US5603703A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Selectively aspirating stylet
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
•
Filing: 1995-04-28
•
Granted: 1997-02-18
•
Expires: 2015-04-28
Abstract
Abstract A selectively aspirating stylet assembly comprises a stylet having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end in fluid communication with a fluid supply and the distal end disposed at or near the end of a catheter, cannula or other generally tubular member that is to be inserted to a specified location within a patient's body, so as to create a fluid flow path from the fluid supply through the generally tubular member to the specified location. A valve assembly located within the fluid flow path is operable to close off a fluid column within the stylet assembly to facilitate placement of the tubular member within the body, and to control the flow of fluids within the assembly. Insertion of the tubular member into the body is accomplished by placing a portion of the stylet within the tubular member; closing the valve assembly to create a closed fluid column; inserting the stylet/tubular member assembly into the body; and then, during the withdrawal of the stylet, opening or closing the valve assembly as necessary to control the flow of fluid within the stylet/tubular member assembly to avoid substantial aspiration of body fluid and tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis D. Elsberry
- 👤 Jane L. Kohnen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/06; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3401
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 80
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A selectively aspirating stylet for use in placing a generally tubular member in a patient's body, said generally tubular member having an inside diameter surface and an upper end, said stylet comprising: a stylet body having a lower hollow portion configured to be placed within said generally tubular member and an upper hollow portion configured to extend outside said generally tubular member, said lower hollow portion having a first end and a second end and an outside diameter surface; a valve assembly coupled to said upper and lower portions of said stylet body to provide selective fluid communication from said upper portion through said valve to said lower portion, said valve assembly coupled to said lower portion of said stylet body at said first end of said stylet body; and sealing means placed between said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member and said stylet body to prevent unwanted escape of fluid between said stylet body and said generally tubular member when said stylet body is placed within said generally tubular member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
A selectively aspirating stylet for use in placing a generally tubular member in a patient's body, said generally tubular member having an inside diameter surface and an upper end, said stylet comprising: a stylet body having a lower hollow portion configured to be placed within said generally tubular member and an upper hollow portion configured to extend outside said generally tubular member, said lower hollow portion having a first end and a second end and an outside diameter surface; a valve assembly coupled to said upper and lower portions of said stylet body to provide selective fluid communication from said upper portion through said valve to said lower portion, said valve assembly coupled to said lower portion of said stylet body at said first end of said stylet body; and sealing means placed between said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member and said stylet body to prevent unwanted escape of fluid between said stylet body and said generally tubular member when said stylet body is placed within said generally tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
159 words
A selectively aspirating stylet for use in placing a catheter in a patient's body, said catheter having an inside diameter surface and an upper end, said stylet comprising: a stylet body having a lower hollow portion configured to be placed within said catheter and an upper hollow portion configured to extend outside said catheter, said lower hollow portion having a first end and a second end and an outside diameter surface; a valve assembly coupled to said upper and lower portions of said stylet body to provide selective fluid communication from said upper portion through said valve to said lower portion, said valve assembly coupled to said lower portion of said stylet body at said first end of said stylet body; and sealing means placed between said inside diameter surface of said catheter and said stylet body to prevent unwanted escape of fluid between said stylet body and said catheter when said stylet body is placed within said catheter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
159 words
A selectively aspirating stylet for use in placing a catheter in a patient's body, said catheter having an inside diameter surface and an upper end, said stylet comprising: a stylet body having a lower hollow portion configured to be placed within said catheter and an upper hollow portion configured to extend outside said catheter, said lower hollow portion having a first end and a second end and an outside diameter surface; a valve assembly coupled to said upper and lower portions of said stylet body to provide selective fluid communication from said upper portion through said valve to said lower portion, said valve assembly coupled to said lower portion of said stylet body at said first end of said stylet body; and sealing means placed between said inside diameter surface of said catheter and said stylet body to prevent unwanted escape of fluid between said stylet body and said catheter when said stylet body is placed within said catheter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 2 wherein the ultimate end of said second end of said lower hollow portion is generally rounded.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 2 further comprising a fluid column between said stylet body and said catheter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
68 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 2 wherein said lower hollow portion of said stylet body has a backfill opening located between said first end and said second end of said stylet body, said backfill opening to allow fluid to flow from within said stylet body to fill the annular space between said inside diameter surface of said catheter and said outside diameter surface of said stylet body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 2 wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion terminates in an open configuration.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 2 wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion terminates in a generally closed configuration and wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion includes at least one hole to permit the passage of fluid into and out of said lower hollow portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
64 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 2 wherein said sealing means comprises an elastomeric material placed around said lower hollow portion of said stylet body to fill and close the annular space between said inside diameter surface of said catheter and said outside diameter surface of said lower hollow portion of said stylet body when said lower hollow portion is placed in said catheter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 8 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means nearest said first end of said lower hollow portion being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means located nearest said second end of said lower hollow portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 2 wherein said sealing means comprises means placed on said upper end of said inside diameter surface of said catheter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 10 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means nearest said upper end of said catheter being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means located away from said upper end of said catheter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
50 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 2 wherein said sealing means comprises means independently placed between said lower hollow portion of said stylet body and said upper end of said inside diameter surface of said catheter to fill and close the annular space between said stylet body and said catheter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 12 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means at one end of said sealing means being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means at an opposite end of said sealing means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
83 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 2 wherein sealing means comprises said outer diameter surface of said lower hollow portion being tapered at said first end of said stylet body with decreasing outer diameter moving toward said second end of said stylet body, said tapered portion of said stylet body configured to contact said upper end of said inner diameter surface of said catheter and thereby prevent unwanted escape of fluid from around said stylet body at said upper end of said catheter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
68 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises an elastomeric material placed around said lower hollow portion of said stylet body to fill and close the annular space between said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member and said outside diameter surface of said lower hollow portion of said stylet body when said lower hollow portion is placed in said generally tubular member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
51 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 15 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means nearest said first end of said lower hollow portion being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means located nearest said second end of said lower hollow portion.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises means placed on said upper end of said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
52 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 17 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means nearest said upper end of said generally tubular member being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means located away from said upper end of said generally tubular member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
54 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises means independently placed between said lower hollow portion of said stylet body and said upper end of said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member to fill and close the annular space between said stylet body and said generally tubular member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 19 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means at one end of said sealing means being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means at an opposite end of said sealing means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
87 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 1 wherein sealing means comprises said outer diameter surface of said lower hollow portion being tapered at said first end of said stylet body with decreasing outer diameter moving toward said second end of said stylet body, said tapered portion of said stylet body configured to contact said upper end of said inner diameter surface of said generally tubular member and thereby prevent unwanted escape of fluid from around said stylet body at said upper end of said generally tubular member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
70 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 1 wherein said lower hollow portion of said stylet body has a backfill opening located between said first end and said second end of said stylet body, said backfill opening to allow fluid to flow from within said stylet body to fill the annular space between said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member and said outside diameter surface of said stylet body.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 1 wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion terminates in an open configuration.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
51 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 1 wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion terminates in a generally closed configuration and wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion includes at least one hole to permit the passage of fluid into and out of said lower hollow portion.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 1 wherein the ultimate end of said second end of said lower hollow portion is generally rounded.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The selectively aspirating stylet of claim 1 further comprising a fluid column between said stylet body and said generally tubular member.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for placing a generally tubular member in tissue with only selective aspiration of said tissue, comprising the steps of: providing a generally tubular member and a stylet assembly, said stylet assembly having a hollow portion extending into said generally tubular member, said stylet assembly also comprising a valve assembly providing selective fluid communication from a first side of said valve assembly to said hollow portion of said stylet assembly coupled to a second side of said valve assembly; filling said stylet assembly and said generally tubular member with a fluid; closing said valve assembly to prevent fluid communication between said first and second sides of said valve assembly; inserting said generally tubular member and said hollow portion of said stylet assembly into said tissue; and withdrawing said stylet assembly from said generally tubular member in coordination with opening said valve assembly to provide selective aspiration of said tissue or fluid.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for placing a generally tubular member in tissue with only selective aspiration of said tissue, comprising the steps of: providing a generally tubular member and a stylet assembly, said stylet assembly having a hollow portion extending into said generally tubular member, said stylet assembly also comprising a valve assembly providing selective fluid communication from a first side of said valve assembly to said hollow portion of said stylet assembly coupled to a second side of said valve assembly; filling said stylet assembly and said generally tubular member with a fluid; closing said valve assembly to prevent fluid communication between said first and second sides of said valve assembly; inserting said generally tubular member and said hollow portion of said stylet assembly into said tissue; and withdrawing said stylet assembly from said generally tubular member in coordination with opening said valve assembly to provide selective aspiration of said tissue or fluid.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 27, wherein said step of withdrawing said stylet assembly from said generally tubular member in coordination with opening said valve assembly to provide selective aspiration of said tissue is performed through opening said valve assembly prior to withdrawal of said stylet assembly from said generally tubular member to avoid substantial aspiration of said tissue as said stylet assembly is withdrawn from the generally tubular member.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for placing a catheter in tissue with only selective aspiration of said tissue, comprising the steps of: providing a catheter and a stylet assembly, said stylet assembly having a hollow portion extending into said catheter, said stylet assembly also comprising a valve assembly providing selective fluid communication from a first side of said valve assembly to said hollow portion of said stylet assembly coupled to a second side of said valve assembly; filling said stylet assembly and said catheter with a fluid; closing said valve assembly to prevent fluid communication between said first and second sides of said valve assembly; inserting said catheter and said hollow portion of said stylet assembly into said tissue; and withdrawing said stylet assembly from said catheter in coordination with opening said valve assembly to provide selective aspiration of said tissue.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for placing a catheter in tissue with only selective aspiration of said tissue, comprising the steps of: providing a catheter and a stylet assembly, said stylet assembly having a hollow portion extending into said catheter, said stylet assembly also comprising a valve assembly providing selective fluid communication from a first side of said valve assembly to said hollow portion of said stylet assembly coupled to a second side of said valve assembly; filling said stylet assembly and said catheter with a fluid; closing said valve assembly to prevent fluid communication between said first and second sides of said valve assembly; inserting said catheter and said hollow portion of said stylet assembly into said tissue; and withdrawing said stylet assembly from said catheter in coordination with opening said valve assembly to provide selective aspiration of said tissue.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 29, wherein said step of withdrawing said stylet assembly from said catheter in coordination with opening said valve assembly to provide selective aspiration of said tissue is performed through opening said valve assembly prior to withdrawal of said stylet assembly from said catheter to avoid substantial aspiration of said tissue as said stylet assembly is withdrawn from the catheter.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of establishing a path between a first location outside a body and a second location within a body, comprising the steps of: providing outside the body an elongated tubular outer member having first and second ends; placing within the outer member at least a portion of an elongated tubular inner member, said inner member having first and second ends, said second end of said inner member being placed near the second end of the outer member, said portion of said inner member placed within said outer member being proximate to said second end of said inner member, said tubular inner member operatively coupled at the first end of said inner member to a valve assembly outside said tubular outer member, said valve assembly operable to control the rate of flow of fluids within said inner member; filling said inner member with a fluid; inserting within the body the second end of the outer member and the second end of the filled inner member; and withdrawing said inner member from within said outer member.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of establishing a path between a first location outside a body and a second location within a body, comprising the steps of: providing outside the body an elongated tubular outer member having first and second ends; placing within the outer member at least a portion of an elongated tubular inner member, said inner member having first and second ends, said second end of said inner member being placed near the second end of the outer member, said portion of said inner member placed within said outer member being proximate to said second end of said inner member, said tubular inner member operatively coupled at the first end of said inner member to a valve assembly outside said tubular outer member, said valve assembly operable to control the rate of flow of fluids within said inner member; filling said inner member with a fluid; inserting within the body the second end of the outer member and the second end of the filled inner member; and withdrawing said inner member from within said outer member.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 31, wherein said second end of said inner member is placed within said outer member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 31, wherein during the withdrawal of said inner member some fluid within the inner member flows toward the second end of the inner member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 31, wherein during the withdrawal of said inner member some fluid within the inner member does not flow relative to the outer member.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 31, wherein during the withdrawal of said inner member some fluid within the inner member flows relative to the outer member in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the inner member.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 31, wherein during the withdrawal of said inner member some fluid within the inner member flows relative to both the inner member and the outer member in the same direction as the direction of travel of the inner member.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
127 words
A method for placing a generally tubular member in tissue with only selective aspiration of said tissue, comprising the steps of: providing a generally tubular member and a stylet assembly, said stylet assembly having a hollow portion extending into said generally tubular member, said stylet assembly also comprising a valve assembly providing selective fluid communication from a first side of said valve assembly to said hollow portion of said stylet assembly coupled to a second side of said valve assembly; filling said stylet assembly and said generally tubular member with a fluid; closing said valve assembly to prevent fluid communication between said first and second sides of said valve assembly; and inserting said generally tubular member and said hollow portion of said stylet assembly into said tissue.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
127 words
A method for placing a generally tubular member in tissue with only selective aspiration of said tissue, comprising the steps of: providing a generally tubular member and a stylet assembly, said stylet assembly having a hollow portion extending into said generally tubular member, said stylet assembly also comprising a valve assembly providing selective fluid communication from a first side of said valve assembly to said hollow portion of said stylet assembly coupled to a second side of said valve assembly; filling said stylet assembly and said generally tubular member with a fluid; closing said valve assembly to prevent fluid communication between said first and second sides of said valve assembly; and inserting said generally tubular member and said hollow portion of said stylet assembly into said tissue.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for placing a catheter in tissue with only selective aspiration of said tissue, comprising the steps of: providing a catheter and a stylet assembly, said stylet assembly having a hollow portion extending into said catheter, said stylet assembly also comprising a valve assembly providing selective fluid communication from a first side of said valve assembly to said hollow portion of said stylet assembly coupled to a second side of said valve assembly; filling said stylet assembly and said catheter with a fluid; closing said valve assembly to prevent fluid communication between said first and second sides of said valve assembly; and inserting said catheter and said hollow portion of said styler assembly into said tissue.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for placing a catheter in tissue with only selective aspiration of said tissue, comprising the steps of: providing a catheter and a stylet assembly, said stylet assembly having a hollow portion extending into said catheter, said stylet assembly also comprising a valve assembly providing selective fluid communication from a first side of said valve assembly to said hollow portion of said stylet assembly coupled to a second side of said valve assembly; filling said stylet assembly and said catheter with a fluid; closing said valve assembly to prevent fluid communication between said first and second sides of said valve assembly; and inserting said catheter and said hollow portion of said styler assembly into said tissue.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of placing an elongated tubular member along a path between a first location outside a body and a second location within a body, comprising the steps of: providing outside the body an elongated tubular outer member having first and second ends; placing within the outer member at least a portion of an elongated tubular inner member, said inner member having first and second ends, said second end of said inner member being placed near the second end of the outer member, said portion of said inner member placed within said outer member being proximate to said second end of said inner member, said tubular inner member operatively coupled at the first end of said inner member to a valve assembly outside said tubular outer member, said valve assembly operable to control the rate of flow of fluids within said inner member; filling said inner member with a fluid; and inserting within the body the second end of the outer member and the second end of the filled inner member.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of placing an elongated tubular member along a path between a first location outside a body and a second location within a body, comprising the steps of: providing outside the body an elongated tubular outer member having first and second ends; placing within the outer member at least a portion of an elongated tubular inner member, said inner member having first and second ends, said second end of said inner member being placed near the second end of the outer member, said portion of said inner member placed within said outer member being proximate to said second end of said inner member, said tubular inner member operatively coupled at the first end of said inner member to a valve assembly outside said tubular outer member, said valve assembly operable to control the rate of flow of fluids within said inner member; filling said inner member with a fluid; and inserting within the body the second end of the outer member and the second end of the filled inner member.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 39, wherein said second end of said inner member is placed within said outer member.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 39, wherein during the withdrawal of said inner member some fluid within the inner member flows toward the second end of the inner member.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 39, wherein during the withdrawal of said inner member some fluid within the inner member does not flow relative to the outer member.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 39, wherein during the withdrawal of said inner member some fluid within the inner member flows relative to the outer member in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the inner member.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 39, wherein during the withdrawal of said inner member some fluid within the inner member flows relative to both the inner member and the outer member in the same direction as the direction of travel of the inner member.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
163 words
A system for placing a generally tubular member in a patient's body, said system comprising: a generally tubular member having an inside diameter surface and an upper end, a stylet body having a lower hollow portion placed within said generally tubular member and an upper hollow portion configured to extend outside said generally tubular member, said lower hollow portion having a first end and a second end and an outside diameter surface; a valve assembly coupled to said upper and lower portions of said stylet body to provide selective fluid communication from said upper portion through said valve to said lower portion, said valve assembly coupled to said lower portion of said stylet body at said first end of said stylet body; and a fluid column between said lower hollow portion of said stylet body and said inside diameter of said generally tubular member; whereby, said fluid column adds rigidity to said system while moving said generally tubular member into a patient's body.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
163 words
A system for placing a generally tubular member in a patient's body, said system comprising: a generally tubular member having an inside diameter surface and an upper end, a stylet body having a lower hollow portion placed within said generally tubular member and an upper hollow portion configured to extend outside said generally tubular member, said lower hollow portion having a first end and a second end and an outside diameter surface; a valve assembly coupled to said upper and lower portions of said stylet body to provide selective fluid communication from said upper portion through said valve to said lower portion, said valve assembly coupled to said lower portion of said stylet body at said first end of said stylet body; and a fluid column between said lower hollow portion of said stylet body and said inside diameter of said generally tubular member; whereby, said fluid column adds rigidity to said system while moving said generally tubular member into a patient's body.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 45 further comprising sealing means placed between said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member and said stylet body to prevent unwanted escape of fluid between said stylet body and said generally tubular member when said stylet body is placed within said generally tubular member.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
66 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said sealing means comprises an elastomeric material placed around said lower hollow portion of said stylet body to fill and close the annular space between said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member and said outside diameter surface of said lower hollow portion of said stylet body when said lower hollow portion is placed in said generally tubular member.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means nearest said first end of said lower hollow portion being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means located nearest said second end of said lower hollow portion.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said sealing means comprises means placed on said upper end of said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 49 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means nearest said upper end of said generally tubular member being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means located away from said upper end of said generally tubular member.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said sealing means comprises means independently placed between said lower hollow portion of said stylet body and said upper end of said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member to fill and close the annular space between said stylet body and said generally tubular member.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 51 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means at one end of said sealing means being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means at an opposite end of said sealing means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
85 words
The system of claim 46 wherein sealing means comprises said outer diameter surface of said lower hollow portion being tapered at said first end of said stylet body with decreasing outer diameter moving toward said second end of said stylet body, said tapered portion of said stylet body configured to contact said upper end of said inner diameter surface of said generally tubular member and thereby prevent unwanted escape of fluid from around said stylet body at said upper end of said generally tubular member.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
