Methods and apparatus for inserting multi-lumen split-tip catheters into a blood vessel

• US 9,572,956 B2
• Filed: 12/02/2013
• Issued: 02/21/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: BARD Access Systems Incorporated (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: BARD Access Systems Incorporated (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Inventors: Nimkar, Shekhar D., Albrecht, Stephen E., Anand, Paramjith, Tobin, Eric
• Primary Examiner(s): BERDICHEVSKY, AARTI
• Application Number:
  US14/094,534
• Publication Number:
  US 20140088510A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,177 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3415 for introducing tubes or catheters, e.g. gastrostomy tubes, drain catheters A61B17/3417 takes precedence; body piercing catheter guide needles A61M25/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/16 with membranes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0026 Multi-lumen catheters with stationary elements catheter assemblies comprising a catheter in combination with a guide tube, sheath or sleeve A61M2025/0681; catheters comprising telescoping coaxial elements A61M2025/0175
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0102 Insertion or introduction using an inner stiffening member, e.g. stylet or push-rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0194 Tunnelling catheters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/09 Guide wires
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 29/00 Dilators with or without means for introducing media, e.g. remedies instruments for performing visual medical inspections of cavities or tubes of the body A61B1/00

Abstract

A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a first intra-catheter stiffener element, and a second intra-catheter stiffener element. The catheter includes a first lumen in fluid communication with a first distal opening and a second lumen in fluid communication with a second distal opening. The first intra-catheter stiffener element is configured for disposition through the first lumen such that a distal end thereof extends distally of the first distal opening, the first intra-catheter stiffener element including a first coupler at a proximal end thereof. The second intra-catheter stiffener element is configured for disposition through the second lumen such that a distal end thereof extends distally of the second distal opening, the second intra-catheter stiffener element including a second coupler at a proximal end thereof.

Claims

1. A catheter assembly, comprising:

a catheter including a first lumen in fluid communication with a first distal opening and a second lumen in fluid communication with a second distal opening;

a first intra-catheter stiffener element configured for disposition through the first lumen to stiffen the first lumen upon insertion of the catheter into a patient such that a distal end thereof is distal to the first distal opening, the first intra-catheter stiffener element including a first guidewire lumen; and

a second intra-catheter stiffener element configured for disposition through the second lumen to stiffen the second lumen upon insertion of the catheter into a patient such that a distal end thereof is distal to the second distal opening, the second intra-catheter stiffener element including a second guidewire lumen.

2. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first intra-catheter stiffener element is pre-disposed in the first lumen and the second intra-catheter stiffener element is pre-disposed in the second lumen.

3. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the distal ends of the first and second intra-catheter stiffener elements are tapered.

4. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first intra-catheter stiffener element has an exterior shape that matches a cross-sectional shape of the first lumen and the second intra-catheter stiffener element has an exterior shape that matches a cross-sectional shape of the second lumen.

5. The catheter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the exterior shape of the first intra-catheter stiffener element is round or oval.

6. The catheter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the exterior shape of the second intra-catheter stiffener element is round or oval.

7. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first intra-catheter stiffener element has a first length and the second intra-catheter stiffener element has a second length less than the first length.

8. The catheter assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first intra-catheter stiffener element includes a first coupler at a proximal end thereof, and wherein the second intra-catheter stiffener element includes a second coupler at a proximal end thereof.

9. The catheter assembly according to claim 8, wherein the distal end of the first intra-catheter stiffener element is distal to the distal end of the second intra-catheter stiffener element when the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled to the catheter.

10. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first intra-catheter stiffener element includes a first coupler at a proximal end thereof, and wherein the second intra-catheter stiffener element includes a second coupler at a proximal end thereof.

11. The catheter assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first coupler of the first intra-catheter stiffener element mates with a first mating coupler at a first proximal opening of the catheter.

12. The catheter assembly according to claim 11, wherein the second coupler of the second intra-catheter stiffener element mates with a second mating coupler at a second proximal opening of the catheter.