Abstract: A dual braided catheter shaft includes an inner helical braid and outer helical braid than encapsulate an axially extending steering wire there between. In one embodiment, the shaft includes an inner polymer jacket, an inner braid formed on the inner jacket, a steering wire disposed along an outside surface of the inner braid, an outer braid formed over the inner braid and steering wire assembly and an outer jacket formed on the outer braid. The braiding parameters of the inner and outer braids can be varied along the length of the catheter to provide varying mechanical properties.

Abstract: A delivery device for implanting a prosthetic heart valve. The device includes an inner shaft assembly, an outer sheath and a connector assembly. The inner shaft assembly defines a guide wire lumen. The outer sheath is slidably received over the inner shaft assembly, and forms an exit port proximate a distal end thereof. The connector assembly establishes a guide wire passageway between the guide wire lumen and the exit port. The connector assembly is configured to permit sliding movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner shaft assembly when deploying the prosthetic heart valve. The connector assembly can include first and second tubes that are slidable relative to one another in facilitating movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner shaft assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a tube connector for connecting between a fluid sampling tube and a fluid analyzer, the tube connector includes an end face adapted to identify the tube connector, said end face comprising a reflecting surface having one or more reflective regions adapted to reflect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an elongated element (200) is provided. The method comprises arranging a molding cavity (101), defined by a mold (103) and a mold insert (104), said mold insert (104) comprising a mold core (105) and a displaceable mold cavity wall (106), said displaceable mold cavity wall (106) being arranged between the mold (103) and the mold core (105), such that the molding cavity has a start volume in a start position of the displaceable mold cavity wall (106). Then a liquid material is injected into a proximal end (102) of the molding cavity (101), where after the displaceable mold cavity wall (106) is displaced in relation to and along with the mold (103) and the mold core (105), distally during said injection, to increase the molding cavity volume from the start volume into an end volume at an end position of the displaceable mold cavity wall (106), wherein the molding cavity (101) in said end position of the displaceable mold cavity wall (106) corresponds to the elongated element (200).

Abstract: A leak proof needleless medical connector has a housing, an actuator, a resilient member and an adapter. The housing includes a valve tube. The valve tube has a bottom annular blocking projection extending from an inner surface thereof. The actuator and the resilient member are mounted in the housing and the adapter is mounted on a top of the housing. A bottom valve stem is mounted in the valve tube of the housing. A gap is formed between the bottom valve stem and the valve tube. A bottom end of the bottom valve stem abuts the bottom annular blocking projection of the valve tube to close an open bottom of the valve tube. In use, a dosing unit is screwed into the needleless medical connector. Thus, a flow channel is formed within the needleless medical connector and the dosing unit to allow passage of medication.

Abstract: Systems and methods for alignment and detection of a consumable component are disclosed herein. For example, a method for determining if a consumable component is coupled to a durable component to enable dispersion of a medicine is provided. The method includes determining if a signal from an electrical contact coupled to a durable component has changed an electrical state, and comparing the signal to a reference signal from a second electrical component coupled to the durable component. The method includes sampling a sensor coupled to the durable component to acquire sensor data indicative of a magnetic field observed by the sensor, and outputting data that a consumable component is coupled to the durable component if the signal is different than the reference signal, and the sensor data is within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A warming device for an IV fluid line according to the present invention includes a warmer unit and a wye type fitting with an injection site. The warmer unit includes a tube for intravenous fluid and channels containing a warming fluid to heat the IV tube. One fitting branch is connected to an intravenous fluid source, while the remaining branch houses the injection site. The injection site branch includes an injection safety member that ensures a syringe needle or other instrument is contained within the fitting to prevent rupture of the IV tube. The warming device may include an additional wye type fitting coupled to the initial fitting and including another injection site, where the fittings typically exclude the safety member. A syringe needle is inserted into the additional injection site to prevent rupture of the IV tube. In addition, the warming device may be configured for needleless injections.

Abstract: The aspiration catheters, systems and methods include a catheter having an elongated body with a cross-section having a flat side and a curve near the distal end. The first side of the cross-section can contact a first side of a delivery lumen in a first orientation, and a second side of the cross-section contacts the first side of the delivery lumen in a second orientation rotated 180° from the first orientation. The curve can be directed 90° relative to a normal of the flat side. The systems and methods can utilize two catheters, and a key joint formed with the two catheters which can rotationally fix the catheters with respect to each other, and the first and second catheters each include at least one pre-formed curve near the distal end. The two catheters can be moved proximally and distally for positioning in the right and left bronchi.

