Abstract: A catheter system having one or more needle position indicators to assist an operator in withdrawing the introducer needle to a “parked” position, as part of a catheterization procedure, wherein the needle position indicator provides a visual indication to the operator.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a patient's body includes a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed in the needle. The insertion tool can include a guidewire advancement assembly that can include a first finger pad for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. The insertion tool can further include a catheter advancement assembly that can include a second finger pad for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. The first and second finger pads can be positioned such that a user can begin to advance the second finger pad after advancing the first finger pad without substantially re-positioning the thumb or finger of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An introducer needle may include a proximal end, a distal tip, and a needle lumen extending therebetween. The introducer needle may include a wall defining the needle lumen, a first notch formed through the wall, and a second notch formed through the wall. A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter, a flash chamber coupled to the introducer needle, and the introducer needle, which may extend through the catheter. The first and second notches and the flash chamber may facilitate pressure-driven blood flow into the catheter for improved flashback and detection of transfixation when the catheter is primed prior to insertion into vasculature of a patient or otherwise.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter, and a needle hub coupled to the catheter adapter. The needle hub may be transparent, and a needle may be secured within the needle hub. The catheter system may also include a flow control plug coupled to the proximal end of the needle hub. In some embodiments, a flashback pathway may be disposed between an outer surface of the flow control plug and an inner surface of the needle hub. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an inner barrel and an outer barrel, and the inner barrel and the needle hub may be configured to move proximally within the outer barrel to retract the needle. The flashback pathway may be disposed between an outer surface of the needle hub and an inner surface of the inner barrel.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an improved catheter insertion device is described that provides an improved flashback response and use for deep vein access. In various embodiments, the improved flashback response comprises two separate and distinct flash events, the first indicating insertion of a cannula in a blood vessel, and a second indicating insertion of a catheter in the blood vessel. The two flash responses are made possible by a combination of features provided on the cannula, such as including a view window in the cannula and a flat relief portion on the outer surface of the cannula at the distal opening.

Abstract: A catheter system having one or more needle position indicators to assist an operator in withdrawing the introducer needle to a “parked” position, as part of a catheterization procedure, wherein the needle position indicator provides a visual indication to the operator.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, an introducer needle extending through the catheter, a flash chamber in fluid communication with a needle lumen of the introducer needle, and a seal element. The introducer needle may include a wall defining the needle lumen, a first notch formed through the wall, and a second notch formed through the wall. The seal element may be proximal to the first notch and the second notch and within the catheter between an outer surface of the introducer needle and an inner surface of the catheter. The seal element may prevent priming fluid from travelling distal to the seal element. The seal element in conjunction with the first notch, the second notch, and the flash chamber may facilitate pressure-driven blood flow into the catheter for detection of flashback and transfixing when priming occurs prior to insertion into vasculature.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter and an inner needle inserted through the catheter. The catheter has a catheter body and a flexible portion that is provided at a distal portion of the catheter body, includes a most distal portion of the catheter, and is more flexible than the catheter body.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a catheter hub, an inner needle, and an inner needle hub. The catheter assembly is disposed in a hollow portion axially extending in the interior of the inner needle, and includes a blunt needle having a distal end portion blunter than a needle tip and a movement mechanism for moving the blunt needle. The movement mechanism is configured separately from the catheter hub and causes the distal end of the blunt needle to protrude beyond the needle tip along with the movement of the catheter.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) catheter system may include a catheter adapter having a proximal end and a distal end. The IV catheter system may also include a cannula extending through the catheter adapter. A proximal end of the cannula may include a notch. The IV catheter system may also include a needle hub, which may be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The needle hub may include a flashback chamber, which may be in fluid communication with the notch when the IV catheter system is in an insertion configuration.

Abstract: A stabilizing connector includes a connector portion and a stabilization portion. The connector portion is configured to couple to an access device. The connector portion defines at least one lumen that is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a lumen of the access device. The stabilization portion is coupled to the connector portion. The stabilization portion is configured to be placed in contact with a surface of a patient's skin to stabilize at least one of the stabilizing connector or the access device.

