Abstract: A casing holding one or more brachytherapy seeds for implanting in a patient, which in turn carry atoms of a radioactive element for radiotherapy treatment is filled with a viscous liquid in a manner preventing radiation from the one or more brachytherapy seeds from exiting the casing. The casing may include a metallic or non-metallic elongated tube configured for insertion into tissue or a vial for delivering a seed to a physician for insertion into a needle.

Abstract: A substance delivery device that includes a hypodermic needle with a tube for receiving and containing a volume of a substance. The substance delivery device includes a rod, a portion of which is of a size and shape to fit within the tube of the hypodermic needle. The rod can be displaced into and within the tube to contact and apply a force to a volume of substance contained within the tube to cause, at least in part, the volume of substance to be discharged out of the tube. The substance delivery device includes a rod displacement mechanism that applies a force to the rod to cause the rod to be displaced into and within the tube. The substance delivery device also includes a needle retraction mechanism that is configured to apply a force to the hypodermic needle to cause the hypodermic needle to retract from within a patient.

Abstract: Medical devices for delivering compositions or medical articles to a patient are disclosed. The medical plug delivery devices can include a fluid delivery device (e.g., a syringe), a frame, and a rotatable magazine. The rotatable magazine can include a plurality of chambers that each hold a composition or a medical article (e.g., a medical plug). By rotating the rotatable magazine relative to the frame, material within the chambers of the rotatable magazine can be sequentially deployed to a patient.

Abstract: A tack device for holding plaque against blood vessel walls in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease is formed as a thin, annular band of durable, flexible material having a plurality of focal elevating elements on its outer annular periphery for holding loose plaque under a spring or other expansion force against a blood vessel wall. The focal elevating elements are designed to exert a holding force on a plaque position while minimizing the amount of material surface area in contact with the plaque or blood vessel wall and reducing the potential of friction with the intraluminal surface. This approach offers clinicians the ability to perform a minimally invasive post-angioplasty treatment and produce a stent-like result without using a stent.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a device, a kit and method for delivering a drug depot are disclosed. The device comprises a housing including a lower body, an upper body, a ring member; and a drug cartridge. The lower body defines a lower body channel. The upper body defines an upper body channel. The drug cartridge defines a depot channel. The ring member is disposed extending upward from an annular step surface of the lower body toward a housing upper end. The ring member includes indicia indicating a characteristic of one or more drug depots in the drug cartridge. A plunger has a push rod for expelling the drug depot through the cannula to a site in the patient. A kit comprises the above components. A method includes assembling the components including selecting a ring member having indicia corresponding to one or more drug depots in the drug cartridge.

Abstract: A substance delivery device that includes a hypodermic needle with a tube for receiving and containing a volume of a substance. The substance delivery device includes a rod, a portion of which is of a size and shape to fit within the tube of the hypodermic needle. The rod can be displaced into and within the tube to contact and apply a force to a volume of substance contained within the tube to cause, at least in part, the volume of substance to be discharged out of the tube. The substance delivery device includes a rod displacement mechanism that applies a force to the rod to cause the rod to be displaced into and within the tube. The substance delivery device also includes a needle retraction mechanism that is configured to apply a force to the hypodermic needle to cause the hypodermic needle to retract from within a patient.

Abstract: A revolving multi-cartridge syringe device includes a needle and two or three revolving holders, each for receiving a cartridge containing medical fluid to be injected. The holders can be pre-loaded with the cartridges, with a first cartridge placed in a loaded position ready to dispense. After fluid in the first cartridge is injected into a patient, a second holder and cartridge are revolved into the loaded position, without breakdown of the syringe. The process can be repeated with a third cartridge. The engagement of each cartridge with the needle, retraction from the needle, and rotation of the revolving holder are all implemented by sliding a sliding actuator in either a first direction or a second, opposite, direction, depending on which action is desired. Thus, injection and reloading of the cartridges can be easily actuated by the user through manipulation of a single slidable actuator, without requiring withdrawing the needle from the mouth area to reload.

Abstract: A drug cartridge is provided for delivering a drug pellet to a site beneath the skin of a patient, the drug cartridge comprising: two or more chambers, each chamber holding a drug pellet and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the chamber having an opening to receive the drug pellet and a plunger, the distal end of the chamber having an opening for receiving the plunger and passage of the drug pellet, a bulking agent disposed within at least a portion of each chamber, wherein movement of the plunger to an extended position moves the drug pellet within the chamber of the cartridge out the distal end of the chamber and out of the drug cartridge. In some embodiments, instead or with the bulking agent pierceable superior and inferior covers are used to contain the drug pellets.

Abstract: A device for introducing substances inside animals includes: a base body for housing a cartridge containing a substance in the form of pellets to be introduced into an animal; a hollow needle for penetrating the animal and introducing the substance; a push rod substantially aligned and coaxial with the hollow needle; first operating elements for moving the push rod to push the substance through the hollow needle; a tubular element fitted in the hollow needle and having temporary retention elements for temporarily retaining the substance inside the hollow needle and an open distal extremity of the tubular element, having: first and third segments with constant section, with transversal dimensions substantially equal to those of the tubular element; a second narrowing segment, associated with the first segment and having transversal dimensions at least in part smaller than those of the tubular element.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates, in part, to a strategy for novel pharmaceutical applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a genetically detoxified form of Vibrio cholera exotoxin (cholix) and the use of cholix-derived polypeptide sequences to enhance intestinal delivery of biologically-active therapeutics. Importantly, the systems and methods described herein provide for the following: the ability to deliver macromolecule doses without injections; the ability to deliver cargo, such as (but not limited to) siRNA or antisense molecules into intracellular compartments where their activity is required; and the delivery of nanoparticles and dendrimer-based carriers across biological membranes, which otherwise would have been impeded due to the barrier properties of most such membranes.

Abstract: Embodiments provide apparatus and methods for delivering solid form medications such as pellets to various locations in the body. One embodiment provides an apparatus for in vivo delivery of medication pellets comprising a housing including a port, a pellet-containing belt disposed in the housing, and a mechanism for transferring the pellets from the belt to a delivery site (DS) outside the housing. Each pellet contains a dose of drug to treat a medical condition. An elongate member is coupled to the housing and includes a lumen for pellet delivery, a proximal end coupled to the port and a distal end positioned at the DS. The pellet can be delivered to the DS at regular intervals or responsive to a detected biological event. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for delivering medication to treat a medical condition over an extended period without requiring a patient to take external medication.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering a drug pellet to a site beneath the skin of a patient is provided, the drug delivery device including a housing having a chamber configured to hold at least one drug pellet, the chamber having a loading end and a delivery end, the loading end of the chamber having an opening for receiving a plunger and a drug pellet and the delivery end having an opening for receiving the plunger and passage of the drug pellet. The housing includes at least one hole substantially perpendicular to the chamber and formed to at least partially intersect the chamber. A capture pin is provided configured to be receivable within the at least one hole.

Abstract: The bioinjection device has a housing including a pistol grip and an elongated barrel. A trigger is pivotally mounted to the housing. A plunger and needle are slidable between a first position in which the plunger and needle are slidably disposed in the barrel and a second position in which the plunger and needle extend from an opening in the end of the barrel. A retaining member is disposed about the opening at the end of the barrel. A spring-biased actuation mechanism connects the trigger with the plunger and needle. A membranous cartridge containing bone morphogenic protein, antibiotics, and/or other medication is loaded into the retaining member. A surgeon can inject the cartridge into a bone fracture or degenerative bone tissue during surgery to deliver the medicament directly to the affected site.

Abstract: A device for introducing substances inside animals includes: a base body for housing a cartridge containing a substance in the form of pellets to be introduced into an animal; a hollow needle for penetrating the animal and introducing the substance; a push rod substantially aligned and coaxial with the hollow needle; first operating elements for moving the push rod to push the substance through the hollow needle; a tubular element fitted in the hollow needle and having temporary retention elements for temporarily retaining the substance inside the hollow needle and an open distal extremity of the tubular element, having: first and third segments with constant section, with transversal dimensions substantially equal to those of the tubular element; a second narrowing segment, associated with the first segment and having transversal dimensions at least in part smaller than those of the tubular element.

Abstract: Methods and devices to process harvested skin tissue and to immediately reintroduce the ground tissue into the patient to repair a tissue defect are disclosed. A hand-held portable tissue grinder comprising a housing and a grinding element are disclosed. The tissue grinder is used for grinding skin and subcutaneous tissue and includes a sterile polymer housing having a first opening adapted to receive the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The tissue grinder also includes a sterile grinding element disposed substantially within the housing. The grinding element includes a plurality of cutting surfaces adapted to operably engage with the housing to provide ground tissue and further includes a handle mechanism coupled to the grinding element to move the grinding element with respect to the housing to grind the skin and subcutaneous tissue, wherein the ground tissue can be removed from the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments provide apparatus and methods for delivering solid form medications such as pellets to various locations in the body. One embodiment provides an apparatus for in vivo delivery of medication pellets comprising a housing including a port, a pellet-containing belt disposed in the housing, and a mechanism for transferring the pellets from the belt to a delivery site (DS) outside the housing. Each pellet contains a dose of drug to treat a medical condition. An elongate member is coupled to the housing and includes a lumen for pellet delivery, a proximal end coupled to the port and a distal end positioned at the DS. The pellet can be delivered to the DS at regular intervals or responsive to a detected biological event. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for delivering medication to treat a medical condition over an extended period without requiring a patient to take external medication.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering a drug pellet to a site beneath the skin of a patient is provided, the drug delivery device including a housing having a chamber configured to hold at least one drug pellet, the chamber having a loading end and a delivery end, the loading end of the chamber having an opening for receiving a plunger and a drug pellet and the delivery end having an opening for receiving the plunger and passage of the drug pellet. The housing includes at least one hole substantially perpendicular to the chamber and formed to at least partially intersect the chamber. A capture pin is provided configured to be receivable within the at least one hole.

Abstract: A magazine for chain components of a chain with radiation sources comprises a housing as well as a first means for receiving chain components that is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing and has recesses for receiving the chain components, a tension spring for driving the means for receiving the chain components, a sprocket being coupled in a pivotal manner to the means for receiving the chain components and being mounted in a pivotal position in the housing, and an ejector for ejection of the radiation sources. Furthermore, the magazine comprises an ejection lever which is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing, whereby, in a first position, the ejection lever engages the sprocket, and in a second position it blocks the ejector.

Abstract: An apparatus for percutaneous delivery of a sealant comprising: at least two fluid reservoirs, an introducer needle having a distal tip that is in fluid communication with at least one reservoir, a fluid delivery tube that is in fluid communication with a second reservoir, wherein the fluid delivery tube has a tip and wherein the fluid delivery tube is configured so that the tip of the fluid delivery tube does not extend past the distal tip of the introducer needle during use.

Abstract: Novel methods for the chemical ablation of tissue (e.g. prostatic tissue) are described. These methods include the steps of: (a) providing one or more solid salt dosage form comprising 50-100% w/w salt; and (b) inserting one or more of such solid salt dosage forms into the tissue. The solid salt dosage form is optionally inserted into the tissue under real-time ultrasonic observation. An advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate toxic byproducts. For example, where NaCl-based solid salt dosage forms are used to effect localized chemical ablation, the concentration is ultimately reduced to the level of normal saline (i.e., about 0.9%) upon absorption by the body of the subject being treated.

Abstract: Drug depot storage and delivery devices and methods for delivering a drug depot to a site beneath the skin of a patient are provided. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in an open position allows delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in a closed position reduces or prevents delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic or cosmetic substance into cutaneous, subcutaneous or intramuscular tissue, wherein an automated (e.g., robotic) arm is maneuvered to position a delivery device proximate a targeted location (e.g., an existing hair follicle, a location for implanting a skin filler, or a location for intradermal tattoo ink injection) on a patient's skin surface; and a substantially automated process is used to cause the delivery device to puncture the skin surface and penetrate to a desired depth into the tissue at the targeted location, and deliver the substance therein.

Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises implant injection device, comprising, a control, an implant loader, an implant ejection port, and inserts at least one implant into a treatment area, the implant comprising a biocompatible material having a nominal length from perpendicular about 5 mm to 20 mm, the length being substantially longer than a nominal outer diameter of the implant, wherein the implant has at least two barbs preferably configured in an opposing pattern and mirrored along each respective half of the implant. The device and method inserts the implants under the skin to form new fibrous structures in a subdermal treatment area to counteract cellulite by creating a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

Abstract: A device for safely tagging and releasing large fish includes a long pole to which is attached at its distal end a holder body for retaining therewithin an axially extending cutting blade and, at its tip portion, a tag applicator.

Abstract: A cartridge is configured to be inserted into a medical instrument for treating patients with radioactive seeds. The cartridge includes a rotating internal barrel that is loaded with a plurality of seeds, where the internal barrel has a plurality of conduits for accepting the seeds. As the internal barrel rotates, a seed from one of the conduits is deposited into a shuttle, and then the shuttle is fully extended so as to provide the seed to the medical instrument. The shuttle is then retracted, and the barrel is rotated to the next conduit, so as to receive a seed from that next conduit. The cartridge includes a first shield and a second shield, each having slots where the slots of the first and second shields are aligned in a first verification or calibration mode, and where the slots are not aligned in a normal, seed depositing mode. The second shield also includes a plurality of numeric indicators that indicate a current number of seeds remaining in the cartridge.

Abstract: An automated system for ejecting low dose radioisotope seeds into an implant needle includes a station connected to at least one source of radioisotope seeds. The station includes a computer processor that has a user interface that displays information about the automated system and accepts commands from a user to control the process of ejecting the radioisotope seeds into the implant needles. The user interface allows a user to alter a predetermined dose plan during the process of loading the implant needles. Preferably, the user interface is a touch-screen interface that displays a graphic representation of the coordinates of a plurality of locations, with the user selecting the next location by touching one of the coordinates. As the coordinate is touched, the icon associate with that coordinate would change color indicating that that location has been processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending a longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal and to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: The nasal dispenser (1) consists of but two integral housing bodies (4, 5) for accommodating a medium blister (6). Bodies (4, 5) are interlocked by withdrawal prevention means against separation and by releasable blocking means (49) against actuation. The medium reservoir (7) is located freely in an innermost housing space (62) of the first housing body (4). Thus the dispenser (1) is highly compact, simple in configuration and permits facilitated handling.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for treating osteochondral pathologies. An implantable prosthesis for treating osteochondral pathologies includes: a porous substrate; and a substance positioned within the porous substrate that is elutable with regard to the porous substrate. The systems and methods provide advantages because a baited route is provided to attract mesenchymal stem cells from the cancellous bone underlying the articular surfaces up to chondral lesions within the joint, thereby promoting the growth of chondrocytes in the area of the chondral lesions.

Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A parasiticidal pellet system which delivers both immediate and long term control of parasite infestation in an animal as part of a single implant procedure. The system includes an implanter apparatus for subcutaneously implanting parasiticidal pellets in an animal through the bore of a hypodermic needle which is operably coupled to a pellet magazine, and a plurality of pellets sized to be implanted through the needle and positioned in the magazine for selective alignment of a pellet with the needle. The pellets include at least one immediate release parasiticidal agent first dose pellet and at least one extended release parasiticidal agent dose second pellet. The combined pellets are packaged in the magazine in sequential order for simultaneous delivery of an immediate dose and an extended dose as part of a single injection.

Abstract: An implanter comprising a housing, a hollow needle connected to the housing, a drive pin positioned within the housing and aligned with the hollow needle, and a trigger assembly operably connected to both the housing and the drive pin. The drive pin has a distal end, and further has a retracted position wherein the distal end of the drive pin is in the housing and an extended position wherein the distal end of the drive pin portion extends out of the housing. A pellet is positioned between the needle and the distal end of the drive pin when the drive pin is in the retracted position. The drive pin expels the pellet through the hollow needle when moving from the retracted position to the extended position. The trigger assembly includes a trigger that has a relaxed position and an actuated position. The drive pin moves from the retracted position to the extended position when the trigger moves from the relaxed position to the actuated position.

Abstract: The invention features an implantable device for the automatic delivery of an active ingredient according to an adjustable delivery profile. The device includes a housing; a reservoir operatively connected to the housing and arranged to store a solid composition including the active ingredient; an actuator arranged within the housing to move the solid composition from the reservoir to a transit area, wherein the solid composition exits the housing at the transit area; a controller that acts on the actuator to adjust movement of the solid composition out of the housing according to the adjustable delivery profile; and a power source arranged to provide energy to the actuator and the controller. The solid composition can be an elongate, solid composition comprising a drug, and up to 90% of a carrier, wherein the composition has a cross-section of less than 0.

Abstract: A device for introducing a corneal implant into a cornea of a human eye. The device includes a body, a member coupled thereto, and a guide portion. The body has a distal end and a proximal end. The guide portion is disposed at the distal end of the body and forms a channel. The guide portion is configured for laterally supporting the implant when positioned in the channel and the member is arranged to axially support the implant when positioned in the channel.

Abstract: An instrument for implanting radioactive and/or thermal seeds in body tissue for radiation and/or heat therapy comprises a tubular hypodermic needle barrel affixed to a pistol-grip shaped handle incorporates a reciprocally movable push rod for stripping one such seed from a cartridge containing a plurality of seeds and advancing it to the end of the barrel. Actuation of a trigger in the pistol grip handle causes the barrel to retract relative to the push rod, causing the seed to be deposited in the channel in the body tissue created by the original puncturing thereof by the instrument's barrel.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated veterinary medicinal pellet implanter utilizes pressurized air to drive an impeller for dispensing medicinal pellets through a needle on an end of the implanter and into a cavity created by the needle under the skin of an animal to be treated. The pressurized air source may also be utilized to retract the impeller after dispensing of the pellets. The impeller is part of a piston slidingly secured within a pneumatic cylinder. Pressurized air is selectively and alternatingly supplied to the front and rear and rear of the cylinder for advancing the impeller between retracted and extended positions respectively. The pressure of the air supplied to the rear of the cylinder for driving the impeller is reduced relative to the pressure of the air supplied to the front of the cylinder for retracting the impeller.

Abstract: Devices for the generation of inhalable aerosols by extrusion through a porous membrane by a motor-driven cam assembly are disclosed. The device holds a drug formulation container in a drug release position. The package is comprised of a collapsible wall with an opening and a cover for the opening that includes a porous membrane having a plurality of pores therein with a diameter in the range of 0.5 to 6.0 microns. An electric motor in the device is powered by a battery to rotate a cam assembly having three cams. The first cam forces a clamping member (configured to correspond to the outer periphery of the container) against the periphery of the collapsible wall of the container, sealing the jointure of the collapsible wall to the cover of the container along the entire periphery, except for a small unsealed portion thereof. The second cam crushes the collapsible wall, forcing the contents of the container through the unsealed portion of the jointure.

Abstract: Devices for the generation of inhalable aerosols by extrusion through a porous membrane by a motor-driven cam assembly are disclosed. The device holds a drug formulation container in a drug release position. The package is comprised of a collapsible wall with an opening and a cover for the opening that includes a porous membrane having a plurality of pores therein with a diameter in the range of 0.5 to 6.0 microns. An electric motor in the device is powered by a battery to rotate a cam assembly having three cams. The first cam forces a clamping member (configured to correspond to the outer periphery of the container) against the periphery of the collapsible wall of the container, sealing the jointure of the collapsible wall to the cover of the container along the entire periphery, except for a small unsealed portion thereof. The second cam crushes the collapsible wall, forcing the contents of the container through the unsealed portion of the jointure.

Abstract: A veterinary implanter includes an attached disinfectant dispenser including a reservoir for holding a quantity of disinfectant, a pump attached to the reservoir, and a special needle holder spray tip with the implanter including a conduit which has an inlet opening connected to the disinfectant pump. An exit opening of the conduit is coupled to the needle spray tip which is designed to spray disinfectant 360 degrees about the inlet end of a hypodermic needle cannula which is held in place against the spray tip by a threaded needle holder extension. The inventive disinfectant dispenser thus allows an operator of the implanter to selectively inject a quantity of disinfectant into the needle with each implant, with the disinfectant then being carried by the implanted pellets into a wound created by the needle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for treating trees. The apparatus includes an injecting device for injecting articles into trees. The device provides a plurality of article retaining tubes fixedly connected to a removable and rotatable delivery head and stationary therewith. A slidably mounted injection member is provided which slides coaxially along the tubes from a non-injecting position to an injecting position for injecting an article into a tree.

Abstract: A device for the implementation of pellets containing medication in animals comprises a housing in the shape of a pistol with a handle, a hollow needle for injecting the body of the animal arranged at the front side of the housing and a push rod adapted to being slid into the hollow needle and supported by the housing so as to be longitudinally displaceable. A shaft is also provided in the housing before the hollow needle for a magazine holding pellets which is displaceable therein. A longitudinally displaceable press-back device is arranged in the housing parallel to the push rod and hollow needle. A drawing mechanism is included in the housing for moving the push rod and press-back device. The mechanism is able to be set in motion by an operating lever fastened at the handle via a toothed segment coupled with the operating lever and via a toothed wheel engaging with the operating lever.

Abstract: A cosmetic procedure for hair transplantation is carried out with an apparatus (50) comprising a magazine (52) with a plurality of compartments (53) each containing a sample of de-epithelialized tissue having at least one hair shaft attached to a hair bulb. The magazine (52) is loaded in an apparatus (50) having a tapered hollow lumen (57) aligned with a pusher rod (56). With the hollow lumen (57) penetrating a recipient graft site to a predetermined depth and the pusher rod (56), the hollow lumen (57) and a compartment (53) in axial alignment, pusher rod (56) moves through compartment (53) and into the hollow lumen (57) to deposit a portion of donor tissue in the recipient graft site.

Abstract: Injector (1), comprising a housing to which is fixed a hollow needle (17) provided with conveyance means (3,4) for moving an object such as a transponder (22) through said needle (17). Such transponders (22) are inserted in living beings for identification purposes. Metering means (11,12) are provided in the injector (1)in order to permit the introduction of a fluid such as a disinfectant during the insertion of such objects (22). Such means comprise a storage place for fluid (11) which is connected to channel means (8) which open into the movement path of the object (22). In this way fluid is added during the positioning of the object (22).

Abstract: Injector for hypodermically implanting of an object (14) in a living being. This injector comprises a housing (13), with a hollow needle (3) which can be moved in and out from the housing (13). In the hollow needle (3) a pushing rod (9) is received, to position an object (14) in a living being after introduction of the needle (3). Near the housing (13) a locking means is provided to realize positioning of the object. In the storage position, the needle (3) is inside the housing (13). For injecting, first of all the needle (3) is moved out of the housing (13) and locked. A spring (4) is tensioned by the outward movement of the needle (3). During introduction into the animal of the needle (3), a locking means will be actuated, after which the needle (3) returns and positioning of the object (14) is realized.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining whether an IV infusion set has infiltrated the tissue of a patient includes a pump for pumping fluid through the IV set into the patient and a pressure transducer operably engaged with the IV set between the pump and patient. The pressure transducer is electrically connected to a microprocessor, and the microprocessor is electrically connected to the motor of the pump to control the pump to alternately withdraw from and infuse into the patient a predetermined volume of fluid.This predetermined volume of fluid is withdrawn from the patient by the pump at a preselected withdrawal pressure, while the pump infuses the predetermined volume of fluid into the patient at a preselected infusion pressure. The microprocessor measures both the time period for infusing the predetermined volume of fluid and the time period for withdrawing the predetermined volume of fluid. Based upon these time periods, the microprocessor evaluates whether the IV set has infiltrated the patient's tissue.

Abstract: An endless path calibration system comprising a sensor cassette having a flow-through passage and at least one sensor to be calibrated, a chamber coupled to the sensor cassette to define an endless path and a sterile calibration liquid in the endless path. A gas injection passage for injecting gas into the sterile calibration liquid and a gas vent leading from the endless path to the exterior of the endless path. A check valve allows gas to escape from the endless path and substantially prevents gas and liquid from entering the endless path through the gas vent.

Abstract: An implanting gun apparatus (10) is described. A drive rod (23) is linearly moveable in a handle assembly (11) by a first pivotable linkage (16) actuated by a trigger (14), to urge a pellet (101) from a carrier (100) through a head assembly (12) and into a needle (13). A second pivotable linkage (24), also actuated by the trigger, retracts the needle, the head assembly, and the carrier into the handle after the pellet has been urged into the needle. The gun apparatus is particularly adapted to implant pellets in animals, particularly as medicament pellets.

Abstract: A system for implanting a solid marker in an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an entrance and an exit opening. A support is provided for supporting a hollow tube. A plunger is slideably disposed between a first position and a second position within the support. The plunger cooperates with the support and the tube. The plunger engages the marker proximate to the entrance opening of the tube, and ejects the marker through the tube when the plunger is moved from a first position to a second position.