Medical devices and methods for assisting in sub-scab access
AssigneeNxStage Medical, Inc.
InventorWilliam J. Schnell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Device and methods for separating a scab from a vascular access site are disclosed. The devices include providing a scab separation device having a point for initial separation of a portion of a scab from a patient's flesh, and a series of inclined surfaces leading from the point to lift and separate the scab from the access site. The scab separation device is provided with a cover so that the device is maintained as sterile. In a preferred embodiment, the scab separation device is provided as a set or assembly with a needle or needle set and, in a more preferred embodiment, the scab separation device cover is also used as a cover for a needle to maintain sterility both of an operative end of the separation device and of the needle.
Claims15
A vascular access assembly comprising:
- a needle set including:
- a needle,
- a body having a first end for supporting and manipulating the needle, and a fluid communicating tube connected to a body second end;
- a scab separation device having an operative portion;
- and
- a cover member removably securable with both the needle set and the scab separation device to maintain sterility of the needle and operative portion, the cover member including a first opening removably receiving the operative portion and a second opening removably receiving the needle, said first and second openings being positioned at opposed ends of the cover member;
- a sterile package fully enclosing the needle set and cover member.
A vascular access set comprising:
- a needle set including:
- a needle having a lumen and configured to be insertable into an access site of a patient;
- a body for holding, and supporting, the needle, the body having a tubing portion extending from the body and connected for fluid communication with the lumen of the needle;
- a scab separation device configured for assisting in accessing a vascular access site of the patient;
- and
- a first cover having opposing end openings which respectively receive an operative portion of the scab separation device and the needle thereby enclosing the needle and operative portion to protect the sterility of said operative portion of the scab separation device and the needle, the operative portion and the needle each being independently removable from the first cover to maintain sterility of each before said removal;
- a sterile package fully enclosing the needle set, including the first cover.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.