Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub defining an interior cavity and a catheter tube extending distally thereof. A rigid actuator extends proximally in the interior cavity and supports a seal member thereon. The seal member includes a central membrane, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. An hourglass shaped actuator cavity is formed in the distal portion and receives a barbed end of the actuator. The outer surface of the seal member is in partial circumferential engagement with the catheter hub to define an air path that allows fluid communication between areas of the interior cavity distal and proximal of the seal member. A punch tool is provided to form a tri-slit in the membrane of the seal member.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub defining an interior cavity and a catheter tube extending distally thereof. A rigid actuator extends proximally in the interior cavity and supports a seal member thereon. The seal member includes a central membrane, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. An hourglass shaped actuator cavity is formed in the distal portion and receives a barbed end of the actuator. The outer surface of the seal member is in partial circumferential engagement with the catheter hub to define an air path that allows fluid communication between areas of the interior cavity distal and proximal of the seal member. A punch tool is provided to form a tri-slit in the membrane of the seal member. The seal member may be configured for multi-use and include a biasing member that moves the seal member to force the membrane back over the actuator to close the membrane.

Abstract: A bodily fluid space entry detection method includes entry of the distal, sharp tip of a needle cannula into a bodily fluid space such as a blood vessel or epidural space to allow bodily fluid such as blood or spinal fluid to establish electrical conduction along the cannula and energizing an alert source, LED, and/or a buzzer, in response.

Abstract: A bodily fluid space entry detection system includes electrical contacts in non-conducting relationship and associated with a needle cannula. Entry of the distal, sharp tip of the cannula into a bodily fluid space such as a blood vessel or epidural space allows bodily fluid such as blood or spinal fluid to make a conduction path between the contacts which, in turn, causes an alert source to be energized to indicate entry into the bodily fluid space. The alert source could be an LED and/or a buzzer.

Abstract: A process for beveling the tip of a medical catheter is described. A catheter blank is mounted on a mandrel normally with the mandrel tip extending beyond the tip of the catheter to be beveled. The mandrel and catheter blank are inserted into a previously heated mold having a passage therethrough through which the mandrel passes. At a portion of the mold at which the terminus of the catheter is to be formed, a constriction is provided through which material (flash) may pass from the mold volume to the outside of the mold. The material is permitted to cool sufficiently such that when the mandrel and catheter are withdrawn from the mold, the flash tears and separates from the catheter at the point of the constriction formed between the mold and the mandrel.