Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A fluid sampling apparatus, which comprises: a. a flexible, non-cutting cannula; b. a rigid, cutting needle aligned longitudinally with said cannula; c. a needle housing assembly joining said cannula and said needle along the longitudinal axes thereof, said assembly having a first end adapted for sealing engagement with the exposed end of a catheter prepositioned in the lumen of a blood vessel, said assembly also having a threaded second end; d. each end of said needle housing assembly adapted for receipt of a segmented, removable protective cover encompassing said cannula and said needle; and e. a soft, flexible sheath connected to said second end of said needle housing assembly and covering said needle in spaced apart relation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
A fluid sampling apparatus, which comprises: a. a flexible, non-cutting cannula; b. a rigid, cutting needle aligned longitudinally with said cannula; c. a needle housing assembly joining said cannula and said needle along the longitudinal axes thereof, said assembly having a first end adapted for sealing engagement with the exposed end of a catheter prepositioned in the lumen of a blood vessel, said assembly also having a threaded second end; d. each end of said needle housing assembly adapted for receipt of a segmented, removable protective cover encompassing said cannula and said needle; and e. a soft, flexible sheath connected to said second end of said needle housing assembly and covering said needle in spaced apart relation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cannula is adapted to fit slidably and frictionally within said prepositioned catheter, with said needle being provided with a cutting edge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cannula is coated with anticoagulation agent to prevent blood coagulation.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of obtaining fluid samples from a patient comprising the steps of: a. inserting a catheter into the lumen of a blood vessel of a patient; b. inserting a non-cutting, flexible cannula attached to a first end of a needle housing assembly into the bore of said catheter; c. removably engaging a fluid collection container to a needle at a second end of said needle housing assembly, said needle being provided with a cutting edge and being spaced apart from said cannula by said needle housing assembly.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of obtaining fluid samples from a patient comprising the steps of: a. inserting a catheter into the lumen of a blood vessel of a patient; b. inserting a non-cutting, flexible cannula attached to a first end of a needle housing assembly into the bore of said catheter; c. removably engaging a fluid collection container to a needle at a second end of said needle housing assembly, said needle being provided with a cutting edge and being spaced apart from said cannula by said needle housing assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said removably engaging step further includes the step of matingly engaging a fluid collection container holder to the second end of said needle housing assembly.