Abstract: A sheath lock for use with a splittable sheath is disclosed. The sheath lock includes a tapered slot extending from a wide untapered end to a narrow tapered end. A lock box is located adjacent the narrow tapered end of the tapered slot. The lock box has a plurality of tines which grip and retain the sheath when it is positioned within the lock box. The sheath can freely move through the wide untapered end, but the sheath is securely locked when it is moved through the tapered slot from the untapered end into the lock box. The plurality of tines can be arranged in various configurations to form the lock box, including elliptical, circular, rectangular or square configurations around the lock box.

Abstract: A blood seal having a spring-biased septum is provided for preventing the leakage of blood during the placement and use of vascular catheters and similar devices. The structure of the blood seal includes a housing with an internal channel. A spring-biased septum is placed securely within the channel such that it substantially blocks blood flow through the channel. The spring-biased septum includes an elastic plug having a pre-slit or pre-molded hole and a biasing element disposed about the elastic plug. A needle or other object may be withdrawn through the slit or hole, after which the biasing element forces the hole closed, preventing blood leakage.

Abstract: A winged catheter introducer for use in introducing a catheter into a blood vessel is disclosed. A needle is disposed within the catheter to help penetrate a patient's blood vessel. The needle and catheter are disposed within an introducer body having a pair of deformable wings extending from opposite sides of the body. A pair of opposing clamp jaws are disposed within the introducer body adjacent the wings. The clamp jaws are configured to grip and retain the catheter and needle when the wings are compressed towards each other. In a disclosed embodiment, the clamp jaws are biased in an open configuration and define clamp surfaces having angled ridges which engage the catheter exterior surface.

Abstract: A catheter introducer is disclosed having a splittable introducer and an introducer needle. The splittable introducer includes a pair of wings and a tray with an open top extending from the proximal end of the introducer cannula between the wings to lead the distal end of a long, thin and flexible medical device into the open proximal end of the splittable introducer cannula.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly with needle shield is provided wherein the needle includes an enlarged diameter portion and a distally facing shoulder. The needle shield includes a means for engaging the distally facing shoulder to prevent unwanted distal movement of the needle once the needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield. The needle shield also includes a small diameter opening adjacent to its proximal portion to limit proximal movement of the needle out of the needle shield.

Abstract: The one step catheter advancement automatic needle retraction system of this invention includes a generally hollow barrel, a needle hub which can include a flashback chamber disposed in the barrel, a secondary flashback chamber disposed in the barrel, a biasing mechanism for retracting the needle into the barrel and a clip associated with the secondary flashback chamber for engaging a catheter hub. The needle hub in conjunction with the secondary flashback chamber retain the needle in the extended position against the force of the biasing mechanism until the catheter has been advanced a certain distance from the distal end of the barrel.

Abstract: The one step catheter advancement automatic needle retraction system of this invention includes a generally hollow barrel, a needle hub which can include a flashback chamber disposed in the barrel, a secondary flashback chamber disposed in the barrel, a biasing mechanism for retracting the needle into the barrel and a clip associated with the secondary flashback chamber for engaging a catheter hub. The needle hub in conjunction with the secondary flashback chamber retain the needle in the extended position against the force of the biasing mechanism until the catheter has been advanced a certain distance from the distal end of the barrel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catheter having an improved tape down wing. This wing is oval and has a length to width ratio of between about 1:1 to about 1:3. In addition, the wing has a flat bottom with a domed cross-section. The ratio of the cross-sectional thickness, edge to center, is between about 1:1.5 to about 1:4.

Abstract: The luer adapter of this invention includes a barbed portion having a generally cylindrical distal portion, a generally conical portion, a generally cylindrical portion and a generally outwardly tapered proximal portion. The shape of the barb is substantially the same as the shape of the lumen at the proximal end of a catheter but is slightly larger radially and slightly shorter axially than the proximal portion of the lumen. This ensures that when the barb is inserted into the proximal portion of the lumen the luer adapter is positively locked to the catheter.

Abstract: A guidewire retention device for use with a catheter or other medical device is disclosed herein. The guidewire retention device can be connected to a standard adapter at the proximal end of the catheter. It has an opening therein which can be placed in communication with the catheter lumen. This opening includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion and is preferably keyhole shaped. The large diameter portion allows a guidewire to easily pass therethrough while the small diameter portion does not. Thus, when a guidewire is located in the catheter lumen in the proper position, the guidewire can be fitted into the small diameter portion of the keyhole shaped opening to lock the guidewire with respect to the catheter. A raised icon on the guidewire retention device provides an indication to the clinician of how to use the guidewire retention device.