Catheter

Abstract

The present invention relates to catheters for use with subcutaneous access ports for continuous or intermittent infusion therapy. These catheters utilize a pretensioned, helical coil which is incorporated into a flexible cannulated portion. This feature allows the flexible cannula to be bent without kinking under normal use. This flexibility provides a great deal of comfort to the patent. These catheters also incorporate a puncture needle which is positioned axially down the length of the catheter such that the sharp point at the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter. This combination of a pretensioned, flexible catheter and a puncture needle achieves a stiffness sufficient to penetrate the tough, self-sealing septum used in subcutaneous access ports, yet, once the puncture needle is removed the patient is left with a comfortable alternative to commonly used hypodermic needles. The present invention also relates to improved transcutaneous infusion systems which utilize these catheters.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.