Abstract: An improved, injection or blood removal device for intravenous access has a port with a septum at the exterior end of an intravenous catheter, a coupling element having an adhesive surface for securing attachment onto the skin, an injection or blood sampling unit, a connecting cannula piercing the septum of the port, and means to secure functional assembly. Attachment of the device to the skin covering or close to the intravenous puncture site and without long communicating tubes allows ambulant injection of drugs or measuring of concentration-time profiles of exogenous and endogenous analytes to improve treatment modalities on an individualized basis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for introducing a catheter in a vein, comprising the following steps: puncturing the vein, introducing a guide in the punctured vein, fixing a catheter on the distal coupler of a connector, introducing a mandrel in the catheter, introducing the set formed by the catheter and the mandrel in the vein by having said set slide on the guide, withdrawing the mandrel and the guide, and connecting a fluid injection device on the second proximal coupler of the connector.

Abstract: An introducer needle may include a proximal end, a distal tip, and a needle lumen extending therebetween. The introducer needle may include a wall defining the needle lumen, a first notch formed through the wall, and a second notch formed through the wall. A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter, a flash chamber coupled to the introducer needle, and the introducer needle, which may extend through the catheter. The first and second notches and the flash chamber may facilitate pressure-driven blood flow into the catheter for improved flashback and detection of transfixation when the catheter is primed prior to insertion into vasculature of a patient or otherwise.

Abstract: A cannula locator device is described herein. The cannula locator device may include a cannula. The cannula may include a distal tip, an elongated tubular shaft, and an inner lumen formed by the elongated tubular shaft. The cannula locator device may also include a first optical fiber configured to emit light and a second optical fiber configured to receive reflected light. The first and second optical fibers may be disposed within the inner lumen of the cannula. The first optical fiber may include a first distal end and a first proximal end. The second optical fiber may include a first proximal end and first distal end.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV)catheter apparatus comprising: a tubular catheter (10) having a proximal end (50) and a distal end (16) mounted to a catheter hub (40); a needle (12) defining an axial direction (A) having a needle shaft (22) with a needle tip (14) at a distal end (16) and a needle hub mounted to the proximal end (50) of the needle shaft (22); a needle guard (30) arranged movably on the needle shaft (22), wherein said needle shaft (22) extends through said tubular catheter (10) such that said needle tip (14) of said needle (12) protrudes from said distal end (16) of said tubular catheter (10); and wherein said needle shaft (22) is provided with: an engagement means (26) adapted to engage with the said needle guard (30) in order to prevent said needle guard (30) from sliding off said needle tip (14); and one or more lateral openings (28) covered by said tubular catheter (10).

Abstract: A hemostatic device for sealing a puncture of a vessel includes a first tube defining a first lumen, and a malecot coupled to the first tube. The malecot is selectively actuatable from a neutral configuration to a stopper configuration. The hemostatic device also includes a second tube circumscribing at least a portion of the first tube. The second tube at least partially defines a second lumen and a third lumen. The second tube includes a first opening in flow communication with the third lumen and positioned proximally relative to the malecot. The second tube is selectively orientable to at least partially expose a hemocoagulant agent retained in the second lumen.

Abstract: An electric motor rotor mechanism includes a plurality of rotor bars and a rotor core. The rotor bars are disposed on the rotor core. The rotor core has a plurality of lines of barriers and a plurality of flux barrier holes. Each of the lines of barriers extends from one of the rotor bars to another one of the rotor bars. The flux barrier holes are arranged along the lines of barriers. Each of the flux barrier holes is a magnetic flux barrier. An area between each adjacent flux barrier hole is a magnetic flux path.

Abstract: An insertion device is disclosed. The insertion device includes a base portion, a top portion slidably connected to the base portion, an introduction needle, a catheter in slidable relation to the introduction needle, and a substantially cylindrical flash chamber, the flash chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the introduction needle. The flash chamber is connected to the base portion, the top portion slidably engages with the flash chamber, and the catheter and the top portion slidably advance with respect to the introduction needle and the base portion.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly for rapid vascular insertion including a catheter configured for receipt of a needle and a guidewire; a catheter assembly comprising an integrated assembly comprising a catheter, needle, and guidewire; and a method of rapidly inserting a catheter to obtain vascular access. The catheter includes a central lumen for receiving the needle and guidewire. The lumen includes a distal port and a transverse side port adjacent an intermediate portion thereof which provide open vascular communication from two ports between the central lumen and the vasculature. The needle and guidewire, when integrated with the catheter, extend through the transverse side port wherein a proximal end of the needle extends contiguous to and exterior of a proximal portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A device for introducing a medicament 5 into a patient comprises a cannula 8 having an inlet end 12 for the medicament and a discharge end 14 for the medicament and a blood flow passageway 20 that provides a visual indication that the discharge end of the cannula is in a blood vein.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device includes a housing, a needle, a catheter, a guidewire, and an actuator mechanism including a biasing member. The needle is attached to a needle carrier having a proximal end disposed in the housing, the needle having an insertion position and a retraction position with respect to the housing. The catheter is positioned coaxially around the needle. The guidewire has a distal end positioned in a lumen of the needle in a withdrawn position, the guidewire being translatable to an advanced position in which the distal end extends distally from a tip of the needle. The guidewire may include a distal end with a coiled configuration. Actuating the actuator mechanism releases the biasing member to simultaneously translate the needle and the guidewire, the needle from the insertion position to the retraction position, and the guidewire from the advanced position to the withdrawn position.

Abstract: Disclosed are various instruments and implants used in minimally invasive spine surgery. Disclosed is a cannulated probe, a guide wire handle; a guide wire handle having a locking mechanism, an all-in-one guide wire tool; a retractor flex rod passage; or a tab break tool.

Abstract: A catheter system including an insertion device and a catheter device. The insertion device includes a housing, a latch, a needle for insertion into a patient; and a spring. The catheter device includes a housing comprising a chamber, and a seal disposed in said chamber. The seal is configured to reseal when the needle is withdrawn from the seal such that blood is sealed in the chamber. The spring relaxes and thereby retracts the needle entirely into the housing of the insertion device when the latch decouples from the catheter device.

Abstract: Device and method for puncturing blood vessels while using fluoroscopy. The disclosed device enables improved needle orientation control and avoids direct exposure of the clinician's hand to X-ray during the puncturing procedure.

Abstract: A vessel puncture closure device includes a balloon catheter and a sealant delivery device. The balloon catheter has an inflatable balloon positioned at a distal end thereof. The sealant delivery catheter has a sealant lumen configured to delivery a volume of sealant to a vessel puncture. The sealant delivery catheter is configured to move axially relative to the balloon between a first position in which the sealant delivery catheter delivers a first volume of sealant to the vessel puncture, and a second position spaced proximal of the first position to deliver a second volume of sealant to the vessel puncture.

Abstract: An insertion device is disclosed. The insertion device includes a base portion, a top portion slidably connected to the base portion, an introduction needle, a catheter in slidable relation to the introduction needle, and a substantially cylindrical flash chamber, the flash chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the introduction needle. The flash chamber is connected to the base portion, the top portion slidably engages with the flash chamber, and the catheter and the top portion slidably advance with respect to the introduction needle and the base portion.

Abstract: A blood sampling device useful for collecting a blood sample from a separate vascular access device is described herein. The blood sampling device includes a body shaped and sized for partial insertion into a separate vascular access device. The body includes a reservoir defined within the body, which has an internal volume sufficient to contain enough blood for use in a diagnostic blood test. The body also includes a gas permeable vent disposed on the body, in which the gas permeable vent is in gaseous communication with the reservoir. When connected to a separate vascular access device the blood sampling device collects a blood sample as blood flows into the reservoir from the separate vascular access device and as gases pass out the reservoir via the gas permeable vent.

Abstract: An intravascular needle and catheter arrangement that ensures flashback is indicated after the catheter is safely inserted through the needle puncture in the vascular wall and emplaced into the vessel. This placement location, at which flashback first occurs is sufficient to begin threading the catheter without risk of over-insertion or under-insertion. The catheter overlies a needle having a distal tip that defines a point. The needle tip includes an enclosed distal-most end and a port located along at least one of the proximal portion of the point and an adjacent cylindrical sidewall of the needle. The distal end of the catheter exposes the port for entry of blood from a vessel thereinto only after the distal end of the catheter has entered sufficiently into the interior of the vessel. An opposing second side of the tip defines a curved surface that prevents puncturing of the back vessel wall.

Abstract: A Retrograde Entry Antegrade Placement (REAP™) method and apparatus facilitate the antegrade (i.e., in the direction of blood flow) placement of endovascular devices for treatment of lower extremity arterial disease. Initially, a retrograde entry is made into the arterial system of a patient at an entry point with a curved needle, which then exits at an exit point proximal to the entry point, with a first wire then passed through the lumen of the curved needle. From the skin exit point, a Dual-Lumen Access Director (DAD) device is advanced in the antegrade direction down the first wire in a first lumen and enters the CFA 1 lumen. A second wire is passed down a second lumen in the DAD device and follows the SFA lumen in the antegrade direction. The DAD device is removed, and a standard dilator sheath is inserted over the second wire and the endovascular treatment begins.

Abstract: A pre-slit cannula diaphragm is integrated into a peripheral venous catheter to provide a cannula ready intravenous catheter with a cannula chamber closed to the environment, thereby reducing the risk to health-care providers from blood borne diseases and the risk to patients from airborne hazards. The cannula ready intravenous catheter includes a cylindrical housing that provides an uninterrupted smooth surface, for reducing skin irritation. A proximal end of the cylindrical housing provides a luer-type connector site, and a distal end of the cylindrical housing provides a catheter hub. The catheter hub supports a catheter tube, which extends from a distal end of the catheter hub.

Abstract: An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient including a catheter having an interior surface, a needle disposed within the catheter, and/or a needle cap defining at least one capillary space and including a flexible seal surrounding the at least one capillary space. The flexible seal may engage the interior surface of the catheter. A method of controlling exposure to a liquid from an extravascular system including providing a wicking material positioned adjacent to a flow channel such that any fluid located external to the flow channel is retained by the wicking material. The wicking material may be incorporated into any extravascular system where exposure to liquids is undesirable.

Abstract: A needle safety device is provided having a housing, a needle assembly movably mounted within the housing and a spring for biasing the needle assembly within the housing. The needle assembly is movable along a first axis and the spring is movable along the second axis different from the first. There is also provided a lens for enhancing visualization of the flow of fluid through the needle safety device. There is further provided a safety sheath for covering a needle of the needle assembly and restraining the needle assembly against movement due to the bias of the spring.

Abstract: A low-profile universal passive protector is provided for an IV catheter comprising a hypodermic needle and a catheter. An elongate sheath defines a sheath cavity and a longitudinal axis. A slider is connected to the hypodermic needle and is movable along the sheath between first and second positions for withdrawing the needle into the sheath. A finger-press plate is coupled to the sheath and extends beyond the slider in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to define a plate height. A flashback body is coupled to the slider in a manner such that the flashback body and slider collectively define a cavity in fluid communication with the hypodermic needle. The flashback body is sized and configured to extend from the slider in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to define a flashback body height that is less than the plate height.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A surgical stapler having a hollow shaft 10 and a tube 92 slidable axially within the shaft between a forward position wherein one end 96 of the tube projects beyond a free end of the shaft to enter a puncture site in a blood vessel and a rearward position wherein the end of the locator tube is retracted within the shaft. A surgical staple 40 straddles the tube 92 and is slidable thereon forwardly towards an anvil 24 against which the staple may be deformed to staple together the opposite edges of the puncture site. A cam mechanism drives the staple forwardly along the tube 92 into deforming engagement with the anvil and at the same time retracts the tube into the shaft in time to allow the legs of the staple to close onto the puncture site.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing blood exposure or contamination upon withdrawal of a hypodermic needle is provided. The apparatus may include a needle having a tip and a shield configured to at least partially entrap the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle. The apparatus may further include a blood stabilizing material disposed such that upon withdrawal of the needle the blood stabilizing material is disposed in operative association with the needle tip such that blood carried by the needle is prevented from escaping the apparatus. In some exemplary implementations, the blood stabilizing material may be disposed on one or more surfaces of the shield. The shield of the hypodermic needle may include protective device and/or a housing for shielding the needle tip upon withdrawal. The housing may be adapted to at least partially cover the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting and monitoring the placement of a cannula tip within a peripheral vein of a human body where the cannula includes a sensor located at predetermined location and mounted on the cannula for sensing the biological material of the body to guide the insertion of the cannula tip into the vein and alerts to the withdrawal of the cannula tip from the vein in the body.

Abstract: A peripheral venous catheter comprising a vein indwelling section and a cannula (14), wherein the vein indwelling section includes a connection section and a tube connected to the connection section in a firmly bonded manner, and wherein the cannula is inserted into the vein indwelling section prior to inserting the venous catheter into a vein, and a wall is provided in the connection, which runs substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the connection section, including a plurality of circular ring-like wall segments, and exhibiting a central passage for the cannula at the middle of the wall, such that the wall segments form a boundary for a chamber provided in the connection section on the side facing the tube, in order to accommodate blood exiting the tube after the cannula has been removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for accessing blood located within a flash chamber of an IV catheter insertion device, the apparatus is separate from the IV catheter insertion device and sized to be attached to a structure of the IV catheter insertion device to secure it thereto. Once secured, movement of the plunger from its rearward position to a forward position presses on a flash plug to expel blood from a flash chamber of the IV catheter insertion device and out through the needle.

Abstract: A vascular access device is provided with a needle assembly, a catheter assembly configured to slidably receive the needle assembly, and a light emitting assembly configured to couple to the needle assembly. The light emitting assembly and the needle assembly cooperate to shine a beam of light down the bore of the needle to assist with aligning the needle with a penetration site on target tissue. Systems and methods associated with these devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A needle assembly is provided with the housing, and IV cannula for accessing a blood vessel and a non-patient cannula for communication with an evacuated tube. A flashback chamber is provided in the housing at or near the distal end of the housing. A shield is hinged to a portion of the assembly proximally of the entrance to the flashback chamber. As a result, good visibility of the flashback chamber is achieved. After use, the shield can be rotated into a closed portion for surrounding the IV cannula and avoiding accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: An IV catheter insertion device includes a flash chamber into which blood (or other fluid) flows to confirm the proper placement of the catheter. Within the device is a movable member which is controlled from outside, as by a health care worker moving a plunger to move the movable member and expel blood from the flash chamber through the needle for testing or other analysis. The plunger may have a locking and unlocking mechanism to present the movement of the plunger from occurring when it is not desired.

Abstract: A phlebotomy device includes a needle defining a lumen and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a sharpened tip configured to pierce tissue. The phlebotomy device further includes a sensor disposed at least partially within the lumen. The sensor has a first state and a second state and is configured to transition from the first state to the second state upon exposure to blood at physiological temperature.

Abstract: A device may include a hollow needle, a dilator mounted coaxially on the needle, and a sheath mounted coaxially on the dilator. The dilator may be slideably displaceable relative to the sheath.

Abstract: Vascular needle system for visualisation of blood comprising a vascular needle comprising a tube having a beveled distal end and a proximal end and between said ends a tubular wall having an external surface and an axial cavity for the passage of a fluid between said ends, said needle being provided with at least one lateral aperture and a proximal base-body, said vascular needle system also comprising a plastic transparent tubular cannula having an internal surface and overlying at least partially said needle.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide an intravenous device having flashback capabilities and features to permit a flashback notch of an introducer needle to bypass a septum of the device without incurring an undesirable contact between the flashback notch of the introducer needle and a related contact surface of the septum.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter device and system includes: (a) a medical tubing connector at a first end of the intravenous catheter device; (b) a length of flexible, non-kinking, supported medical tubing, a first end of the non-kinking tubing being connected to a first end of the medical tubing connector; (c) an intravenous catheter portion having a first end attached to a second end of the non-kinking tubing, the non-kinking tubing extending between the intravenous catheter portion and the tubing connector; and (d) a cylindrical-shaped cuff attached to a first outside end portion of the intravenous catheter portion, and a second outside end portion of the non-kinking tubing; wherein a central channel of the intravenous catheter portion is in fluid communication with a channel of the non-kinking, flexible tubing when the intravenous catheter device is in use. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: 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.