Abstract: An intravascular valve assembly having a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall. The proximal case portion includes an axially-extending boss that projects distally, with a portion of a distal end of the boss contacting the flow control valve. The valve permits fluid flowing in a distal direction to pass through the slit. Fluid flowing in a proximal direction, however, causes the valve to compresses against the boss and the slit to close, thus restricting fluid flow in a proximal direction.

Abstract: Catheter connectors, systems, and methods of use in which a catheter is attached to a connector such that the catheter is retained on the connector by inward radial compression between an outer surface of a hollow pin located within the catheter and a collet fitted over the portion of the catheter containing the pin. The collet may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position by axial displacement of the collet along a longitudinal axis of the connector.

Abstract: There is provided a tube connector for connecting between a fluid sampling tube and a fluid analyzer, the tube connector includes an end face adapted to identify the tube connector, said end face comprising a reflecting surface having one or more reflective regions adapted to reflect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths.

Abstract: There is provided a tube connector for connecting between a fluid sampling tube and a fluid analyzer, the tube connector includes an end face adapted to identify the tube connector, said end face comprising a reflecting surface having one or more reflective regions adapted to reflect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus may have a flexible shaft, guidewire lumens passing through the shaft, and a positioning device for positioning the guidewires relative to an external lumen. The positioning device may be an expansible scaffold covered with a retractable sheath. The positioning device may also be one or more balloons that are inflated through an inflation port in the shaft. The catheter apparatus may be operated by inserting a guide catheter into a vasculature with a chronic total occlusion, inserting the catheter apparatus into the guide catheter, and advancing the guidewires through the guidewire lumens and into contact with a chronic total occlusion. The positioning device may be activated before and/or between attempts to pass the guidewires through the chronic total occlusion to interrogate various parts of the chronic total occlusion.

Abstract: There is provided a tube connector for connecting between a fluid sampling tube and a fluid analyzer, the tube connector includes an end face adapted to identify the tube connector, said end face comprising a reflecting surface having one or more reflective regions adapted to reflect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An adapter that bridges the connecting ends of a medication providing device and a fluid connector includes a housing shroud that is fitted at one end with a core and at its other end with an inner shroud. Once fitted to the housing shroud, the core and the inner shroud each are not removable from the housing shroud. A catch hub is provided within the housing shroud for non-removably maintaining the core to the housing shroud. The core is rotatable relative to the housing shroud.

Abstract: A guide wire incorporating a handle that incorporates a handle at the proximal end of said guide wire, the handle incorporating a guide wire actuator slidably disposed upon an actuator rail, the guide wire actuator being affixed to the proximal end of the guide wire and a guard rail contained within the actuator rail that prevents buckling of the proximal end of the guide wire. The handle can be connected to a catheter device amalgamating the guide wire and the catheter, allowing the catheter and guide wire to be operated simultaneously while also enabling the guide wire to be advanced or torqued independently of the catheter device.

Abstract: A luer connector assembly (100) including a luer connector body (102), a luer cap (110) and a protective flexible sleeve (120). The protective sleeve is assembled to the distal end (116) of the luer cap (110) to define a cap/sleeve subassembly (130), and the luer cap proximal end (112) is removably affixable to the distal end (106) of the luer connector (102). A prepared end (202) of a proximal catheter lumen (200) of a patient-implanted catheter assembly is inserted through the protective sleeve (120) and through and beyond the luer cap (110) to be affixed to the luer connector distal end (106). The luer cap/sleeve subassembly (130) is then slid proximally to be removably affixed to the luer connector distal end (106), whereafter the clamp (204) on the catheter lumen (200) is positionable onto and around the protective sleeve (120), to protect the catheter lumen (200) during clamping.

Abstract: A dialysis system is disclosed including an autoconnection mechanism. The autoconnection mechanism in an embodiment is configured such that (i) a tip protector remover is translated in a first direction towards a plurality of supply line connectors, (ii) the tip protector remover is locked to each of a plurality of supply line tip protectors connected to the plurality of supply line connectors, (iii) the tip protector remover is translated in a second direction away from the plurality of supply line connectors to remove the plurality of supply line tip protectors from the supply line connectors, the tip protector remover is translated in a third direction different from the first and second directions, and (v) solution line connectors are translated towards the supply line connectors to connect each of the solution line connectors to one of the supply line connectors.

