Dispenser and method for an elongated flexible member

• US 4,850,974 A
• Filed: 09/21/1987
• Issued: 07/25/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1984
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
• Original Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
• Inventors: Rold, Michael D., Bickelhaupt, Roger
• Primary Examiner(s): Coven, Edward M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Brown, T.
• Application Number:
  US07/099,097
• Time in Patent Office: 673 Days
• Field of Search: 242/99, 242/107.6, 242/84.8, 604/159, 604/171, 33/138, 33/137 R
• US Class Current: 604/171
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0113 Mechanical advancing means, e.g. catheter dispensers

Abstract

A dispenser comprising a base and a reel rotatably mounted on the base. An elongated flexible member which is to be dispensed is wound on the reel, and a housing is provided for the reel and the flexible member. Interlocking members on the reel and the housing hold the reel against rotation in the housing. The reel has first and second sets of radially extending fingers at the periphery of the reel, with the first set of fingers being inclined relative to the second set of fingers. The flexible member is wound on the reel between the first and second sets of fingers.

Claims

1. A dispenser comprising:

a base having a storage section, a contamination sheath retainer and a first fitting retainer, said retainers being outside said storage section;

a contamination sheath in said contamination sheath retainer;

a first fitting in said first fitting retainer;

an elongated, flexible member having a first portion wound in said storage section and a second portion distally of said first portion extending through said contamination sheath and into said first fitting; and

means for retaining said first portion of said member in said storage section.

2. A dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said retainers are spaced apart to define a shuttle space and said member extends across said shuttle space.

3. A dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein the base has a second fitting retainer outside said storage section and including a second fitting in said second fitting retainer and tubing extending between said first and second fittings.

4. A dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said base is constructed of molded plastic material.

5. A dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said contamination sheath retainer has side walls with generally opposed openings therein.

6. A dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said contamination sheath retainer has a floor and includes portions of the base raised from said floor.

7. A dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said storage section includes a dished section of said base, said dished section having an opening leading to said contamination sheath retainer.

8. A dispenser comprising:

a base having a storage section and first and second retainers outside said storage section and spaced apart to define a shuttle space;

first and second fittings retained in said first and second retainers, respectively;

an elongated, flexible member having a first portion wound in said storage section and a second portion distally of said first portion extending through said first retainer, across said shuttle space and into the second retainer; and

means for retaining said first portion of said member in the storage section.

9. A dispenser as defined in claim 8 wherein the base has a second fitting retainer outside said storage section and including a second fitting in said second fitting retainer and tubing extending between said first and second fittings.

10. A dispenser as defined in claim 8 wherein said base is constructed of molded plastic material.

11. A dispenser as defined in claim 8 wherein said storage section includes a dished section of said base, said dished section having an opening leading to said first retainer.

12. A method of inserting an elongated flexible medical member into a vascular system of a patient comprising:

providing a dispenser which includes a base having a storage section, a contamination sheath retainer, a shuttle space and a first fitting retainer, said retainers and said shuttle space being outside said storage section with a first portion of said member wound in the storage section and with a second portion of said member projecting from said storage section through a contamination sheath in said contamination sheath retainer, across the shuttle space and through a first fitting in said first fitting retainer;

introducing said second portion of said member into said vascular system of the patient; and

pulling on said member in said shuttle space with a shuttle motion to unwind said first portion of said member in said storage section and to advance said member farther into said vascular system of said patient.

13. A method as defined in claim 12 wherein after advancing said member into said vascular system of the patient, said contamination sheath is attached to said first fitting.