Abstract: A medical connector capable of allowing, in which a stepped portion is not formed between upper surfaces of a valve and a housing, includes a disc shaped valve member which has a slit formed at a center portion thereof; a housing with a substantially cylindrical shape which sandwiches a circumferential edge portion of the valve member; and an annular ring member which is disposed on an upper circumferential edge of the valve member other than the center portion thereof, wherein the housing has a pedestal which is formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof so as to protrude inward, the valve member being placed on the pedestal, and wherein the valve member is fixed to the inside of the housing by allowing the ring member and the housing to be joined to each other by a swaging process after the valve member is placed on the pedestal in the housing.

Abstract: A touch sensing catheter having a strain sensor assembly that may resolve the magnitude and direction of a force exerted on a distal extremity of the catheter, the strain sensor assembly being substantially insensitive to bulk temperature changes. A deformable structure having a plurality of optical fibers associated therewith that are strained by the imposition of a contact force transferred thereto. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to effect variable gap interferometers, such as Fabry-Perot resonators, that vary in operative length when a force is exerted on the deformable structure. The strain sensor assembly is rendered insensitive to bulk temperature changes by matching the coefficient of thermal expansion of the deformable body with that of the optical fibers. The strain sensor assembly may also be configured to mitigate the effects of thermal gradients using various thermal isolation techniques.

Abstract: A luer connector including a rigid housing having a first end and a second end. The housing further including a rigid tubular male portion at the first end, a rigid tubular female portion at the second end, and a longitudinal opening therethrough. The male portion is configured to be engageable with a female connector. The female portion is configured to be engageable with a male connector and to prevent the disengagement of the male connector from the female portion. In some embodiments, the female portion is configured to maintain a fixed rotational position when the male connector is being threaded therewith, but to rotate with the male connector once the male connector has become fully engaged with the female portion so as to prevent the male connector from becoming unthreaded from the female portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a locking unit (100) for locking a pusher (128) to a sheath assembly (164). The locking unit (100) includes a longitudinal locking portion (102) and a radial locking portion (104). The longitudinal locking portion (102) includes a plurality of cantilevered fingers (110) provided with longitudinally extending teeth (112) on internal surfaces thereof. A nut (108) can be tightened in order to bias the cantilevered arms (110) towards a pusher (128) such that the teeth (112) indent the outer surface of the pusher (128) to produce a strong and stable locking connection thereto. The radial locking section (104) latches onto the assembly integral with the sheath (164) so as to provide a radial locking action as well as a longitudinal locking action. The locking unit (100) provides a strong and reliable locking action between the pusher (128) and the sheath assembly (164) and can be easily removed by a clinician or surgeon during the deployment process.

Abstract: Lockable enteral feeding adapters are disclosed. A female adapter has a female tapered cavity having a circular sidewall, a tapered inner surface and an external surface. The female tapered cavity has an external opening at a proximal end thereof that does not form a liquid-tight connection with a standard male Luer conical fitting. One or more threads are disposed on the external surface of the tapered cavity. A male adapter has a male tapered cone that is sized to mate with the female tapered cavity. The male tapered cone is too large to form an effective connection with a standard female Luer conical fitting. An internally threaded locking ring is mounted around the male tapered cone. Rotation of the locking ring relative to the one or more threads locks the male adapter to the corresponding female adapter to prevent unintentional disengagement of the male and female adapters.

Abstract: Lockable enteral feeding adapters are disclosed. A female adapter has a female tapered cavity having a circular sidewall, a tapered inner surface and an external surface. The female tapered cavity has an external opening at a proximal end thereof that does not form a liquid-tight connection with a standard male Luer conical fitting. One or more threads are disposed on the external surface of the tapered cavity. A male adapter has a male tapered cone is sized to mate with the female tapered cavity. The male tapered cone is too large to form an effective connection with a standard female Luer conical fitting. An internally threaded locking ring is mounted around the male tapered cone. Rotation of the locking ring relative to the one or more threads locks the male adapter to the corresponding female adapter to prevent unintentional disengagement of the male and female adapters.

Abstract: An adapter for use with an appliance for administering an injectable product, the adapter serving to create a product connection between a catheter and a product container that can be inserted into the appliance, and including a thread for screwing the adapter to the appliance, a stop for fixing the container in the longitudinal direction of the thread, an attachment piece to which the catheter may be connected, and a product channel that extends through the attachment piece and the thread.

Abstract: A breakaway hemostasis hub for a catheter or introducer sheath includes a splittable or separable housing, a seal within the housing, an actuator partially slidably disposed within the housing, a pair of spring retainer members in the housing each adapted to receive at least one spring, and a pair of actuator retainer members adapted to retain the seal, the actuator, and the spring retainer members in the housing. The actuator is operable to assume a closed position and an open position and includes a dilator member configured to dilate the seal when the actuator is in the open position. The hub is splittable or separable into two generally symmetrical sub-assemblies to facilitate cutting the catheter for retraction from the patient's body without displacing its payload.

Abstract: The fluid delivery system includes a fluid path set with a first section adapted for connection to a syringe and to a source of fluid to be loaded into the syringe, and a second section that is removably connected to the first section. A connector removably connects the first and second sections. The connector includes a first connector member having a first luer member and a first annular member disposed about the first luer member. The connector further includes a second connector member having a second luer member and a second annular member disposed about the second luer member. A check valve arrangement is disposed in of one of the first and second connector members for limiting fluid flow to one direction through the connector. The first and second annular members are adapted to operably engage to securely and releasably connect the first and second connector members.

Abstract: A releasable medical device connector comprises a connector fitting with a spin nut which connects to an adaptor. The connector fitting has at least one radially extending member with a variable radius cross section. The spin nut is disposed upon the connector fitting proximal of the radially extending member and is both axially slidable and rotatable upon the elongated body of the connector fitting. A screw thread within a proximal portion of the spin nut is used to secure the tapering portion of the connector fitting to an external thread disposed upon the adaptor. To release the connector, the spin nut is unscrewed from the adaptor and slid so that a distal receptacle of the spin nut engages the radially extending member of the connector fitting. With the spin nut and connector fitting engaged, the medical line can be released from the adaptor by twisting and pulling upon the spin nut.

Abstract: A connector has a connection port closed by a sealing member. The connection port is attached to a first body portion which in turn is connected to a second body portion by an elastic bellows.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tunneling a distal portion of a multilumen catheter tube in a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a connector having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end includes a first coupling portion for selective connection to a distal end of the multilumen catheter tube, and the distal end of the connector includes a second coupling portion. A trocar is provided having a first end and a second end. The second end of the trocar is configured for selective connection to the coupling portion of the connector. The connector and the second end of trocar are configured such that they are substantially coaxially aligned with the multilumen catheter tube when the first coupling portion of the connector is selectively joined with the distal end of the multilumen catheter tube and the second end of the trocar is selectively engaged with the second coupling portion of the connector. A method of reverse tunneling a multilumen catheter tube using such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A female connector including: a cylindrical core member having a luer taper on a distal inner surface thereof and a tube bonding portion formed on a proximal end inner surface and being formed with a flange at a distal extremity thereof; a cylindrical housing having a male screw formed on an outer surface thereof and mounted to an outer periphery of the core member without being fixed, and a stopper fixed at a position apart from the flange of the core member, wherein the distance (L1) between the flange and the stopper is larger than the length (L2) of the housing in the axial direction when a male connector is connected to the female connector.

Abstract: A method for connecting a compatibility liner with a source of perishable therapeutic is provided. In one exemplary system for connecting a reservoir of perishable therapeutic with a lumen, a hollow hub having a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the hollow hub, which contains a bond port, is in fluid communication with the second end. The second end of the hollow hub may contain a docking groove that is sized to couple a reservoir to it. The system also includes an inner hypo-tube having a proximal tip and an inner lumen. This inner lumen is lined with a therapeutic compatible lining and is in fluid communication with the second end of the hub through the proximal tip of the inner hypo-tube. The inner lining and the proximal tip in this system are configured to shield therapeutic ejected from the reservoir from contacting materials that can diminish the integrity of the therapeutic.

Abstract: A connector and method of medical tubing is disclosed. The connector defines a fluid passageway, and the connector includes a first end, a first intermediate portion, a middle portion, a second intermediate portion, and a second end. The middle portion is located between the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion, and the first end is adapted to fit inside a proximal connector-receiving portion, and the second end is adapted to fit inside a distal connector-receiving portion. The connector includes at least a first protrusion and a second protrusion projecting from the connector, wherein a first protrusion is located between the first end and the first intermediate portion, and the second protrusion is located between the second intermediate portion and the second end.

Abstract: Low profile adaptor for use with gastrostomy feeding tube. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor comprises a disc-shaped housing, the housing being provided with a bottom opening and a side slot, the side slot having a uniform width, except for an enlarged area at one end thereof. A tube is disposed within the housing, the tube having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal bore. The first end is aligned with the bottom opening and is adapted to be inserted into the proximal end of a gastrostomy feeding tube. A ratchet-type clamp is disposed within the housing and is used to secure the gastrostomy feeding tube to the first end of the tube. A lateral slot is formed in the tube at its second end and is in fluid communication with the longitudinal bore. A dial is disposed within the housing and is rotatably mounted on the second end of the tube, the dial including a radial channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to catheter delivery systems, and more specifically, to a tubular device with improved torque and flexure characteristics. The present invention is a tubular device having improved torque and flexure characteristics which uses a series of permanently interlocking independent segments to provide the necessary torque and flexure characteristics.

Abstract: An improved tamper evident end cap assembly for a drug loaded syringe which assembly includes a syringe cap to close the discharge port in the nozzle of the syringe and an indicator ring about the nozzle connected by chads or tabs to a tubular shield which chads or tabs are adapted to break freeing the ring from the shield to loosely wobble on the nozzle indicating tampering if an axial force of separation is applied to the syringe cap to remove it from the syringe and a one way drive mechanism engaging both the shield and syringe cap so the shield may be rotated to advance the assembly onto a syringe nozzle but which is not responsive to counter rotation to withdraw the syringe cap to open the discharge port and gain access to the drug.

Abstract: A male luer lock connector for medical fluid lines comprising an elongated tubular body having an end portion with external luer cone and an internally threaded bushing mounted so that it can turn and slide on a portion with a cylindrical external surface of the tubular body. The axial backward travel of the bushing allows axial engagement of the male connector with a female luer lock connector even without screwing the bushing, and it is provided with a cam front reaction surface with which the bushing interacts to voluntarily produce axial expulsion of the female luer lock connector.

Abstract: A male luer lock connector for medical fluid lines comprising an elongated tubular body having an end portion with external luer cone and an internally threaded bushing mounted so that it can turn and slide on a portion with a cylindrical external surface of the tubular body. Cooperating formations disposed between the portion with cylindrical external surface of the tubular body and the bushing are provided to produce during use a perceptible click when the bushing draws near to a fully advanced position of engagement with a female luer lock connector.

Abstract: An automatic pullback catheter system (2) includes a disposable catheter assembly (6) mountable to a drive assembly (4). The drive assembly includes a body (8) to which a drive chassis (14) is mounted for movement along a longitudinal path (16) by a motor (20) which rotates a longitudinal drive screw (22) selectively coupled to the drive chassis by a threaded clamp (24). A rotary drive motor (30), mounted to the drive chassis, rotates a first combined connector (34). The catheter assembly includes a hollow sheath (38) housing a rotatable and axially movable cable assembly (44). The sheath includes a proximal hub (42) mountable to the body. The cable assembly includes an elongate imaging cable (46) with a second combined connector (36) at its proximal end. The first and second combined connectors are blind matable connectors and provide for the longitudinal movement coupling, the rotary movement coupling and the data/information connection of the two connectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector element for connecting lengths of tubing, cannulas and catheters to a second connector element. The connector element includes a sealing part that is movable relative to a flow conduit portion of the connector, and which enables the conduit to be sealed with respect to the ambient atmosphere. A sterile connection is therefore ensured.

Abstract: A method of performing dialysis with a, catheter system which includes (i) a working catheter having a distal working orifice, and (ii) a guide catheter having a guide lumen and a distal guide orifice is disclosed. The method includes the step of locking the working catheter in an operative position in which (i) the working catheter extends through the guide lumen of the guide catheter and out of the distal guide orifice of the guide catheter, and (ii) the distal working orifice of the working catheter is positioned outside of the guide catheter. The method further includes the step of performing a dialysis procedure including advancing and withdrawing blood through the working catheter while the working catheter is locked in the operative position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enteral feeding unit having a reflux device for use during enteral feeding. The enteral feeding unit, in one embodiment, includes an administration device connected to a relatively large reservoir tube which is in fluid communication with a patient's oral or nasal passage. The reservoir tube receives the reflux fluid from a patient and returns the reflux fluid to the patient when certain pressure conditions are present. This reservoir tube is preferably non-collapsible and preferably bears volumetric markings which enable a user to measure ,the amount of reflux fluid expelled by a patient. This type of enteral feeding unit provides users with a convenient way of accommodating and monitoring reflux fluid during the enteral feeding process.

Abstract: A needleless access system adapted to be mounted on a vial comprising a generally elongated tubular housing having an interior dividing wall, flexible hooks projecting upwardly from the dividing wall which are diametrically opposed, a pair of confronting splines projecting upwardly from the interior dividing wall, a hub insert having a piercing tip normally supported in an armed position by hook elements, a series of outwardly projecting teeth which engage and are guided in the splines during axial displacement of the hub insert relative to the splined housing, and said hub insert having means for mounting a syringe assembly whereby the hub insert maybe activated axially guided by the splines so that the piercing tip engages the stopper in a vial aligned therewith.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly including a multi-piece connector. In one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a PEG implanting assembly comprising a tubular dilator and a silicone feeding tube having an internal bolster at its rear end. The assembly also comprises a multi-piece connector comprising an inner ring, a fitting and an outer ring. The inner ring has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the feeding tube and is coaxially disposed within the feeding tube by a friction-fit. The fitting comprises a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion, the intermediate portion including a shoulder having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the feeding tube. The front portion of the fitting is inserted through the rear end of the dilator and is secured to the dilator by a plurality of barbs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a catheter within a patient enables the catheter to be easily and securely locked and prevents the catheter from being inadvertently unlocked. The locking catheter includes an elongated body member including a proximal portion and a distal portion, a first proximal member, an elongated flexible member, and a second proximal member releasably couplable to the first proximal member to allow selective locking and unlocking of the elongated flexible member therebetween. The second proximal member includes a channel. The elongated flexible member extends from the distal portion of the elongated body member, through the first proximal member, and through the channel of the second proximal member. The elongated flexible member is slidable through the channel thereby allowing the distal portion of the elongated body member to be drawn toward the proximal portion of the elongated body member to form a loop in the distal portion of the elongated body member.

Abstract: A transfer set body for use in transferring dialysis fluid into and out of a patient using an implanted multiple lumen catheter is provided which has a generally cylindrical housing capable of receiving and containing multiple lumen tubing therein, a proximal clamping end which provides pressure so as to pinch off the tubing when it is desired to prevent flow through the tubing, and a distal connection end which allows the tubing to be connected to a source of dialysis fluid and to a drain or other device for collecting or recycling spent dialysate. The transfer set body also features an internal structure of a size and shape which positions the multiple lumen tubing in the body in proper orientation and alignment to allow efficient clamping of the tubing and to ensure that the inflow and outflow lumens are properly aligned.

Abstract: A catheter adapter comprises an adapter body, a medical device securing means for releasably securing and hermetically sealing the adapter body to a medical device, and catheter securing means for releasably securing and hermetically sealing the adapter body to a catheter of predetermined external diameter, the catheter securing means comprising first and second rigid elements provided with confronting surfaces, and an operating device adapted to urge the rigid elements towards one another, at least one of said confronting surfaces comprising longitudinal channel walls defining a channel, whereby the confronting surfaces combine together to define a close tolerance pathway when the elements are urged towards one another by the operating device, and an operating device retaining means for retaining the operating device in an operative position, the size of the said pathway being such that in use a length of a catheter enclosed within the pathway is compressed and held by engagement of said rigid elements with

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge, comprises an injection component (1) defining a void (17) therein for receiving medicament, and having an injection discharge orifice communicating with the void. The cartridge further comprises a transfer device (2) comprising a liquid-containing reservoir (4), and transfer means for causing the liquid (5) to flow from the reservoir, through a reservoir outlet, into the void in the injection component.

Abstract: A catheter according to the present invention includes a multiple lumen catheter for delivery of a liquid embolic composition through a first lumen and delivery of a solidification agent through a second lumen. The catheter allows adjustment of the relative longitudinal position of the two lumens to control the solidification of the embolic composition within a blood vessel. The multiple lumen catheter system is used by inserting the catheter endovascularly into an aneurysm site and injecting a liquid embolic composition through the first lumen while injecting a solidification agent through the second lumen to wash the area of the aneurysm of blood which has become saturated with solvent, while replacing it with a fresh solidification agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, syringe, syringe interface, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be connected to an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe to the injector or to the piston/plunger assembly.

Abstract: A housing that can be used to form and maintain a fluid-tight connection between a container and a medical device. The housing comprises an internal receiving surface circumscribing a cavity into which a fitting of the medical device can be inserted. The internal receiving surface comprises a first wall portion having a first contact annulus and a second wall portion having a second contact annulus. Upon insertion of the fitting into an opening in the cavity of the housing, the fitting forms a primary seal with the first contact annulus and a secondary seal with the second contact annulus. The primary seal is formed as the surface of the fitting contacts the first contact annulus of the internal receiving surface of the housing. The secondary seal is formed as the surface of the fitting contacts the second contact annulus of the internal receiving surface of the housing.

Abstract: Low profile adaptor for use with gastrostomy feeding tube. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor comprises a disc-shaped housing, the housing being provided with a bottom opening and a side slot, the side slot having a uniform width, except for an enlarged area at one end thereof. A tube is disposed within the housing, the tube having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal bore. The first end is aligned with the bottom opening and is adapted to be inserted into the proximal end of a gastrostomy feeding tube. A ratchet-type clamp is disposed within the housing and is used to secure the gastrostomy feeding tube to the first end of the tube. A lateral slot is formed in the tube at its second end and is in fluid communication with the longitudinal bore. A dial is disposed within the housing and is rotatably mounted on the second end of the tube, the dial including a radial channel.

Abstract: A connector and method of medical tubing is disclosed. The connector defines a fluid passageway, and the connector includes a first end, a first intermediate portion, a middle portion, a second intermediate portion, and a second end. The middle portion is located between the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion, and the first end is adapted to fit inside a proximal connector-receiving portion, and the second end is adapted to fit inside a distal connector-receiving portion. The connector includes at least a first protrusion and a second protrusion projecting from the connector, wherein a first protrusion is located between the first end and the first intermediate portion, and the second protrusion is located between the second intermediate portion and the second end.

