Patent · US Expired

Introducer for an umbilical artery catheter

US4585437A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
10References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 20, 1984
Grant dateApr 29, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 20, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M2240/00
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The invention is an improved device for introducing an umbilical artery catheter into an infant. Difficulty is experienced in introducing a catheter into the arterial system of an infant through the umbilical stump of a new born baby. The use of forceps to aid in the introduction often tears the arterial system and adds to the problem. The introduction of the catheter is particularly difficult in premature infants. The device consists of a funnel-like body with a handle-like member at the enlarged open end. At the end inserted into the arterial system, the small end of the funnel-like body consists of a plurality of prong-like nibs. The small end at the distal end of the prong-like nibs is bulbous-like and serves to prevent the device from being exuded from the arterial system once it is in place.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.