US3500828A - Intravenous catheter apparatus - Google Patents

Description

March 17, 1970 F. w. PODHORA 3,500,323

INTRAVENOUS CATHETER APPARATUS Filed Aug. 51, 1966 FRE D w. PODHORA 1 BY //V VE/V T01? BUCKHOR/V, BLORE, KLAROU/S T 8 SPAR/(MAN ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,500,828 INTRAVENOUS CATHETER APPARATUS Fred W. Podhora, 7429 SW. 59th Ave., Portland, Oreg. 97219 Filed Aug. 31, 1966, Ser. No. 576,290 Int. Cl. A611) 17/34; A61m /18 US. Cl. 128214.4 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An intravenous catheter apparatus having a thin-walled hollow catheter of substantially uniform normal inner and outer diameter made of translucent flexible plastic and a surgical needle removably disposed within the catheter, the needle having an elongated hollow stem, also of uniform inner and outer diameter, and having a sharpened edge at one end to make a venipuncture. The outer diameter of the needle is equal to the normal inner diameter of the catheter. One end of the needle is removably adapted to protrude from the distal end of the catheter, and the end of the catheter is externally tapered to facilitate its introduction into the vein. The inner diameter of the catheter is reduced in the region of its distal end below that of its normal inner diameter thus snugly to grip the needle and facilitate entry of the catheter into the venipuncture following the end of the needle. A slot is formed in the wall of the needle intermediate its ends at a position within the catheter remote from the region of reduced inner diameter, whereby blood may flow between the catheter and the needle in the region of the slot, thus to be visible when the venipuncture is successfully completed.

This invention relates to apparatus for use in the intravenous introduction of a fluid into a patients body and, more particularly, to such apparatus in which a catheter of inert material is introduced into the patients vein to remain there during the intravenous infusion.

A number of apparatuses have recently been developed wherein a catheter of plastic or similar inert material is inserted into a vein or other vessel into which an infusion is to be made. These have not been fully successful, however. The plastic catheters have in some instances become disassociated from the apparatus and in extreme instances have become lost in the patients vein. Other apparatuses have made it difficult for the medical technician immediately to see if a venipuncture is successful. These prior apparatuses have also been characterized by their complexity and relatively large number of parts.

Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved intravenous catheter which will be simple and easy to use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus in which an intravenous catheter made of an inert plastic material can be readily introduced into a patients vein, thereby eliminating the need for repeated venipunctures.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which will enable the medical technician immediately to see if the venipuncture is successful.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which although simple and easy to use, will make it impossible for the catheter to become disassociated from the apparatus and possibly lost in the vein.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus wherein the surgical needle associated with the plastic catheter may be re-inserted in the vein after initially being withdrawn, if further medical treatment makes this desirable.

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These and other objects and advantages are achieved by the present invention which provides an apparatus comprising a thin-walled hollow catheter of substantially uniform inner and outer diameter formed of an inert flexible translucent material and a surgical needle removably disposed within the catheter. The needle has an elongated hollow stem also of uniform inner and outer diameter and it is formed at one end to provide a sharpened edge for making a venipuncture. The sharpened edge of the needle is adapted removably to protrude from the distal end of the catheter to make the venipuncture in the patient. The distal end of the catheter is tapered and has a reduced inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the needle snugly to grip the needle near the sharpened end, thereby to permit the catheter easily to enter the venipuncture following the introduction of the needle.

The needle is further characterized by having a slot disposed intermediate its ends at a position within the catheter remote from the catheter region of reduced inner diameter, whereby blood may be observed inside the catheter through the slot when the venipuncture is successful. An adapter is mounted on the proximal end of the catheter and means are provided to prevent movement of the catheter with respect to the adapter. A tubular needle holder is attached to the proximal end of the needle, and the distal end of the needle holder is adapted removably to fit within the proximal end of the adapter, the proximal end of the needle holder being adapted to receive the male fitting of an infusion set. Thus, when the needle holder is withdrawn from the adapter, the needle is likewise withdrawn from within the catheter, thereby to permit the latter to remain within the venipuncture. Inasmuch as the proximal end of the adapter is likewise adapted to receive the male fitting of the infusion set, such can quickly be connected thereto immediately to commence the infusion process.

For a more detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the intravenous catheter apparatus of the present invention, the thin-walled catheter, however, being illustrated below the assembly and not in conjunction with the adapter which is normally mounted on the proximal end thereof;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal view, partly in section through the assembled apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view showing the apparatus of the present invention at the start of a venipuncture;

FIG. 4 is a view showing the surgical needle together with the catheter inserted into the vein;

FIG. 5 is a View showing the catheter within the vein, the surgical needle having been removed therefrom;

FIG. 6 is a view showing the catheter in position in the vein during the infusion, the surgical needle having been withdrawn and the fitting of the infusion set connected to the proximal end of the adapter; and

FIG. 7 is a view of the apparatus of the present invention packaged and ready for sterilizing in an autoclave.

Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus of the present invention consists of a thin-walled hollowplastic catheter 10 of substantially uniform inner and outer diameter throughout its length. Preferably it is made of polypropylene, although it could be made of any similarly inert, flexible, translucent plastic material. Thedistal end 12 of thecatheter 10, that is, the end adapted to be inserted into the vein, is provided with anexternal taper 13 for easy introduction into the vein. Furthermore, the inner diameter of thecatheter 10 in the region of thedistal end 12 is slightly reduced below the normal diameter which exists throughout the rest of its length for a purpose to be described.

hereinafter. I have found that a reduction of 0.003 inch below that of the normal inner diameter of the catheter is desirable. Tapering the distal end of the catheter and reducing its inner diameter is accomplished by inserting the end of a catheter into a heated conical die so that the heat softened plastic can conform to the die convergence. The proximal end 15 of the catheter has a flaredportion 16 terminating in ahead 18, also for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

Atubular adapter 20 preferably made of nylon is, as best shown in FIG. 2, mounted on the proximal end of thecatheter 10 and attached thereto by an epoxy cement. The adapter is generally cylindrical in shape, thedistal end 21 being of reduced diameter and provided with a plurality ofribs 22 for strength. The inner diameter of thedistal end 21 of the adapter is substantially equal to the outer diameter of thecatheter 10, theinner surface 23 of the adapter then flaring outwardly to accomodate theflared portion 16 of thecatheter 10. Theinner surface 23 merges into a 5 taperedfrustoconical surface 25 at theproximal end 26 of the adapter to receive the standardmale fitting 28 of an infusion set (see FIG. 6), as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The flaredportion 16 of thecatheter 10 seats itself on the correspondinginner surface 23 of thetubular adapter 20 and, together with thehead 18, prevents thecatheter 10 from being pulled forwardly and out of theadapter 20, irrespective of the presence or absence of the epoxy cement therebetween. This form of construction positively inhibits disassociation of thecatheter 10 from the tubular adapter 2-0, thereby to make it impossible to lose a catheter in the vein of a patient. Anannular snap ring 29 preferably made of polyvinylchloride and having an outer diameter preferably 0.001 inch larger than the inner diameter of thetubular adapter 20, is disposed within the adapter rearwardly of the flaredportion 16 on the catheter and adjacent thehead 18 thereof. Thebead 18 serves as an abuttment for thering 29 to prevent thecatheter 10 from being pushed out rearwardly of the adapter. Notwithstanding the interference fit above described, thering 29 may also be secured to theinner surface 25 of theadapter 20 by an epoxy cement.

The apparatus of the present invention also includes asurgical needle 30 preferably made of stainless steel and having an elongatedhollow stem 32 of uniform inner and outer diameter, the outer diameter being identically equal to that of the inner diameter of theplastic catheter 10. Thedistal end 34 of theneedle 30 is diagonally cut to provide a sharpenededge 36. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, thesurgical needle 30 is adapted to slide into thecatheter 10 and when inserted fully, thedistal end 34 thereof protrudes beyond thedistal end 12 of thecatheter 10, thereby to be able to make a venipuncture in the patient. When theneedle 30 is fully inserted into thecatheter 10, the reduced normal inner diameter of thedistal end 12 of thecatheter 10 causes such end snugly to grip theneedle 30 directly above the sharpenededge 36, whereby thetapered end 13 of the catheter presents no obstructions and the catheter may smoothly and easily follow the needle into the venipuncture with no wrinkling or sliding back of the catheter on the needle as might otherwise occur were this grip not provided.

