Abstract: An apparatus which is useable to blunt the sharpened distal tip of a hypodermic needle, said apparatus comprising an elongate blunting member which is axially disposable within the lumen of the needle, and which is axially advanceable from a "non-blunting" position within the lumen to a "blunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting apparatus protrudes out of the distal end of the needle. A positioning member may be formed on the proximal end of the blunting apparatus, said positioning member being engageable with the needle to alternately hold the blunting member in either its "nonblunting" position or its "blunting" position. One such positioning member comprises a generally cylindrical body having a series of elastomeric engagement fins formed thereon such that, when advanced into the hollow bore of the needle hub, the engagement fins will be proximally deflected and frictionally engaged thereby.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter for insertion into an anatomical passage through the use of an introducer. The catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body defining proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Partially inserted into and protruding from the distal end of the catheter body is a rigid, tubular sleeve which defines an abutment shoulder within the lumen of the catheter body. Disposed on and encapsulating the exposed portion of the sleeve is a distal tip member defining a central opening which communicates with the lumen via the sleeve. The abutment shoulder is adapted to abut a portion of the introducer in a manner which inhibits proximal movement of the tip member relative to the introducer to prevent the tip member from being pushed proximally over the introducer and collapsing the catheter body during the insertion of the catheter into the anatomical passage.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter for insertion into an anatomical passage through the use of an introducer. The catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body defining proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Partially inserted into and protruding from the distal end of the catheter body is a rigid, tubular sleeve which defines an abutment shoulder within the lumen of the catheter body. Disposed on and encapsulating the exposed portion of the sleeve is a distal tip member defining a central opening which communicates with the lumen via the sleeve. The abutment shoulder is adapted to abut a portion of the introducer in a manner which inhibits proximal movement of the tip member relative to the introducer to prevent the tip member from being pushed proximally over the introducer and collapsing the catheter body during the insertion of the catheter into the anatomical passage.

Abstract: A vascular/venous access device is comprised of a needle cannula displayed within the central bore at the distal end of a catheter. The distal end of the needle cannula extends outwardly from the central bore at the distal end of the catheter and the proximal end of the needle exits the central bore of the catheter through an aperture or slit formed in the wall of the catheter. A gripping member selectively holds the needle cannula in place within the bore of the catheter during insertion of the needle cannula and catheter into a patient's vascular system. After entry into the vascular system, the needle cannula is withdrawn from the catheter side wall and any desired length of the catheter may then be advanced into the vascular system. The catheter includes a relatively rigid end portion disposed along a substantial length of the needle cannula to prevent buckling and axial compression of the catheter during the insertion process.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a flexible proximal portion and a rigid distal portion having a beveled needle tip. The beveled tip overcomes coring of a barrier such as a septum of an implanted percutaneous drug delivery port when the needle tip passes therethrough for ultimate insertion of the catheter within the port. The invention also includes a catheter assembly incorporating the above-defined catheter along with a hand-operable implantation grip having a stylet member extending into the catheter and two opposing parallel finger members adjacent the catheter therebetween for holding the catheter during introduction thereof into an implanted percutaneous drug delivery port. The invention additionally includes methodology for catheterizing a percutaneous drug delivery port implanted in a living being through utilization of the catheter assembly and manually manipulating the grip thereof to insert the catheter tip into the port for long term implantation.

Abstract: An apparatus which is useable to blunt the sharpened distal tip of a hypodermic needle, said apparatus comprising an elongate blunting member which is axially disposable within the lumen of the needle, and which is axially advanceable from a "non-blunting" position within the lumen to a "blunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting apparatus protrudes out of the distal end of the needle. A positioning member may be formed on the proximal end of the blunting apparatus, said positioning member being engageable with the needle to alternately hold the blunting member in either its "non-blunting" position or its "blunting" position. One such positioning member comprises a generally cylindrical body having a series of elastomeric engagement fins formed thereon such that, when advanced into the hollow bore of the needle hub, the engagement fins will be proximally deflected and frictionally engaged thereby.

Abstract: A needle blunting assembly for use with intravascular introducers, needles and other cannula which are insertable into the bodies such that they become contaminated with body fluids. The blunting apparatus comprises an elongate blunting member which is disposed within the bore of the needle or other tubular cannula, and is axially moveable from a "nonblunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting member is positioned within the bore of the needle or cannula, and a "blunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting member protrudes out of and beyond the distal tip of the needle or cannula.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for introducing a catheter into a surgically implanted port. The apparatus has a housing attached to a stylet, with the stylet being received in a catheter. Also provided in the apparatus is a casing with a protective cap that slidably fits within the housing. Also disclosed is a method of catheterizing a surgically implanted port by means of inserting a stylet encased in a catheter and retracting the stylet.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter for insertion into an anatomical passage through the use of an introducer. The catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body defining proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Partially inserted into and protruding from the distal end of the catheter body is a rigid, tubular sleeve which defines an abutment shoulder within the lumen of the catheter body. Disposed on and encapsulating the exposed portion of the sleeve is a distal tip member defining a central opening which communicates with the lumen via the sleeve. The abutment shoulder is adapted to abut a portion of the introducer in a manner which inhibits proximal movement of the tip member relative to the introducer to prevent the tip member from being pushed proximally over the introducer and collapsing the catheter body during the insertion of the catheter into the anatomical passage.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for introducing a catheter into a surgically implanted port. The apparatus has a housing attached to a stylet, with the stylet being received in a catheter. Also provided in the apparatus is a casing with a protective cap that slidably fits within the housing. Also disclosed is a method of catheterizing a surgically implanted port by means of inserting a styler encased in a catheter and retracting the stylet.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate body has a first lumen extending therethrough. A concave wall is formed in the body proximate the distal end thereof such that the concave wall is a wall of the first lumen. A first slit is formed in the concave wall. The first slit opens in response to decreased fluid pressure within the lumen so as to facilitate aspiration via the first lumen. Optionally, a first convex wall is formed in the body such that the first convex wall is a wall of the first lumen. A second slit is formed in the first convex wall. The second slit opens in response to increased fluid pressure within the first lumen so as to facilitate infusion via the first lumen. Optionally, a second lumen extends through a substantial portion of the body. A second convex wall is formed in the body proximate the distal end thereof such that the second convex wall is a wall of the second lumen. A third slit is formed in the second convex wall.

Abstract: A catheter has an abutment member formed proximate the distal end thereof. The abutment member abuts a complimentary abutment surface formed upon an introducer so as to prevent collapsing of the catheter body during the insertion process. The abutment member preferably comprises an annular abutment shoulder, which reduces the diameter of the lumen of the catheter. An opening formed in the catheter body proximate the tip of the catheter facilitates fluid flow through the lumen of the catheter in the event that the reduced diameter portion of the lumen becomes obstructed. The tip of the catheter preferably comprises a rigid material, so as to assure positive locking action of the abutment member of the catheter with the abutment surface of the introducer during the insertion process.

Abstract: A catheter has an abutment member formed proximate the distal end thereof. The abutment member abuts a complementary abutment surface formed upon an introducer so as to prevent collapsing of the catheter body during the insertion process. The abutment member preferably comprises an annular abutment shoulder, which reduces the diameter of the lumen of the catheter. An opening formed in the catheter body proximate the tip of the catheter facilitates fluid flow through the lumen of the catheter in the event that the reduced diameter portion of the lumen becomes obstructed. The tip of the catheter preferably comprises a rigid material, so as to assure positive locking action of the abutment member of the catheter with the abutment surface of the introducer during the insertion process.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate body has a first lumen extending therethrough. A concave wall is formed in the body proximate the distal end thereof such that the concave wall is a wall of the first lumen. A first slit is formed in the concave wall. The first slit opens in response to decreased fluid pressure within the lumen so as to facilitate aspiration via the first lumen. Optionally, a first convex wall is formed in the body such that the first convex wall is a wall of the first lumen. A second slit is formed in the first convex wall. The second slit opens in response to increased fluid pressure within the first lumen so as to facilitate infusion via the first lumen. Optionally, a second lumen extends through a substantial portion of the body. A second convex wall is formed in the body proximate the distal end thereof such that the second convex wall is a wall of the second lumen. A third slit is formed in the second convex wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for introducing a catheter into a surgically implanted port. The apparatus has a housing attached to a styler, with the stylet being received in a catheter. Also provided in the apparatus is a casing with a protective cap that slidably fits within the housing. Also disclosed is a method of catheterizing a surgically implanted port by means of inserting a stylet encased in a catheter and retracting the stylet.

Abstract: A vascular/venous access device is comprised of a catheter having a stop formed at the distal end thereof, and a needle cannula having a corresponding stop formed at the distal end therof, the needle cannula being disposed within the catheter such that the catheter stop and needle cannula stop abut to prevent the catheter from traveling axially upward relative to the needle cannula during the insertion process. The catheter stop may comprise a material which softens when exposed to blood such that the stop is generally rigid during insertion of the catheter into a vein and becomes more flexible after the catheter resides in the vein. The catheter stop may comprise a region of reduced diameter and the cannula stop may comprise a region of increased diameter.

Abstract: A vascular/venous access device is comprised of a needle cannula disposed within the central bore at the distal end of a catheter. The distal end of the needle cannula extends outwardly from the central bore at the distal end of the catheter and the proximal end of the needle exits the central bore of the catheter through an aperture or slit formed in the wall of the catheter. A gripping member selectively holds the needle cannula in place within the bore of the catheter during insertion of the needle cannula and catheter into a patient's vascular system. After entry into the vascular system, the needle cannula is withdrawn from the catheter side wall and any desired length of the catheter may then be advanced into the vascular system. The catheter includes a relatively rigid end portion disposed along a substantial length of the needle cannula to prevent buckling and axial compression of the catheter during the insertion process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an "over-the-needle" type catheter assembly which incorporates a shield operative to prevent inadvertant needle trauma after the needle has been withdrawn from the surrounding catheter sheath. The device of the invention comprises a tubular catheter sheath having an elongate piercing member (e.g. a needle) initially disposed in an "assembled" position within the lumen of the tubular sheath. The elongate piercing member is subsequently withdrawable to a "retracted" position outside the lumen of the tubular sheath. A shield is incorporated into the catheter assembly and is operative to attach to and shield the tip of the elongate piercing member when it is withdrawn from its initial "assembled" position within the tubular sheath. Such shield thereby serves to prevent the elongate piercing member from causing inadvertant puncture wounds and the like.

Abstract: An assembly of a needle, catheter, and a device for selectively protecting the needle tip from inadvertent needle sticks is disclosed, characterized by use of elongate housing, having a needle extending therefrom, and a needle guard adapted for sliding movement relative the housing. The needle guard is formed to carry a catheter hub and catheter thereupon, and includes an actuation tab to enable selective sliding movement of the needle guard relative the housing and along the length of the needle. The housing is adapted to be held within one hand to permit insertion of the needle and catheter into a patient, and after insertion, the needle may be withdrawn from the patient and covered by the needle guard merely by pressing against the actuation tab with the index finger of the hand of a user, while slidably retracting the housing and needle relative the needle guard by use of the thumb and middle finger.