Abstract: A multi-sheath delivery catheter for introducing a prosthesis into a body lumen involving use of (a) an outer sheath containing a portion of the prosthesis and having an inner surface with a non-round cross-section; (b) a middle sheath slideably disposed within the outer sheath and containing another portion of the prosthesis, the middle sheath having a first handle with a non-round cross-section engaging the non-round cross-section of the outer sheath; and (c) a pusher within the middle sheath for engaging the prosthesis, whereby relative rotational movement between the outer sheath and the middle sheath is prevented by virtue of the engagement of the first handle with the non-round cross-section of the outer sheath. In another aspect, the invention provides a delivery catheter having a mechanism for sequentially retracting concentric tubes to deploy the prosthesis. In another aspect, the invention provides a mechanism for preventing relative axial movement of concentric tubes.

Abstract: An improved tamper evident end cap assembly for a drug loaded syringe which assembly includes a syringe cap to close the discharge port in the nozzle of the syringe and an indicator ring about the nozzle connected by chads or tabs to a tubular shield which chads or tabs are adapted to break freeing the ring from the shield to loosely wobble on the nozzle indicating tampering if an axial force of separation is applied to the syringe cap to remove it from the syringe and a one way drive mechanism engaging both the shield and syringe cap so the shield may be rotated to advance the assembly onto a syringe nozzle but which is not responsive to counter rotation to withdraw the syringe cap to open the discharge port and gain access to the drug.

Abstract: Disclosed is an injection needle unit for a portable automatic syringe device adapted to perform an injection of liquid medicine into the body of a user for a prolonged time.

Abstract: A catheter connector includes an outlet tube (34, 36), and a compression seal (140) defining an undulating shape to product ring seals during use. A cam slot formed on a lever arm is useable in locking a locking sleeve (120) of the connector. The lever arm acts as a compensating mechanism for over compression of the seal. The catheter tip (32a) is received in a tip recess (92) of the connector. The connector is useable on an implanted port (20), including a dual port with parallel outlet tubes (34, 36), and a dual lumen catheter (24).

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a catheter having a distal end capable of (i) being disposed within and engaging a majority of existing hemostatic valves; and (ii) capable of being partially inserted into a patient, thus, securing the sleeve to the patient in a sheathless catheter insertion procedure.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter has a tubular proximal shaft having relatively high rigidity, a tubular distal shaft having rigidity lower than that of the proximal shaft, a tubular intermediate section interposed between the proximal shaft and the distal shaft, a hub mounted on the proximal end portion of the proximal shaft, a balloon arranged on the distal end portion of the distal shaft so as to be in fluid communication with the distal shaft, and an inner shaft into which a guide wire can be inserted. The distal end portion of the proximal shaft can be inserted into the intermediate section to form an insertion portion having a spiral slit.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a compatibility liner with a source of perishable therapeutic is provided. In one exemplary system for connecting a reservoir of perishable therapeutic with a lumen, a hollow hub having a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the hollow hub, which contains a bond port, is in fluid communication with the second end. The second end of the hollow hub may contain a docking groove that is sized to couple a reservoir to it. The system also includes an inner hypo-tube having a proximal tip and an inner lumen. This inner lumen is lined with a therapeutic compatible lining and is in fluid communication with the second end of the hub through the proximal tip of the inner hypo-tube. The inner lining and the proximal tip in this system are configured to shield therapeutic ejected from the reservoir from contacting materials that can diminish the integrity of the therapeutic.

Abstract: A connecting structure of a flexible tube with a mouthpiece, serving as elements of a treatment tool for an endoscope, includes at least one claw projection provided on an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical connecting portion of the mouthpiece; and at least one claw-projection gap provided at a discontinuous portion of each claw projection. A connecting end of the flexible tube is inserted onto the cylindrical connecting portion so that at least one claw projection digs into an inner peripheral surface of the connecting end of the flexible tube. Each claw projection is provided perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical connecting portion. A surface of each claw projection is inclined inward, toward the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion, in a direction so as to allow the cylindrical connecting portion to be inserted into the connecting end of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A balloon catheter provided with a first tubular member in which at least one balloon lumen is formed inside along a longitudinal direction thereof; a balloon unit which is communicated internally with the balloon lumen formed in the first tubular member and capable of being expanded by a fluid fed through that balloon lumen; a second tubular member extending axially inside the balloon unit and provided axially therein with at least one guidewire lumen; a distal end of the balloon unit connected with a distal end of said second tubular member; an overlapped portion formed by overlapping a proximal end of said second tubular member with a distal end of said first tubular member axially over a predetermined distance; a neck portion of a proximal end side of said balloon unit directly or indirectly connected with at least part of said overlapped portion so as to cover at least part of said overlapped portion; and a recess in which a part of an outer circumference of the proximal end of the second tubular member

