Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for catheter insertion (10 or 100) for inserting a flexible catheter (12 or 112) into a selected liquid-filled body cavity (144) into which the anterior end of a substantially rigid, tubular member (151) has been inserted. A containing member (22 or 122) adapted to contain a limp, flexible, substantially straight catheter (12 or 112) is attached to the posterior end of the tubular member (151) in fluid communication therewith. The apparatus (10 or 100) has means (34 or 137) for selectively applying positive and negative pressure to the chamber (22 or 122), first to withdraw liquid from the liquid-filled body cavity (144) through the tubular member (151) into the chamber (22 or 122) and, second, to expel the liquid back through the tubular member (151) and into the body cavity (144) to draw the catheter (12 or 112) by means of friction between the liquid and the body (14 or 114) of the flexible catheter (12 or 112) into the body cavity (144), with the body (14 or 114) of the catheter (12 or 112) extending through the tubular member (151) into the body cavity (144). The substantially rigid, tubular member (151) may then be withdrawn from the body cavity (144), leaving the anterior end of the flexible catheter (12 or 112) in place within the body cavity (144).

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First Claim