Patent Abstract:
An applicator for mixing and applying multi-component compositions to a work surface, such as two-component surgical sealants, while avoiding clogs, preventing cross-contamination of the components until a point of intended mixing at a location within the apparatus immediately upstream of an application opening in a tip cap, decreasing pressure drop along the applicator to facilitate fluid delivery, and increasing efficiency of mixing of the components. A luer hub sub-assembly having a proximal hub and a distal hub, an elongate, four-lumened cannula, and a spray tip sub-assembly are provided, with interconnections between the sub-assemblies preserving isolation of the fluid components from one another. The tip cap sub-assembly includes registration structure to assure proper alignment between tip cap and tip insert. The end wall of the tip cap includes a spinner region with three feeders leading thereto, the fluid components remaining isolated from one another in two of the feeders, and initiating mixing with one another in a third of the feeders.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to systems for applying a sealant to a work surface and, more particularly, to a device for mixing and applying a multi-component composition, such as a surgical tissue sealant made of two fluid components, to biological tissue employing structure that facilitates controlled spray application of the sealant. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The device of the present disclosure is particularly useful for mixing and applying multi-component compositions to a work surface, such as two-component surgical sealants, while avoiding clogs, preventing cross-contamination of the components until a point of intended mixing at a location within the apparatus in close proximity to an application opening in a tip cap, decreasing pressure drop along the apparatus and system to facilitate fluid delivery, and increasing efficiency of mixing of the components. It will be appreciated that not all of these advantages need be achieved by a mixing and dispensing device made in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     The mixing and dispensing device maintains a physical boundary between each component of a two-component composition until it is suitable to initiate contact, which is particularly desirable for components that quickly react upon exposure to one another. In the case of multi-part surgical sealants, the components, such as a buffer (e.g., a dilute hydrogen chloride solution) and a reconstituted mix of two synthetic polyethylene glycols (PEG&#39;s), begin to react with one another almost immediately upon exposure to each other, so it is desirable to avoid premature mixing, i.e. cross-contamination or “cross-talk” of the components, while they are within the mixing and dispensing device. It is also desirable to avoid inadequate mixing of components, as failure to adequately mix the components may yield a poor mixture and cause clogging, for example. Further, premixing a desired proportion of each of the components being mixed before all of the components are mixed together just prior to application results in an improved mixture. 
     The mixing and dispending device includes an applicator having three sub-assemblies, namely: a luer hub sub-assembly that docks or mates with a two-barreled syringe, also referred to herein as a dual syringe (one of the syringes carrying a buffer and the other syringe receiving a mix of two PEG&#39;s prior to engagement with the luer hub sub-assembly); a malleable cannula; and a spray tip sub-assembly. The luer hub sub-assembly includes a proximal hub and a distal hub. The malleable cannula is preferably formed as an extrusion of soft thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, such as Pellethane™ (available from The Dow Chemical Company) and includes lumens therein, preferably four lumens. Two of the lumens carry fluid, with each of the fluid carrying lumens placed in fluid communication with a respective chamber or barrel of the dual syringe. One of the lumens carries a wire, preferably a dead soft, fully annealed wire, that is used to facilitate bending of the malleable cannula, but also helps to retain the malleable cannula in a position into which it is bent. The fourth lumen may be left vacant, serving primarily to maintain substantially constant wall thickness during extrusion of the malleable cannula, but could alternatively accommodate, by way of example only, vacuum pressure (i.e., suction), pressurized gas, flushing solution, a light, a heat source, or a fiber optic camera. 
     The spray tip sub-assembly includes a tip insert and a tip cap. The tip insert is provided with alignment posts that are received in apertures provided in the malleable cannula, such as in the wire-carrying lumen and in the vacant lumen. If the vacant lumen instead is serving to provide, for example, a vacuum, a pressurized gas, a flushing solution, or a light, the alignment post received therein may be hollow to accommodate such lumen-delivered services. 
     The tip cap has a spray opening therein, and a spinner region or spin chamber is embedded in an interior surface thereof, on the underside of the end in which the spray opening is provided. Indentations that serve as feeders to the spin chamber are also provided in the interior surface of the tip cap. Angled indentations of the tip insert direct flow to sides of the tip insert, then into the spinner region. The tip cap may be provided with mating pins that are received in complementary holes on a distal face of the tip insert, ensuring proper alignment of the spin chamber with the tip insert. 
     In one embodiment, a webbing is provided between the alignment posts of the tip insert, with a complementary slot provided in a mating end of the malleable cannula. The webbing helps to prevent cross-talk between a substantial portion of the fluid components in the two fluid-carrying lumens as the fluids flow from the malleable cannula into the tip insert. A similar webbing, alignment post, and complementary slot arrangement may be provided where the proximal hub of the luer hub sub-assembly mates with the malleable cannula. A solvent is preferably applied to the slots to bond the tip insert to the cannula. An adhesive may also be used for bonding purposes. 
     In another embodiment, the malleable cannula includes a pair of notches in each of the proximal and distal ends thereof, each of the notches exposing a semi-cylindrical channel region of a corresponding one of the fluid-carrying lumens. Each of the notches extends from an end wall of the malleable cannula (at which the non-fluid carrying lumens terminate) to a stop wall spaced axially inwardly of the end wall, thereby defining a male projection of the malleable cannula at each of the proximal and distal ends. Each of the semi-cylindrical channel regions of the fluid-carrying lumens exposed at the respective notch is bounded along its lateral edges by a pair of alignment ledges extending to the outer perimeter of the malleable cannula. In this embodiment, the tip insert of the tip cap sub-assembly is provided with a complementary female mating port to receive the male projection at the distal end of the malleable cannula. Once the male projection of the malleable cannula is engaged with the female mating port of the tip insert, each of a pair of fluid path archways of the tip insert is aligned with a portion of a respective one of the semi-cylindrical channel regions. 
