Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080200904 | VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICE SEPTUM VENTING - A vascular access device may include a septum and a gas permeable vent in communication with at least a portion of the septum. The vent may be capable of venting gas from an extravascular system to which the vascular access device is capable of attaching. A method of venting a medical device may include providing a vascular access device having a septum and forming part of an extravascular system, providing a gas permeable vent in communication with at least a portion of the septum, and venting gas from the extravascular system through the gas permeable vent of the device. | 08-21-2008 |
20090088696 | CATHETER INSERTION DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC SAFETY BARRIER - A catheter insertion device with an automatic safety barrier includes a housing, a barrier member, and a biasing element. The housing includes a central bore configured to receive a needle therethrough, and further includes a channel extending through the housing and intersecting the central bore. The barrier member is hingedly coupled to the housing, and includes a leg to extend through the channel. An opening in the leg substantially aligns with the central bore to accommodate the needle therethrough. The biasing element biases the barrier member relative to the housing such that withdrawing the needle through the opening causes the biasing element to misalign the opening with the central bore, thereby occluding the central bore to shield an end of the needle. | 04-02-2009 |
20090157007 | ANTI-OCCLUSION CATHETER ADAPTER - A support device for preventing an occlusion of a catheter's root region including an extended, flexible member extending from an end of a catheter adapter. The flexible extension is tapered such that additional support is provided to the portions of the root region most susceptible to an occlusion. Additionally, the flexible extension provides shielding to the root region thereby preventing contamination of the same. Finally, the flexible extension provides a marking function whereby the technician may insert the catheter tube until such a point that the flexible extension contacts the patient thereby preventing over insertion of the catheter tube. | 06-18-2009 |
20090192496 | OCCLUSION RESISTANT CATHETERS - A device and method for preventing an occlusion of a catheter including a catheter adapter and a catheter where a flexured portion of the catheter is supported by a bending surface of the catheter adapter. The flexured portion of the catheter may also include a maximum insertion length mark and/or a flexible support member to support and strengthen the flexured portion of the catheter against occlusions. A bending surface is provided over which a flexured portion of the catheter may gently bend to accommodate the transition of the catheter from the catheter adapter to the insertion site without occluding the catheter. | 07-30-2009 |
20090275901 | Rotationally Activated Blood Control - A medical device having a vascular access device including a rotationally activated flow control valve having, a body including a distal adapter and a proximal adapter defining a lumen extending therethrough and a septum. A method of use in which the connection of first and second medical devices results in the automatic activation of the rotational flow control valve. | 11-05-2009 |
20090281525 | PUSH-BUTTON BLOOD CONTROL - A device for controlling fluid flow through an indwelling catheter assembly. The device includes a septum that is closed by default but that may be defeated temporarily by either exerting a force on a contact surface of the septum, or by biasing the septum with a probe. | 11-12-2009 |
20090287154 | RADIALLY COMPRESSIBLE BLOOD CONTROL VALVE - An apparatus to control blood flow through an intravenous catheter in accordance with the present invention may include an intravenous catheter adapter and a blood control valve. The blood control valve may be retained within a hollow interior region of the intravenous catheter adapter, and may include a resilient outer shell and an inner valve portion extending inwardly therefrom. The inner valve portion may include a slit configured to open, coin-purse style, upon radially compressing the resilient outer shell. In some embodiments, a compression feature may be integrated into the intravenous catheter adapter to radially compress the resilient outer shell. A Luer device, for example, may be inserted into the intravenous catheter adapter to translate the blood control valve to a position substantially corresponding to the compression feature, thereby actuating the compression feature to open the slit. | 11-19-2009 |
20090287186 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING CATHETER HOLE ARRAY EFFICIENCY - A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°. | 11-19-2009 |
20090292243 | NEEDLE SAFETY DEFLECTION DEVICE - An apparatus to automatically secure an end of a needle after contact with a blood vessel. The apparatus may include a housing and a biasing member, where the housing includes a hollow interior region extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A proximal opening may be integrated into the proximal end, while a distal opening may be integrated into the distal end. The proximal and distal openings may be configured to receive a needle therethrough along a longitudinal axis. The biasing member may be coupled to the housing and configured to apply a force to the needle. The force may be oriented to displace the needle relative to the longitudinal axis upon retracting an end of the needle through the distal opening into the hollow interior region. Embodiments of the present invention may thus secure the end of the needle within the hollow interior region after use to prevent accidental needle sticks and exposure to blood and blood-borne pathogens. | 11-26-2009 |
20090292272 | CONICAL DIFFUSER TIP - A catheter assembly is provided having a conical diffuser tip for use in rapid infusion procedures. The conical diffuser tip provides a flared opening whereby the velocity of an infusant is decreased as the infusant travels through the catheter tip and exits into the vascular system of a patient. This decrease in velocity proportionately reduces the backpressure and/or recoil force of the catheter assembly thereby permitting the use of higher infusion rates. The catheter tip is introduced into the vasculature of a patient via a splittable introducer needle. | 11-26-2009 |
20100057004 | Extravascular System In-Line Venting - An extravascular system may include a fluid path and a gas vent in communication with the fluid path. A method of venting a medical device may include providing a closed extravascular system having a fluid path, providing a gas vent in communication with the fluid path, venting gas from the extravascular system through the gas vent, and maintaining closure of the extravascular system during and after venting. | 03-04-2010 |
20100204648 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FLUSHABLE CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204660 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FLOW CONTROL VALVE FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention relates generally to a vascular access device having a septum positioned within a lumen of the device, the device further having a pusher for providing a fluid pathway through the septum. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for improving flow of a fluid through the access device, while minimizing stagnation of fluids within the device. These systems and methods include various modified fluid pathways and interactions between the vascular access device body, the septum and the pusher. | 08-12-2010 |
20100305519 | CANNULA HAVING AN OVERLAPPING CANNULA FEATURE AND NOTCH FEATURE - A cannula having a notch feature and a cannula feature that at least partially overlap each other is described herein. Generally, the cannula comprises a tubular shaft with a substantially constant outer diameter. The cannula feature comprises at least one surface that extends laterally past the cannula's outer diameter. For instance, the cannula feature may comprise a crimp feature or a welded ferrule feature. The cannula feature further comprises a distal end and a proximal end. Accordingly, a portion, if not all, of the notch feature is disposed between the cannula feature's distal end and proximal end. The cannula may be used in any suitable assembly, including a catheter assembly comprising a needle capture mechanism. | 12-02-2010 |
20100324503 | CATHETER HOLE HAVING A FLOW BREAKING FEATURE - A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°. | 12-23-2010 |
20110011149 | METHODS TO PROVIDE A FEATURE ON A NEEDLE - A gripping surface is provided on an outer surface of a needle shield as incorporated into an intravenous catheter assembly. The gripping surface provides a gripping position nearer the catheter adapter, catheter and needle tip for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the gripping surfaces include a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable “over the bevel” condition. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015583 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AN IV ADMINISTRATION SET INCORPORATING DRIP MONITORING CIRCUITRY - A circuitry for counting drips and monitoring a rate of infusion is incorporated into an IV administration set. The circuitry includes a pair of leads that are positioned in the pathway of fluid droplets, such that each droplet simultaneously contacts both leads. As such, the leads act as a virtual switch that is closed by the presence of a droplet. This event is then displayed on a drip signaling device to aid a user in adjusting the infusion rate of the IV administration set. | 01-20-2011 |
20110046570 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FLUSHABLE CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter. | 02-24-2011 |
20110054406 | VASCULATURE ENTRY CONFIRMATION MECHANISM - A vascular entry confirmation mechanism that produces a signal when a cannula and/or catheter is properly placed in a blood vessel is described herein. Generally, the confirmation mechanism comprises a cannula (such as a venapuncture needle), a signaling element, a power source, electrical components to electrically connect the signaling element to the power source, and a switching mechanism, which is configured to close a circuit between the signaling element and power source when a fluid (e.g., blood), flows into the cannula. Accordingly, the confirmation mechanism is configured to produce a signal (e.g., an audible or a visual signal) when a patient's vasculature is punctured. | 03-03-2011 |
20110130728 | VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICE TIME SENSITIVE STATUS INDICATION - A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device. | 06-02-2011 |
20110130745 | CATHETER HOLE HAVING AN INCLINED TRAILING EDGE - A catheter having a catheter body with a lumen and a distal lumen opening. The catheter's lumen extends through the catheter body along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. A hole is formed through a wall of a distal portion of the catheter body. A portion of the proximal surface of the hole is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the catheter body. The acute angle of the proximal hole surface opens proximally with respect to the catheter body. | 06-02-2011 |
