Catheter introducer system
First Claim
1. A catheter introducer system for introduction of a catheter into a human blood vessel, the system comprising:
- a catheter sheath defining a generally elongate body with a lumen and distal and proximal openings communicating with the lumen and configured for insertion and longitudinal movement of the catheter therethrough;
a first dilator defining a generally elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first dilator is disposed substantially within the lumen of the sheath, with the distal end of the first dilator extending through the distal opening of the sheath, the first dilator removable from the sheath for insertion of the catheter; and
a trocar inserted through the lumen of the first dilator, the trocar including a flexible, hollow outer wire, wherein the wire is provided with sufficient flexibility and length for insertion into and safe passage along the human blood vessel for guidance of the catheter in the longitudinal movement of the catheter through the human blood vessel, and a stiff, inner needle with a distal end extending beyond a distal end of the wire, the needle configured for piercing through a patient'"'"'s derma and entering the blood vessel.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A catheter introducer system is provided with a catheter sheath having a valve providing for a friction fit around a catheter. The friction fit is selectively adjustable to vary between a first configuration for longitudinal movement of the catheter through the valve and a second configuration for holding the catheter longitudinally in place. The valve may includes a chuck to grip the catheter radially. The chuck may include an annular base and an opposed annular clamp, and a washer disposed between the base and the clamp. At least one of the base and the clamp may include a beveled surface that forces the washer radially inwardly as the base and the clamp are drawn together. The system also includes one or more dilators layered within the sheath. The layered dilators and sheaths are typically softer and more hydrophilic proceeding from the innermost dilator out to the sheath. The dilator may be reinforced by a wire embedded in the body of the dilator. The distal tip of the sheath may be stiffened by a ring affixed adjacent the distal end. The sheath may include in the innermost dilator a trocar formed of a flexible, hollow outer wire and an inner stiff needle, which can extend beyond the wire for piercing and be withdrawn to relax the wire for advancement of the dilator.
-
Citations
10 Claims
-
1. A catheter introducer system for introduction of a catheter into a human blood vessel, the system comprising:
-
a catheter sheath defining a generally elongate body with a lumen and distal and proximal openings communicating with the lumen and configured for insertion and longitudinal movement of the catheter therethrough; a first dilator defining a generally elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first dilator is disposed substantially within the lumen of the sheath, with the distal end of the first dilator extending through the distal opening of the sheath, the first dilator removable from the sheath for insertion of the catheter; and a trocar inserted through the lumen of the first dilator, the trocar including a flexible, hollow outer wire, wherein the wire is provided with sufficient flexibility and length for insertion into and safe passage along the human blood vessel for guidance of the catheter in the longitudinal movement of the catheter through the human blood vessel, and a stiff, inner needle with a distal end extending beyond a distal end of the wire, the needle configured for piercing through a patient'"'"'s derma and entering the blood vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
Specification