Preloaded Stylet Valve Compatibility
AssigneeBard Access Systems, Inc.
InventorDaniel B. Blanchard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Preloaded catheters are manufactured with a stylet, guidewire, or similar medical device disposed within the catheter, extending through a valve of the connector at a proximal end. During storage and transport, the stylet can remain in place for a prolonged period of time, which can cause stretching, indentations, and damage to the valve faces. These indentations can cause the valve leak, resulting in failure of the device as a whole. Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices and methods for preventing contact between the medical device and the valve faces, mitigating damage thereto.
Claims22
A system for introducing a medical device through a valve, comprising:
- a valve including a first valve member defining a first proximal surface and a first valve face, and a second valve member defining a second proximal surface and a second valve face, the valve configured to transition between a closed configuration and an open configuration;
- and
- a valve divider extending from a proximal end to a distal tip and defining a lumen, the distal tip configured to engage the valve and transition the valve from the closed configuration to the open configuration to allow the medical device to pass between the first valve face and the second valve face in a spaced apart relationship.
A valved connector, comprising:
- a connector defining a lumen and including a valve including a valve member, the valve configured to control a fluid flow through the lumen of the connector and biased towards to a closed configuration;
- and
- a hold-open tab comprising:
- a body configured to engage a proximal end of the connector;
- and
- an arm extending distally from the body into the connector lumen, a distal tip of the arm releasably attached to the valve member to maintain the valve in an open configuration.
A method of inserting a medical device through a valve, comprising:
- providing a valve, comprising:
- a first valve member defining a first proximal surface and a first valve face;
- and
- a second valve member defining a second proximal surface and a second valve face;
- advancing a valve divider until a distal tip thereof contacts one of the first proximal surface and the second proximal surface;
- transitioning the valve from a closed configuration to an open configuration;
- and
- advancing an elongate medical device between the first valve member and the second valve member in a spaced apart relationship from both the first valve face and the second valve face.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.