Abstract: A needle, catheter, and housing assembly is provided. The assembly includes a slider portion that slides relative to the housing. The slider portion can be actuated by a caregiver/operator such that a catheter can be threaded into a patient with simple movement of the operator's thumb or other finger. The assembly also includes an improved flash chamber. The flash chamber utilizes capillary action and/or a visible portal area to provide a caregiver/operator with more immediate information as to whether the needle has been inserted in the vein or artery.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet and outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. The venting mechanism includes a blocking member to control the fluid flow in the venting mechanism so that it flows along the longest path through the vent. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle tip on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A needle hub and catheter assembly are disclosed herein. The needle hub includes an introducer needle having a lumen extending therethrough. A needle hub is coupled to a proximal end of the introducer needle. A flash chamber is removably coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. An interior of the flash chamber is in fluid communication with the lumen of the introducer needle when the flash chamber is coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. As such, the flash chamber can collect a sample of blood that can be accessed when the flash chamber is removed. In some instances, the blood can also be dispensed from the flash chamber into a test strip or other testing device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for closing a puncture wound in a liquid carrying vessel are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided having a locator tube with an inflatable member formed thereon and adapted to be positioned within a liquid carrying vessel adjacent a puncture wound, and a staple applying apparatus that is slidably disposed on a portion of the locator tube and that is adapted to apply a surgical staple to seal a puncture wound in a liquid carrying vessel.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing so as to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle minimizing resistance to catheter advancement during vascular cannulation includes a needle shaft and a needle tip including an open needle bevel extending along middle and proximal portions of the open bevel until a distal end of the needle shaft, wherein a most distal portion of the open bevel is filled to prevent flashback. The hypodermic needle also includes a catheter overlying the needle shaft in the resting position.

Abstract: A spinal cannula with a needle hub having a transparent area for observing the liquor flowing through a hollow cavity of the needle hub. A structure for refracting or reflecting rays of light is provided in or at the transparent area of the needle hub. The structure for refracting or reflecting rays of light may be formed as one or more prisms.

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 hypodermic needle minimizing resistance to catheter advancement during vascular cannulation includes a needle shaft and a needle tip including an open needle bevel extending along middle and proximal portions of the open bevel until a distal end of the needle shaft, wherein a most distal portion of the open bevel is filled to prevent flashback. The hypodermic needle also includes a catheter overlying the needle shaft in the resting position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arterial flashback confirmation chamber. Generally, the confirmation chamber is used with a vascular access device to allow an operator to see active arterial flashback confirmation for a period of time that is long enough to permit the operator to properly place the cannula of the vascular access device within a patient's artery. In some instances, the confirmation chamber comprises a flashback compartment, means for prolonging active arterial flashback confirmation, and a vent. Some examples of suitable prolonging means comprise a flashback compartment with a relatively large internal volume, circuitous tubing, an absorbent material, an orifice and/or tubing with a smaller inner diameter than the inner diameter of the cannula, and the like. Where the vascular access device comprises a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly and confirmation camber are optionally used with a guide wire and/or a blood sensor.

Abstract: Featured is a medical infusion device for vascular access with enhanced flashback visualization that includes a hub assembly having a flashback chamber. The hub assembly includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a substantially transparent window section intermediate the proximal portion and distal portion. A needle is coupled to the flashback chamber so that fluid flows through the lumen of the needle into the flashback chamber after the needle is inserted into a blood vessel. A contrasting member is disposed on at least a portion of the hub assembly, so that when blood enters the flashback chamber, the contrasting member provides a high-contrast background when viewed through the window section.

Abstract: A peripheral nerve block needle for facilitating a peripheral nerve block procedure. A needle has several fenestrations along its length to allow an efflux of local anesthetic into a particular fascial compartment to treat a corresponding peripheral nerve despite only roughly approximating the location of such fascial compartment. A needle hub may be attached to the needle so that a backflow of fluid may be observed. A stylet is slidably disposed within the needle and needle hub such that selectively withdrawing the stylet from the apparatus enables a backflow of fluid into the needle hub, from which proper localization of the apparatus may be verified prior to administering local anesthetic. In this manner, local anesthetic may be effectively and efficiently administered to a peripheral nerve with reduced risk of injury to a patient.

Abstract: The needle assembly is provided with the housing, an 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 position for surrounding the IV cannula and avoiding accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: A syringe comprising a clear syringe barrel, a clear hollow plunge which can be pushed and pulled within the syringe barrel and is open at both ends, a gasket having a throughhole for providing communication between the inside of the plunger and the inside of the syringe barrel and provide a fluid tight seal with the syringe barrel, and a return-flow prevention mechanism which allows the fluid flowing into the plunger to flow in an outward direction from the inside of the plunger.

Abstract: A flow element for use with flexible needles and flexible needle assemblies to minimize flow occlusion within a flexible needle is provided. The flow element is particularly suited for uses with a flexible needle for minimizing incidence of post-dural puncture headache. The flow element includes a body having an internal flow path for conducting a fluid through a flexible needle, and an anti-restriction member. The anti-restriction member includes an elongated body, a proximal end coupled to the body within the internal flow path, and a distal end for disposing at least a portion of the elongated body within a flexible needle. A flexible spinal needle assembly for minimizing flow occlusion through an internal flow path of a flexible needle by unintended kinking that is potentially caused by ligament or muscle layer movements is also provided.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing so as to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A needle assembly for introducing an indwelling catheter into a blood vessel is provided. The needle assembly may include a handle including a flashback chamber configured to allow inflow of flashback blood, and a needle hub. The handle and the needle hub may each be configured with through holes to allow flashback of blood from a needle to the flashback chamber without a mediating member between the through holes.

Abstract: A device and method for positioning a catheter to establish a fluid access site into the vasculature of a patient includes a luer assembly having a cannula or catheter, a shuttle assembly having a stylet for stiffening the catheter, and a holder assembly having an actuator for providing controlled retraction into a handle. The safety catheter comprises a flash window that allows a clinician to view when the vasculature of a patient has been properly accessed and to confirm that the stylet has been fully retracted into a safe position.

Abstract: A device and method for positioning a catheter to establish a fluid access site into the vasculature of a patient includes a luer assembly that incorporates the catheter. Also included is a shuttle assembly that has a stylet for stiffening the catheter. In combination, the stiffened catheter and the shuttle assembly are held on a handle by the interaction of the luer assembly with the handle. Once the stiffened catheter is inserted into the vasculature, the luer assembly is separated from the handle and from the stylet, and is left in place. With this separation, the shuttle assembly is also released to be repositioned and concealed within the handle.

Abstract: A catheter insertion apparatus with visual indication of needle penetration of a blood vessel and placement of the catheter cannula within the blood vessel, using blood vessel pressure to indicate needle penetration by the presence of blood within a transparent chamber within the apparatus and the displacement of a plunger to create a negative pressure on the cannula and thus allowing blood to be visible within the catheter hub thereby indicating the introduction of the cannula into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle minimizing resistance to catheter advancement during vascular cannulation includes a needle shaft and a needle tip including an open needle bevel extending along middle and proximal portions of the open bevel until a distal end of the needle shaft, wherein a most distal portion of the open bevel is filled to prevent flashback. The hypodermic needle also includes a catheter overlying the needle shaft in the resting position.

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 needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent plug over the outlet of the flashback chamber to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A high-volume peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter and method includes an elongate stylet removably disposed in a lumen of an elongate catheter. The catheter has a proximal cylindrical shape from an inlet port transitioning at a transition to a distal tapered conical shape terminating at the outlet port, and having a larger internal diameter at the inlet port and a tapering smaller internal diameter between the transition and the outlet port. A plurality of side outlet ports is formed laterally through the catheter. A cross-sectional area of the outlet port and the side outlet ports together is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of the inlet port.

