Method and apparatus for an intravascular device showing flashback

• US 6,524,277 B1
• Filed: 12/29/2000
• Issued: 02/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Medex Incorporated (Smiths Group International Holdings Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Chang, Joseph J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancene, Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Castro, Arnold
• Application Number:
  US09/752,491
• Time in Patent Office: 788 Days
• Field of Search: 604/164.01, 604/164.02, 604/168.01, 604/170.01, 604/167.01
• US Class Current: 604/164.02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0643 Devices having a blunt needle tip, e.g. due to an additional inner component
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0693 Flashback chambers

Abstract

An apparatus related to an intravascular device that includes a housing coupled to a needle is claimed. A solid blunting member is coaxially nestled in the needle. An aperture or opening, located at a distal end of a side of the needle, is configured to allow fluid to flow into a space located between the needle and the catheter.

Claims

1. An intravascular device comprising:

a housing;

a needle coupled at a proximal end to the housing, the needle having at least one opening in a cylindrical portion of the needle located adjacent a distal end of the needle;

a solid blunting member coaxially nestled in the needle wherein the at least one opening in the needle is configured to allow fluid to flow into a hollow bore of the needle until the fluid contacts the solid blunting member and enters an annular space located between the needle and a catheter.

2. The intravascular device of claim 1, wherein the solid blunting member is configured to slide inside the needle.

3. A catheter unit comprising:

a housing;

the housing coupled to a tube and to a proximal end of a needle having at least one hole in a cylindrical portion of the needle adjacent a distal end of the needle to allow fluid to flow into an annular space between the needle and the housing; and

a solid blunting member coaxially nestled in the needle.

4. The catheter unit of claim 3, wherein the solid blunting member is configured to slide inside the needle.

5. A method comprising:

providing an intravascular device having a proximal end of a needle coupled to a housing, the needle has an aperture to provide flashback located adjacent a distal end of the needle;

inserting a solid blunting member into the needle;

inserting the needle of the intravascular device into a patient; and

allowing blood to flow into the aperture and away from the solid blunting member into an annular space between the needle and the housing.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the solid blunting member is configured to slide inside the needle.