Thestem 32 of theneedle 30 is also provided with a vent or slot 38 disposed approximately one inch from the sharpenedend 36, whereby blood may be observed through the light transparent catheter wall as it flows from inside theneedle 30 through theslot 38 when the venipuncture is successful. Blood will flow between the catheter and the needle in the region of theslot 38 to make a large bloody patch. Thus, the medical technician im mediately can see if the venipuncture is successful. I have found that a inch long slot is adequate for this p rp and will not nd y weaken thestem 32 of the needle.

Atubular needle holder 40 preferably made of nylon is fixedly attached to the proximal end of theneedle 30 as by an epoxy cement. Thedistal end 42 of theneedle holder 40 is of reduced diameter and has a complementary 5 taper to enable it to be inserted in theproximal end 26 of thetubular adapter 20. The inner diameter of thedistal end 42 of theneedle holder 40 is of substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of theneedle 30. Theproximal end 44 of the needle holder is hollow and is also provided with a 5 tapered frustoconicalinner surface 46 to receive the male fitting 28 of the infusion set.

A coloredplastic sheath 50 is provided and is adapted to be slipped over thedistal end 21 of thetubular adapter 20 to distinguish catheters of varying diameters.

Aplug 60 for flow control is also provided and it has adistal end 62 of reduced diameter having a complementary 5 taper to enable it to be inserted in the proximal ends of theadapter 20 or theneedle holder 40.

A clearplastic protector tube 70 is provided to slip over the assembled catheter and needle to provide protection and the entire apparatus can then be packaged as shown in FIG. 7 and sterilized in an autoclave.

The apparatus of the present invention is assembled as follows:

Theneedle 30 with thetubular needle holder 40 attached to the proximal end thereof inserted into theproximal end 26 of thetubular adapter 20 and thence into thecatheter 10 so that thedistal end 34 of the needle protrudes from thedistal end 12 of the catheter, as shown in FIG. 2. Since the inner diameter of the distal end of thecatheter 10 is slightly reduced below its normal inner diameter, Which is equal to the outer diameter of theneedle 30, the distal end of the catheter is adapted snugly to grip theneedle 30 near its sharpened end. Thus, as the needle is inserted into the catheter to protrude therefrom, a slight constriction is encountered, but this is not severe enough to prevent the needle from being pushed through the catheter, thereby to protrude therefrom as shown, nor to prevent the needle from being withdrawn later. Theplug 60 for flow control is inserted into theproximal end 44 of theneedle holder 40 to complete the assembly of the apparatus. The distal end of the catheter and the needle are then slid into theprotector tube 70 which is attached to acard 72 and placed in apackage 74 for sterilization in an autoclave.

In making a venipuncture with the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus is first assembled as described above, with theplug 60 for flow control inserted in the proximal end of theneedle holder 40. The sharpened edge of theneedle 30 is then inserted into the vein in the usual manner, as shown in FIG. 3. If the venipuncture is successful, blood may be observed inside thecatheter 10 through theslot 38 in the needle. Theplug 60 serve to stem the flow of blood through the needle.

After the venipuncture has been made, as shown in FIG. 4, thecatheter 10 is further inserted into the vein by sliding theadapter 20 and thecatheter 10 along theneedle 30 until the desired length of catheter has entered the vein. Theneedle holder 40 is then removed from theadapter 20 and theneedle 30 withdrawn from within the catheter, while the catheter remains within the venipuncture, (see FIG. 5), the medical technician holding theadapter 20 in place manually. Themale fitting 28 of the infusion set may then be directly connected to theproximal end 26 of the tubular adapter, thereby immediately to commence the infusion process. With thecatheter 10 remaining in the vein, thecatheter 10,adapter 20 and fitting 28 may then be taped to the patients arm, as shown in FIG. 6. The apparatus will also permit theneedle 30 to be reinserted through thecatheter 10 and into the vein after having once been withdrawn, if this be desired for further medical processes.

I have thus provided an improved intravenous catheter which is simple and easy to use and which will enable the medical technician immediately to see if the venipuncture is successful and to start the infusion quickly and easily. Its construction is also such that it is impossible to lose a catheter in a patients vein.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for use in intravenous introduction of a fluid, comprising a thin-walled hollow catheter of substantially uniform inner and outer diameter formed of inert flexible plastic-material, and

a surgical needle removably disposed within said catheter,

said needle having an elongated hollow stem of uniform inner and outer diameter and formed at one end to provide a sharpened edge,

said one end of said needle being adapted removably to protrude from one end of said catheter to make a venipuncture in a patient,

said one end of said catheter being externally tapered, said inner diameter of said catheter being reduced in the region of said one end to a value less than the outer diameter of the needle soas snugly to grip said needle near said one end, thereby facilitating entry of said catheter into a venipuncture following said one end of said needle,

said needle having a slot through the wall thereof disposed intermediate the ends of said needle at a position within said catheter remote from the catheter region of reduced inner diameter and adjacent a light transparent portion of said catheter, whereby blood may flow between said catheter and said needle in the region of said slot and flow within said catheter entirely around said needle thus to be visible when said venipuncture is successful.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1, in which said inner diameter of said proximal end of said catheter is approximately 0.003 inch less than said outer diameter of said needle.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1, in which said slot is approximately A inch long.

4. Apparatus for use in intravenous introduction of a fluid, comprising a thin-walled hollow catheter of substantially uniform normal inner and outer diameter formed of inert flexible translucent plastic;

a surgical needle removably disposed with said catheter,

said needle having an elongated hollow stem of uniform inner and outer diameter and diagonally cut at one end to provide a sharpened edge, the outer diameter of said needle being equal to said normal inner diameter of said catheter,

said one end of said needle being adapted removably to protrude from one end of said catheter to make a venipuncture in a patient,

said one end of said catheter being externally tapered and having an inner diameter in the region of said one end slightly less than said outer diameter of said stem of said needle, thus snugly to grip said needle near said sharpened one end, thereby to facilitate entry of said catheter into a venipuncture following said sharpened one end end of said needle,

said stem having a slot disposed therein intermediate its ends at a position within the catheter remote from the catheter region of reduced inner diameter and adjacent a light transparent portion of said catheter, whereby blood may flow between said catheter and said needle in the region of said slot and flow within the catheter entirely around said needle thus to be visible when said venipuncture is successful;

a tubular adapter mounted on other end of said catheter, one end of said adapter having an inner diameter substantially equal to said outer diameter of said catheter, the other end of said adapter having a tapered inner surface adapted to receive the male fitting of an infusion set;

a flared portion on said other end of said catheter to prevent said catheter being pulled forwardly of said adapter, the terminal end of said flared portion being formed into a bead;

an annular ring disposed within said adapter rearwardly of said bead to prevent said catheter from being pushed out rearwardly of said adapter; and

a tubular needle holder attached to the other end of said needle, one end of said needle holder being adapted removably to fit within said other end of said adapter, the other end of said needle holder being adapted also to receive the male fitting of said infusion set.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,399,674 9/1968 Pannier et al. 128-214.4 2,828,744 4/1958 Hirsch et al. 128-221 3,030,953 4/1962 Koehn 128-214.4 3,055,361 9/1962 Ballard 128-214.4 3,082,769 3/1963 Palmer 128-221 3,094,122 6/1963 Gauthier et al. 128-221 3,312,220 4/ 1967 Eisenberg l282l4.4 3,352,306 11/1967 Hirsch 128-214.4

DALTON L. TRULUCK, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 128-221

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