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 needle hub and catheter assembly are disclosed herein. The needle hub includes an introducer needle having a lumen extending therethrough. A needle hub is coupled to a proximal end of the introducer needle. A flash chamber is removably coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. An interior of the flash chamber is in fluid communication with the lumen of the introducer needle when the flash chamber is coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. As such, the flash chamber can collect a sample of blood that can be accessed when the flash chamber is removed. In some instances, the blood can also be dispensed from the flash chamber into a test strip or other testing device.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly usable in combination with an infusion system for infusion into a patient's body is disclosed. The indwelling needle assembly is comprised of a needle having a needlepoint insertable into the patient's body; a sleeve slidably fitted on the needle; a catheter including a catheter tube slidably fitted on the sleeve; a base body fixed to a proximal end of the needle; and a slider fixed to the sleeve and slidably engaged with the base body so as to be movable between a first position to have the needlepoint projecting out of the sleeve and a second position to have the needlepoint retracted in the sleeve, wherein the needle, the sleeve, the base body and the slider are unitarily extractable from the catheter.

Abstract: An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient may include a catheter assembly and an internal construct within the catheter assembly. At least one fluid flow space may exist between the internal construct and the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A syringe comprising a clear syringe barrel, a clear hollow plunge which can be pushed and pulled within the syringe barrel and is open at both ends, a gasket having a throughhole for providing communication between the inside of the plunger and the inside of the syringe barrel and provide a fluid tight seal with the syringe barrel, and a return-flow prevention mechanism which allows the fluid flowing into the plunger to flow in an outward direction from the inside of the plunger.

Abstract: An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The medical article is disposed over and slideable over the needle. A flash space is provided anywhere between the needle and the outer surface of the medical article. The flash space communicates with a bore of the needle, as well as a variable volume chamber. The variable volume chamber can then draw fluid from the flash space into the chamber.

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 device and method for positioning a catheter to establish a fluid access site into the vasculature of a patient includes a luer assembly having a cannula or catheter, a shuttle assembly having a stylet for stiffening the catheter, and a holder assembly having an actuator for providing controlled retraction into a handle. The safety catheter comprises a flash window that allows a clinician to view when the vasculature of a patient has been properly accessed and to confirm that the stylet has been fully retracted into a safe position.

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: Featured is a medical infusion device for vascular access with enhanced flashback visualization that includes a hub assembly having a flashback chamber. The hub assembly includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a substantially transparent window section intermediate the proximal portion and distal portion. A needle is coupled to the flashback chamber so that fluid flows through the lumen of the needle into the flashback chamber after the needle is inserted into a blood vessel. A contrasting member is disposed on at least a portion of the hub assembly, so that when blood enters the flashback chamber, the contrasting member provides a high-contrast background when viewed through the window section.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A vascular closure device including a sheath with one or more orifices therein to detect blood flow, indicating that the sheath has entered an artery and the relative position of the sheath within the artery. Thus, the sheath can be moved and positioned relative to the artery without having to completely extract the sheath from the artery after initial penetration.

