Patent · US Expired

Thoracentesis device with hyper-sensitive detection mechanism

US6447483B1 · kind B1 · utility

26Cited by
8References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 12, 2000
Grant dateSep 10, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 12, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2090/0811
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A thoracentesis device for removing fluid from a cavity includes a hypersensitive dual spring indication mechanism for alerting the user of any contact to internal body organs. The thoracentesis device includes a handle and an outer needle fixedly attached to the handle. The outer needle forms a sharp distal end and a spring-loaded inner needle, including a blunt tip distal end, is slidably disposed inside the conduit of the outer needle. A first spring has a first spring force that urges the inner needle into a fully extended position and a second spring has a second spring force that acts on the inner needle in opposition of the first spring force. A first and second opposite colored indicators are arranged in contact with the springs so as to alert the user to any initial contact made by the thoracentesis device.

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