Abstract: A method of bonding a first tubular member to a second tubular member to form a catheter shaft. The method comprising the step of providing a first tubular member including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The method further including the step of providing a second tubular member including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The method further including the steps of inserting a joining portion of the first tubular member into a joining portion of the second tubular member and applying heat the joining portions.

Abstract: A medical tube-connector device that enables easy connection and disconnection without allowing channel ends to be touched by fingers. The first connector body includes a channel that can communicate with a tube, and is removably attached to the first connector body. The second connector body includes a channel and a concave part into which the protective cap can be inserted. A displaceable guide cap is attached to the second connector body. In a preparatory state, the concave part into which the protective cap can be inserted is open and the end of the channel is sealed. In the connected state, the end of the channel is open. The protective cap is maintained in the concave part so as to be detached from the first connector body and at the same time the channels of the first and second connector bodies communicate.

Abstract: A system to provide a specified volume of a medical fluid from a bulk source to a dose and/or delivery container for injection into a patient. The fluid path between the bulk container and the delivery container is physically separated at a connecting site before fluid is injected from the delivery container into the patient. The bulk container may be a bag or bottle, and the delivery container may be a syringe or bag. A bag delivery container may be contained in a pressurizeable chamber and fluid may be delivered by providing pressure to a membrane in the chamber contacting a wall of the bag. The system may be automated.

Abstract: The present invention is a low profile jejunal adapter for a low profile gastrostomy tube. Once properly attached, the jejunal adapter converts the low profile gastrostomy tube into a gastrojejunostomy tube. Specifically, the jejunal adapter includes a feeding tube which is positioned within the jejunum of a patient and a venting lumen which provides for simultaneous venting of gases collected in the patient's stomach while fluid is being fed to the jejunum through the feeding tube. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the feeding tube is adjustable to accommodate various patients. In an alternative embodiment, the length of the feeding tube is fixed to reduce the manufacturing costs of this device. The jejunal adapter of this invention also includes a cap retention mechanism for securing the cap of the gastrostomy tube and a latch mechanism adapted to secure the jejunal adapter to the gastrostomy tube.

Abstract: A delivery sheath including a series of longitudinally spaced apart retainer rings interconnected by flexible links. This configuration provides for sections of reduced cross-sectional area along the length of the sheath, thus increasing flexibility in those sections and in the overall sheath. The reduction of the cross-sectional area of the sheath also effectively reduces the area of contact between the inside surface of the sheath and the outside surface of the compressed stent. This reduction in contact area serves to reduce the frictional force generated as the sheath is retracted relative to the stent during deployment.

Abstract: A device cooperating with a pump for guiding a contrast medium from a source thereof to a catheter for delivery to a patient's vascular system. The device comprises a dual check valve, a tubular member, an in-line check valve and a three-port stopcock. The dual check valve has an inlet port connectable to the source of contrast medium, an inlet-outlet port connectable to the pump, and an outlet port coupled to the tubular member. The in-line check valve is connected to the tubular member at a point spaced from the dual check valve for preventing fluid flow towards the dual check valve. The stopcock connected at a first port to the in-line check valve, a second port of the stopcock being operatively connectable to the catheter. Using this device, medical personnel infuses contrast medium into the patient from the source without having to disconnect any element from the device during the infusion process.