Stiffening member to increase fluid flow within a medical device
US6770038B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0043
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a stiffening member, which is a stylet, that helps increase the fluid flow area within a catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the stylet is made of a single piece of flat rectangular stock that can be twisted to provide equal rigidity in all directions. A cross-section of the stylet reveals that the substantially flat rectangular shape of the stylet permits maximum fluid flow between the stylet and the catheter. This results in increased ease in manipulating and removing the stylet from the catheter. In addition, because the preferred embodiment of the stylet comprises a single element, it is easier to manufacture and should result in lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, the use of the present invention should also result in lower overall health-care costs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.