US 2005/0033237 A1 · Catheter assemblies and injection molding processes and equipment for making the same

Abstract

Various single-part catheter assemblies, multi-part integrated catheter assemblies, and methods and apparatus for making the same are disclosed. The single-part catheter assemblies include a catheter hub integrally formed with a catheter tube for insertion into the bloodstream of a patient. The multi-part integrated catheter assemblies include a catheter hub integrally formed to a catheter tube for insertion into the bloodstream of a patient. The catheter assemblies of the invention may be injection molded in a single step or in multiple steps by injecting flows of molten plastic into a cavity of molds provided herein such that the flows converge into an even distribution about the circumference of the sleeve. The mold may have a core pin designed to fit into the cavity. Through the use of the even distribution of flows, the core pin may be seated within the cavity in an untensioned manner. The catheter assemblies of the invention may be produced of a single material or of multiple materials.

Claims90

Dependent claims

A catheter assembly comprising:

a hub portion comprising an adapter and a first attachment face;
and
a catheter portion comprising a tube and a second attachment face;
wherein the hub portion and the catheter portion are integrally formed by injection-molding, the hub portion and the catheter portion being attached to each other at their first and second attachment surfaces, respectively.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Catheter assemblies and injection molding processes and equipment for making the same

Life of this patent

Catheter assemblies and injection molding processes and equipment for making the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims90