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:
Nov. 28, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 27, 1998
Jill W Giannoble, Plano, TX (US);
Chase Medical, Inc., Richardson, TX (US);
Abstract
A venous return catheter suitable for use in an extracorporeal circuit having a helical support member supporting the catheter about venting openings. A two-stage catheter is provided with a plurality of proximal openings at the midsection thereof with a substantially rigid helical support member being defined thereabout to prevent collapse or kinking of the catheter about the proximal openings when bent or twisted. The catheter has a proximal helical support member and a distal helical support member reinforcing the catheter body therealong. The spacing of the substantially rigid helical support member about the proximal openings is sufficient to permit large proximal openings. The cross section diameter of the substantially rigid helical support member is greater than the cross section diameter of the proximal and distal support members. The three helical support members are continuous with one another to support the length of the catheter body. The more rigid helical support member maintains its shape when twisted or bent, and also maintains a sufficient lumen diameter within the catheter during bending to facilitate an adequate flow rate of venous blood. A single stage catheter has a spaced helical support member and venting openings at the catheter distal end, with a more closely spaced helical support member extending proximal thereof.