Abstract: Catheter tubes of elastomeric material having novel lumen shapes which prevent occlusion and accommodate continued liquid flow even when kinked. Also, catheter tube slit valves are disclosed, the walls of which are not chemically weakened. Symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of said slit valves are disclosed. Combinations of highly reliable slit valves and catheter tubes are disclosed. Independently operable multi-lumen catheter assemblies of synthetic material, such as silicone rubber are disclosed, wherein the distal end of each lumen is normally closed by a three-position slit valve formed in a catheter tube covering.

Abstract: A layered peel away hollow sheath for temporarily creating a passageway into a desired body site of a medical patient for placement of one end of an indwelling device at the body site through the sheath, the sheath wall comprising at least two layers, the inside layer being cylindrical and the outside layer comprising two semi-cylindrical segments defining opposed axially-directed slits or slots therebetween which comprises tear lines such that the sheath manually tears axially along the single layer tear lines into two pieces for removal of the sheath from around the indwelling device.

Abstract: Catheter tubes of elastomeric material having novel lumen shapes which prevent occlusion and accommodate continued liquid flow even when kinked. Also, catheter tube slit valves are disclosed, the walls of which are not chemically weakened. Symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of said slit valves are disclosed. Combinations of highly reliable slip valves and catheter tubes are disclosed. Independently operable multi-lumen catheter assemblies of synthetic material, such as silicone rubber are disclosed, wherein the distal end of each lumen is normally closed by a three-position slit valve formed in a catheter tube covering.

Abstract: Apparatus for intravenous therapy including hyperalimentation comprises a flexible closed-end catheter having a valve adjacent its proximal end. It is inserted through the skin of a patient and into a vein having a suitably large flow of blood therethrough. A removable internal stiffening member comprising a doubled, twisted flexible wire abuts the proximal closed catheter end. A distal female fluid flow fitting is fixed to the distal end of the stiffening member and is releasably attached to the distal catheter end. The distal end of the catheter has a male coupler allowing releasable connection of the fluid flow fitting of the internal stiffener to a source of intravenous solution which flows by gravity or pump means through the catheter and into the vein.

Abstract: Catheter of soft, flexible material is formed with closed end. Fluid opening formed by single slit through tubing wall of such length that valve will open only upon application of predetermined pressure differentials. Removable stiffener member is positioned in catheter, abutting closed end to push catheter into body vessel when inserting.

Abstract: The skin and a subjacent body vessel is pierced with a needle mounted on a fluid-fillable chamber at the opposite end of which is a plunger movable into the chamber. In one embodiment, disposed within the needle and chamber is a closed-ended flexible catheter. A flexible stylet is disposed in the catheter. The catheter is drawn through the needle and into the body vessel by pushing into the chamber the plunger which engages the distal portion of the stylet. The closed-ended pliable catheter is drawn into place in the body vessel by the pushing stylet while fluid is simultaneously infused into the body vessel to dilate it and thereby ease the advancement of the catheter with minimal damage to the vessel wall.The chamber and needle are removable from the catheter, leaving it in place in the body for the infusion of fluid.In another embodiment a stiffer, open-ended catheter is used and plunger pushes directly against the catheter to push it into the body vessel.