Intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container assembly

Claim 2

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of an intravascular catheter, said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (b) means for covering the main housing compartment opening to seal the housing compartment from microorganisms and particles in the surrounding environment but removable from said main housing compartment to expose the housing opening; (c) a catheter connector compartment for housing a more proximal portion of the catheter, said connector compartment having an opening for removal of the catheter portion within; and (d) means for covering the connector compartment opening to seal the connector compartment from bacteria and particles in the surrounding environment but removable from the connector compartment to expose the connector compartment opening.

Claim 3

The structure of claim 1, further comprising: (a) a trough compartment for housing a more distal portion of the catheter, said trough having an opening for removal of a portion of the catheter therethrough; and (b) means for covering the trough to seal its interior from microorganisms particles in the surrounding environment but removable from the trough to expose at least a portion of the trough's interior.

Claim 4

The structure of claim 2 wherein the trough has an upwardly slant relative to the main housing compartment.

Claim 5

The structure of claim 2 wherein the trough has an interior portion sized to receive the phalanges, and the means for covering the trough comprises at least one lid detachably connected to the trough and removable by hand to expose said trough interior portion to permit the phalanges to reach inside the trough.

Claim 6

The structure of claim 4 further comprising the trough having at least two interior portions sized to allow insertion of the phalanges therein, and a second lid detachably mounted to the trough and removable by hand so that upon removal of both trough lids both of said trough interior portions are exposed to permit insertion of the phalanges therein.

Claim 7

The structure of claim 4 wherein the trough has a passageway extending therethrough for allowing a portion of the catheter to be lifted out of the trough and laid to pass through the passageway for facilitating insertion of the catheter within a patient's body.

Claim 8

The structure of claim 1 further comprising a test chamber with a cavity for receiving the distal catheter end and a flotation balloon mounted to the distal catheter end, with means for connecting the test chamber to other container structure to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 9

The structure of claim 7 wherein the means for connecting the test chamber comprises a tube through which the catheter can slide.

Claim 10

The structure of claim 8 wherein the tube has a principal conduit for allowing passage of the catheter therethrough, and a second gas escape conduit in fluid connection with the top of the test chamber cavity, and in connection with the main tube conduit to permit gas within the test cavity to flow from the test cavity into the principal tube conduit.

Claim 11

The structure of claim 9 wherein the test chamber is transparent and is mounted above the main housing compartment.

Claim 12

The structure of claim 7 wherein the relationship between the structure forming the main housing compartment and the catheter length is such to provide means so that when the catheter is moved a predetermined distance out of the test chamber cavity, a portion of the catheter located within the main compartment abuts structure of the main compartment so that the catheter cannot be withdrawn farther away from the test cavity.

Claim 13

The structure of claim 11 wherein the main housing compartment further comprises a bulging section and wherein the main compartment is sized so that a catheter of predetermined length can be housed within to abut a portion of a structure forming the main compartment, and so that when the catheter is withdrawn from the test cavity a predetermined distance, a portion of the catheter is moved into the bulging section to abut the structure forming the bulging section to prevent further withdrawal of the catheter away from the test cavity.

Claim 14

The structure of claim 12 wherein the main compartment can house a multiple looped portion of a catheter of predetermined length with a portion of a larger loop housed therein initially abutting a portion of the structure forming the main compartment, and with a smaller inner loop so that when the catheter is withdrawn a predetermined distance away from the test cavity, a part of the inner loop expands to abut a portion of the main compartment structure to prevent further removal of the catheter away from the test cavity.

Claim 15

The structure of claim 2 further comprising a tubular glove surrounding a more distal segment of the catheter, and having proximal and distal ends each with means to be connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove being housed within the trough, and the glove having resilient means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter.

Claim 16

The structure of claim 14 wherein the trough has a portion sized to allow insertion of the phalanges to grasp the glove and remove the glove and catheter segment within the glove from the trough.

Claim 17

The structure of claim 15 wherein the glove has a guide tube at its distal end to receive and guide passage of the catheter therethrough.

Claim 18

The structure of claim 16 wherein the glove is transparent.

Claim 19

The structure of claim 15 wherein the distal glove end is connected to a collar, and the collar has a catheter guide tube mounted therein so that the catheter can pass through the guide tube and collar, and with the trough having a recessed area to house the collar and be covered by the means for sealing the trough.

Claim 20

The structure of claim 15 wherein the glove has a first section of greater resilience and a second section of lesser resilience for grasping by the hand.

Claim 21

The structure of claim 19 further comprising the glove having a third section of greater resilience, with the second section of lesser resilience interspaced between the first and third sections of greater resilience, so that when the second section is grasped and moved in a first direction and then released, the first section of greater resilience acts to contract and return the second section back towards the first section, and when the second section is moved in the opposite direction, the third section acts to contract to return the second section back towards the third section.

Claim 22

The structure of claim 19 wherein the first section of greater resilience is pleated.

Claim 23

The structure of claim 20 wherein the first and third sections of greater resilience are pleated.

Claim 24

The structure of claim 22 wherein the second section is pleated and has pleats of smaller diameter than the pleats of the first and third sections.

Claim 25

The structure of claim 14 wherein the proximal end of the glove has a washer with a distal bore section which decreases in size from the distal end of the washer towards the proximal end of the washer.

Claim 26

The structure of claim 24 wherein the washer has a proximal exterior tapered end for allowing tape to be wrapped around it and the catheter after the catheter is inserted a desired position within the patient and is removed from the container.

Claim 27

The structure of claim 4 wherein the main housing section has a bumper about which the catheter can be initially coiled, and wherein the housing compartment has a floor with a basin associated therewith for receiving liquid emitting from a catheter duct port during initial flushing of said duct.

Claim 28

The structure of claim 2 wherein the main housing section has a bumper rotatably mounted thereto, with the catheter coiled about the bumper, so that the bumper rotates when the catheter frictionally engages the bumper and is pulled around it.

Claim 29

The structure of claim 1 further comprising a washer mounted between the main compartment and the connector compartment and having an opening therethrough for passage of the catheter from the connector compartment to the main compartment, the washer having an upwardly extending slit for pulling of the catheter therethrough.

Claim 30

The structure of claim 1 further comprising a package for housing the container.

Claim 31

An intravascular catheter glove of tubular shape for surrounding a portion of a catheter, the glove having distal and proximal ends each with means to be tightly connected about the catheter but which allow the catheter to slide therethrough, the glove having a first section of greater resilience and a second section at lesser resilience.

Claim 32

An intravascular catheter glove of tubular shape for surrounding a portion of a catheter, the glove having distal and proximal ends each with means to be tightly connected about the catheter but which allow the catheter to slide therethrough, the glove having a first section of greater resilience and a second section at lesser resilience.

Claim 33

The structure of claim 30 further comprising the glove having a third section of greater resilience, with the second section of lesser resilience interspaced between the first and third sections of greater resilience, so that when the second section is grasped and moved in a first direction and then released, the first section of greater resilience acts to contract and return the second section back towards the first section and when the second section is moved in the opposite direction, the third section acts to contract to return the second section back towards the third section.

Claim 34

The structure of claim 30 wherein the first section of greater resilience is pleated.

Claim 35

The structure of claim 31 wherein the first and third sections of greater resilience are pleated.

Claim 36

The structure of claim 33 wherein the second section is pleated and has pleats of smaller diameter than those of the first and third sections.

Claim 37

The structure of claim 30 further comprising a catheter guide tube mounted near the distal end of the glove to receive and guide passage of the catheter therethrough.

Claim 38

An intravascular preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of a catheter, said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (b) means for sealing the housing opening; and (c) a test chamber with a cavity for receiving the distal catheter end and a flotation balloon mounted to the distal catheter end, with means connecting the test chamber to other container structures to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 39

An intravascular preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of a catheter, said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (b) means for sealing the housing opening; and (c) a test chamber with a cavity for receiving the distal catheter end and a flotation balloon mounted to the distal catheter end, with means connecting the test chamber to other container structures to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 40

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of an intravascular catheter, said housing compartment having an opening to permit the phalanges to extend therethrough and grasp a portion of the coiled catheter within and pull it through said opening; (b) a first lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the housing opening from bacteria and particulate matter but removable by the phalanges to expose the housing opening for catheter removal; (c) a catheter connector compartment for containing a proximal portion of the catheter, said connector compartment having an opening to allow insertion of the phalanges therein for grasping the catheter portion contained within and removing it therefrom; (d) a second lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the connector compartment opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the connector compartment opening for removal of the catheter portion within; (e) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal catheter segment and having proximal and distal ends connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove having means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter; (f) a trough with means for being connected to the main compartment to permit the catheter to pass from the main compartment into the trough, the trough being sized to house the glove, and having one chamber of sufficient size to allow insertion of the phalanges about the glove and removal of the glove therefrom by the phalanges; (g) means for sealing the trough interior from microorganisms and particulate matter, but detachable by hand to expose the trough for grasping and removal of the glove and catheter portion within; (h) a transparent test chamber having a cavity which receives the distal end of the catheter and a flotation balloon mounted to the distal catheter end, the test cavity sized to allow the balloon to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, the gas can bubble through any balloon leaks into the cavity for detection by an observer; and (i) means for enclosing the catheter from its position in the test cavity to its position within the trough to permit protected passage of the catheter from the test cavity to the trough.

Claim 41

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of an intravascular catheter, said housing compartment having an opening to permit the phalanges to extend therethrough and grasp a portion of the coiled catheter within and pull it through said opening; (b) a first lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the housing opening from bacteria and particulate matter but removable by the phalanges to expose the housing opening for catheter removal; (c) a catheter connector compartment for containing a proximal portion of the catheter, said connector compartment having an opening to allow insertion of the phalanges therein for grasping the catheter portion contained within and removing it therefrom; (d) a second lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the connector compartment opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the connector compartment opening for removal of the catheter portion within; (e) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal catheter segment and having proximal and distal ends connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove having means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter; (f) a trough with means for being connected to the main compartment to permit the catheter to pass from the main compartment into the trough, the trough being sized to house the glove, and having one chamber of sufficient size to allow insertion of the phalanges about the glove and removal of the glove therefrom by the phalanges; (g) means for sealing the trough interior from microorganisms and particulate matter, but detachable by hand to expose the trough for grasping and removal of the glove and catheter portion within; (h) a transparent test chamber having a cavity which receives the distal end of the catheter and a flotation balloon mounted to the distal catheter end, the test cavity sized to allow the balloon to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, the gas can bubble through any balloon leaks into the cavity for detection by an observer; and (i) means for enclosing the catheter from its position in the test cavity to its position within the trough to permit protected passage of the catheter from the test cavity to the trough.

Claim 42

The structure of claim 37 wherein the means for enclosing the catheter from the test cavity to the trough is a tube with a first conduit for passage of the catheter therethrough and a second gas escape conduit in fluid connection with the top of the test cavity and in fluid connection with the first tube conduit to allow gas initially within the test cavity to escape therethrough when the test cavity is filled with liquid from the catheter, and to allow leakage gas from the balloon to escape therethrough.

Claim 43

The structure of claim 38 wherein the proximal end of the gas escape conduit is in fluid connection with the highest point of the first tube conduit.

Claim 44

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of an intravascular catheter, said housing compartment having an opening to permit the phalanges to extend therethrough and grasp a portion of the coiled catheter within and pull it through said opening; (b) a first lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the main housing opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the housing opening for catheter removal, at least a portion of the structure of the first lid and main housing compartment being transparent to permit viewing of the catheter within the main compartment; (c) a catheter connector compartment adjacent the main housing compartment for containing a proximal portion of the catheter including catheter terminals, said connector compartment having an opening to allow insertion of the phalanges therein for grasping the catheter portion within and removing it therefrom; (d) a second lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the connector compartment opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the connector compartment opening for removal of the catheter portion within at least a portion of the structure of the second lid and connector compartment being transparent to permit viewing of the catheter within the connector compartment; (e) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal catheter segment and having proximal and distal ends connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove having means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter, with a guide tube mounted by a collar to the distal glove end to allow passage of the catheter therethrough and to guide the catheter; (f) a trough with means for being connected to the main compartment to permit the catheter to pass from the main compartment into the trough, the trough being sized to house the glove, and having a chamber of sufficient size to allow insertion of the phalanges about the glove and removal of the glove therefrom by the phalanges; (g) means for sealing the trough interior from microorganisms and particulate matter but detachable by hand to expose the trough for grasping and removal of the glove and catheter portion within; (h) a transparent test chamber having a cavity to receive the distal catheter end and a flotation balloon mounted to the distal catheter end, the test cavity sized to allow the balloon to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, the gas can bubble through any balloon leaks into the cavity for detection by an observer; and (i) a tube connecting the test cavity to the trough with a first conduit for passage of the catheter therethrough, and a second gas escape conduit in fluid connection with the top of the test cavity and in fluid connection with the highest point of the first tube conduit to allow gas initially within the test cavity to escape therethrough when the test cavity is filled with liquid from the catheter, and to allow leakage gas from the balloon to escape therethrough; and (j) structural means for providing the relationship between the structure forming the main compartment and the catheter length to be such so that when the catheter is moved a predetermined distance out of the test chamber cavity so that the distal tip of the catheter is within the guide tube, a portion of the catheter located within the main compartment abuts the structure of the main compartment to prevent the catheter to be withdrawn farther away from the test cavity and out of the guide tube.

Claim 45

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of an intravascular catheter, said housing compartment having an opening to permit the phalanges to extend therethrough and grasp a portion of the coiled catheter within and pull it through said opening; (b) a first lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the main housing opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the housing opening for catheter removal, at least a portion of the structure of the first lid and main housing compartment being transparent to permit viewing of the catheter within the main compartment; (c) a catheter connector compartment adjacent the main housing compartment for containing a proximal portion of the catheter including catheter terminals, said connector compartment having an opening to allow insertion of the phalanges therein for grasping the catheter portion within and removing it therefrom; (d) a second lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the connector compartment opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the connector compartment opening for removal of the catheter portion within at least a portion of the structure of the second lid and connector compartment being transparent to permit viewing of the catheter within the connector compartment; (e) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal catheter segment and having proximal and distal ends connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove having means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter, with a guide tube mounted by a collar to the distal glove end to allow passage of the catheter therethrough and to guide the catheter; (f) a trough with means for being connected to the main compartment to permit the catheter to pass from the main compartment into the trough, the trough being sized to house the glove, and having a chamber of sufficient size to allow insertion of the phalanges about the glove and removal of the glove therefrom by the phalanges; (g) means for sealing the trough interior from microorganisms and particulate matter but detachable by hand to expose the trough for grasping and removal of the glove and catheter portion within; (h) a transparent test chamber having a cavity to receive the distal catheter end and a flotation balloon mounted to the distal catheter end, the test cavity sized to allow the balloon to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, the gas can bubble through any balloon leaks into the cavity for detection by an observer; and (i) a tube connecting the test cavity to the trough with a first conduit for passage of the catheter therethrough, and a second gas escape conduit in fluid connection with the top of the test cavity and in fluid connection with the highest point of the first tube conduit to allow gas initially within the test cavity to escape therethrough when the test cavity is filled with liquid from the catheter, and to allow leakage gas from the balloon to escape therethrough; and (j) structural means for providing the relationship between the structure forming the main compartment and the catheter length to be such so that when the catheter is moved a predetermined distance out of the test chamber cavity so that the distal tip of the catheter is within the guide tube, a portion of the catheter located within the main compartment abuts the structure of the main compartment to prevent the catheter to be withdrawn farther away from the test cavity and out of the guide tube.

Claim 46

The structure of claim 40 further comprising means for allowing gas to pass through part of the container structure into the interior of the container to permit gas sterilization of the interior of the container.

Claim 47

An intravascular preparation and dispensing container for a catheter comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of the catheter, the said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (b) means for sealing the housing opening; and (c) a test chamber with a cavity for receiving a portion of the catheter, the test chamber being constucted so that the cavity can be filled with liquid and hold the liquid within the cavity, with means connecting the test chamber to other container structure to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 48

An intravascular preparation and dispensing container for a catheter comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of the catheter, the said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (b) means for sealing the housing opening; and (c) a test chamber with a cavity for receiving a portion of the catheter, the test chamber being constucted so that the cavity can be filled with liquid and hold the liquid within the cavity, with means connecting the test chamber to other container structure to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 49

The structure of claim 42 wherein the test chamber has means for permitting one viewing the chamber from the exterior thereof to see the catheter portion inside the cavity.

Claim 50

The structure of claim 43 wherein the test cavity is sized to allow a balloon connected to the catheter portion to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, gas bubbling through any balloon leaks into the cavity can be detected by an observer.

Claim 51

The structure of claim 44 wherein the test chamber comprises transparent material for permitting viewing therethrough to see the interior of the cavity.

Claim 52

The structure of claim 42 wherein the means for connecting the test chamber comprises a tube through which the catheter can slide.

Claim 53

The structure of claim 42 wherein in the preamble the catheter has a duct and wherein the test chamber is positioned to be in fluid communication with the catheter duct so that fluid injected through said catheter duct can enter the test chamber and can be retained within the test chamber.

Claim 54

The structure of claim 47 wherein the test chamber comprises a transparent portion to permit viewing therethrough to see the interior of the cavity.

Claim 55

The structure of claim 42 wherein the relationship between the structure forming the main housing compartment and the catheter length is such to provide means so that when the catheter is moved a predetermined distance out of the test chamber cavity, a portion of the catheter located within the main compartment abuts structure of the main compartment so that the catheter cannot be withdrawn farther away from the test cavity.

Claim 56

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of an intravascular catheter, said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (b) means for covering the main housing compartment opening to seal the housing compartment from microorganisms and particles in the surrounding environment but removable from said main housing compartment to expose the housing opening; (c) a trough compartment for housing a more distal portion of the catheter, said trough having an opening for removal of a portion of the catheter therethrough; (d) means for covering the trough to seal its interior from microorganism particles in the surrounding environment but removable from the trough to expose at least a portion of the trough's interior; and (e) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal segment of the catheter, and having proximal and distal ends each with means to be connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove being housed within the trough, and the glove having resilient means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter.

Claim 57

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) a main housing compartment for housing a coiled portion of an intravascular catheter, said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (b) means for covering the main housing compartment opening to seal the housing compartment from microorganisms and particles in the surrounding environment but removable from said main housing compartment to expose the housing opening; (c) a trough compartment for housing a more distal portion of the catheter, said trough having an opening for removal of a portion of the catheter therethrough; (d) means for covering the trough to seal its interior from microorganism particles in the surrounding environment but removable from the trough to expose at least a portion of the trough's interior; and (e) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal segment of the catheter, and having proximal and distal ends each with means to be connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove being housed within the trough, and the glove having resilient means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter.

Claim 58

The structure of claim 50 further comprising means for mounting the distal end of the tubular glove to the container against movement by forces normally applied to the glove to slide the catheter through the glove, but permitting removal of the distal catheter end by application of force in a preselected direction, and means for removably mounting the proximal end of the tubular glove to the trough against forces normally applied to the glove to slide the catheter through the glove but permitting removal of the proximal glove end by application of force in a preselected direction.

Claim 59

The structure of claim 51 wherein the means for covering the main housing compartment has means for mounting the proximal end of the glove against removal from the container but permitting removal of the proximal glove end from the container when the means for covering the main housing is at least partially removed from the container.

Claim 60

The structure of claim 51 wherein the means for covering the trough has means for mounting the distal end of the glove against removal from the trough but permitting removal of the distal glove end from the trough when the means for covering the trough is at least partially removed from the trough.

Claim 61

The structure of claim 51 wherein the trough has a portion size to allow insertion of the phalanges to grasp the glove and remove the glove and catheter segment within the glove from the trough.

Claim 62

The structure of claim 54 wherein the glove has a guide tube at its distal end to receive and guide passage of the catheter therethrough.

Claim 63

The structure of claim 55 wherein the glove is transparent.

Claim 64

The structure of claim 53 wherein the distal glove end is connected to a collar, and the collar has a catheter guide tube mounted therein so that the catheter can pass through the guide tube and collar, and further with the trough having a recessed area to house the collar and be covered by the means for sealing the trough.

Claim 65

The structure of claim 14 further comprising means for mounting the distal end of the tubular glove to the container against movement by forces normally applied to the glove to slide the catheter through the glove, but permitting removal of the distal catheter end by application of force in a preselected direction, and means for removably mounting the proximal end of the tubular glove to the trough against forces normally applied to the glove to slide the catheter through the glove but permitting removal of the proximal glove end by application of force in a preselected direction.

Claim 66

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container assembly comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter, the said catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the catheter, said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (c) means for covering the main housing compartment opening to seal the housing compartment from microorganisms and particles in the surrounding environment but removable from said housing compartment to expose the housing opening; (d) a catheter connector compartment for housing a more proximal portion of the catheter, said connector compartment having an opening for removal of the catheter portion within; and (e) means for covering the connector compartment opening to seal the connector compartment from bacteria and particles in the surrounding environment but removable from the connector compartment to expose the connector compartment opening.

Claim 67

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container assembly comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter, the said catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the catheter, said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (c) means for covering the main housing compartment opening to seal the housing compartment from microorganisms and particles in the surrounding environment but removable from said housing compartment to expose the housing opening; (d) a catheter connector compartment for housing a more proximal portion of the catheter, said connector compartment having an opening for removal of the catheter portion within; and (e) means for covering the connector compartment opening to seal the connector compartment from bacteria and particles in the surrounding environment but removable from the connector compartment to expose the connector compartment opening.

Claim 68

The structure of claim 59, further comprising: (a) a trough compartment for housing a more distal portion of the catheter, said trough having an opening for removal of a portion of the catheter therethrough; and (b) means for covering the trough to seal its interior from microorganisms particles in the surrounding environment but removable from the trough to expose at least a portion of the trough's interior.

Claim 69

The structure of claim 60 wherein the trough has an upwardly slant relative to the main housing compartment.

Claim 70

The structure of claim 60 wherein the trough has an interior portion sized to receive the phalanges, and the means for covering the trough comprises at least one lid detachably connected to the trough and removable by hand to expose said trough interior portion to permit the phalanges to reach inside the trough.

Claim 71

The structure of claim 62 further comprising the trough having at least two interior portions sized to allow insertion of the phalanges therein, and a second lid detachably mounted to the trough and removable by hand so that upon removal of both trough lids both of said trough interior portions are exposed to permit insertion of the phalanges therein.

Claim 72

The structure of claim 62 wherein the trough has a passageway extending therethrough for allowing a portion of the catheter to be lifted out of the trough and laid to pass through the passageway for facilitating insertion of the catheter within a patient's body.

Claim 73

The structure of claim 59 further comprising a test chamber with a cavity for receiving the distal catheter end and a flotation balloon mounted to the distal catheter end, with means for connecting the test chamber to other container structure to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 74

The structure of claim 65 wherein the means for connecting the test chamber comprises a tube through which the catheter can slide.

Claim 75

The structure of claim 66 wherein the tube has a principal conduit for allowing passage of the catheter therethrough, and a second gas escape conduit in fluid connection with the top of the test chamber cavity, and in connection with the main tube conduit to permit gas within the test cavity to flow from the test cavity into the principal tube conduit.

Claim 76

The structure of claim 67 wherein the test chamber is transparent and is mounted above the main housing compartment.

Claim 77

The structure of claim 65 wherein the relationship between the structure forming the main housing compartment and the catheter length is such to provide means so that when the catheter is moved a predetermined distance out of the test chamber cavity, a portion of the catheter located within the main compartment abuts structure of the main compartment so that the catheter cannot be withdrawn farther away from the test cavity.

Claim 78

The structure of claim 69 wherein the catheter is of a predetermined length and the main housing compartment further comprises a bulging section and wherein the main compartment is sized so that the catheter of predetermined length can be housed within to abut a portion of a structure forming the main compartment, and so that when the catheter is withdrawn from the test cavity a predetermined distance, a portion of the catheter is moved into the bulging section to abut the structure forming the bulging section to prevent further withdrawal of the catheter away from the test cavity.

Claim 79

The structure of claim 70 wherein the catheter is of a predetermined length and the main compartment can house a multiple looped portion of the catheter of predetermined length with a portion of a larger loop housed therein initially abutting a portion of the structure forming the main compartment, and with a smaller inner loop so that when the catheter is withdrawn a predetermined distance away from the test cavity, a part of the inner loop expands to abut a portion of the main compartment structure to prevent further removal of the catheter away from the test cavity.

Claim 80

The structure of claim 60 further comprising a tubular glove surrounding a more distal segment of the catheter, and having proximal and distal ends each with means to be connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove being housed within the trough, and the glove having resilient means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter.

Claim 81

The structure of claim 71 wherein the trough has a portion sized to allow insertion of the phalanges to grasp the glove and remove the glove and catheter segment within the glove from the trough.

Claim 82

The structure of claim 73 wherein the glove has a guide tube at its distal end to receive and guide passage of the catheter therethrough.

Claim 83

The structure of claim 74 wherein the glove is transparent.

Claim 84

The structure of claim 23 wherein the distal glove end is connected to a collar, and the collar has a catheter guide tube mounted therein so that the catheter can pass through the guide tube and collar, and with the trough having a recessed area to house the collar and be covered by the means for sealing the trough.

Claim 85

The structure of claim 73 wherein the glove has a first section of greater resilience and a second section of lesser resilience for grasping by the hand.

Claim 86

The structure of claim 77 further comprising the glove having a third section of greater resilience, with the second section of lesser resilience interspaced between the first and third sections of greater resilience, so that when the second section is grasped and moved in a first direction and then released, the first section of greater resilience acts to contract and return the second section back towards the first section, and when the second section is moved in the opposite direction, the third section acts to contract to return the second section back towards the third section.

Claim 87

The structure of claim 77 wherein the first section of greater resilience is pleated.

Claim 88

The structure of claim 78 wherein the first and third sections of greater resilience are pleated.

Claim 89

The structure of claim 80 wherein the second section is pleated and has pleats of smaller diameter than the pleats of the first and third sections.

Claim 90

The structure of claim 72 wherein the proximal end of the glove has a washer with a distal bore section which decreases in size from the distal end of the washer towards the proximal end of the washer.

Claim 91

The structure of claim 72 wherein the washer has a proximal exterior tapered end for allowing tape to be wrapped around it and the catheter after the catheter is inserted a desired position within the patient and is removed from the container.

Claim 92

The structure of claim 62 wherein the main housing section has a bumper about which the catheter can be initially coiled, and wherein the housing compartment has a floor with a basin associated therewith for receiving liquid emitting from a catheter duct port during initial flushing of said duct.

Claim 93

The structure of claim 60 wherein the main housing section has a bumper rotatably mounted thereto, with the catheter coiled about the bumper, so that the bumper rotates when the catheter frictionally engages the bumper and is pulled around it.

Claim 94

The structure of claim 59 further comprising a washer mounted between the main compartment and the connector compartment and having an opening therethrough for passage of the catheter from the connector compartment to the main compartment, the washer having an upwardly extending slit for pulling of the catheter therethrough.

Claim 95

The structure of claim 59 further comprising a package for housing the container.

Claim 96

An intravascular preparation and dispensing container assembly comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter having a distal end, the said catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion, the catheter having a balloon mounted near the distal catheter end; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the catheter, said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (c) means for sealing the housing opening; and (d) a test chamber with a cavity for receiving the distal catheter end and the flotation balloon, with means connecting the test chamber to other container structures to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 97

An intravascular preparation and dispensing container assembly comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter having a distal end, the said catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion, the catheter having a balloon mounted near the distal catheter end; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the catheter, said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (c) means for sealing the housing opening; and (d) a test chamber with a cavity for receiving the distal catheter end and the flotation balloon, with means connecting the test chamber to other container structures to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 98

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container assembly comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter, the said catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion, the catheter having a distal end with a flotation balloon mounted near the distal end; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the catheter, said housing compartment having an opening to permit the phalanges to extend therethrough and grasp a portion of the coiled catheter within and pull it through said opening; (c) a first lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the housing opening from bacteria and particulate matter but removable by the phalanges to expose the housing opening for catheter removal; (d) a catheter connector compartment for containing a proximal portion of the catheter, said connector compartment having an opening to allow insertion of the phalanges therein for grasping the catheter portion contained within and removing it therefrom; (e) a second lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the connector compartment opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the connector compartment opening for removal of the catheter portion within; (f) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal catheter segment and having proximal and distal ends connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove having means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter; (g) a trough with means for being connected to the main compartment to permit the catheter to pass from the main compartment into the trough, the trough being sized to house the glove, and having one chamber of sufficient size to allow insertion of the phalanges about the glove and removal of the glove therefrom by the phalanges; (h) means for sealing the trough interior from microorganisms and particulate matter, but detachable by hand to expose the trough for grasping and removal of the glove and catheter portion within; (i) a transparent test chamber having a cavity which receives the distal catheter end and the flotation balloon, the test cavity sized to allow the balloon to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, the gas can bubble through any balloon leaks into the cavity for detection by an observer; and (j) means for enclosing the catheter from its position in the test cavity to its position within the trough to permit protected passage of the catheter from the test cavity to the trough.

Claim 99

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container assembly comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter, the said catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion, the catheter having a distal end with a flotation balloon mounted near the distal end; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the catheter, said housing compartment having an opening to permit the phalanges to extend therethrough and grasp a portion of the coiled catheter within and pull it through said opening; (c) a first lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the housing opening from bacteria and particulate matter but removable by the phalanges to expose the housing opening for catheter removal; (d) a catheter connector compartment for containing a proximal portion of the catheter, said connector compartment having an opening to allow insertion of the phalanges therein for grasping the catheter portion contained within and removing it therefrom; (e) a second lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the connector compartment opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the connector compartment opening for removal of the catheter portion within; (f) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal catheter segment and having proximal and distal ends connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove having means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter; (g) a trough with means for being connected to the main compartment to permit the catheter to pass from the main compartment into the trough, the trough being sized to house the glove, and having one chamber of sufficient size to allow insertion of the phalanges about the glove and removal of the glove therefrom by the phalanges; (h) means for sealing the trough interior from microorganisms and particulate matter, but detachable by hand to expose the trough for grasping and removal of the glove and catheter portion within; (i) a transparent test chamber having a cavity which receives the distal catheter end and the flotation balloon, the test cavity sized to allow the balloon to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, the gas can bubble through any balloon leaks into the cavity for detection by an observer; and (j) means for enclosing the catheter from its position in the test cavity to its position within the trough to permit protected passage of the catheter from the test cavity to the trough.

Claim 100

The structure of claim 37 wherein the means for enclosing the catheter from the test cavity to the trough is a tube with a first conduit for passage of the catheter therethrough and a second gas escape conduit in fluid connection with the top of the test cavity and in fluid connection with the first tube conduit to allow gas initially within the test cavity to escape therethrough when the test cavity is filled with liquid from the catheter, and to allow leakage gas from the balloon to escape therethrough.

Claim 101

The structure of claim 90 wherein the proximal end of the gas escape conduit is in fluid connection with the highest point of the first tube conduit.

Claim 102

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter, the said catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion, the catheter having a distal end with a flotation balloon mounted near the distal end, the catheter having a proximal portion with terminals; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the intravascular catheter, said housing compartment having an opening to permit the phalanges to extend therethrough and grasp a portion of the coiled catheter within and pull it through said opening; (c) a first lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the main housing opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the housing opening for catheter removal, at least a portion of the structure of the first lid and main housing compartment being transparent to permit viewing of the catheter within the main compartment; (d) a catheter connector compartment adjacent the main housing compartment for containing the proximal portion of the catheter including the terminals, said connector compartment having an opening to allow insertion of the phalanges therein for grasping the catheter portion within and removing it therefrom; (e) a second lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the connector compartment opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the connector compartment opening for removal of the catheter portion within at least a portion of the structure of the second lid and connector compartment being transparent to permit viewing of the catheter within the connector compartment; (f) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal catheter segment and having proximal and distal ends connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove having means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter, with a guide tube mounted by a collar to the distal glove end to allow passage of the catheter therethrough and to guide the catheter; (g) a trough with means for being connected to the main compartment to permit the catheter to pass from the main compartment into the trough, the trough being sized to house the glove, and having a chamber of sufficient size to allow insertion of the phalanges about the glove and removal of the glove therefrom by the phalanges; (h) means for sealing the trough interior from microorganisms and particulate matter but detachable by hand to expose the trough for grasping and removal of the glove and catheter portion within; (i) a transparent test chamber having a cavity to receive the distal catheter end and flotation balloon, the test cavity sized to allow the balloon to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, the gas can bubble through any balloon leaks into the cavity for detection by an observer; (j) a tube connecting the test cavity to the trough with a first conduit for passage of the catheter therethrough, and a second gas escape conduit in fluid connection with the top of the test cavity and in fluid connection with the highest point of the first tube conduit to allow gas initially within the test cavity to escape therethrough when the test cavity is filled with liquid from the catheter, and to allow leakage gas from the balloon to escape therethrough; and (k) structural means for providing the relationship between the structure forming the main compartment and the catheter length to be such so that when the catheter is moved a predetermined distance out of the test chamber cavity so that the distal tip of the catheter is within the guide tube, a portion of the catheter located within the main compartment abuts the structure of the main compartment to prevent the catheter to be withdrawn farther away from the test cavity and out of the guide tube.

Claim 103

An intravascular catheter preparation and dispensing container comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter, the said catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion, the catheter having a distal end with a flotation balloon mounted near the distal end, the catheter having a proximal portion with terminals; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the intravascular catheter, said housing compartment having an opening to permit the phalanges to extend therethrough and grasp a portion of the coiled catheter within and pull it through said opening; (c) a first lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the main housing opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the housing opening for catheter removal, at least a portion of the structure of the first lid and main housing compartment being transparent to permit viewing of the catheter within the main compartment; (d) a catheter connector compartment adjacent the main housing compartment for containing the proximal portion of the catheter including the terminals, said connector compartment having an opening to allow insertion of the phalanges therein for grasping the catheter portion within and removing it therefrom; (e) a second lid with means for being detachably secured to the container to seal the connector compartment opening from microorganisms and particulate matter but removable by the hand to expose the connector compartment opening for removal of the catheter portion within at least a portion of the structure of the second lid and connector compartment being transparent to permit viewing of the catheter within the connector compartment; (f) a tubular glove surrounding a more distal catheter segment and having proximal and distal ends connected about the catheter so that the catheter can slide through the glove, the glove having means for allowing the phalanges to grasp about it and slide the catheter therethrough and to allow the glove to contract and expand along the catheter, with a guide tube mounted by a collar to the distal glove end to allow passage of the catheter therethrough and to guide the catheter; (g) a trough with means for being connected to the main compartment to permit the catheter to pass from the main compartment into the trough, the trough being sized to house the glove, and having a chamber of sufficient size to allow insertion of the phalanges about the glove and removal of the glove therefrom by the phalanges; (h) means for sealing the trough interior from microorganisms and particulate matter but detachable by hand to expose the trough for grasping and removal of the glove and catheter portion within; (i) a transparent test chamber having a cavity to receive the distal catheter end and flotation balloon, the test cavity sized to allow the balloon to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, the gas can bubble through any balloon leaks into the cavity for detection by an observer; (j) a tube connecting the test cavity to the trough with a first conduit for passage of the catheter therethrough, and a second gas escape conduit in fluid connection with the top of the test cavity and in fluid connection with the highest point of the first tube conduit to allow gas initially within the test cavity to escape therethrough when the test cavity is filled with liquid from the catheter, and to allow leakage gas from the balloon to escape therethrough; and (k) structural means for providing the relationship between the structure forming the main compartment and the catheter length to be such so that when the catheter is moved a predetermined distance out of the test chamber cavity so that the distal tip of the catheter is within the guide tube, a portion of the catheter located within the main compartment abuts the structure of the main compartment to prevent the catheter to be withdrawn farther away from the test cavity and out of the guide tube.

Claim 104

The structure of claim 92 further comprising means for allowing gas to pass through part of the container structure into the interior of the container to permit gas sterilization of the interior of the container.

Claim 105

An intravascular preparation and dispensing container assembly comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the catheter, the said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (c) means for sealing the housing opening; and (d) a test chamber with a cavity for receiving a portion of the catheter, the test chamber being constructed so that the cavity can be filled with liquid and hold the liquid within the cavity, with means connecting the test chamber to other container structure to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 106

An intravascular preparation and dispensing container assembly comprising: (a) an intravascular catheter being capable of being coiled and having a coiled portion; (b) a main housing compartment for housing the coiled portion of the catheter, the said housing having an opening for removal of the catheter therethrough; (c) means for sealing the housing opening; and (d) a test chamber with a cavity for receiving a portion of the catheter, the test chamber being constructed so that the cavity can be filled with liquid and hold the liquid within the cavity, with means connecting the test chamber to other container structure to prevent catheter exposure to the environment outside the container.

Claim 107

The structure of claim 94 wherein the test chamber has means for permitting one viewing the chamber from the exterior thereof to see the catheter portion inside the cavity, the test cavity being sized to allow a balloon connected to the catheter portion to inflate to normal size within so that when the test cavity is filled with liquid and the balloon inflated with gas, gas bubbling through any balloon leaks into the cavity can be detected by an observer.