Abstract: A hypodermic needle minimizing resistance to catheter advancement during vascular cannulation includes a needle shaft and a needle tip including an open needle bevel extending along middle and proximal portions of the open bevel until a distal end of the needle shaft, wherein a most distal portion of the open bevel is filled to prevent flashback. The hypodermic needle also includes a catheter overlying the needle shaft in the resting position.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent plug over the outlet of the flashback chamber to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing so as to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: An indicator device for visually indicating a pressure of blood inside a blood vessel includes: a body, the body comprising a duct extending in the body and having a sealed proximal end; a distal end portion adapted to be positioned inside the blood vessel and including a liquid inlet opening in fluid communication with the duct; and a window including an at least semi-transparent section configured to enable visual observation of blood entering into the duct via the inlet opening when the inlet opening is located inside the blood vessel.

Abstract: A venous-arterial detector is disclosed. The detector includes a first chamber in fluid communication with a needle, and an indicator chamber in selective fluid communication with the first chamber through a valve. The indicator chamber is pre-pressurized to a defined pressure that preferably exceeds typical venous pressure, and the valve retains that pressure within the indicator chamber. When the needle is inserted into a vessel, if the pressure in the vessel is greater than the defined pressure in the indicator chamber, blood will flow into the indicator chamber, indicating that the vessel is most likely to be an artery.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent plug over the outlet of the flashback chamber to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A method of storing on a remote storage device protocol information for a drug for administration via a peristaltic pump is disclosed. A communications path between the peristaltic pump and the remote storage device is provided. The protocol information for the drug is entered into the peristaltic pump. The protocol information is transferred from the peristaltic pump to the remote storage device. The protocol information for the drug is stored on the remote storage device. History information may be retrieved from the peristaltic pump. A user request is received requesting retrieval of history information from the peristaltic pump. A pump request is formatted to retrieve history information. The pump request to receive history information is transmitted to the peristaltic pump. The history information is received from the peristaltic pump. The history information is displayed and stored.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vascular blood containment that allows a user to determine whether a blood vessel has been accessed and which provides access to the vessel. The vascular blood containment device includes a compression seal having increased reliability. The seal permits the passage of gas but prevents the passage of liquid. A valve providing access to a blood vessel through the blood containment device is configured to conform to an inner profile formed around a bore of the distal end of the outer housing. The configuration of the device permits the blood containment chamber to fill properly when the distal end of the blood containment device is positioned below the proximal end of the device.

Abstract: An arrangement used in connection with the withdrawal of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from a spinal column comprising a hub having a chamber therein for receiving CSF; a cannula being coupled to the hub to permit communication of CSF with the hub, the cannula having a first end securable within the hub and a second end dimensioned to permit withdrawal of CSF from a spinal column; wherein the hub includes walls forming an opening therebetween, and wherein a arcuately shaped magnifier is disposed within the opening, wherein the magnifier includes edges that extend below the top surface of the walls of the hub such that at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the magnifier extends below the top surface of the walls of the hub; whereby the magnifier can be positioned in close proximity to the chamber to improve magnification of the CSF as it enters the chamber and decrease the recognition time from when the CSF first enters the chamber of the hub.

Abstract: A blood containment device for use with a vascular entry needle provides visual and tactile confirmation that a blood vessel has been properly entered. The device includes a blood visualization chamber defined by a compliant member which provides a visual indication that a needle connected to the device has accessed a selected blood vessel. The blood visualization chamber is vented to allow air to escape therefrom as it is displaced by blood entering the visualization chamber, while a gas permeable membrane in communication with the vent to prevent significant blood from escaping from the blood containment device. A sealing member formed on an outer surface at one end of the compliant member works in conjunction with the gas permeable membrane to prevent significant leakage of blood from the device. The compliant member pulsates with changes in blood pressure, thereby providing continuous tactile confirmation that the needle tip is properly positioned within the selected blood vessel.

Abstract: A blood containment, visualization and tactile confirmation device is provided for use with a vascular entry needle. The device includes a visualization channel and/or a compliant outer wall portion which indicates whether a needle connected to the device has entered a selected blood vessel. The visualization channel is optionally vented to the outside to allow displaced air to escape, but has a gas permeable member to prevent blood from escaping. Alternatively, the visualization channel is substantially sealed such that it is not significantly vented. Preferably, a compliant outer wall portion defining the visualization channel pulses with changes in blood pressure, thereby providing a tactile indication that the needle tip is properly positioned. The device has a guideway with a barrier of elastomeric material which prevents blood from passing therethrough, but which allows passage of an elongated medical instrument such as catheterization apparatus.

Abstract: In an intravenous catheter wherein a syringe needle and surrounding sheath are inserted into a vein so that blood flows through the needle into a transparent hollow push-pull element fixed on the needle remote from its point to indicate proper vein insertion, and the needle is then withdrawn from the sheath and from a vial on the end of the sheath so that blood back-flows into the vial before intravenous fluid is introduced through a side port in the vial into the vein, the vial opening being covered with an elastomeric diaphragm through which the needle is initially pierced and which self-seals when the needle is withdrawn therefrom, the improvement of a protective enclosure for the needle wherein a housing attachable to the vial surrounds the push-pull element so that the point of the needle is enclosed within that housing when the needle is withdrawn through the diaphragm.

Abstract: A suture applying device comprises a shaft which carries a pair of needles near its distal end. The needles are joined by a length of suture, and the shaft is used to both introduce the needles into a lumen of a body structure and to push the needles back through tissue on either side of the puncture site. After the needles have passed through the tissue, they are captured on the shaft and drawn outward through the tract, leaving a loop of suture behind to close the puncture site near the body lumen. The suture can then be tied and the knot pushed back through the tract to complete the closure. Alternatively, a locking fastener formed of a resorbable material can be placed into the penetration over the sutures and the sutures tied over the fastener.

Abstract: A system for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a blood vessel in a living being and method of use thereof. The system includes a hemostatic closure, a blood vessel locator device for determining the position of the blood vessel via the percutaneous puncture, and a deployment instrument for deploying the closure within the puncture to seal the puncture. The vessel locator includes means for enabling blood from the vessel to flow therethrough so that the position of the vessel can be rapidly determined. Once the vessel has been located the deployment instrument, which includes a tubular carrier storing the closure, is extend into the puncture to deploy the closure. The closure basically comprises a radiopaque rigid anchor for location within the blood vessel, a compressed collagen plug for location within the puncture tract leading to the vessel, and a thin filament connecting the two in a pulley-like arrangement.

Abstract: This invention is an improved flashback vent. A thin piece of biocompatible material is affixed over the open proximal end of a flashback chamber or a plug in the flashback chamber. This material has a plurality of holes formed therein. Thus, where the flashback chamber is used with an IV catheter introducer needle, blood can enter the flashback chamber and allow air to be vented therefrom without blood leaking from the flashback chamber.

Abstract: A needle assembly for evacuated blood collection tubes or containers comprises a single needle cannula, a needle cannula support made of a translucent or transparent material provided on the middle portion of the needle cannula, a blood flow confirmation passage formed in the interior of the needle cannula support and communicating with one end of the needle cannula, said one end being covered with an elastomeric resilient cap, and an air-permeable, blood repellant plug provided at an opening end of the passage.

Abstract: The spinal cannula 1 is provided with a grip part, which consists of transparent plastic and surrounds the rear end of the cannula in a substance-securing manner. A cerebrospinal fluid checking chamber, which tapers toward the rear end of the cannula and is visible from the outside, is located in it, and this cerebrospinal fluid checking chamber is joined on the rear side by a conical plug-type Luer bore for accommodating the Luer plug-type cone of a drug syringe in a positive-locking manner. On the outside, the grip part has, between two flange parts, at least two, radially recessed grip surfaces, which are arranged diametrically opposed to one another and symmetrically to a plane of symmetry located in the longitudinal axis, and between which the cerebrospinal fluid checking chamber is arranged. In addition, there is a stylet, which can be introduced into the cannula through the cerebrospinal fluid checking chamber.

Abstract: A suture applying device comprises a shaft which carries a pair of needles near its distal end. The needles are joined by a length of suture, and the shaft is used to both introduce the needles into a lumen of a body structure and to push the needles back through tissue on either side of the puncture site. After the needles have passed through the tissue, they are captured on the shaft and drawn outward through the tract, leaving a loop of suture behind to close the puncture site near the body lumen. The suture can then be tied and the knot pushed back through the tract to complete the closure. Alternatively, a locking fastener formed of a resorbable material can be placed into the penetration over the sutures and the sutures tied over the fastener.

Abstract: A system, a closure, and method for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a blood vessel. The puncture includes a tract leading to it from the skin of the being. The system includes an introducer sheath, a positioning device, a hemostatic puncture closure, and a deployment instrument. The positioning device positions the introducer sheath at a desired position within the vessel. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier having a distal end storing the closure. The carrier is extended via an introducer sheath through the tract and puncture into the blood vessel. The closure comprises a rigid anchor, a spacer member, a compressed collagen plug, and a thin filament connecting them in a pulley-like arrangement. The anchor has a centrally located domed projection. The carrier ejects the anchor through the introducer and puncture and then draws it against the free end of the introducer.

Abstract: A blood sampling system incorporates a fluid storage mechanism which can be disposed along the longitudinal axis of a fluid line extending from an injection site to a fluid supply. Both the main body portion of the fluid storage mechanism and a fluid draw element of the fluid storage mechanism are axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the fluid line. The fluid storage mechanism also incorporates a vortex inducer element at the distal end of the fluid draw element to induce a swirl of fluid to cleanse the fluid storage mechanism once a sample drawn into the fluid storage mechanism has been returned to the patient. An alternative embodiment of the fluid storage mechanism includes a volume control device.

Abstract: A blood vessel entry indicator device is provided which includes a colored flexible membrane disposed within the transparent body of a hypodermic needle that is stretched over the proximal end of the needle cannula. As the needle reaches the inside of the blood vessel, pressure within the vessel is transferred through the cannula to the membrane which moves or inflates indicating that entry has been achieved. A stopper is provided for arterial use. Because it is pressure sensitive, the invention provides a positive indication of blood vessel entry, avoiding double puncture of the same blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a means for accessing blood vessels for the insertion of a guide wire while preventing the free release of blood. Specifically, a hollow, thin-walled metal tube typically having a sharp point at its distal end is joined at its proximal end to a transparent viewing section. The viewing section has a distal narrow lumen and a proximal chamber which has a cap at its proximal end. The cap encloses a pressure sealing means through which a guide wire can be passed. After the distal end of the metal tube is placed in an artery, blood will rush through the metal tube and into the viewing section. The air in the air-tight proximal chamber will alternatively be compressed between diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Feedback to the operator that the distal end of the metal tube is properly placed within an artery can be achieved by observing the reciprocating pulsatile motion of the blood column within the distal narrow lumen of the viewing section.

Abstract: A system, a closure, and method of use for determining the position of a blood vessel via a percutaneous puncture and for sealing the percutaneous puncture in the blood vessel. The system includes an introducer sheath and associated positioning device, a hemostatic puncture closure, and a deployment instrument. The positioning device enables the introducer sheath to be positioned at a desired position within the vessel. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier storing the closure. The carrier has a distally located free end to be extended via an introducer through the puncture and its associated tract. The closure comprises a radiopaque rigid anchor, a compressed collagen plug, and a thin filament connecting the two in a pulley-like arrangement. The carrier ejects the anchor through the introducer and puncture and then draws it against the free end of the introducer.

Abstract: A needle system including a plastic cannula and a stylet, and a procedure utilizing the needle system for positioning the end of a spinal catheter within the subarachnoid space surrounding a patient's spinal cord for continuous administration of anesthetics and/or analgesic medications. The stylet has a pencil-point sharpened end for forming a minimal size opening in the dura defining the subarachnoid space to minimize the loss of cerebrospinal fluid therefrom during this procedure. The cannula has a hub formed of glass-clear plastic, which is provided with viewing recesses.

Abstract: An ergonomic vascular access needle (10) is provided which has a transparent body (20) having an extended and small diameter capillary lumen (22) through which blood may be observed. The extended capillary lumen (22) is in fluid communication on opposing ends with a variable volume chamber (25) and a needle lumen (32). A movable plunger (40) within the transparent body (20) is displaceable to create the variable volume chamber (25). The distal end of the needle (30) is then pushed through the patient's skin and the plunger (40) is displaced from a forward position to create a suction within the capillary lumen (22), the needle lumen (32) and the variable volume chamber (25). The needle (30) is then advanced until the needle distal opening (33) is within the venous lumen and blood is observable in the capillary lumen (22).

Abstract: A ventilation cap for a flashback chamber is formed of a hollow elongate cylindrical body of polymeric material and includes a proximal opening which is blocked by a venting material such as a hydrophobic filter, and a distal opening which is sized to allow an extension of the flashback chamber to be inserted therein for airtight connection therewith. The elongate body of the ventilation cap has a tear strip formed therein by a pair of generally parallel score lines. The cap is affixed to the flashback chamber so as to allow air to pass from the flashback chamber through the vent as blood fills the flashback chamber, while preventing blood from passing through the vent. When it is desired to attach other apparatus to the extension of the flashback chamber, the tear strip, which may have a pull tab integrally formed therewith, is torn away from the elongate body to destroy the airtight seal between the flashback extension and the cap.

Abstract: A medical connector (10) disclosed comprises a first connector member (10) having an elongated hollow introducer needle (14). The introducer needle (14) has first and second end portions (16,18) and first and second spaced openings (20,22) to the hollow of needle (14) between the end portions (16,18). A second connector member (28) is connectable with the first connector member (12). The second connector member (28) includes a flashback chamber (30) having a rubber septum (32) and also a catheter tip (34) mounted thereon. The introducer needle (14) is axially movable through the rubber septum (32), flashback chamber (30), and catheter tip (34) to establish an opening in a patient's vein for placement of the catheter (34).

Abstract: A device is provided for indicating when an intravenous needle has entered the vein through the use of a solid fiber optic mounted in the needle for showing visual instantaneous vein entry. The hub has a special light source connection to enhance the degree of light available for visualizing vein entry. The distal end of the fiber optic is polished to be the distal point of the needle. This polished distal end reflects color, such as red blood, immediately upon vein entry and exposure to blood, with the enhanced reflected light, to the magnifying system forming a part of the invention at the rear or proximal end of the fiber optic. The user observes immediate vein entry without any blood flow or exposure to blood.

Abstract: A catheter device is disclosed which contains a catheter in an insertion needle. The insertion needle is attached to a needle hub which contains a flash chamber. Within the flash chamber the proximal end of the needle is connected to a clear plastic tube so that flash is initially determined in this tube; overflow flash is then caused to flow into the larger flash chamber from the flash tube.

Abstract: A medical connector (10) disclosed comprises a fist connector member (10) having an elongated hollow introducer needle (14). The introducer needle (14) has first and second end portions (16,18) and first and second spaced openings (20,22) to the hollow of needle (14) between the end portions (16,18). A second connector member (28) is connectable with the first connector member (12). The second connector member (28) includes a flashback chamber (30) having a rubber septum (32) and also a catheter tip (34) mounted thereon. The introducer needle (14) is axially movable through the rubber septum (32), flashback chamber (30), and catheter tip (34) to establish an opening in a patient's vein for placement of the catheter (34).

Abstract: A flashback plug has a body molded of a semi-transparent polymeric material along and about an axis. A distal end of the body engages in fluid tight communication a needle hub flash chamber and a proximal end extends therefrom to receive a fitting. A passage extends through the body along the axis from the proximal end to the distal end to permit flow therethrough. A vent membrane of a hydrophobic filter media is mounted by its periphery across the passage. The vent membrane is insert molded within the body to capture the proximally extending periphery thereof so that liquid in the passage distal end can not reach the proximal end. The proximal end of the passage has the shape of a female luer taper which terminates distally at the vent membrane. A pair of opposed channels extend longitudinally and parallel to the axis from the vent membranes to the proximal end. The distal end of the body has an outside a male luer for engaging the needle hub flash chamber.

Abstract: A device is provided for indicating when an intravenous needle has entered the vein through the use of a solid fiber optic mounted in the needle for showing visual instantaneous vein entry. The distal end of the fiber optic is polished to be flush with the distal point of the needle. The fiber optic is sized to have an outer diameter which will extend through the cannula of the needle. This polished distal end reflects color, such as red blood, immediately upon vein entry and exposure to blood to the magnifying system forming a part of the invention at the rear or proximal end of the fiber optic. The user observes immediate vein entry without any blood flow or exposure to blood. Other embodiments utilize the fiber optic as the needle, thus eliminating the needle itself.

Abstract: The penetration of a vein or the like by a fluid collecting or dispensing needle is rapidly confirmed by the transfer of thermal energy from fluid entering the needle bore upon such penetration to a temperature responsive medium in intimate contact with the exterior of the needle. The temperature responsive medium may comprise thermochromic liquid crystals which signal a change in temperature from ambient temperature by changing color.

Abstract: A catheter introducer including a cannula, a stylet disposed within the cannula, and means for holding a catheter in close proximity to the cannula and stylet so that the tip of the catheter is positioned near the tip of the cannula after insertion within the human body. In the preferred embodiment, the stylet may be releasably locked in position within the cannula. The disclosed design allows the user to sample fluid through the tip of the inserted cannula and to inject medication into the insertion site without having to re-introduce a needle therein.

Abstract: A flash plug for an I.V. catheter is formed of a body of polymeric material, and has a narrow distal end for insertion within a catheter flash chamber and a larger proximal end which extends from the flash chamber. The flash plug has an aperture extending through it from the distal to the proximal end. An insert of a porous material is located within the aperture, and is capable of passing air and blocking the flow of blood. The catheter body is compatible with flash chamber material so as to remain securely located within the flash chamber and provides protection for the insert. The aperture diameter is sized to retain the porous insert securely within the flash plug body.

Abstract: A flashback chamber for a catheter assembly including a main body portion having a cavity formed therein which is structured to include a path of fluid flow along its length defined by a plurality of sequentially disposed chambers separated, at least in part, by transversely located ribs. The path of fluid flow is at least partially defined by a plurality of ports formed at opposite ends of the spaced apart ribs. An air only permeable vent structure is located at the end of the path of fluid flow so as to properly vent air forced from the cavity as blood from the catheter assembly successively fills the sequentially disposed chambers.

Abstract: The invention is related to a cannula used in medication for infusing liquid and/or giving a medicine injection into a vein, which cannula comprises a hollow body, an indication chamber part that, equipped with a steel needle, is coupled to it, a catheter, and a rear plug. To achieve a cannula that would be more advantageous to handle, the body and the indication chamber part, coupled to each other, are essentially at right angles to each other, in such a way that the indication chamber in said chamber part is in an essentially vertical position, having in its upper part an indicating device, and the chamber part is shaped to be held between the thumb and the forefinger.

Abstract: A catheter constructed of a polymeric material that is produced by dip coating over a mandrel or needle, is disclosed. The catheter which is formed is then removed by expansion upon contact with a liquid containing water, or by applied manual pressure. The integrally formed assembly has fewer component parts and has a more accurately shaped catheter tip and tapered end.

Abstract: An improvement is set forth in a peripheral IV catheter assembly which comprises a needle hub having proximal and distal ends and a central bore having a flashback chamber, blood in said chamber being observable through said needle hub. A needle extends from the distal end of the bore. A catheter hub fits about the needle and has its proximal end held by the distal end of the needle hub. A cannula fits about the needle with its proximal end engaged with the distal end of the catheter hub. A flashback plug has proximal and distal ends. Its distal end can engage with the proximal end of the needle hub in blocking relation to the needle hub bore. A protector has a proximal end engagable with the distal end of the needle hub with the passage about the catheter hub, the needle and the cannula. The improvement comprises wherein the distal end of the protector is engageable with the proximal end of the needle hub with the central passage in the protector in flow communication with the central bore in the needle hub.

Abstract: A flashback structure of the type primarily designed to be used in combination with a catheter assembly and more specifically structured to provide clear visual indication of blood flow along a circuitous path of fluid flow which is indicative of proper placement of the sharpened tip of a needle in a blood vessel. Blood flow is retained within the path of fluid flow by a cover sleeve disposed in covering relation to the flow path.

Abstract: A percutaneous syringe assembly for use in the introduction of a guidewire into a blood vessel for the purpose of guiding a catheter into place. The syringe has a plunger with a central guide tube for the wire and a needle lumen for introduction of the wire into a blood vessel. A protective flexible container for a guidewire is attachable to the syringe plunger in a closed circuit with selective ends to be aligned with the central guide tube of the plunger to permit a J-end or a straight end of a wire to be introduced into a selected blood vessel.

Abstract: The syringe is of the aspirating type and comprises a transparent barrel, having an outlet spout for mounting a hypodermic needle at one end and fully open at its opposite end. A partition separates the barrel into a shorter and a longer chamber, the latter for containing the liquid to be injected. A plunger assembly has a piston rod slidable through the partition. A rubber sleeve, surrounded by a casing, is frictionally, slidably mounted on the piston rod in the shorter chamber, and a compression coil spring freely surrounds the piston rod between the casing and the partition. A lever plate is pivotable on one of the fingergrips of the barrel between an open position and a closed position, trapping the sleeve, the casing and the spring into the shorter chamber with the spring in compressed condition. Opening of the lever plate immediately before injection automatically induces partial retraction of the plunger assembly.

Abstract: A flashback structure of the type primarily designed to be used in combination with a catheter assembly and more specifically structured to provide clear visual indication of blood flow along a circuitous path of fluid flow which is indicative of proper placement of the sharpened tip of a needle in a blood vessel wherein the catheter assembly can then be removed from the supporting needle or cannula and enter the vessel.

Abstract: A bio-medical injector apparatus comprising a base unit having a skin engaging portion disposed at an angular orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base unit for supporting and maintaining a hypodermic needle at an optimum angular orientation for effecting an injection procedure, a carriage assembly reciprocally mounted on the base unit and carrying the hypodermic needle simultaneously therewith, a motor drive unit operably connected with the hypodermic needle for the preloading thereof with a suitable medication, a solenoid secured to the base unit and operably connected with the carriage assembly for a controlled reciprocation thereof for effecting the injection operation of the needle, and an electronic circuitry operably connected between a power supply and the motor drive and the solenoid for creating the logic necessary to perform the functions of the injector apparatus.

Abstract: A grooved stylet having a puncture point aligned with the stylet axis is mounted through a catheter to form an assembly. The aligned puncture point enables more accurate piercing of a vein, and reduces the possibility of double piercing the vein.The stylet near its proximal end is provided with a circular shoulder which abuts the proximal end of the catheter, and the catheter end is positioned on the stylet so that only the stylet puncture point projects beyond the catheter.The catheter is constructed of a hydrophilic polymer which expands away from the stylet and permits the stylet to be withdrawn from the puncture site, leaving the catheter in place in the vein.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paint or other liquids having a rotational valve actuable between a dispensing position and a suction position and a piston and cylinder assembly in flow coupling relation to the valve, and having a base plate for rotationally positioning the piston and cylinder assembly between the dispensing position and the suction position, including an inclined plane for imparting a predetermined suction movement of the piston during the rotational positioning.

Abstract: A hypodermic cartridge includes a barrel having a cannula attached to a forward end thereof. The rear or inner end of the cannula extends into the barrel interior and is provided with a deflected or bent section having its distal portion juxtaposed the peripheral wall of the barrel. In use, upon aspiration, the first droplet of blood is readily viewable through the barrel wall regardless of whether the medicament contained in the barrel is clear, translucent or opaque.

Abstract: The skin and a subjacent body vessel is pierced with a needle mounted on a fluid-fillable chamber at the opposite end of which is a plunger movable into the chamber. In one embodiment, disposed within the needle and chamber is a closed-ended flexible catheter. A flexible stylet is disposed in the catheter. The catheter is drawn through the needle and into the body vessel by pushing into the chamber the plunger which engages the distal portion of the stylet. The closed-ended pliable catheter is drawn into place in the body vessel by the pushing stylet while fluid is simultaneously infused into the body vessel to dilate it and thereby ease the advancement of the catheter with minimal damage to the vessel wall.The chamber and needle are removable from the catheter, leaving it in place in the body for the infusion of fluid.In another embodiment a stiffer, open-ended catheter is used and plunger pushes directly against the catheter to push it into the body vessel.

Abstract: A catheter placement device for use in introducing high frequency jet ventilation gas to the trachea of a patient is provided which includes a catheter, and a catheter introducer having a needle within the catheter and includes an actuating member for moving the needle to an extended position in which the needle tip extends beyond the distal end of the catheter for percutaneously inserting the catheter and needle into the throat of a patient. A spring moves the needle tip to a retracted position within the catheter upon release of the actuating member. The introducer is removable from the catheter so that a source of high frequency ventilation gas can be connected to the catheter. The introducer has a piston which is movable in a bore which communicates with the needle lumen.

Abstract: Negative pressure to accelerate flashback is formed by selective deformation of an elastomeric bladder. The bladder and a next adjacent cam means are enclosed in a housing, penetrated by a slide or roller engaging the cam surface. As the slide or roller moves along the cam surface, the bladder is selectively deformed first to close, then to evacuate distally and then to reopen at a negative differential pressure.