US5741233A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Introducer device and methods of use thereof
Assignee: Technology Holding Co II
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Filing: 1995-10-20
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Granted: 1998-04-21
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Expires: 2015-10-20
Abstract
Abstract The present invention comprises an improved medical introducer device that comprises a releasably locking dilator and circumscribing sheath as well as a tactile indicator to conveniently inform a user of the device whether the dilator/sheath assembly is in a locked or unlocked position. In preferred aspects, the introducer device also includes a visual indicator to provide visual indication to a device user that the dilator and sheath are either in a locked or unlocked position, and a lead-in section at the sheath proximal end to facilitate insertion of a dilator, guide wire, catheter, etc. through the device.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard S. Riddle
- 👤 Matthew Muraski
- 👤 Jerome W. Frederick, III
- 👤 Jonathan A. LeClair
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:19
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0097; A61M25/01; A61M25/06; A61M25/0606; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3417; A61B2017/00477; A61M2025/0008; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/60; A61M2205/6063; A61M25/0662; A61M29/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An introducer device for inserting of a catheter or guide wire into a patient, the device comprising: a a dilator and sheath, the sheath having a bore adapted to receive the dilator for insertion into a patient while circumscribed by the sheath, the dilator and sheath comprising a releasable lock that prevents relative axial movement of the dilator and sheath that circumscribes the dilator, the releasble lock engaged and disengaged by relative axial rotation of the dilator and sheath, the dilator and sheath comprising a plurality of mating surfaces to provide tactile indication to a device user of whether the dilator and sheath are locked or unlocked.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
An introducer device for inserting of a catheter or guide wire into a patient, the device comprising: a a dilator and sheath, the sheath having a bore adapted to receive the dilator for insertion into a patient while circumscribed by the sheath, the dilator and sheath comprising a releasable lock that prevents relative axial movement of the dilator and sheath that circumscribes the dilator, the releasble lock engaged and disengaged by relative axial rotation of the dilator and sheath, the dilator and sheath comprising a plurality of mating surfaces to provide tactile indication to a device user of whether the dilator and sheath are locked or unlocked.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 wherein at least one mating surface is on the dilator and at least one mating surface is on the sheath proximal end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the dilator mating surface abuts the sheath mating position to provide tactile indication that the dilator and sheath are in an unlocked position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the dilator comprises at least one protrusion that provides visual indication whether the dilator and sheath are locked or unlocked.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the dilator comprises a hub at a proximal end of the dilator, and the dilator hub comprises at least one protrusion that provides visual indication to a user of the device whether the dilator and sheath are locked or unlocked.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The dilator of claim 1 wherein the dilator comprises opposing tabs outwardly extending from the dilator that provide visual indication to a user of the device whether the dilator and sheath are locked or unlocked.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 6 wherein the opposing tabs extend along the dilator longitudinal axis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 6 wherein the opposing tabs are configured to aid manipulation of the device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the sheath proximal end contains a lead-in section that aids insertion of a catheter or guide wire through the sheath.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 9 wherein the lead-in section is conically shaped.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the dilator and sheath releasably lock by non-threaded surfaces on the dilator and sheath, the non-threaded surfaces being integral to the dilator and sheath.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
94 words
An introducer device for inserting a catheter or guide wire into a patient, the device comprising: a releasably locking dilator and sheath, the sheath having a bore adapted to receive the dilator for insertion into a patient while circumscribed by the sheath, the dilator comprising a hub at a proximal end of the dilator, and the dilator hub comprising a pair of outwardly protruding tabs positioned on opposing sides of the dilator hub and that provide visual indication to a user of the device of whether the dilator and sheath are locked or unlocked.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
94 words
An introducer device for inserting a catheter or guide wire into a patient, the device comprising: a releasably locking dilator and sheath, the sheath having a bore adapted to receive the dilator for insertion into a patient while circumscribed by the sheath, the dilator comprising a hub at a proximal end of the dilator, and the dilator hub comprising a pair of outwardly protruding tabs positioned on opposing sides of the dilator hub and that provide visual indication to a user of the device of whether the dilator and sheath are locked or unlocked.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 12 wherein the opposing tabs extends along the dilator hub longitudinal axis.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of introducing a catheter or guide wire into a patient comprising: (a) providing an introducer device comprising a dilator and sheath, the sheath having a bore adapted to receive the dilator for insertion into a patient while circumscribed by the sheath, the dilator and sheath comprising 1) a releasable lock and 2) a plurality of mating surfaces on the sheath and dilator to provide tactile indication to a device user of whether the dilator and sheath are locked or unlocked; (b) inserting the distal end of the device into a patient while the dilator and sheath are releasably locked; (c) providing relative axial rotation between the dilator and the sheath to abut a mating surface of the dilator against a mating surface on the sheath and thereby provide tactile indication the sheath and dilator are locked or unlocked; and (d) withdrawing the dilator from the sheath and inserting a catheter or guide wire through the sheath into the patient.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of introducing a catheter or guide wire into a patient comprising: (a) providing an introducer device comprising a dilator and sheath, the sheath having a bore adapted to receive the dilator for insertion into a patient while circumscribed by the sheath, the dilator and sheath comprising 1) a releasable lock and 2) a plurality of mating surfaces on the sheath and dilator to provide tactile indication to a device user of whether the dilator and sheath are locked or unlocked; (b) inserting the distal end of the device into a patient while the dilator and sheath are releasably locked; (c) providing relative axial rotation between the dilator and the sheath to abut a mating surface of the dilator against a mating surface on the sheath and thereby provide tactile indication the sheath and dilator are locked or unlocked; and (d) withdrawing the dilator from the sheath and inserting a catheter or guide wire through the sheath into the patient.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the dilator is axially rotated to provide tactile indication that the dilator and sheath are unlocked.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the dilator is axially rotated about 90° to abut the mating surfaces of the dilator and sheath.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the dilator and sheath releasably lock through a threaded engagement.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 17 wherein the dilator hub distal end screws into the sheath hub proximal end.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the dilator and sheath releasably lock through a luer lock engagement.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 2 wherein the dilator mating surface is a flange on a dilator hub on the dilator proximal end, the dilator mating surface extending outwardly from the dilator hub.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 20 wherein the dilator mating surface abuts an upstanding flange on a sheath hub on the sheath proximal end.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of mating surfaces that provide tactile indication are integral components of the releasable dilator and sheath lock.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the releasble lock is engaged and disengaged by relative axial rotation of the dilator and sheath.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-04-20 | 2001-10-20 | 2002-04-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-04-20 | 2005-10-20 | 2006-04-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-04-20 | 2009-10-20 | 2010-04-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |