Abstract:
A variable infusion device for administering liquids parenterally to a patient is formed of inexpensive plastic members. The device includes an elongated passage defined between two members of the device which are bonded to one another. A third member is movable relative to the first and second members to change the length of the elongated passage through which liquid flows thereby changing the flow rate of the liquid through the device. The liquid flow rates to the patient can be incrementally adjusted over a wide range of flow rates. Settings also include a flow rate for merely keeping the patient's vein open.
Abstract:
An improved multiple re-entry implantable septum is disclosed. The septum comprises a casing and a resilient member positioned within the casing. The resilient member has a perforation therein which is compressed closed. An outer side of the casing presents a relatively large surface configured to channel the end of a slender, elongate component such as a needle to a predetermined location at a relatively small bore in the outer side of the casing. The small bore in the casing is located adjacent the perforation in the resilient member. An assembly of a first needle and a cannula positioned over the needle is inserted into the skin so that the end of the needle contacts the relatively large surface of the casing and is channeled to the small bore therein. The bore is dimensioned to prevent passage of the first needle through the casing. The first needle is withdrawn from the casing and skin leaving the plastic cannula in place adjacent the small bore. A second, relatively smaller blunt needle is inserted into the cannula and through the small bore of the casing and the perforation in the resilient member to permit filling an implanted drug reservoir for an implanted infusion device.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a two-celled battery for use in cardiac pacer devices which comprises an outer encasement member and first and second internal cell elements. Each of the first and second cell elements includes an insulating cup, a lithium anode positioned within the cup, and a cathode positioned in contact with said anode. Each of the insulating cups includes an opening therethrough such that the lithium anode in the first cell makes contact with a terminal mounted through and insulated from the encasing means and the anode of the second cell is electrically in contact with the cathode of the first cell. The insulating cup of the second cell is positioned within the insulating cup of the first cell and both first and second cells are positioned within the encasing means such that the terminal contact with the first lithium anode and the encasing means is in contact with the cathode of the second cell.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a lithium halide battery structure comprising an outer metal envelope and top portion which is hermetically sealed to the envelope. The top portion includes an insulator conforming to and positioned thereon to the base configuration of the top portion and a support means having a base configuration substantially the same as the insulator. The support means also includes a flange depending from the support base and a pair of spaced apart post holders integral with said flange. First and second posts are positioned in the post holders with a metal anode collector screen positioned between and attached to said posts. The first post extends through the support means, insulator and top portion to define the anode terminal. The second post terminates in the associated post holder. A first and second pair of lithium anodes are pressure bonded together to sandwich therebetween the support means and anode collector screen. First and second depolarizer pellets are positioned between and in coextensive contact with the first and second anodes and the inner surface of the envelope.
Abstract:
An angioplasty balloon catheter particularly adapted for ablation of a stenosis in vivo has a balloon which may be inflated with a conductive contrast fluid injected proximally to the balloon, and is furthermore metalized on the outside of the balloon and catheter shaft. The balloon has piezoelectric properties, and may be excited by application of an ultrasonic signal across the balloon between the metalized surface and the contrast fluid. The catheter is guided by a centrally located guide wire to the site of the stenosis. If the distal tip of the catheter shaft cannot pass through the stenosis, excitation of the piezoelectric balloon in a deflated state at the site of the stenosis causes ultrasonic hammering vibrations at the tip of the catheter shaft which ablate the stenosis. After the tip of the catheter has hammered its way across the stenosis, and while maintaining the ultrasonic excitation signal, the balloon is inflated to keep the vibrating balloon surface in contact with the stenosis. Unlike the case with other inflatable balloon catheters which simply press the stenosis against the blood vessel wall, the stenosis is broken up by ultrasonic vibrations and is carried away by the blood flow, minimizing the risk of re-stenosis.
Abstract:
Apparatus for changing the temperature of an infusible liquid from a first temperature to a second predetermined temperature. The apparatus includes a receiver assembly for changing the temperature of the liquid. The apparatus also includes a cartridge to be received in the assembly and which defines an enclosed passageway for movement of the fluid. The cartridge has a first end, a second end, a liquid inlet disposed adjacent the first end, a liquid output disposed adjacent the second end, and a first wall extending between the ends and made of a material having good heat transfer properties. The assembly includes a thermoelectric heat pump, and a slot is provided for releasably receiving the cartridge so that the heat pump engages the wall of the cartridge. The assembly also includes a temperature sensor engaging the wall adjacent the ouptut and an electric circuit which is responsive to the temperature sensor for controlling operation of the heat pump so that the liquid exiting the cartridge is at the predetermined temperature.
Abstract:
An improved peristaltic pump is disclosed which comprises a plurality of peristaltic tubes which extend from a central suction port to a common discharge chamber. A spiral cam engages the tubes and closes the lumens defined thereby. The spiral cam is rotated relative to the tubes to effect pumping.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a lithium halide primary cell having means to indicate its end of life. The cell includes at least one lithium anode and a cathode in contact with a major surface of the anode wherein the indicating means comprises a stepped portion on the major surface of said anode which is not in contact with the cathode. The stepped portion of the anode comprises a surface area of from about 40 to 60% of the area of the major surface in contact with the cathode and about 15 to 5% of the total thickness of said anode.
Abstract:
An angioplasty balloon catheter particularly adapted for ablation of a stenosis in vivo has a balloon which may be inflated with a conductive contrast fluid injected proximally to the balloon, and is furthermore metalized on the outside of the balloon and catheter shaft. The balloon has piezoelectric properties, and may be excited by application of an ultrasonic signal across the balloon between the metalized surface and the contrast fluid. The catheter is guided by a centrally located guide wire to the site of the stenosis. If the distal tip of the catheter shaft cannot pass through the stenosis, excitation of the piezoelectric balloon in a deflated state at the site of the stenosis causes ultrasonic hammering vibrations at the tip of the catheter shaft which ablate the stenosis. After the tip of the catheter has hammered its way across the stenosis, and while maintaining the ultrasonic excitation signal, the balloon is inflated to keep the vibrating balloon surface in contact with the stenosis. Unlike the case with other inflatable balloon catheters which simply press the stenosis against the blood vessel wall, the stenosis is broken up by ultrasonic vibrations and is carried away by the blood flow, minimizing the risk of re-stenosis.
Abstract:
A variable infusion device for administering liquids parenterally to a patient is formed of inexpensive plastic members. The device includes an elongated passage defined between two members of the device which are bonded to one another. A third member is movable relative to the first and second members to change the length of the elongated passage through which liquid flows thereby changing the flow rate of the liquid through the device. The liquid flow rates to the patient can be incrementally adjusted over a wide range of flow rates. Settings also include a low flow rate for merely keeping the patient's vein open.