The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 13, 1998
Filed:
Mar. 22, 1996
Jonathan J Rosen, Alpharetta, GA (US);
Richard A Hillstead, Duluth, GA (US);
Thomas D Weldon, Gainesville, GA (US);
Charles E Larsen, Cumming, GA (US);
David O Williams, Barrington, RI (US);
Merit Medical Systems, South Jordan, UT (US);
Abstract
A blood containment, visualization and tactile confirmation device is provided for use with a vascular entry needle. The device includes a visualization channel and/or a compliant outer wall portion which indicates whether a needle connected to the device has entered a selected blood vessel. The visualization channel is vented to the outside to allow displaced air to escape, but has a gas permeable member to prevent blood from escaping. The visualization channel may have one, two, or more stages, with a first stage chamber which indicates initial penetration of a selected blood vessel, and a second stage chamber which fills more slowly and indicates that the needle remains positioned within the blood vessel. A third stage chamber with entrapped air which compresses slightly due to the heartbeat may also be used. Preferably, a compliant outer wall portion pulses with changes in blood pressure, thereby providing a tactile indication that the needle tip is properly positioned. The device has a guideway with a barrier of elastomeric material which prevents blood from passing therethrough, but which allows passage of an elongated medical instrument such as catheterization apparatus. A flange may also be disposed within the compliant membrane to prevent excess depression of the compliant membrane.