Abstract: A connector for coupling to a base of an indwelling device equipped with a circular hub having a radius, a top surface, a side surface, and a circumferential recess defined in the side surface. The connector has a resilient assembly including a plurality of release buttons extending from the resilient assembly and may include a conduit defining a fluid pathway through the connector. Each release button has a finger contact zone and a catch. The catch is configured to releasably engage the circumferential recess. The connector is coupled by positioning the connector on the circular hub and depressing the connector until the catches engage the circumferential recess such that the connector is configured to rotate completely about the circular hub. The connector is decoupled from the hub by pressing the release buttons to reversibly displace the respective catches radially to disengage from the circumferential recess.

Abstract: Enteral safety system (ESS) may include oral dispenser having visual indicator such as barrel with measurement marks of a color. Barrel may allow content viewing. ESS may include hub for connecting oral dispenser to enteral set. Hub may have a visual indicator such as being same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing or set may have a visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing may allow content viewing. ESS may include an enteral tubing-feeding tube hub for connecting enteral tubing to a feeding tube. This hub may have visual indicator such as same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may have visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may allow content viewing. The oral dispenser, oral dispenser-enteral tubing hub, enteral tubing, enteral tubing-feeding tube hub, and feeding tubing are properly connectable by reference to visual indicators such as color matching.

Abstract: A controlled volume inflation-deflation device to inflate a balloon to occlude a blood vessel by dialing a knob that locks at rotational positions to locate a plunger at equally spaced locations within a syringe of the inflation-deflation device. The inflation-deflation device includes a releasable latch to lock the proximal and distal housings together to hold the plunger forward for occlusion, and to separate and hold the proximal and distal housings to retract the plunger for perfusion. When the inflation-deflation device is returned to the latched position, the balloon is re-inflated to its previous occlusive diameter. Also, an extension tube made of a lower modulus outer material co-extruded over and miscible with a higher modulus inner material may be used to produce a suitably low compliance extension tube for the inflation-deflation device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices related to removing fluids from a patient are provided. In one instance, fluid is removed from the patient and delivered to a canister using reduced pressure. Reduced pressure is supplied to the canister via a reduced-pressure delivery conduit that includes a moisture processing device and a hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing device condenses moisture from the air to prevent condensation from occluding the hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing devices includes an expanded volume and one or more liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membranes. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane allows vapor to egress the moisture processing device. Other systems, methods, and devices are presented.

Abstract: A cannula assembly having a hollow elongate cannula with a proximal end, a distal end, and a central axis. A coiled reinforcing member is disposed along a portion of the hollow elongate cannula and is adapted to provide structural support to the elongate cannula. An intermediate reinforcing band is disposed on the elongate cannula between the proximal end and the distal end to reinforce a perforated section in the wall of the cannula and includes a forward edge, a rearward edge, at least one rib and at least one protrusion extending orthogonally from the forward edge and at least one protrusion extending from the rearward edge. A distal reinforcing band is disposed at the distal end of the elongate cannula and has a plurality of fingers that taper slightly inwardly toward the central axis of the hollow elongate cannula.

Abstract: An adapter bridging a medication providing device and a fluid connector includes a housing shroud that is fitted at one end with a core and at its other end with an inner shroud. Once fitted to the housing shroud, the core and the inner shroud each are not removable from the housing shroud. A catch hub is provided within the housing shroud for non-removably maintaining the core to the housing shroud. The core is rotatable relative to the housing shroud. Once the medication providing device is coupled to the core, additional rotational movement, in either direction, of the medication providing device would only cause the core to rotate freely relative to the housing shroud, thereby preventing the medication providing device from being removed from the adapter. The inner shroud has a catch mechanism that enables it to mate readily with a connector when rotated in one direction.

Abstract: A medical connector, of a female luer type, comprises an external tubular body (4) which contains an internal tubular body (2) free to rotate about an axis thereof. The external tubular body exhibits a screw-coupling surface. The internal tubular body exhibits a conical luer seal surface. An insert (5), which has a pawl (9) snap-fitted in a window (8) afforded on the external tubular body, constrains the two tubular bodies solidly to one another, in an axial displacement direction. The connector is used to connect a blood line to a blood port of a dialyser, preventing the blood line from twisting on itself and kinking.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a lead or a lead extension, a connector, and a retention assembly disposed in the connector. The connector includes a connector housing defining a port at a distal end of the connector, and a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing. The port is configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The connector contacts are configured and arranged to couple to at least one terminal disposed on the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The retention assembly includes a retention mechanism that can be engaged and reversibly disengaged without the use of tools beyond conventional operating-room surgical instruments.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device and system is operable to fluidly couple a pair of fluid delivery conduits. One embodiment includes a fluid delivery device sized to meet ANSI/AAMI ID54:1996(R) 2005 and not mate with ANSI/HIMA MD70.1 or ISO 594/1 and ISO 594/2 standards for intravenous ports and connectors to prevent accidental intravenous delivery of fluids intended for enteral delivery.

Abstract: A flared strain relief member for medical device delivery systems for stents, prosthetic valve devices, and other implantable articles inside a patient's body are provided. An elongate outer sheath has proximal and distal end portions defining a passageway, and the proximal end portion having an outer layer including melt bonding material. A strain relief member has a tubular first end portion of a first outer diameter and a flared second end portion of a greater second outer diameter. The strain relief member has an inner engaging surface that includes melt bonding material, at least a portion of which disposes concentrically about, and melt bonded to, the outer sheath proximal end portion melt bonding outer layer. The strain relief member second end portion is operatively coupled between a handle first connector and handle second connector. Methods of making a flared strain relief member for medical device delivery systems are also provided.

Abstract: An improved injection site (12) for infusion of parenteral fluids and the like is provided, having a pressure-actuated valve (20) and a novel split septum unit (24), which effectively prevent reflux of blood into the assembly (10). The septum unit (24) includes a resilient split septum body (64) which is precompressed so that the septum body (64) is caused to protrude proximally (78) upon insertion of a cannula (16). Consequently, upon removal of the cannula (16), there is essentially no “drumming” or creation of friction-induced negative pressures sufficient to generate blood reflux. The preloaded septum body (64) also has its proximal surface (74) essentially flush and coplanar with the adjacent proximal end (66b) of the tubular septum holder (66) to enhance the cleanliness of the unit (24).

Abstract: An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle that includes a needle body and hub. The device further includes a dilator coaxially disposed and slideable over the needle body and a medical article. A viewing space is disposed between the dilator and the medical article with at least one passageway or conduit connecting the viewing space with the interior bore of the needle body. The passageway is defined at least in part by openings through the sides of the needle and dilator. At least a portion of the conduit or passageway can be defined by one or more grooves between the needle and dilator. The device can further include a guidewire and an interlock between the guidewire and the needle and/or dilator. The device can further include one or more stops disposed between the guidewire and the needle and/or dilator to limit the extent to which the guidewire can be moved (e.g., advanced) relative to the needle or inhibit such relative movement (e.g.

Abstract: A device for fastening metallic guides and balloon catheters for carrying out medical procedures involving percutaneous vascular surgery is described. The device may include a flat base with a proximal end and a distal end. Fastening means may be mounted on the tapered proximal end to hold and position a Y connector. At least one pair of aligned fasteners may be mounted on the distal end. Each pair of fasteners may also be aligned with the respective inlets for the main vessel and for the secondary or lateral vessels. Each fastener may have a shape of a truncated pyramid made of a rigid material, may project from the base, and may be provided at the top end with an insert made of a flexible material with a longitudinal groove that defines a receptacle for housing and retaining a metallic guide, a balloon catheter or a balloon catheter with a stent.

Abstract: An adapter assembly (120) for connecting a catheter assembly (50,52) to a tunneler (110) having a generally tubular body (122) having a first end (124), a second end (126) and a longitudinal axis (128) extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first end (124) of the adapter is constructed to engage the proximal end (114) of a trocar (110). The second end (126) of the adapter is constructed to releasably engage at least one catheter lumen (50,52). A slider (140) is disposed about the adapter (120) and is longitudinally slidable along the adapter. When the slider (140) is slid towards the second end (126) of the adapter, the slider engages a plurality of legs (134a-134d) on the adapter and biases the plurality of legs toward each other and the longitudinal axis of the adapter.

Abstract: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patent safety. The anastomosis device can include an introducer member having an introducer rod and an introducer cap to provide additional support to a catheter portion of the anastomosis device such that damage associated with installation of the catheter, deployment of tissue approximating structures and/or removal of the catheter can be minimized. The anastomosis device can further include a valve cap designed to constrain and reinforce a thin-walled section of a proximal funnel portion of the anastomosis device such that ballooning of the thin-walled section under the influence of a pressurized inflation fluid can be avoided during inflation as well as a time of tissue approximation and tissue healing.

Abstract: An adapter assembly (120) for connecting a catheter assembly (50,52) to a tunneler (110) having a generally tubular body (122) having a first end (124), a second end (126) and a longitudinal axis ( )128 extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first end (124) of the adapter is constructed to engage the proximal end (114) of a trocar (110). The second end (126) of the adapter is constructed to releasably engage at least one catheter lumen (50,52). A slider (140) is disposed about the adapter (120) and is longitudinally slidable along the adapter. When the slider (140) is slid towards the second end (126) of the adapter, the slider engages a plurality of legs (134a-134d) on the adapter and biases the plurality of legs toward each other and the longitudinal axis of the adapter.

Abstract: A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings in said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and said rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between said body first and second portions, said side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion.

Abstract: A tip wrench/coupler having a generally hollow body for the storage and/or attachment of a tip, and a plurality of fluidic couplers that allow the wrench/coupler to connect two or more handpiece together in series, fluidically, thereby allowing the handpieces to be primed at the same time.

Abstract: A warming device for an IV fluid line according to the present invention includes a warmer unit and a wye type fitting with an injection site. The warmer unit includes a tube for intravenous fluid and channels containing a warming fluid to heat the IV tube. One fitting branch is connected to an intravenous fluid source, while the remaining branch houses the injection site. The injection site branch includes an injection safety member that ensures a syringe needle or other instrument is contained within the fitting to prevent rupture of the IV tube. The warming device may include an additional wye type fitting coupled to the initial fitting and including another injection site, where the fittings typically exclude the safety member. A syringe needle is inserted into the additional injection site to prevent rupture of the IV tube. In addition, the warming device may be configured for needleless injections.

Abstract: Medical connector comprising a tubular body with an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting of the female luer-lock type connected to the body in a rotary and axially translatable way between a retracted position and an advanced position. One-directional detent assemblies enable rotation of the outlet fitting in one direction in the retracted position and in the opposite direction in the advanced position.

Abstract: Provided in certain embodiments is a tracking system, having a transformer-coupled guidewire system, having a coil comprising a primary winding, configured to enable a guidewire including a secondary winding to be inductively coupled to the primary winding, and configured to enable a catheter to be slid over the guidewire while the secondary winding is inductively coupled to the primary winding. Also provided is a tracking method, including positioning a primary winding about a first coil that is integral to a first end of a guidewire, inductively coupling the primary winding and the first coil, transferring the energy between the first coil and a second coil integral to a second end of the guidewire, passing a catheter over the guidewire, and tracking the guidewire while the catheter is slid over the guidewire.

Abstract: A catheter adapter apparatus includes an adapter body. The adapter body includes a fluid source end adapted for connection to a fluid source and having an internal bore to transfer the fluids supplied by the fluid source, and a catheter end for connection to a catheter tube. The catheter end includes first and second members. Each of the first and second members is adapted for reception within corresponding lumens of the catheter tube. At least the first member defines an internal bore in fluid communication with the fluid source end to transfer the fluids supplied by the fluid source. The second member may define an internal bore in fluid communication with the internal bore of the fluid source end. The catheter adapter apparatus may further include a valve member associated with the adapter body. The valve member may be movable to selectively fluidly connect the internal bores of the first and second members with the internal bore of the fluid source end.

Abstract: A device for introducing an embolic coil into a catheter comprises an elongated body defining a longitudinal passage extending therethrough from a first opening at a proximal end thereof to a second opening at a distal end thereof, the elongated body being including a mating portion for conforming to a size and shape of an opening in a hub of a catheter to mate therewith and an embolic coil introducer sheath including a coil receiving lumen extending therethrough, a distal tip of the introducer sheath being dimensioned to be received within a proximal end of the longitudinal passage. Similarly, a method of implanting an embolic coil, comprises inserting a stabilizer into a catheter hub so that a flexible mating portion substantially conforms to a shape of an inner surface of the hub wherein the stabilizer includes a passage extending therethrough from a proximal opening to a distal opening thereof.

Abstract: Enteral safety system (ESS) may include oral dispenser having visual indicator such as barrel with measurement marks of a color. Barrel may allow content viewing. ESS may include hub for connecting oral dispenser to enteral set. Hub may have a visual indicator such as being same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing or set may have a visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing may allow content viewing. ESS may include an enteral tubing-feeding tube hub for connecting enteral tubing to a feeding tube. This hub may have visual indicator such as same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may have visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may allow content viewing. The oral dispenser, oral dispenser-enteral tubing hub, enteral tubing, enteral tubing-feeding tube hub, and feeding tubing are properly connectable by reference to visual indicators such as color matching.

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: The present invention provides an inventive apparatus and method for docking of a male luer connector fluidly interconnected or interconnectable to a medical liquid source during one or repeated periods. As such, the invention has particular application to multiple-dose medication therapy procedures. The docking apparatus comprises a holding receptacle having a single access opening and a depressible member disposed in the holding receptacle. The holding receptacle is adapted for retentive engagement with a male luer connector (e.g. via complementary threading), wherein upon docking a nozzle of the male luer connector is isolated within the holding receptacle. An anti-bacterial material may be readily applied to a top surface of the depressible member prior to docking so that the forward edge of the nozzle of the male luer connector contacts the anti-bacterial material when docked. The docking apparatus may be provided with lateral and rearward handling members to facilitate docking procedures.

Abstract: An injection joint for an IV device tube has a connector with a sealed injection port. The sealed injection port has an injection port socket, a resilient plug and a cap. The resilient plug is mounted in the injection port socket and has a tapered flange and multiple through holes. The cap has a threaded nipple and is securely mounted in the injection port socket around the resilient plug. The tapered flange selectively blocks the threaded nipple. When adding medicinal solution to the injection joint, a syringe without a needle but with an inner threaded opening is screwed onto the threaded nipple of the cap. Pushing the tapered flange into an axial passage in the neck allows the medicinal solution to pass through the through holes and into the injection port socket. The present invention improves the safety to medical personnel when injecting solution into the injection joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inventive apparatus and method for docking of a male luer connector fluidly interconnected or interconnectable to a medical liquid source during one or repeated periods. As such, the invention has particular application to multiple-dose medication therapy procedures. The docking apparatus comprises a holding receptacle having a single access opening and a depressible member disposed in the holding receptacle. The holding receptacle is adapted for retentive engagement with a male luer connector (e.g. via complementary threading), wherein upon docking a nozzle of the male luer connector is isolated within the holding receptacle. An anti-bacterial material may be readily applied to a top surface of the depressible member prior to docking so that the forward edge of the nozzle of the male luer connector contacts the anti-bacterial material when docked. The docking apparatus may be provided with lateral and rearward handling members to facilitate docking procedures.

Abstract: Locking device that is mounted on an endoscope or the like for selectively securing the position of a guide wire and/or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like. The locking device preferably includes a side wall with an opening therein for receiving the proximal end of a guide wire or catheter. The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an entry end and a locking end. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a desired position within a body cavity, the portion of the guide wire or catheter that extends outside of the endoscope or the like may be moved into the opening. More particularly, a portion of the guide wire or catheter may be inserted by an operator through the entry end of the opening and into the locking end, wherein the locking end frictionally secures the position of the guide wire or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like.

Abstract: A method and a needleless injection system for administering a medication. In order to simplify as far as possible the handling necessary for loading the injector with medication and thereby eliminate risks caused by a complex handling the method and system according to the invention provide loading of medication into a needleless injector device by means of a syringe prefilled with a medication, this loading step preferably including connecting the syringe to the injector device by means of a suitable coupling member or adapter and operating the syringe for transferring medication prefilled therein into the injector device. After this transfer the syringe and/or the coupling member or adapter are detached from the injector device, which is then ready to be operated for ejecting the loaded dosage of said medication from the injector device and thereby pass the selected dosage through the skin of an injection receiver.

Abstract: An endotracheal suction catheter apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a distal end that is configured for allowing a catheter to be moved through the distal end and into the respiratory tract of a patient. The distal end defines a cleaning chamber where the catheter may be cleaned. A flap is located in the distal end and is located on one end of the cleaning chamber. The flap effects fluid flow within the cleaning chamber during cleaning of the catheter. A connection member is present and is attached to the distal end. The connection member is configured for releasably engaging a heat and moisture exchanger so that the catheter may be advanced through the distal end into the heat and moisture exchanger.

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).