter and enhancing pushability.

Abstract: A cannula assembly for injecting implant material into a bone, including an inner cannula defining a central conduit including a first proximal port in communication with the central conduit, an outer cannula surrounding the inner cannula to define a peripheral conduit, and a connector interconnecting the cannulas and detachable from at least one of the cannulas, and at least one of the connector, the first cannula and the second cannula including a second proximal port in communication with the peripheral conduit defined along a direction different than a longitudinal axis of the first and second cannulas.

Abstract: Low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter, such as a gastrostomy feeding tube. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor comprises a body having a lower portion and an upper portion. A first channel is provided in the lower portion, and a second channel is provided in the upper portion, the first and second channels being perpendicular to and in fluid communication with one another. A generally cylindrical stem is coaxially positioned within the second channel, the stem being rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis. The stem is hollow and has an open front end, a closed rear end and a hole in its side wall, the hole being rotatably alignable with the first channel. To facilitate rotational alignment of the hole with the first channel, a stop is formed on the exterior of the stem, the stop being engageable with a surface positioned within the second channel. The front end of the stem is recessed relative to the front end of the second channel to prevent unwanted rotation of the stem.

Abstract: Cannula and handle systems and cannulas having substantially continuous interior pathways or channels are provided. The interior pathway may extend from the inlet to the cannula to the outlet, such that tissue collected at the inlet is carried to the outlet without contacting other components. Moreover, the substantially continuous nature of the interior pathway, with an absence of drop-offs, blind pockets or other discontinuities, facilitates cleaning. In addition, inlet holes are sized to promote the transfer of tissue through the channel to the outlet, and to the avoidance of damaging collected tissue.