     The tip insert further includes a pair of substantially Quonset-shaped wedges, each of which occupies a portion of a respective one of the semi-cylindrical channel regions closer to the end face of the tip cap, diverting fluid from the fluid-carrying lumens radially outward, through the fluid path archways, and into flow paths defined between crescent-shaped channels running axially along an exterior of the tip insert and an inner wall of the tip cap. Similar structure may be provided at the interface of the distal hub of the luer hub sub-assembly and the proximal end of the malleable cannula in order to direct fluid from the luer hub sub-assembly (to which a double-barreled syringe is selectively secured, such as with actuable locking tabs and clips) into the respective fluid-carrying lumens of the malleable cannula. 
     The crescent-shaped channels of the tip insert direct fluid from the fluid carrying channels of the malleable cannula toward an area between the walls of the tip insert and the tip cap, allowing a first mixing component only to be directed between an area between the tip insert and the tip cap, a second mixing component only to be directed between a separate and distinct area between the tip insert and the tip cap, and a combination of both the first and second mixing components to be directed between yet another separate, distinct area between the tip insert and the tip cap. Thus, a plurality of isolated flow paths are provided between the tip insert and the tip cap, with one of the flow paths including a mixture of both the first and second mixing components, while the other flow paths include either the first mixing component only or the second mixing component only. 
     In order to assure proper alignment between the tip cap and the tip insert, the tip cap may be provided with an inwardly-directed dimple or depression in a region of the tip cap where the sidewall of the tip cap meets the end wall of the tip cap, with a corresponding interior region of the tip cap having an inwardly-directed key. A complementary alignment notch is provided in a distal end of the tip insert, which receives the inwardly-directed key when the tip insert is received in the tip cap. To facilitate assembly of the various components, fillets and rounds may be employed at interfacing surfaces. For example, at least a proximal end of each of the Quonset-shaped wedges of the tip insert may be provided with rounded corners to facilitate insertion of the male projection at the distal end of the malleable cannula. 
     The three sub-assemblies of the device of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they engage and cooperate with one another, are explained in greater detail in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a conventional dual syringe and elongate applicator assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a conventional elongate applicator assembly, including a luer hub sub-assembly having a proximal hub and a distal hub, an elongate, three-lumened cannula, and a spray tip sub-assembly including a round tip insert and a tip cap; 
         FIG. 2A  is an enlarged exploded view of the region of  FIG. 2  designated as “FIG.  2 A”, illustrating the spray tip sub-assembly of the conventional elongate applicator assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a mixing and dispensing device of the present disclosure, including a luer hub sub-assembly having a proximal hub and a distal hub, a malleable, four-lumened cannula, and a spray tip sub-assembly including a triangular tip insert and a tip cap; 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of the malleable cannula of the mixing and dispensing device of the present disclosure, taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the luer hub sub-assembly of the mixing and dispensing device of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view, taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 , of the luer hub sub-assembly, with the proximal hub and distal hub of the luer hub sub-assembly engaged with one another, and illustrating in cross-section a proximal end of the malleable cannula received in a cannula-receiving opening of the distal hub of the luer hub sub-assembly, with each of the two fluid carrying lumens of the malleable cannula in fluid communication with a respective fluid path through the distal hub and proximal hub of the luer hub sub-assembly, through which the fluid carrying lumens of the malleable cannula may be placed in fluid communication with respective barrels of a dual syringe; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of one embodiment of a spray tip sub-assembly of a mixing and dispensing device of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  is an end view, taken along lines  7 A- 7 A of  FIG. 7 , of the tip insert of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a spray tip sub-assembly of a mixing and dispensing device of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the spray tip sub-assembly of the mixing and dispensing device illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of yet an additional embodiment of a spray tip sub-assembly of a mixing and dispensing device of the present disclosure similar to the spray tip sub-assembly of  FIGS. 3 and 9 , but with an alternate tip cap; 
         FIG. 10A  is an enlarged plan view of the end wall of the tip cap, schematically illustrating the acceleration and mixing of two components in feeders and in a spinner region provided in the end wall; 
         FIG. 11  is an end view and partial cross-section view of the spray tip sub-assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view, taken along lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 , illustrating the tip insert of  FIG. 10  engaged with the tip cap of  FIG. 10 , and further illustrating a distal end of a malleable cannula of the mixing and dispensing device of the present disclosure received in the tip cap and engaged with the tip insert, with alignment pins of the tip insert received in a wire-carrying lumen and in a vacant lumen of the malleable cannula; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the exterior of the tip cap of the spray tip sub-assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged cross-sectional view, taken along lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 , of the spray tip sub-assembly of  FIG. 10 , with directional arrows illustrating the flow of fluid onto angled indentations of the tip insert, deflected beyond the sides of the tip insert, and toward a spinner region provided in an underside of the tip cap; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the spray tip sub-assembly of  FIGS. 10-14 , with a broken-away portion of the malleable cannula and including a solid-bubbled line representing a first component exiting a first fluid-carrying lumen of the malleable cannula and a hollow-bubbled line representing a second component exiting a second fluid-carrying lumen of the malleable cannula; and 
         FIG. 15A  is an exploded perspective view of the spray tip sub-assembly of  FIG. 15 , with a portion of the tip cap cut away, and with the solid-bubbled lines representing flow paths of the first component, and the hollow-bubbled lines representing flow paths of the second component, around sides of the tip insert and into the spinner region provided in the underside of the tip cap; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a spray tip sub-assembly, with a broken away portion of a malleable cannula and an alternate distal end of a cannula; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded rear view of a tip insert of a spray tip sub-assembly of  FIG. 16 , wherein the tip insert has a substantially octagonal shape; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the spray tip sub-assembly of  FIG. 16 , illustrating the tip insert within a tip cap of the spray tip sub-assembly and a mixed component being released from a delivery opening at a distal end of the tip cap, the mixed component illustrated by lines having both solid and hollow bubbles, the solid bubbles representing a first mixing component and the hollow bubbles representing a second mixing component; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the spray tip sub-assembly taken along lines  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 , illustrating the tip insert keeping first and second mixing components from mixing prematurely when fluid passes from the cannula and into the tip insert of the spray tip sub-assembly; 
         FIG. 20  is another cross-sectional view of the spray tip sub-assembly taken along lines  20 - 20  of  FIG. 18 , illustrating the angled indentations directing fluid from the fluid carrying channels of the cannula toward a space between the walls of the tip insert and the tip cap; 
         FIG. 21  is another cross-sectional view of the spray tip sub-assembly taken along lines  21 - 21  of  FIG. 18 , illustrating the fluid even further directed from the fluid carrying channels of the cannula into the tip insert and tip cap; 
         FIG. 22  is another cross-sectional view of the spray tip sub-assembly taken along lines  22 - 22  of  FIG. 18 , illustrating the fluid directed to feeders of the tip cap, some of which has been already mixed in one feeder, wherein other fluids will not be mixed until after the feeders deliver the fluids to the spinner region; 
         FIG. 23  is a plan view of the cannula of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the cannula taken along the lines  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the cannula taken along the lines  25 - 25  of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a front plan view of a tip insert of the spray tip sub-assembly of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the tip insert of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a bottom plan view of the tip insert of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a top plan view of the tip insert of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a tip cap of the spray tip sub-assembly of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a top plan view of the tip cap of  FIG. 30 ; and 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view, taken along lines  32 - 32  of  FIG. 31 , of the tip cap of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a top plan view of a proximal hub of a luer hub sub-assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the proximal hub of  FIG. 33  taken along the lines  34 - 4  of  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of the distal hub of a luer hub sub-assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 36  is a top view of the distal hub of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  37 - 37  of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is an enlarged view of the region indicated by the circle designated “FIG.  38 ” in  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 39  is an enlarged view of the region indicated by the circle designated “FIG.  39 ” in  FIG. 36 ; and 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a syringe assembly that may be used with each of the luer hub sub-assemblies and cannulae referenced herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  2 A, a conventional kit  10  for mixing and applying a two-component surgical sealant to a tissue site includes a dual syringe  12 , a luer hub sub-assembly  14 , a cannula  16 , and a spray tip sub-assembly  18 . The luer hub sub-assembly includes a proximal hub  20  and a distal hub  22 . The proximal hub  20  includes a pair of fluid channels  24 ,  26 , each of the fluid channels  24 ,  26  placed into fluid communication with a respective one of the barrels of the dual syringe  12  when the luer hub sub-assembly  14  is docked with the dual syringe  12  via slip luer connections. The distal hub  22  also includes two distinct fluid channels (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), which are in fluid communication with the respective fluid channels  24 ,  26  of the proximal hub  20 . The fluid channels of the distal hub  22  converge toward one another, but remain physically separated, and are in further fluid communication with respective fluid-carrying lumens  30 ,  32  provided within the cannula  16 . The cannula  16  also includes a third lumen  34 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the spray tip sub-assembly  18  includes a circular tip insert  28  having two alignment posts  36 ,  38  extending from a proximal side of the tip insert  28  that are received in the distal ends of the fluid-carrying lumens  30 ,  32 . Each of the alignment posts  36 ,  38  includes at least one aperture therethrough to carry fluid from the respective lumens  30 ,  32  into radially extending grooves of  39 ,  41  of a recessed region  40  of the distal side of the tip insert  28 , which abuts an interior surface of a tip cap  42 . More specifically, fluid from lumen  30  is first directed into the radially extending groove  39  and fluid from lumen  32  is first directed into the radially extending groove  41 . The fluids from each of lumens  30  and  32  are kept separate from each other as they enter the radially extending grooves  39 ,  41 . After the fluid enters the radially extending grooves  39 ,  41 , the fluid then enters a spinning chamber or center area of the recessed region  40  by a spinning motion. It is in this spinning chamber where fluid from lumen  30  first contacts fluid from lumen  32  before mixing. Thus, the recessed region  40  cooperates with the interior surface of the tip cap  42  to form a mixing chamber where the two fluids from the dual syringe  12 , which initially came into contact with each other in the spinning chamber, are then mixed immediately prior to delivery through a delivery opening  44  provided in the tip cap  42 . 
     Although the conventional surgical sealant mixing and application kit  10  is intended to be suitable for one-handed operation, due at least in part to the number of connections involved, medical professionals often resort to using both hands when operating the kit  10  to mix and apply tissue sealant. The following improvements address these and other drawbacks of the conventional tissue sealant kit  10 . 
     Several embodiments of an improved device for mixing and applying a multi-component composition will now be described. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an applicator  100  of a first embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The applicator  100  includes a luer hub sub-assembly  114 , a cannula  116 , and a spray tip sub-assembly  118 . The luer hub sub-assembly  114  includes a proximal hub  120  and a distal hub  122 , with the proximal hub  120  including fluid channels  124  and  126  to be placed in fluid communication with respective barrels of a dual syringe (not illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). The distal hub  122  includes two distinct fluid channels  146 ,  148  ( FIG. 5 ) in fluid communication with the respective fluid channels  124 ,  126  of the proximal hub  120 . 
     The cannula  116  is preferably a malleable cannula extruded from a soft thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, such as The Dow Chemical Company&#39;s Pellethane™ with four lumens, each of which is more closely illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Two of the lumens are fluid-carrying lumens  130 ,  132 , each of which has a diameter preferably in the range of approximately 0.03″-0.06″, and most preferably, approximately 0.046″. A third lumen  134  may receive a wire  164  (illustrated in cross-section in  FIG. 12 ), which is preferably an annealed wire. The soft thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer of the malleable cannula  116  and the annealed wire, in conjunction with one another, result in improved malleability, making the cannula  116  easier for medical personnel to bend the cannula  116  into a desired shape that is maintained after the cannula  116  is released. The diameter of the third lumen  134  is preferably in the range of approximately 0.03″-0.06″, and most preferably, approximately 0.03″, to accommodate an annealed wire  164  having a diameter of approximately 0.03″. A fourth lumen  162  may remain vacant. Alternatively, the fourth lumen  162  could be employed to accommodate supplemental features such as, by way of example only, suction, pressurized gas, flushing solution, a light, a heat source, or a fiber optic camera. The fourth lumen  162  is considered desirable to include even if it remains vacant, as providing a fourth lumen  162  in the cannula  116  helps maintain substantially uniform wall thickness in the cannula  116  during extrusion thereof. The fourth lumen  162  may have a diameter greater than the diameter of each of the two fluid-carrying lumens  130 ,  132  and the third wire-carrying lumen  134 . The diameter of the fourth lumen  162  is preferably in a range of approximately 0.03″ to approximately 0.06″, and most preferably, in a range of approximately 0.030″ to approximately 0.050″. The larger diameter of the fourth lumen  162  assists in distinguishing the respective lumens of the malleable cannula  116  to facilitate assembly of the applicator  100 . The relatively large diameter of the fourth lumen  162  also helps to accommodate the optional supplemental features for which the fourth lumen  162  might be employed. 
     A proximal end region  154  of the malleable cannula  116  is received in a cylindrical female cannula-mating port  156  provided on a distal side of the distal hub  122 . The proximal end region  154  of the malleable cannula  116  is provided with an elongate opening or slot  158  that receives a webbing  160  ( FIG. 6 ) projecting from the distal side of the distal hub  122  within the cylindrical female cannula-mating port  156 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the webbing  160  may be aligned with a rib or wall  163  projecting on the proximal side of the distal hub  122  that separates the fluid channels  146 , 148  of the distal hub  122 . When received in the slot  158 , the webbing  160  extends through the third and fourth lumens  134 ,  162  of the malleable cannula  116 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each of the fluid-carrying lumens  130 ,  132  is placed into fluid communication with a respective fluid path hole  147 ,  149  of the fluid channels  146 ,  148  of the distal hub  122  of the luer hub sub-assembly  114 . The fluid channels  146 ,  148  are each defined by a groove  146   a ,  148   a  ( FIG. 6 ) in a proximal surface  150  of the distal hub  122  and by a distal surface  152  of the proximal hub  120 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, each of the fluid channels  146 ,  148  of the distal hub  122  has a diameter of approximately 0.05″. Each of the fluid path holes  147 ,  149  has a diameter in a range of approximately 0.02″ to approximately 0.05″, and most preferably, 0.046″. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9-15 , in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the spray tip sub-assembly  118  of the applicator  100  includes a triangular tip insert  128 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the triangular tip insert  128  is received in a tip cap  142  having a delivery opening  144  through an end wall  175 . The delivery opening  144  has a length in a range of approximately 0.01″ to about 0.04″, preferably about 0.02″. The delivery opening  144  may be formed as a circular opening with an orifice diameter in a range of approximately 0.010 to 0.020″. In order to achieve a fan-type spray, the delivery opening  144  may be provided with an oval-shaped slit  199 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Alternately, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a nipple  145  may be provided about the delivery opening  144 . The nipple  145  promotes dispersion of spray. Alternately, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , an elongate nipple region  145  may be provided on both sides of the delivery opening  144 . The distal, exterior surface of the end wall  175  of the tip cap  142  may vary in topography, reminiscent to a mechanical break-up unit found in conventional commercial spray applicators. The varied topography helps overcome surface tension effects of the mixed fluid and aids in atomization. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 10A , the triangular tip insert  128  is preferably secured to the interior of the tip cap  142  by three guide pins  182 ,  184  and  186  provided on a proximal side of the end wall  175 . The guide pins  182 ,  184 ,  186  mate with complementary pin-receiving holes  188 ,  190 ,  192  provided in a distal end of the triangular tip insert  128 . The proximal side of the end wall  175  is provided with a plurality of feeders  194 ,  196 ,  198 . 
     Referring, for example, to  FIG. 11 , the feeders  194 ,  196 ,  198  serve to deliver fluid from the three side walls  177   a ,  177   b ,  177   c  of the triangular tip insert  128  toward the recessed spinner region  180  so the fluids can be fully mixed with one another immediately prior to passing through the delivery opening  144  through the end wall  175 . Thus, the fluids are mixed only after having been maintained in isolation from one another from the barrels of the dual syringe, through the luer hub sub-assembly  114 , the malleable cannula  116 , and into the spray tip sub-assembly  118 , all of which will be explained in more detail below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the proximal side of the triangular tip insert  128  is provided with angled indentations  176 ,  178 , with one of the angled indentations  176 ,  178  provided on either side of the alignment posts  136 ,  138  and the webbing  168 . The angled indentations  176 ,  178  serve to redirect fluid flow from the two fluid-carrying lumens  130 ,  132  to openings in the form of arcuate segments  171 ,  172 ,  173  defined between each of the three side walls  177   a ,  177   b ,  177   c  of the triangular tip insert  128  and an inner surface  174  of the tip cap  142 , and toward a recessed spinner region  180  embedded in the proximal side of the end wall  175  of the tip cap  142 . The inner surface  174  may be the inner surface of the cylindrical wall of the tip cap  142 . 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 14 , rounded tips  179  (see also  FIGS. 15 and 15A ) of the triangular tip insert  128  contact the inner surface  174  of the tip cap  142 , forming a seal between the interior surface  174  of the tip cap  142  and the triangular tip insert  128 . This seal helps properly direct an accurate amount of fluid coming from each of the angled indentations  176 ,  178  into their respective arcuate segments  171 ,  172 , and  173 . The seal also prevents fluid from inadvertently going between the inner surface  174  of the tip cap  142  and angular sections of the triangular tip insert  128 , preventing an improper amount of fluid from being directed to one of the arcuate segments  171 ,  172 ,  173  and resulting in an inadequate proportion of fluid components being mixed. In other words, the seals help ensure that an accurate amount of fluid from each fluid carrying lumens flows from the angled indentations into one or more of the arcuate segments  171 ,  172  and  173 . If too much fluid from the angled indentations  176  and  179  inadvertently flows into any one of the arcuate segments  171 ,  172 , and  173 , the resulting mixture of components will be inadequate. The rounded tips form an interference seal to the tapered internal hole of the tip cap 
     As indicated in  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  15 A, a solid-bubbled line represents a first component exiting the first fluid-carrying lumen  130  of the malleable cannula  116  and a hollow-bubbled line represents a second component exiting the second fluid-carrying lumen  132  of the malleable cannula  116 . Notably, the angled indentation  176  deflects the first component through arcuate segment openings  171  and  172 , and into feeders  194 ,  198 , while angled indentation  178  deflects the second component through arcuate segment openings  171  and  173 , and into feeders  194  and  196 . Thus, mixing of the first and second component within the spray tip sub-assembly  118  is initiated gradually, as a desired portion of the first and second components are first exposed to one another in arcuate segment opening  171  and feeder  194 . Fillets and rounds, such as rounded tips  179  of the triangular insert  128  contact the inner surface  174  of the tip cap  142  to help make sure the first and second components passing through arcuate segment openings  172  and  173 , respectively, and entering feeders  196  and  198 , are kept separate from one another. Even though only two mixing components exit the fluid carrying lumens  130 ,  132 , a first component exiting the first fluid carrying lumen  130  and a second component exiting the second fluid carrying lumen  132 , there are three streams of different fluids entering each of the feeders  194 ,  196 ,  198  prior to mixing. Specifically, because the angled indentation  176  deflects the first component through both arcuate segments  171  and  172  and angled indentation  178  deflects the second component through both arcuate segments  171  and  173 , the first and second components first contact each other in the arcuate segment  171  before even entering the feeder  194 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . By design, a combination of the first and second components then enters feeder  194  before mixing, only the first component enters feeder  198  before mixing, and only the second component enters feeder  196  before mixing. The first and second components are kept separate from each other in feeders  198  and  196  respectively, until all the fluid components from the separate feeders converge as they approach the center of the spinner region  180 , causing a vortex that completes the mixing of the components immediately prior to delivery through the delivery opening  144 . 
     The feeders  194 ,  196 ,  198  cooperate with the center of the spinner region  180  in such a manner as to enhance spinning so as to quickly and thoroughly mix the first, second components and mixture of components. As illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 15A , the triangular shape of each of the feeders  194 ,  196 ,  198  results in sidewalls that angle inward toward one another with increasing radial proximity within the passageway defined by the distal side of the triangular tip insert  128  and the feeder to the center of the spinner region  180 . In other words, as the components in the feeders  194 ,  196 ,  198  approach the center of the spinner region  180 , the cross-sectional area of the respective passageway defined by the distal side of the triangular tip insert  128  and the feeder decreases, causing an increase in velocity of the components, in a similar fashion to a converging nozzle. Thus, as the radial distance from the center of the spinner region  180  decreases, the cross-sectional area of the feeder decreases, causing an increase in velocity of the fluid components (represented schematically by arrows of increasing length), which reach a maximum velocity just prior to fluid entering the center of the spinner region  180 , which serves as a mixing chamber. As the fluid components exit each of the feeders  194 ,  196 ,  198 , they are propelled tangentially along the circular side wall  200  of the spinner region  180  to enforce the spinning, mixing action, forming a vortex, culminating in the spray of the mixed components through the delivery opening  144 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the tip insert  128  includes a pair of alignment posts  136 ,  138  projecting from a proximal side thereof, the alignment posts  136 ,  138  received in the third and fourth lumens,  134 ,  162 , respectively, at a distal end  166  of the malleable cannula  116 . The alignment post  138  preferably has a larger diameter than the alignment post  136 , to accommodate and monogamously mate with the corresponding fourth lumen  162  and third lumen  134 , respectively. One or both of the alignment posts  136 ,  138  may be provided with a hollow portion, as illustrated in cross-section in  FIG. 12 , in order to accommodate, for example, a distal end portion of the annealed wire  164 . If the fourth lumen  162  were to accommodate a device or fluid to be delivered or suctioned through, or otherwise exposed to, the delivery opening  144 , then the alignment post  138  could be hollow. 
     A webbing  168  extends laterally between the alignment posts  136 ,  138  and continues beyond each of the alignment posts  136 ,  138 . The webbing  168  of the tip insert  128  is received in an elongate opening or slot  170  in the distal end  166  of the malleable cannula  116 , in a similar fashion to the manner in which the webbing  160  ( FIG. 6 ) projecting from the distal end of the distal hub of the luer hub sub-assembly is received in the slot  158  in the proximal end region  158  of the cannula  116 . The webbing  168  helps isolate fluid components flowing through each of the fluid-carrying lumens  130 ,  132  from one another as the fluid components pass from the malleable cannula  116 , across the interface between the cannula  116  and the tip insert  128 . In a preferred embodiment, the slots  158 ,  170  have a width of approximately 0.01″, most preferably 0.012″ and a depth of approximately 0.05″, most preferably 0.049″, and may be formed by cutting the proximal and distal ends of the extruded malleable cannula  116  with a blade or utilizing forming (tipping) methods known in the catheter industry. 
     A solvent is preferably applied to each of the slots  158 ,  170  to help prevent cross-talk between the fluids passing from the fluid channels  146 ,  148  of the distal hub  122  of the luer hub sub-assembly  114  to the fluid-carrying lumens  130 ,  132  of the malleable cannula  116 , in the case of slot  158 , and from the fluid-carrying lumens  130 ,  132  malleable cannula  116  to the apertures  172 ,  174  through the triangular tip insert  128 , in the case of slot  170 . In place of solvent an adhesive bonding (self-curing, uv-curing or thermal curing) may be used. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A, and  8 , the spray tip sub-assembly may take alternate forms, such as having a substantially rectangular tip insert  248  with opposing flat side walls  277   a ,  277   b , and opposing rounded side walls  277   c ,  277   d . In the spray tip sub-assembly  218  illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 7   a , the distal end of the substantially rectangular tip insert  248  (as opposed to the proximal surface of the end wall  275  of the tip cap  242 ) is provided with a recessed spinner region  280 . Like the triangular tip insert  128 , the substantially rectangular tip insert  248  is provided with angled indentations  276 ,  278  to direct fluid from the fluid-carrying channels of a cannula toward space between the flat side walls  277   a ,  277   b  and the interior surface of the cylindrical wall  273  of the tip cap  242 . The substantially rectangular tip insert  248  may include alignment posts  236 ,  238 , connected by a webbing  268 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 7A . The substantially rectangular tip insert  248  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7  further includes feeders  294 ,  296  in the form of slots provided in the distal side of the tip insert  248 . A petal-shaped recessed region  281  of the interior of the end wall  275  of the tip cap  242  extending from the delivery opening  244  cooperates with the recessed spinner region  280  to further facilitate mixing. 
     The spray tip sub-assembly  218 A of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8  differs from the spray tip sub-assembly  218  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in that the distal end of the substantially rectangular tip insert  248 A has no recessed spinner region or feeders therein. Rather, the proximal surface of the end wall  275 A of the tip cap  242 A includes a recessed spinner region  280 A, with feeders  294 A,  296 A,  298 A leading thereto, to direct fluid into the spinner region  280 A for mixing immediately prior to delivery through the delivery opening  244 A. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 16-22 , another alternate embodiment of a spray tip sub-assembly  318  is illustrated. More specifically,  FIG. 16  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the spray tip sub-assembly  318  of  FIG. 16 , with a broken-away portion of a malleable cannula  316 . The spray tip sub-assembly  318  of this embodiment includes a tip insert  348  having a substantially octagonal distal portion, with three substantially flat side walls  377   a ,  377   b , and  377   c , and five concave or rounded side walls  377   d ,  377   e ,  377   f ,  377   g ,  377   h . A tip cap  342  of the spray tip sub-assembly  318  includes a cylindrical wall  373  and an end wall  375 . 
     Like the malleable cannula  116  of  FIG. 3 , the malleable cannula  316  includes four lumens and is preferably a malleable cannula  316  extruded from a soft thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, such as The Dow Chemical Company&#39;s Pellethane™. Two of the lumens are fluid carrying lumens  330 ,  332 , each of which may also be placed into fluid communication with the respective fluid path hole  147 ,  149  (see  FIG. 6 ) of the fluid channels  146 ,  148  of the distal hub  122  of the luer hub sub-assembly  114 . The malleable cannula  316  also includes a third lumen  334 , which may receive a wire resulting in improved malleability of the cannula  316 , and a fourth lumen  362 , which may be employed to accommodate, for example, suction, pressurized gas, flushing solution, a light, a heat source, or a fiber optic camera. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , a distal end region  366  of the malleable cannula  316  includes a pair of elongate notches where portions of the malleable cannula  316  are shaved or otherwise cut back to expose semi-cylindrical channel regions  330   a  and  332   a , each of which is an extension of a respective one of the fluid carrying lumens  330 ,  332 . The notches each extend axially along the malleable cannula  316 , from a distal end wall  400  of the malleable cannula  316  to a stop wall  402  spaced axially inwardly (i.e., proximally) of the distal end wall  400 . The semi-cylindrical channel regions  330   a ,  332   a  are each bounded along their lateral edges by alignment ledges  404 ,  406 ,  408 ,  410  (also illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20 ) extending to the outer perimeter of the malleable cannula  316 . The third and fourth lumens  334 ,  362  run between the alignment ledges  404 ,  408 , and  406 ,  410 , with the remaining portion of the malleable cannula  316  that surrounds the third and fourth lumens  334 ,  362  along the notches, and defining the semi-cylindrical channel regions  330   a ,  332   b , forming a male projection  370  of the malleable cannula  316 . The male projection  370  is received in a female mating port  379  (as illustrated in  FIG. 17 ) of the tip insert  348 . 
     Like the triangular tip insert  128 , the tip insert  348  includes structural features to direct fluid from the fluid carrying lumens  330 ,  332  of the malleable cannula  316  toward space between the tip insert  348  and the tip cap  342  when the tip insert  348  is secured to the distal end section  366  of the malleable cannula  316 . As indicated in  FIG. 17 , these structural features include a pair of fluid path archways  381 ,  383 , each of which align with a portion of a respective one of the semi-cylindrical channel regions  330   a ,  332   a  ( FIG. 16 ) of the cannula  316 . 
       FIGS. 26-29  illustrate the additional structural features of the tip insert  348 . For example, the tip insert  348  also includes a pair of substantially Quonset-shaped wedges  412 ,  414 , both of which are illustrated in  FIG. 26 , that are axially aligned with a respective one of the fluid path archways  381 ,  383 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 26 , each substantially Quonset-shaped wedge  412 ,  414  has a proximal surface  416  that includes fillets  417  or curved or rounded edges. When the male projection  370  of the malleable cannula  316  is engaged with the tip insert  348 , each of these substantially Quonset-shaped wedges  412 ,  414  occupies a portion of a respective one of the semi-cylindrical channel regions  330   a ,  332   a  closer to the end wall  375  of the tip cap  342 . While in this position, the fillets  417  of the proximal surfaces  416  of the Quonset-shaped wedges  412 ,  414  divert fluid from the fluid-carrying lumens through the fluid path archways  381 ,  383 , into flow paths defined between crescent-shaped channels  376 ,  378  ( FIG. 29 ) running axially along an exterior of the tip insert  348 , and an inner surface  373   a  of the cylindrical wall  373  of the tip cap  342 . The fillets  417  of the proximal surfaces  416  further help direct the male projection  370  of the malleable cannula  316  into engagement with the female mating port  379  of the tip insert  348  during assembly. Specifically, the concave or rounded corners of the fillets  417  enable the male projection  370  of the cannula  316  to easily glide into the female mating port  379  of the tip insert without getting caught on any angular edges or surfaces of the Quonset-wedges  412 ,  414 , for example. By facilitating registration for assembly, the fillets  417  of the proximal surfaces  416  of the wedges  412 ,  414  allow a user to easily assemble the cannula  316  and the tip insert. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 30 ,  31 , and  32 , the tip cap  342  may be provided with an inwardly-directed registration dimple or depression  420  in a region of the tip cap  342  where the cylindrical wall  373  of the tip cap  342  meets the end wall  375  of the tip cap  342 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 32 , a corresponding interior region of the tip cap  342  has an inwardly-directed registration key  422 . A complementary alignment keyway notch  424  (see  FIGS. 26 ,  27  and  29 ) is provided in a distal end of the tip insert  348 , which receives the inwardly-directed registration key  422  when the tip insert  348  is received in the tip cap  342 . Engagement of the inwardly-directed registration key  422  of the tip cap  342  with the alignment notch  424  of the tip insert  348  assures proper alignment between the tip cap  342  and the tip insert  348 . 
     As described in more detail below,  FIGS. 19-21  illustrate a series of cross-sections through the spray tip sub-assembly  318 , beginning with  FIG. 19  at interface between the male projection  370  of the malleable cannula  316  and the spray tip sub-assembly  318 , and continuing distally until a location immediately proximate the end wall  375  of the tip cap  342 . Fluid components from each of the fluid carrying lumens  330 ,  332  flow into the respective semi-cylindrical channels  330   a ,  332   a , contact the proximal surface  416  and fillet  417  of the Quonset-shaped wedges  412 ,  414 , and are directed radially outwardly through the fluid path archways  381 ,  383  (i.e., in a direction radially opposite the fluid component from the other fluid carrying lumen  332 ,  330 , which helps to prevent premature cross-talk between the fluid components in the two fluid carrying lumens  330 ,  332 ). The fluid components then flow distally, toward the spaces between the flat side walls  377   a ,  377   b , and  377   c  and the rounded side walls  377   d ,  377   e ,  377   g , and  377   h  of the substantially octagonal distal portion of the tip insert  348  and the interior surface  373   a  of the cylindrical wall  373  of the tip cap  342 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the tip cap  342  includes a spinner region  380  with feeders  394 ,  396 , and  398  leading thereto. As in the previous embodiment, the feeders  394 ,  396 ,  398  are generally triangular in shape, with sidewalls that taper inwardly toward one another as they approach the center of the spinner region  380 . The diminishing cross-sectional area of the feeders  394 ,  396 ,  398  as they approach the spinner region  380  causes an increase in the velocity of the fluid components, as in a converging nozzle. As the fluid components enter the spinner region  380  from the three feeders  394 ,  396 ,  398 , a vortex effect is created, serving to mix the fluid flows immediately prior to spraying the mixed components through a delivery opening  344  of the tip cap  342 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the tip insert  348  within the tip cap  342  of the spray tip sub-assembly  318 . A mixed component is being released from the delivery opening  344  at a distal end of the tip cap  342 . The mixed component is shown by an alternating pattern of solid-bubbled and hollow-bubbled lines, wherein the solid bubbles represent a first component and the hollow bubbles represent a second component. Thus, the component is already mixed together before it is released from the delivery opening  344 . The tip cap  342  is also provided with an elongate nipple region  345  on a distal side of the end wall  375  of the tip cap  342 , intersecting the delivery opening  344 . This elongate nipple region  345  serves to cause the tissue sealant formed of the mixed fluid components to disperse in a fan-like pattern, thereby promoting spraying of a desired tissue surface. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the tip cap  142  of that embodiment may likewise be provided with such an elongate nipple region  145 . 
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the spray tip sub-assembly taken along the lines  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 . The view shows the male projection  370  of the cannula  316  and the crescent-shaped channels  376  and  378  of the tip insert  348 . The crescent-shaped channels  376  and  378  each carry only one mixing component from the fluid carrying lumens  330 ,  332 . Specifically, the crescent-shaped channel  376  of the tip insert  348  is filled with solid bubbles representing a first mixing component, and the crescent-shaped channel  378  of the tip insert  348  is filled with hollow bubbles representing a second mixing component. At this point, the crescent-shaped channels  376 ,  378  of the tip insert  348  help keep the first and second mixing components from prematurely mixing when fluid passes from the malleable cannula  316  and into the tip insert  348  of the spray tip sub-assembly  318 . 
       FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the spray tip sub-assembly  318  taken along the lines  20 - 20  of  FIG. 18 . Here, the crescent-shaped channels  376 ,  378  of the tip insert  348  have directed the fluid from the fluid carrying channels  330 ,  332  of the malleable cannula  316  toward a space between walls of the tip insert  348  and the tip cap  342 . The two mixing components are still separate from each other. 
       FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of a spray tip sub-assembly  318  taken along the lines  21 - 21  of  FIG. 18 . As illustrated in this view, the fluid has been even further directed from the fluid carrying channels  330 ,  332  of the malleable cannula  316  into the tip insert  348  and the tip cap  342 . The first mixing component, indicated by solid bubbles, is now found in the space between the substantially flat side walls  377   a ,  377   b  and the rounded side walls  377   g ,  377   h  of the tip insert  348  and the interior surface  373   a  of the cylindrical wall  373  of the tip cap  342 . The second mixing component is represented by hollow bubbles and is found in the space between the substantially flat side walls  377   b ,  377   c  and rounded side walls  377   d ,  377   e  of the tip insert  348  and the interior surface  373   a  of the cylindrical wall  373  of the tip cap  342 . The solid-bubbled mixing component is about to mix with the hollow-bubbled mixing component in an area between the substantially flat side wall  377   b  of the tip insert  348  and the interior surface  373   a  of the tip cap  342 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 29 , for example, like the rounded tips  179  of the triangular tip insert  128 , the octagonal tip insert  328  includes rounded areas at each point where the substantially flat side walls  377   a ,  377   b , and  377   c  connect to each other or to a rounded side wall  377   d ,  377   h  and at each point where the rounded side walls  377   d ,  377   e ,  377   g  and  377   h  connect to either each other or to a substantially flat side wall  377   a ,  377   c . These rounded areas of the octagonal tip insert  328  contact the inner surface of the tip cap  34 , forming a seal between the interior surface of the tip cap  342  and the octagonal tip insert  328  and ensuring a correct proportion of each fluid component is being properly directed into areas between the tip insert  348  and the tip cap  342 . These sealed areas between the tip insert  348  and the tip cap  342  are designed such that a desired mixture of the first and second mixing components may be forced together in the area between the substantially flat side wall  377   b  of the tip insert  348  and the interior surface  373   a  of the tip cap  342 , forming a third fluid flow path having a mixture of the first and second mixing components before entry into the feeder  394 . See, e.g.,  FIGS. 21 and 22 . 
