Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A plastic catheter is disclosed with an improved flashback chamber defining structure which structure includes (a) a main body portion providing a chamber maze for an interconnection between respective maze portions to insure a sequential filling of each portion with blood for visual observation of the flow of blood; (b) a top slidable transversely fluted cover is engaged in sealing relation of the main body portion by track defining structure defined by the main body portion for advancement of the plastic catheter in a patient's vein or artery, the cover being preferably of a transparent material to permit easy visual observation of the blood flow into the maze; and the catheter also includes a hollow needle secured to the leading end of the main body portion, the needly having flattened or oval portion captivatingly disposed in a cavity in the leading end; the cover having exterior flutes on the main body portion providing for non-slip advancement of the catheter relative to the needle, when the needle tip is in a proper location in a patient's vein or artery; and a positive stop is provided on the cover portion to prevent the exposure of any portion of the maze during the manipulation of the catheter; so that the overall disclosed structure results in coaxial alignment of the various parts while the catheter is being advanced.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim