US4577637A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible metal radiopaque indicator and plugs for catheters
Assignee: HENLEY OPERATING Co A CORP OF TEXAS
•
Filing: 1984-07-13
•
Granted: 1986-03-25
•
Expires: 2004-07-13
Abstract
Abstract A combined radiopaque indicator and lumen plug for a multi-lumen catheter is made of a flexible, coiled metal spring having balled ends formed by resistance welding the ends of the coiled spring. The coiled spring plug is affixed within one or more lumens of a catheter to provide a radiopaque indicator.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard L. Mueller, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 18:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/0105; A61M25/0108
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
An improved multi-lumen catheter of the type comprising at least two lumens which extend from a proximal end to a distal end thereof of the type requiring at least one plugging device to terminate at least one of said lumens, wherein the improvement comprises: at least one radiopaque lumen plug comprised of a coiled metal spring having rounded end caps attached to either end of said coiled spring, said rounded end caps having an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the lumen in which said plug is inserted, whereby said lumen will be blocked by said plug and said plug will act as a radiopaque indicator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
An improved multi-lumen catheter of the type comprising at least two lumens which extend from a proximal end to a distal end thereof of the type requiring at least one plugging device to terminate at least one of said lumens, wherein the improvement comprises: at least one radiopaque lumen plug comprised of a coiled metal spring having rounded end caps attached to either end of said coiled spring, said rounded end caps having an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the lumen in which said plug is inserted, whereby said lumen will be blocked by said plug and said plug will act as a radiopaque indicator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The multi-lumen catheter of claim 1 wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, gold, and platinum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The multi-lumen catheter of claim 2 wherein the individual coils of said coiled metal spring are closely spaced, so as to further prevent fluid flow therethrough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The multi-lumen catheter of claim 3 wherein said end caps are formed as hemispheres.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multi-lumen catheter of claim 4 wherein said end caps are made by resistance welding the ends of said spring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-24 | 1989-09-23 | 1990-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-24 | 1993-09-23 | 1994-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-24 | 1997-09-23 | 1998-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |