Catheter having insertion control mechanism
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A catheter comprising:
- a tube having;
(a) a first end;
(b) a first connector connected to the first end, the first connector being configured to be coupled to a medical device;
(c) a second end;
(d) an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; and
(e) a second connector connected to the second end, the second connector being configured to be in fluid communication with an anatomical passageway of a patient, the second end being movable through the second connector in a direction toward or away from the patient so that the intermediate portion of the tube is disposed along an axis between the first connector and the second connector; and
a controller carried on the intermediate portion of the tube, the controller being movable along the axis between;
(x) at least one position in which the controller is in contact with the second connector; and
(y) at least one other position in which the controller is apart from the second connector, the controller having;
(i) a tube engagement member defining a predisposed non-circular shape, and (ii) a depressible portion, depression of the depressible portion operable to cause the tube engagement member to become more circular than the non-circular shape to facilitate moving the controller along the axis.
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Abstract
The present invention is a catheter having a tube and including mechanisms that provide precision control over insertion and retraction of the catheter tube. The catheter is particularly adapted for introduction into the pulmonary system. The catheter includes an insertion depth control mechanism that acts as a stop and provides a tactile indication to the person inserting the catheter tube that a predetermined position has been reached. The catheter also includes an anti-bunching mechanism to prevent bunching of a protective sleeve disposed around the catheter tube, thereby reducing interference from the sleeve during insertion of the catheter tube.
269 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A catheter comprising:
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a tube having; (a) a first end; (b) a first connector connected to the first end, the first connector being configured to be coupled to a medical device; (c) a second end; (d) an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; and (e) a second connector connected to the second end, the second connector being configured to be in fluid communication with an anatomical passageway of a patient, the second end being movable through the second connector in a direction toward or away from the patient so that the intermediate portion of the tube is disposed along an axis between the first connector and the second connector; and a controller carried on the intermediate portion of the tube, the controller being movable along the axis between;
(x) at least one position in which the controller is in contact with the second connector; and
(y) at least one other position in which the controller is apart from the second connector, the controller having;
(i) a tube engagement member defining a predisposed non-circular shape, and (ii) a depressible portion, depression of the depressible portion operable to cause the tube engagement member to become more circular than the non-circular shape to facilitate moving the controller along the axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A catheter comprising:
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a tube having; (a) a first end; (b) a first connector connected to the first end, the first connector being configured to be coupled to a medical device; (c) a second end; (d) an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; and (e) a second connector connected to the second end, the second connector being configured to be in fluid communication with an anatomical passageway of a patient, the second end being movable through the second connector in a direction toward or away from the patient so that the intermediate portion of the tube is disposed along an axis between the first connector and the second connector; indicia located on at least part of the intermediate portion of the tube; and a controller carried on the intermediate portion of the tube, the controller being movable along the axis between a plurality of different positions relative to the second connector, the controller having a tube engagement member defining a predisposed non-circular shape, depression of the controller causing the predisposed non-circular shape to become closer to a circular shape to facilitate moving the controller along the intermediate portion. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A catheter comprising:
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a tube having; (a) a diameter, (b) a first end; (c) a first connector connected to the first end, the first connector being configured to be coupled to a medical device; (d) a second end; and (e) a second connector connected to the second end, the second connector being configured to be in fluid communication with an anatomical passageway of a patient, the second end being movable through the second connector in a direction toward or away from the patient so that a portion of the tube is disposed along an axis between the first connector and the second connector; indicia located on at least part of the portion of the tube; and a placement controller which is;
(x) supported by the portion of the tube; and
(y) disconnected from the second connector, the placement controller being adjustably positioned on the portion of the tube, the placement controller including a flexible wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a tube passageway having a plurality of variable diameters, the flexible wall being flexible between;
(i) a predisposed non-circular shape wherein at least one of the variable diameters is less than the diameter of the tube; and
(ii) another shape which is more circular than the non-circular shape to facilitate moving the placement controller along the axis, the placement controller further including a plurality of substantially flattened grip portions positioned at opposite sides of the flexible wall. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification