Abstract: A partially collapsible catheter is formed as a substantially-flattened tube of flexible, collapsible plastic; a spacing member disposed within such tube allows the tube to substantially flatten and collapse in the absence of infusion fluid, but maintains at least one channel open within the tube for allowing fluid to be aspirated therethrough. During infusion, infusion fluid expands the catheter to a generally rounded configuration. The spacing member can be incorporated within a single lumen catheter; alternatively, the spacing member can divide the tube into first and second lumens for providing a dual lumen catheter.

Abstract: A multiple-lumen catheter includes a first generally-cylindrical flexible lumen extending between a first distal end and a second proximal end; the first lumen is sufficiently rigid to maintain its generally-cylindrical shape when negative pressure is applied thereto for aspirating fluid from the blood vessel. A second flexible lumen also extends between a first distal end and a second proximal end alongside the first lumen. The first distal end of the second lumen is sufficiently pliable to collapse and flatten in the absence of any positive fluid pressure applied to the second lumen; upon the application of a positive fluid pressure to the second lumen, the collapsible first, distal end of the second lumen expands and assumes a generally-cylindrical shape for introducing fluid into the blood vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing a collapsible infusion conduit in a blood vessel includes a catheter formed as a normally-flattened tube of flexible, collapsible plastic. When placed in a blood vessel, the catheter collapses to a flattened configuration for lying along the wall of the blood vessel to avoid obstruction to blood flow. During infusion, infusion fluid expands the catheter to a generally oval flow path. The catheter may be initially placed in the blood vessel by pre-loading the catheter over a guide wire and inserting the catheter and guide wire through an introducer sheath into the blood vessel. Infusion fluid is thereafter applied to the trailing end of the catheter to expand the catheter to facilitate withdrawal of the guide wire. Alternatively, the leading end of the catheter may initially be sealed, and placement into the blood vessel is achieved through an introducer sheath by inflating the catheter with pressurized fluid to temporarily render the catheter rigid and generally oval.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing a collapsible infusion conduit in a blood vessel includes a catheter formed as a normally-flattened tube of flexible, collapsible plastic. When placed in a blood vessel, the catheter collapses to a flattened configuration for lying along the wall of the blood vessel to avoid obstruction to blood flow. During infusion, infusion fluid expands the catheter to a generally oval flow path. The catheter may be initially placed in the blood vessel by pre-loading the catheter over a guide wire and inserting the catheter and guide wire through an introducer sheath into the blood vessel. Infusion fluid is thereafter applied to the trailing end of the catheter to expand the catheter to facilitate withdrawal of the guide wire. Alternatively, the leading end of the catheter may initially be sealed, and placement into the blood vessel is achieved through an introducer sheath by inflating the catheter with pressurized fluid to temporarily render the catheter rigid and generally oval.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve device for an angiographic catheter includes a housing having a first end adapted to form a luer lock connection with the proximal end of the angiographic catheter. A central bore extends between the first end of the housing and an opposing second end, and a deformable elastomeric slit seal is supported across the central bore to selectively seal the proximal end of the catheter. The slit seal is adapted to permit a guidewire to be passed therethrough and advanced into the catheter while sealingly engaging the walls of the guidewire to prevent blood loss through the catheter. The second end of the housing is provided with a female luer lock connection fitting for receiving the conical tip of a syringe, stopcock, or the like, and forming a pressure-tight connection therebetween.

Abstract: A guidance method for use in conjunction with a C.T. scanner allows a user to accurately place a drainage catheter, biopsy needle, or like catheter within a patient's body. A scan of the patient's body is made using the C.T. scanner to form a cross-sectional image of the target area within the patient's body. An insertion path is selected on the scanned cross-sectional image to reach the target area, and the lateral distance is determined between the vertical axis of the scanned image and the insertion site. The insertion angle and insertion distance along the insertion path are also computed from the cross-sectional image. The lighting system of the C.T. scanner projects a laser-generated longitudinal reference beam on to the patient's body corresponding with the vertical axis of the scanned image; the lighting system further projects at least one transverse beam on to the patient's body for designating the vertical plane through which an image was scanned.

Abstract: A blood clot filter particularly suited for filtering blood clots from blood circulating through the inferior vena cava is composed of a number of peripheral wires joined at one end by a first connector and also joined approximately at their middle portions by a second connector. The wire portions extending between the two connectors form a filter mesh, and the wire portions extending between the second connector and the free ends form filtering legs which anchor the filter. The free ends have recurved hooks for radial engagement with a blood vessel. The filter mesh is formed by mechanically approximating the two connectors resulting in the formation of overlapping loops of wire. A central core wire is fixedly secured to one of the two connectors and slidingly extends through the second of the two connectors. The central core wire is retracted to slide the two connectors together. A lock device prevents the two connectors from sliding back apart.

Abstract: A handheld guidance device for use in conjunction with a C.T. scanner allows a user to accurately place a catheter within a patient's body. The guidance device includes a generally planar base including a bubble level to aid in maintaining the base horizontal. A needle support arm is pivotally secured to the base adjacent one end thereof, and a cooperating protractor indicates the relative angular relationship between the needle support arm and the base. Needle guides are provided on the support arm for slidingly supporting the catheter at a desired angle as the catheter is inserted into the patient's body. Graduations are marked on the needle support arm for indicating the depth of insertion. A reference line formed upon the base is adapted to be aligned with a transverse light beam projected by the C.T. scanner.