68 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said lower hollow portion of said stylet body has a backfill opening located between said first end and said second end of said stylet body, said backfill opening to allow fluid to flow from within said stylet body to fill the annular space between said inside diameter surface of said generally tubular member and said outside diameter surface of said stylet body.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion terminates in an open configuration.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion terminates in a generally closed configuration and wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion includes at least one hole to permit the passage of fluid into and out of said lower hollow portion.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 45 wherein the ultimate end of said second end of said lower hollow portion is generally rounded.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for placing a catheter in a patient's body, said system comprising: a catheter having an inside diameter surface and an upper end, a stylet body having a lower hollow portion placed within said catheter and an upper hollow portion configured to extend outside said catheter, said lower hollow portion having a first end and a second end and an outside diameter surface; and a valve assembly coupled to said upper and lower portions of said stylet body to provide selective fluid communication from said upper portion through said valve to said lower portion, said valve assembly coupled to said lower portion of said stylet body at said first end of said stylet body; and a fluid column between said lower hollow portion of said stylet body and said inside diameter of said catheter; whereby, said fluid column adds rigidity to said system while moving said catheter into a patient's body.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for placing a catheter in a patient's body, said system comprising: a catheter having an inside diameter surface and an upper end, a stylet body having a lower hollow portion placed within said catheter and an upper hollow portion configured to extend outside said catheter, said lower hollow portion having a first end and a second end and an outside diameter surface; and a valve assembly coupled to said upper and lower portions of said stylet body to provide selective fluid communication from said upper portion through said valve to said lower portion, said valve assembly coupled to said lower portion of said stylet body at said first end of said stylet body; and a fluid column between said lower hollow portion of said stylet body and said inside diameter of said catheter; whereby, said fluid column adds rigidity to said system while moving said catheter into a patient's body.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 58 further comprising sealing means placed between said inside diameter surface of said catheter and said stylet body to prevent unwanted escape of fluid between said stylet body and said catheter when said stylet body is placed within said catheter.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said sealing means comprises an elastomeric material placed around said lower hollow portion of said stylet body to fill and close the annular space between said inside diameter surface of said catheter and said outside diameter surface of said lower hollow portion of said stylet body when said lower hollow portion is placed in said catheter.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 60 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means nearest said first end of said lower hollow portion being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means located nearest said second end of said lower hollow portion.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said sealing means comprises means placed on said upper end of said inside diameter surface of said catheter.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 62 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means nearest said upper end of said catheter being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means located away from said upper end of said catheter.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said sealing means comprises means independently placed between said lower hollow portion of said stylet body and said upper end of said inside diameter surface of said catheter to fill and close the annular space between said stylet body and said catheter.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 64 wherein said sealing means is tapered, with the material of said sealing means at one end of said sealing means being relatively thick as compared to the material of said sealing means at an opposite end of said sealing means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
81 words
The system of claim 59 wherein sealing means comprises said outer diameter surface of said lower hollow portion being tapered at said first end of said stylet body with decreasing outer diameter moving toward said second end of said stylet body, said tapered portion of said stylet body configured to contact said upper end of said inner diameter surface of said catheter and thereby prevent unwanted escape of fluid from around said stylet body at said upper end of said catheter.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
66 words
The system of claim 58 wherein said lower hollow portion of said stylet body has a backfill opening located between said first end and said second end of said stylet body, said backfill opening to allow fluid to flow from within said stylet body to fill the annular space between said inside diameter surface of said catheter and said outside diameter surface of said stylet body.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 58 wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion terminates in an open configuration.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 58 wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion terminates in a generally closed configuration and wherein said second end of said lower hollow portion includes at least one hole to permit the passage of fluid into and out of said lower hollow portion.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 58 wherein the ultimate end of said second end of said lower hollow portion is generally rounded.
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) | 2000-02-18 | 2000-08-19 | 2001-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-02-18 | 2004-08-19 | 2005-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-02-18 | 2008-08-19 | 2009-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |