Abstract: A cannula lock useful for attachment to a cannula for administration of intravenous fluids to patients. The lock has dual access ports, each closed with a self-healing elastomeric material which can be pierced to introduce fluids into the lock. Having dual openings means one opening can be used for normal saline flushes, and another for injection of medicament fluid. In this way, the lock will last longer and can be more conveniently used at each administration.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac drug delivery systems. The systems are installed endocardially into a chamber in the heart, and are variously capable of delivering anti-arrhythmia agents into the heart wall, and into the epicardial space outside the heart, and into other chambers in the heart through the septa of the heart.

Abstract: We describe connectors for safely and conveniently injecting measured doses of sterile liquid medications into a patient via one or more infusion ports in intravenous access assemblies. Each connector comprises a tubular injector divided by a rigid septum which holds a hollow needle sharp on each end safely recessed in a leading and in a trailing chamber. The leading chamber snugly holds the trailing limb and penetrable cap of an inserted standard infusion port. The trailing recess snugly holds the leading end of a cartridge with a leading penetrable diaphragm, a bore containing liquid medication, a cartridge piston and trailing bore suitable for insertion of a separate cartridge plunger having markers for measuring doses delivered; or, alternatively, the pentrable cap and trailing limb of second similar infusion port attached by trailing tubing to a large measured volume infusion source.

Abstract: In preferred aspects, the present invention comprises a self-priming needle-free “Y”-adapter for use with intravenous delivery systems. The “Y”-adapter comprises a “Y”-shaped housing having an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, and an injection access passageway. Each of the three passageways has an interior end and an exterior end. An inlet port is located at the exterior end of the inlet passageway. An outlet port is located at the exterior end of the outlet passageway. An injection access port is located at the exterior end of the injection access passageway. A needle-free access device is also located in the injection access passageway adjacent to the injection access port. The interior ends of the passageways are in fluid communication and intersect with each other. In addition, the injection access passageway comprises a non-circular cross-section near its interior end.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-access cannula for use in a variety of surgical procedures, particularly for use in the course of performing conventional open-chest and peripheral access cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The multi-access cannula is capable of being inserted through a single puncture site with a percutaneous tip. At the appropriate depth of insertion, a closure seal may be engaged at the point of entry to secure the positioning of the cannula and prevent leakage of blood from the incision. Once the cannula is at the appropriate position the cannula provides a multiplicity of procedural options for the surgeon. For example, when approaching through the ascending aorta, the multi-access cannula enables the simultaneous passage of various fluids and multiple catheters or instruments in opposing directions within the lumen of the aortic arch through a single insertion site.

Abstract: A safety connector, for connecting a fluid source to an intravenous hub, comprising a main tube having an inner wall having an inside diameter which matches the fluid source and intravenous hub. The main tube has a first end and a second end. A needle extends through the main tube, the needle having a receptacle end and a pointed end. The receptacle end is located at the first end of the main tube to create a fluid connection therewith. The receptacle end is flared toward the second end. The pointed end is slightly recessed from the second end to prevent needle prick injuries when the connector is being handled.

Abstract: A device for alternate sterile connection of a peritoneal catheter, permanently attached to a patient, to a drain tube and to a feed tube for a dialysis liquid, which apparatus comprises a shell in which a first chamber, a second chamber and a connection channel between said chambers are formed and filled with a disinfecting liquid. The chambers include respective couplings for releasable and repeatable coupling the peritoneal catheter and the drain or feed tube with the chambers in conditions of full immersion in the disinfecting liquid. This arrangement makes a tight sterile connection between said catheter and, alternately, said drain and feed tubes via said connection channel.

Abstract: A catheter system having a changeable distal member. The catheter system includes a proximal member, including a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therethrough. A distal member is included having a distal portion which may be passed through the lumen of the proximal member and releasably sealed to the proximal member at a desired location during a catheter procedure. The distal member may further include a push member operably coupled to the distal portion. The distal member may include a fluid-tight releasable seal for releasably sealing the distal member to the proximal member.