Single-use indicator for a surgical instrument and a surgical instrument incorporating same
US8157747B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/1052
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A single-use indicator is provided and is particularly well suited for use with a surgical catheter device. The indicator includes an absorbent filament or wick which is placed in a transparent or translucent indicator lumen of a multi-lumen catheter. The lumen is provided with at least one side port. When the catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, blood enters the indicator lumen through the side port and is absorbed by the filament, thus turning the filament red or purple in color. When the instrument is removed from the blood vessel, the stained filament is clearly visible as an indicator that the instrument has been used. Because the filament is trapped inside a lumen of a relatively long catheter, it is difficult or impossible to remove it during a remanufacturing process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.