Medical device with elastomeric bulb
US6979313B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/494
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a pre-filled Foley catheter for urine drainage, the conventional clip for releasing sterile water from a bulb (21) at the proximal end of the catheter, to fill the anchor bulb (20) at the distal end of the device, is replaced by a plug (25) which has an annular portion connected to a thin stem (27) by a circle of weakness. Snapping the stem (27) from the annulus provides a tactile signal through the opaque latex lumen that the catheter has been actuated. There is no separate clip to be disposed of. The interface between the latex and the plug remains undisturbed. Further improvement in the shelf-life and convenience of use of the catheter is delivered by the use of a sleeve, which can be of shrink-wrap material, around the bulb (21) and optionally also around the drain coupling (15) of the catheter. Apparatus for placing the plug and the sleeve is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.