Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply to a feeding tube delivering the modified liquid enteral nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. At least one beneficial agent not in controlled release dosage form in a useful, dose unit, amount, is disposed within a formulation chamber so as to be taken up in a liquid enteral nutritional product traversing the formulation chamber while feeding the modified nutritional product into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The beneficial additive(s) are selected from nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, or diagnostic agents, or mixtures thereof, each in a dosage form that is dispersible in the medium of the liquid enteral nutritional product in less than two hours.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply container to a feeding tube delivering the nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. During enteral tube feeding the nutritional product passes through a formulation chamber, e.g., a drip chamber, having located therein at least one controlled release dosage form unit containing at least one beneficial agent. The beneficial agent may be selected from nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, or diagnostic agents or mixtures thereof, and any such together with a physiologically acceptable marker dye in controlled release dosage form and/or the same or different additional beneficial agent not in controlled release dosage form. Controlled release dosage forms may be of a conventional sustained release type or an osmotically driven delivery device.

Abstract: An apparatus is useful for dye marking a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply container to a feeding tube delivering the nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A formulation chamber, such as a drip chamber, is connectable to the supply container. At least one sustained release reservoir containing a physiologically acceptable marker dye is positioned within the formulation chamber, or if not, is included as part of a kit. The sustained release reservoir may be in the form of a coated tablet, osmotically driven device, coated capsule, microencapsulated microspheres, agglomerated molecular sieving material, or chopped hollow fibers having permeable walls. A liquid communication means connects the formulation chamber to the feeding tube of a patient. The marker dye may be a colorant dye or a fluorescing dye or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply thereof, such as a hangable container, to a feeding tube delivering the liquid enteral nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The apparatus has at least one formulation chamber, such as a drip chamber, with at least one controlled release dosage form unit in the form of a coated tablet, osmotically driven device, coated capsule, microencapsulated microspheres, agglomerated molecular sieving type material, or a quantity of fine hollow permeable fibers located therein. The controlled release dosage form unit or units contain at least one beneficial agent selected from nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, or diagnostic agents or mixtures thereof, to any of which a physiologically acceptable marker dye in controlled release dosage form and/or the same or different beneficial agent not in controlled release dosage form may be added.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy member for dispensing the flowable mixture and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for the controlled mixing of a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: An anhydrous solid water-soluble composition and method for direct controlled administration of beneficial agents to a flowing medical fluid. The beneficial agents are geometrically dispersed in a solid matrix and isolated from one and other to allow administration of mutually reactive agents.

Abstract: A flexible, sterile container is provided for sterile storing and mixing of medicaments and liquids which includes a shell with at least one compartment. At least one sterile liquid-containing pouch is in one of the compartments, and a medicament is in the compartment with the pouch or is in a different compartment. The liquid and medicament are mixed together by squeezing the shell and pouch to rupture the pouch to release the liquid for mixing with the medicament just prior to dispensing the mixture.

Abstract: An improved drug delivery system and method for reconstituting drugs are provided. The system allows the delivery of a medicament from a drug vial (40) directly into an intravenous line to a patient. The system provides a method and an apparatus that insures that the drug vial (40) is properly pierced and the vial (40) is locked into an activated position when it is desired to use the same. To this end, a vial retaining member (50) for coupling the vial (40) to a cartridge (12) including a cannula (22) is provided. The retaining member (50) includes a cannula centering member extending from an end thereof.

Abstract: An adapter for interconnecting in fluid communication a first connection site and a beneficial agent container having a closure. The adapter includes a plate having first and second connection site sides. A wall extends from the plate from the second connection site side and constructed to surround only the closure. This allows containers having varying sized bodies to be received. A cannula structure is rigidly secured in the plate and defines a flow path extending through the plate. The adapter can be provided in an assembly with the beneficial agent contained or in a drug delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a blood bag system for blood products comprising a bag (3) and at least one tubing (11) connected thereto, the system being made of at least partly transparent plastics material, wherein photoactive substances (31) may be enclosed in a closed-off section (A) of the tubing (11) of the ready-for-use system, which may be handled individually as an independent unit. Every blood bag system of this kind is adapted to be combined with another blood bag system, which may comprise one or several bags (3, 5, 7, 9) and may likewise be handled as an independent unit, by interconnecting both systems.

Abstract: A system for packaging and using granulated solid dialysate concentrate. A bag is constructed to hold granulated or powder concentrate, having a V-shaped bottom with an access port in the bottom. Water is flowed through the access port and into the bag using suitable water control means. The incoming water lifts and suspends the granules or powder in a turbulent flow, thereby filling the container simultaneous with dissolving the granules or powder. The water with dissolve concentrate then constitutes the dialysis solution and is ready for use or transfer to a dialysate delivery machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for separately storing a first component, such as a drug and for mixing this first component with a second component, such as a sterilized diluent, to form a beneficial agent which can be delivered to a patient from the container containing the second component. The device includes novel means for interconnecting a container, such as a glass vial containing a first component, such as a drug, with a second container such as a flexible bag containing the second component such as a parenteral liquid, and then for mixing the components under sterile conditions.

Abstract: The device comprises a tubular housing with two jackets and a container filled with the liquid component of a drug. Within the inner jacket of the housing, close to the closed end thereof, is a chamber containing the powdered components of a drug. A needle for piercing the stopper which closes the container enables the interior of the container to be put in communication with the chamber so as to allow the liquid component to flow out and consequently mix with the powdered component. The subsequent advance of the container into the housing, with the consequent penetration of the piston into the container, causes the further flow of the liquid component into the chamber carrying the drug solution to the exterior of the device generally like a syringe. Its use as a supplier of infusions is also foreseen.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for administration of a drug in active form, which includes means defining a prodrug reaction zone including an immobilized enzyme for modifying chemically a prodrug to a physiologically compatible, physiologically active drug form, means in communication with the reaction zone for establishing parenteral access to the body of a patient, and means for transporting a prodrug through the reaction zone at a rate sufficient to convert the prodrug to the active drug form and then into the body of a patient.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided comprising a cartridge body including an upper portion defining a vial receiving area and terminating in a wall, the cartridge body including a cannula extending from the wall. A vial including a beneficial agent is coupled by a retaining member to the cartridge body in an inactivated position. The retaining member allows the vial to move to an activated position. The retaining member including an outer member and an inner member, the inner member separating from portions of the outer member as the vial moves from the inactivated position to the activated position.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes either an elastic distendable membrane, or a thin barrier member which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. The apparatus includes an internal stored energy source which functions to controllably expel the medicinal agents from the apparatus. The stored energy source may comprise either a distendable elastomeric membrane or an expandable sponge like cellular mass.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely contolled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for compounding of parenteral admixture solutions, and recirculation with the admixture solution being formed. The apparatus includes a multiple pump cassette configured for operative association with a pump driver, whereby one or more selected source solutions are delivered through a pump cassette to an associated admixture container. After pumping of each source solution, the present method contemplates that the admixture being formed is recirculated through the pump cassettes thereby diluting any source solution in the cassettes and associated tubing. In this manner, the possible mixture of incompatible source solutions, resulting in formation of precipitate, is desirably avoided.

Abstract: A container for housing a beneficial agent that can be removably coupled to a structure defining a fluid flow path. The container comprises a body defining a first and second interior area separated by a wall that terminates at an opening providing fluid communication between the first and second interior area. A cannula is provided that extends from the body for being removably received by the structure defining the fluid path. The cannula includes an inlet opening and inlet fluid flow path and an outlet opening and outlet fluid flow path. The inlet fluid flow path being in fluid communication with the first interior area, and the outlet fluid flow path being in fluid communication with the second interior area. The second interior area houses the solid beneficial agent and allows fluid that flows through the inlet fluid flow path to pass by at least a portion of the beneficial agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A hygiene and treatment device wherein it comprises a pipe having a chamber at one of its ends, suitable for being put into communication with an endpiece connected to a supply of water under pressure, the other end of the pipe being curved and having a longitudinal slot. The invention is particularly suitable for anal and gynecological hygiene.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for maintaining a flow of IV fluid through the chamber. A portion of the chamber wall is comprised of a material which is permeable to the drug but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid. A transdermal-type drug delivery device is adhered to the semipermeable/microporous wall portion. Drug is delivered by the delivery device through the wall portion using permeation enhancers and into the flowing IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber. The rate of drug delivery from the device into the IV fluid is controlled by either the wall portion or a membrane layer in the drug delivery device.

Abstract: A beverage container includes a cylindrical container formed with a mounting bracket fixedly secured to a wall of the container for securement to a support plate portion, with the support plate portion including a mounting head received within the bracket. A modification of the invention includes a lid structure arranged to receive the cylinder formed with a matrix of apertures directed therethrough, with a saturated sponge including a nutrient fluid contained therewithin to permit the nutrient fluid to be directed into a surrounding drinking fluid within the container. A plurality of such nutrient cylinders are arranged for mounting within an associated support container arranged for transport by an individual in association with the drinking container of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably mixing separately packaged beneficial agents and parenteral fluids to form an infusible mixture and for expelling the mixture at a precisely controlled rate from a delivery subsystem which includes its own self-contained energy source and is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction. The energy source of the delivery subsystem is made up of one or more elastomeric thin film, distendable membranes each having a uniform modulus of elasticity. The membranes cooperate with a base to define a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet in communication with a dispensing port for dispensing fluid from the device. The mixing subsystem includes cooperating sterile containers, one containing a parenteral fluid, such as a diluent, and the other containing a beneficial agent such as a drug.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A device for release of a solid substance into a flowing liquid during parenteral administration of the liquid to a patient includes a connector (1, with an inlet (6) and an outlet (12) for the liquid, and a valve assembly (4,5). The valve assembly has a valve core (5) which is rotatable between a bypass position and a working position. A releasable container (15), containing the solid substance, may be connected to the valve core (5). In the bypass position, liquid is conducted from the inlet to the outlet, by-passing the container (15). When the valve core (5) is moved to the working position, liquid is diverted into the container (15), for mixing with the solid substance, and then returned to the connector, where it then exits through the outlet (12).

Abstract: A preparation administrator has an administrator body including a solid preparation and having at its one end an inflow channel for solvent and at the other end an outflow channel for liquid preparation, a solvent container containing a solvent to dissolve, disperse or suspend the preparation and being connected to the inflow channel of the administrator body, and an ejector for ejecting the solvent together with the solid preparation in the body through the outflow channel of the body. A solid preparation in the administrator body is dissolved, or suspended or dispersed in the solvent fed from the solvent container and ejected as a liquid preparation through the outflow channel of the body.

Abstract: An agent formulator (30, 60) for an intravenous administration set (14) is provided. The intravenous administration set (14) includes a container (12) of an IV fluid (13), a drip chamber (22), an agent formulator (30, 60) and an adapter-needle assembly (28). The agent formulator (30, 60) has a fluid inlet (23) and a fluid outlet (25) for maintaining a flow of IV fluid (13 ) therethrough. A portion (36) of the formulator wall (32) is comprised of a window material which allows the agent to diffuse therethrough but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid (13). A flow distributor (38, 68) is provided within the chamber for distributing the flow of IV fluid (13) along the interior surface of the window (36). A transdermal-type drug delivery device (40) is adhered to the exterior surface of the window (36). Drug is delivered by the delivery device (40) through the window (36) and into the flowing IV fluid (13).

Abstract: A water-insoluble polysaccharide hydrogel foam and a method and article of preparing a homogeneously foamed hydrogel from a two component aqueous system of water-soluble polysaccharides bearing pendant carboxylate groups. The hydrogel foam, when it incorporates an antimicrobial, has particular utility as a surgical preparation for vaginal or rectal surgery.

Abstract: A medical fluid administration set is disclosed which may be used for the passive reconstitution and delivery of a drug or other beneficial agent with liquid flowing through the administration set. A receptacle mounted in the administration set is adapted for receiving a cartridge containing the beneficial agent. Also disclosed is an adapter for connecting the cartridge and the receptacle and an air flask within the administration set.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system and a formulation chamber are disclosed for administering a beneficial agent. The parenteral delivery system comprises a drip chamber and a formulation chamber. The formulation chamber comprises a wall surrounding an internal space and it has an inlet for admitting a liquid into the formulation chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the formulation chamber. The chamber houses an agent delivery system for releasing a beneficial agent into a liquid that enters the chamber.

Abstract: A method and article useful for preparing stable polysaccharide gels from aqueous solutions of water-soluble polysaccharides bearing pendant carboxylate groups. The gels produced may be of the foamed or nonfoamed variety.

Abstract: A medical fluid administration set is disclosed which may be used for the passive reconstitution and delivery of a drug or other beneficial agent with liquid flowing through the administration set. A receptacle mounted in the administration set is adapted for receiving a cartridge containing the beneficial agent. Also disclosed is an adapter for connecting the cartridge and the receptacle and an air flask within the administration set.

Abstract: An apparatus for oral administration of a medicament or the like comprises a pill tray (4) and a liquid reservoir (6). The tray (4) has an upper surface bounded by lips (5) and adapted to carry solid medicament. The reservoir (6) has an opening (7) close to the pill tray (4) and adapted to allow controlled release of said liquid, to wash the pill or medicament down the throat of the patient.

Abstract: An ampule defines a pair of opposed, flexible sides, sealingly enclosing a space which contains a mass of beneficial agent which is soluble in aqueous solution. Inlet and outlet ports communicate between the space and the exterior. Flow promoting means are positioned between the mass of beneficial agent and at least one opposed, flexible side to facilitate the formation of a fluid flow path along the mass of beneficial agent.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the safe, passive reconstruction of a drug or other beneficial agent, without requiring manual reconstitution steps. The apparatus includes a housing, preferably having a receptacle "in-line" in an administration set and forming part of an intravenous delivery system, and a cartridge adapted for receiving a beneficial agent or beneficial agent and carrier. The cartridge is plugged into the receptacle to initiate reconstitution of the agent. The apparatus creates first and second delivery modes, in which the delivery rate of the agent to a patient is independent from and dependent upon, respectively, the fluid flow rate through the intravenous delivery system.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for maintaining a flow of IV fluid through the chamber. A portion of the chamber wall is comprised of a material which is permeable to the drug but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid. A transdermal-type drug delivery device is adhered to the semipermeable/microporous wall portion. Drug is delivered by the delivery device through the wall portion and into the flowing IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber. The rate of drug delivery from the device into the IV fluid is controlled by either the wall portion or a membrane layer in the drug delivery device.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus is disclosed comprising a formulation chamber and an electrotransport device on the outside of the formulation chamber for transporting an electrically charged drug from the outside into a medical fluid that flows through the formulation chamber over drug delivery time.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing means for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for parenteral use including intravenous delivery for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber houses a diffusional or an osmotically driven drug delivery device. The osmotically driven delivery device has a semipermeable, microporous or diffusional wall which surrounds a compartment containing the drug. Drug is delivered through an orifice in the semipermeable/microporous wall or through the diffusional wall itself, into the IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber. The rate of drug delivery is controlled by variably adjusting the surface area of the semipermeable/microporous/diffusional wall that is exposed to the IV fluid flowing through the drug formulation chamber.

Abstract: A cartridge for introducing a beneficial agent into a medical fluid conduit is disclosed. The cartridge includes a pierceable stopper having a hollow, open ended protrusion extending into the cartridge chamber and having the beneficial agent retained therein by a liquid pervious barrier. The hollow, open ended protrusion creates a directed flow path within the cartridge.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to a recipient. The system comprises (a) a primary container of a medical fluid; (b) a primary drip chamber in fluid communication with the primary container; (c) a primary formulation chamber in fluid communication with the primary drip chamber and housing an agent dispensing device or a beneficial agent; (d) a secondary container of a medical fluid; (e) a secondary drip chamber in fluid communication with the secondary container; (f) a secondary formulation chamber in fluid communication with the secondary drip chamber and housing an agent dispensing device or a beneficial agent; and (g) a common tubing in communication with the primary formulation chamber and the secondary formulation chamber for communicating the system with the recipient.

Abstract: A douche apparatus for vaginal application with a high temperature thermostatic valve located close to the source of mixed hot and cold water immediately after an adapter for connecting the apparatus to the water faucet. The apparatus has a hollow handle with a threaded extension which receives a disposable nozzle for vaginal introduction of douche liquids received through the handle. A flexible hose connects the thermostat output to a backflow prevention valve at the handle input to prevent douche additives introduced through a mixing chamber in the handle from being introduced to the water supply. A gate valve in the handle controls liquid volume and pressure in the flow channel exiting the handle through a macro screen for particulate matter filtration and a micro screen for bacterial filtration of the douche liquid immediately prior to exiting the handle and communication to the nozzle for vaginal cavity entry.

Abstract: A housing is provided for insertion in an intravenous delivery system including a fluid source and a fluid conduit. The housing is adapted for receiving a beneficial agent to be mixed with fluid flowing through the fluid conduit. The beneficial agent is reconstituted within the housing, eliminating the need for manual reconstitution. The housing may comprise a separate receptacle and cartridge in which the receptacle is manufactured "in-line" in an administration set and the cartridge is adapted for receiving a beneficial agent. In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is a standard drug vial.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a space containing a beneficial agent. The formulation chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting the fluid containing the agent leave the chamber. The chamber can additionally comprise a film for regulating the rate of release from the chamber, and optionally a filter. The chamber is adapted for use in an intraveous delivery system for delivering the fluid containing the agent to a patient. A method also is disclosed for using the formulation chamber.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.