Catheter sheath with longitudinal seam
US4921479A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 1987 |
| Grant date | May 1, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0668
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved removable expandable sheath for aiding in the introduction of catheters into the body which is fabricated from a semi-stiff plastic with memory formed in a tubular configuration with a longitudinal slit or non-joined seam extending along the entire length of the sheath and where the tubular structure with slit is coiled about its longitudinal axis so that its tubular wall overlaps itself in its native state. On exertion of an internal force directed outward, the tubular sheath enlarges its effective diameter by uncoiling to the extent necessary to accommodate a catheter inserted therein. The memory inherent in the material of the sheath keeps the wall of the sheath snugly around the catheter to afford guidance of the catheter into a blood vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.