20110160662 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FLUSHABLE CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160663 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A system for controlling fluid flow in a catheter assembly is disclosed herein. An intravenous catheter assembly has a catheter adapter and a needle hub, and the catheter adapter has an inner lumen. A septum is disposed within a portion of the inner lumen, and a slit is formed through the septum. A Parylene coating is disposed within the slit of the septum, the Parylene coating has a thickness of between approximately 0.00005 to 0.0005 millimeters. An introducer needle has a first end coupled to the needle hub and the second end extending through the inner lumen of the catheter adapter. A middle portion of the introducer needle is positioned within a portion of the septum. | 06-30-2011 |
20110307117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEATING AND INSULATING CONTRAST MEDIA - A system for heating and insulating contrast media is disclosed herein. A thermal insulating cover sized to cover at least a portion of a contrast media container is provided with a heating element. A temperature sensor measures the temperature of the contrast media and communicates this temperature to a temperature controller, which controls the heating element in order to maintain the contrast media near a predetermined temperature. Temperature data is transmitted to a computer system by a data communicator. | 12-15-2011 |
20120016265 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING A BLOOD SAMPLE - A vent plug is disclosed that includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends. A membrane is disposed across the lumen, the membrane being hydrophobic and air permeable. A fluid chamber is formed within the lumen distal the membrane. A distal lumen opening being shaped and sized to retain blood within the lumen until the internal pressure of the lumen increases in response the a finger pressing against a proximal lumen opening. | 01-19-2012 |
20120016345 | LUER CONNECTOR - A luer lock connector is disclosed. The luer lock connector includes a connector body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a gripping portion between the distal end and the proximal end. A substantially flexible material is disposed on at least the outer surface of the gripping portion of the connector body. An intravenous line is coupled to the distal end of the connector body. A luer connector fitting is disposed on the proximal end of the body, the luer connector having an outer diameter less than a maximum exterior thickness of the gripping portion of the connector body. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022502 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING CATHETER HOLE ARRAY EFFICIENCY - Systems and methods for manufacturing a peripheral catheter having a plurality of diffusion holes. | 01-26-2012 |
20120065612 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A catheter assembly is disclosed having a catheter adapter and a needle hub. The catheter adapter has an inner lumen with a septum located within the inner lumen. An introducer needle is inserted through the inner lumen. A septum activator also located within the inner lumen, such that a distal end of the septum activator contacts the septum. The septum activator has an internal cavity and a cavity seal forming a surface of the internal cavity. | 03-15-2012 |
20130090607 | INTRAVENOUS CATHETER WITH DUCKBILL VALVE - A catheter assembly is disclosed, which includes a catheter adapter. A port is disposed in the catheter adapter to provide selective access to the interior of the catheter adapter, and can be used for fluid flushing or infusion. A valve is disposed within the catheter adapter that includes a one-way valve portion that prevents proximally-directed fluid flow. The valve further including a flexible tube portion that covers an opening between the port and the catheter adapter. | 04-11-2013 |
20130090610 | MULTIPLE USE BLOOD CONTROL VALVE WITH CENTER AND CIRCUMFERENTIAL SLITS - A flushable catheter assembly having a deformable septum comprising one or more slits, wherein the septum is temporarily deformed by a septum actuator to open the one or more slits thereby enabling fluid and air to bypass the septum. | 04-11-2013 |
20130110055 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FLOW CONTROL VALVE FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE | 05-02-2013 |
20130165867 | ACTIVATOR ATTACHMENT FOR BLOOD CONTROL CATHETERS - An activator attachment that can be attached to the proximal end of a catheter adapter and can activate a blood control valve within the catheter adapter. | 06-27-2013 |
20130274683 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FLUSHABLE CATHETER ASSEMBLY - The present invention extends generally to a vascular access device that employs a septum and septum activator designed to minimize or eliminate the possibility that fluid will flow into interstitial spaces between the septum activator and the body of the vascular access device. The septum activator can be configured with a proximal end that has an outer diameter that is at least as great as the diameter of the lumen within which the septum activator is contained. | 10-17-2013 |
20130289532 | CATHETER HOLE HAVING A FLOW BREAKING FEATURE - A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°. | 10-31-2013 |
20140046258 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FLUSHABLE CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter. | 02-13-2014 |