     More specifically, the configuration of the tip insert  348  and the tip cap  342  is such that three fluid streams are created before each of the fluid streams enters one of the three feeders  394 ,  396 , and  398  disposed in the tip cap  342 . A ratio can be set by dimensioning an interface between the tip insert  348  and the tip cap  342 , such that a desired proportion of the first mixing component only becomes one fluid stream, a desired proportion of the second mixing component only becomes a second fluid stream, and a desired proportion of both the first and second mixing components become a third fluid stream, each of the fluid streams being created before entering the feeders  394 ,  396 , and  398 . By separating some portions of the first and second mixing components and premixing other portions of the first and second mixing components before any component enters the feeders  394 ,  396  and  398 , mixing is optimized without leading to increased clogging. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates another cross-sectional view of a spray tip sub-assembly  318  this time taken along the lines  22 - 22  of  FIG. 18 . Here, the fluid has been directed to feeders  394 ,  396 , and  398 . The feeder  394  includes fluid components that have already begun to mix with one another, as illustrated by a combination of both the solid- and hollow-bubbled mixing components in that feeder  394 . The feeder  396  includes the hollow-bubbled (second) mixing component only, and the feeder  398  includes the solid-bubbled (first) mixing component only. Thus, the two fluid components have already begun to mix with one another before the feeder  394  delivers the fluid to the spinner region  380 ; however, the other feeders  396  and  398  respectively deliver first and second mixing components that have not started mixing with one another. Instead, the first mixing component included in feeder  398  and the second mixing component included in feeder  396  are not mixed until the feeders  396 ,  398  deliver the respective components to the spinner region  380 , at a relatively high velocity, wherein they are mixed in a vortex. This configuration allows the fluid components to gradually begin mixing with one another, since that portion of each of the fluid components flowing into the feeder  394  begins mixing with the other fluid component prior to entry into the spinner region  380 . The remaining portions of the fluid components flowing into one or the other of the feeders  396 ,  398  remain isolated from the other fluid component until reaching the spinner region  380 . Thus, the remaining portions of the fluid components are mixed only immediately before passing through the delivery opening  344  of the tip cap  342  and have been maintained in isolation from one another from the barrels of the dual syringe  12 , through the luer hub assembly  114  and the malleable cannula  316 , and into the spray tip sub-assembly  318 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , the malleable cannula  316  further includes a proximal end region  354  having two elongate notches where portions of the malleable cannula  316  are shaved or otherwise cut back to expose semi-cylindrical channel regions  330   b  and  332   b , each of which is an extension of a respective one of the fluid carrying lumens  330 ,  332 . Like the male projection  370  at the distal end region  366 , a male projection  430  is defined at the proximal end region  354  by that area of the malleable cannula  316  between the two elongate notches. The notches at the proximal end region  354  extend axially along the malleable cannula from a proximal end wall  432  of the malleable cannula  316  to a stop wall  434  spaced axially inwardly (i.e., distally) of the proximal end wall  432 . 
     The male projection  358  may engage a complementary female cannula mating port (not shown) of the distal hub of a luer sub-assembly, in a manner that directs the fluid components into the respective fluid carrying lumens  330 ,  332 , without cross-talk between the fluid components. 
       FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the malleable cannula  316  taken along the lines  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 . The view illustrates all four lumens of the malleable cannula  316 , the two fluid carrying lumens  330 ,  332 , the third lumen  334 , which may receive an annealed wire  164 , and the fourth lumen  362 . 
       FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the malleable cannula  316  taken along the lines  25 - 25  of  FIG. 23 . The view illustrates the third and fourth lumens  334 ,  362 , wherein the third lumen  334  may accommodate an annealed wire  164 , helping to preserve a desired shape of the malleable cannula  316 . 
       FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate a proximal hub  320  of a luer hub sub-assembly  114  that may be used with the distal hub  122  and any of the malleable cannulae  116 ,  316  referred to herein. A top plan view of the proximal hub  320  is illustrated in  FIG. 33 , and a cross-sectional view of the proximal hub  320  taken along the lines  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33  is illustrated in  FIG. 34 . Like the proximal hub  120  of  FIG. 5 , the proximal hub  320  includes two fluid channels  324 ,  326  to be placed in fluid communication with respective barrels of a dual syringe. The fluid channels  146 ,  148  ( FIG. 5 ) of the distal hub  122  may alternatively be placed in fluid communication with the respective fluid channels  324 ,  326  of the proximal hub  320 . A blade  325 , as illustrated in  FIG. 34 , extends rearward adjacent to fluid channel  324  and fits into a slot  502  of a syringe assembly  500 , as indicated in  FIG. 40 , to securely anchor the proximal hub  320  to the syringe assembly  500 . Fitting the blade  325  into the slot  502  enables a surgeon to move the syringe assembly  500  around without leading to a disconnection of the syringe assembly  500  and the proximal hub  320  during use. The engagement is further strengthened by tabs  327  extending out sides adjacent to each of the fluid channels  324 ,  326  of the proximal hub  320 , as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , and actuable clips  504  shown on either side of the syringe assembly  500  of  FIG. 40 . More specifically, after the blade  325  is inserted into the slot  502  of the syringe assembly, the clips  504  on either side of the syringe assembly are placed on the tabs  327  of the proximal hub  320 , thereby resulting in a reinforced, secure connection between the proximal hub  320  and the syringe assembly  500 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 40 , the syringe assembly may include two push tabs  506  connected to and below each of the clips  504  to enable movement of the clips to an open position that allow the proximal hub  320  and the blade  325  to be easily inserted within the syringe assembly  500 . More specifically, to insert the blade  325  into the slot  502  of the syringe assembly  500 , a user may first place her thumb and forefinger on each of the push tabs  506  connected to the clips  504 , thereby placing the clips  504  in an open position. With her other hand, the user may insert the blade  325  of the proximal hub  320  into the slot  502 , and further insert the fluid channels  324 ,  326  into the fluid containing barrels of the syringe assembly  500 . The user may then release her thumb and forefinger from the tabs  506  attached to the clips  504  of the syringe, resulting in the clips  504  being easily placed on the tabs  327  of the proximal hub  320  and securely fastening the proximal hub  320  to the syringe assembly  500 . 
       FIGS. 35-39  illustrate a distal hub of a luer-hub subassembly  322  intended to interface with the male projection at the proximal end of malleable cannula  316 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , a projection-receiving channel is provided at the proximal end of the female cannula mating port of the distal hub. Fluid from each the channels within the luer-hub subassembly is diverted into a respective one of the semi-cylindrical channel regions along the male projection of the malleable cannula  316 , facilitated by complementary wedges  321 ,  323  within the cylindrical female cannula mating port of the distal hub. 
     While the applicator of the present disclosure has been described with respect to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood that variations may be made thereto that are still within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0