OPTIMAL RADIOPAQUE CATHETER

• US 20090287189A1
• Filed: 05/14/2008
• Published: 11/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Becton, Dickinson & Co
• Original Assignee: Becton, Dickinson & Co
• Inventors: Suwito, Wan
• Application Number:
  US12/120,436
• Publication Number:
  US 20090287189A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/529
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/005 with embedded materials for reinforcement, e.g. wires, coils, braids
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0108 using radio-opaque or ultrasound markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0606 "Over-the-needle" catheter assemblies, e.g. I.V. catheters

Abstract

A vascular catheter embedded with a radiopaque material providing a distinct, non-physiological pattern that may be easily detected on a radiograph. The radiopaque material may be embedded within the wall of the catheter in an open wound, helical formation. Detection of the catheter by x-ray is increased due to the non-physiological radiograph pattern and due to the increased presence of the radiopaque material. The non-physiological formation increases the radiopacity of the catheter, yet requires less radiopaque material than traditional radiopaque catheters. The non-physiological formation and decreased amount of radiopaque material provides for a more detectible and less rigid catheter that is resistant to kinks and occlusions.

Claims

1. A vascular catheter, comprising:

a tubular member; and

a radiopaque material attached to or disposed within the tubular member in a wound helical pattern which, when viewed by x-ray produces a non-physiological pattern.

2. The vascular catheter of claim 1, further comprising a catheter adapter coupled to an end of the tubular member.

3. The vascular catheter of claim 1, wherein the radiopaque material is embedded within a wall of the tubular member.

4. The vascular catheter of claim 3, wherein the radiopaque material extends the length of the tubular member.

5. The vascular catheter of claim 4, wherein the radiopaque material further comprises a plurality of helical strands.

6. The vascular catheter of claim 5, wherein the plurality of helically wound strands are embedded within the wall of the tubular member and circumscribes the length of the tubular member.

7. The vascular catheter of claim 6, wherein the radiopaque material supports a portion of the tubular member.

8. A method for optimizing the detection of a vascular catheter via x-ray detection;

comprising;

providing a tubular member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a middle portion interposed between the inner and outer surfaces; and

coextruding a radiopaque material within the middle portion of the tubular member in a pattern which, when viewed by x-ray produces a non-physiological pattern;

wherein the tubular member is a vascular catheter.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of attaching a first end of the tubular member to a catheter adapter.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the radiopaque material extends the length of the tubular member.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the radiopaque material further comprises a plurality of strands wound in a helical pattern.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of strands is embedded within the wall of the tubular member and circumscribes the length of the tubular member.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the helical strands support a portion of the tubular member.

14. A vascular catheter detectible by x-ray;

comprising;

a tubular member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a middle portion interposed between the inner and outer surfaces; and

at least one strand of a radiopaque material coextruded within the middle portion of the tubular member;

wherein the radiopaque material displays a non-physiological pattern when exposed to x-ray film.

15. The vascular catheter of claim 14, further comprising a catheter adapter attached to an end of the tubular member.

16. The vascular catheter of claim 14, wherein the radiopaque material comprises a plurality of extruded strands in a wound helical pattern.

17. The vascular catheter of claim 16, wherein the plurality of coextruded strands is embedded within the middle portion of the tubular member such that no coextruded strand crosses over another coextruded strand.

18. The vascular catheter of claim 17, wherein the radiopaque material supports a portion of the tubular member.

19. The vascular catheter of claim 18, wherein the radiopaque material prevents the tubular member becoming kinked.

20. The vascular catheter of claim 14, wherein the placement of the radiopaque material provides at least one window through which a fluid within the tubular member can be observed.