Abstract: Featured is a medical infusion device for vascular access with enhanced flashback visualization that includes a hub assembly having a flashback chamber. The hub assembly includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a substantially transparent window section intermediate the proximal portion and distal portion. A needle is coupled to the flashback chamber so that fluid flows through the lumen of the needle into the flashback chamber after the needle is inserted into a blood vessel. A contrasting member is disposed on at least a portion of the hub assembly, so that when blood enters the flashback chamber, the contrasting member provides a high-contrast background when viewed through the window section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arterial flashback confirmation chamber. Generally, the confirmation chamber is used with a vascular access device to allow an operator to see active arterial flashback confirmation for a period of time that is long enough to permit the operator to properly place the cannula of the vascular access device within a patient's artery. In some instances, the confirmation chamber comprises a flashback compartment, means for prolonging active arterial flashback confirmation, and a vent. Some examples of suitable prolonging means comprise a flashback compartment with a relatively large internal volume, circuitous tubing, an absorbent material, an orifice and/or tubing with a smaller inner diameter than the inner diameter of the cannula, and the like. Where the vascular access device comprises a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly and confirmation camber are optionally used with a guide wire and/or a blood sensor.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter introducing device includes a barrel, a tubular grip member disposed to hold a needle seat in a position of use so as to permit a tip end of a needle cannula to extend forwardly of the barrel, a tubular plunger which is movable along a passage of the barrel, and a tubular receptacle which is retained in an accommodation compartment of the tubular plunger and which has socket and air-permeable ends and a flashback chamber. When the plunger is pressed forwardly to permit engagement of the socket end with a rear plug portion of the needle seat and to release the grip member from the barrel, a rearward movement of the needle seat by virtue of a biasing force of a biasing member will force the receptacle to move rearwardly so as to retract the needle cannula into the passage.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing so as to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: An IV catheter introducer having a retractable needle holder and a tubular plunger that are held by a detent structure in a preferred positional relationship prior to and during insertion of the catheter. Following insertion, the plunger is pushed past the detent structure, permitting a compressed spring to force the needle holder upwardly into the plunger. A vented end cap in the plunger permits rapid venting of air displaced during retraction of the needle holder. The needle holder includes a flash chamber that is easily viewable through a clear plastic housing. Wings are provided on the housing to facilitate one-handed operation of the device. A method for assembling the subject catheter introducer is also disclosed.

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: An indwelling needle is provided with an inner needle hub; an inner needle fixedly supported by the inner needle hub; a cover configured to cover the inner needle after use; and a flexible blood monitor being absorptive to blood, an end of which is linked with the inner needle hub.

Abstract: An indicator device for visually indicating a pressure of blood inside a blood vessel includes: a body, the body comprising a duct extending in the body and having a sealed proximal end; a distal end portion adapted to be positioned inside the blood vessel and including a liquid inlet opening in fluid communication with the duct; and a window including an at least semi-transparent section configured to enable visual observation of blood entering into the duct via the inlet opening when the inlet opening is located inside the blood vessel.

Abstract: A venous-arterial detector is disclosed. The detector includes a first chamber in fluid communication with a needle, and an indicator chamber in selective fluid communication with the first chamber through a valve. The indicator chamber is pre-pressurized to a defined pressure that preferably exceeds typical venous pressure, and the valve retains that pressure within the indicator chamber. When the needle is inserted into a vessel, if the pressure in the vessel is greater than the defined pressure in the indicator chamber, blood will flow into the indicator chamber, indicating that the vessel is most likely to be an artery.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent plug over the outlet of the flashback chamber to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing so as to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a needle assembly for viewing flashback during a blood collection procedure. The needle assembly including a housing having a base portion defining a cavity and an extension extending distally from the base portion, the extension being of a transparent material and defining a lumen therethrough, a first cannula supported within the extension and extending distally from the extension, the first cannula having a piercing tip configured to enter a vessel, and a second cannula supported within the cavity of the base portion, wherein the second cannula is fluidly communicated with the first cannula via the lumen formed in the extension.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter introducing device includes a barrel, a tubular grip member disposed to hold a tubular member and a needle seat to permit a tip end of a needle cannula to extend forwardly of the barrel, a tubular plunger movable along a passage of the barrel, and a tubular receptacle retained in the plunger. Forward movement of the plunger permits engagement of a socket end of the receptacle with the rear plug portion of the tubular member and release of the grip member from the barrel such that the needle cannula can be retracted into the plunger. The tubular member has a pre-chamber so that flashback blood flowing thereinto is visible.

Abstract: An IV catheter introducer having a retractable needle holder and a tubular plunger that are held by a detent structure in a preferred positional relationship prior to and during insertion of the catheter. Following insertion, the plunger is pushed past the detent structure, permitting a compressed spring to force the needle holder upwardly into the plunger. A vented end cap in the plunger permits rapid venting of air displaced during retraction of the needle holder. The needle holder includes a flash chamber that is easily viewable through a clear plastic housing. Wings are provided on the housing to facilitate one-handed operation of the device. A method for assembling the subject catheter introducer is also disclosed.