Importance

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Abstract

A catheter system is provided for the introduction and placement of a flexible catheter into the lumen of an artery or vein. A guide wire is provided and is kept in a sterile condition within a flexible bag-like enclosure attached to the hub of a needle. The needle is hollow and is sharpened in the usual manner and is secured in a hub to provide a needle assembly. This hub is provided with a skirt and extends through this hub and into flow communication with a 'flashback' chamber. In one embodiment, the needle has a side transverse hole in its interior end, and in another embodiment the needle's inner end is in flow communication with a tapered recess in the needle hub which provides a guideway for the guide wire which, when it enters the needle, prevents blood flow. The guide wire is manipulated forwardly by grasping the wire through the bag-like enclosure and advanced forwardly by 'feel' and into the lumen after penetration has been made as indicated by the 'flashback.' The catheter is separated from the needle hub and advanced along the guide wire until placement is achieved, after which the needle, guide wire and bag are withdrawn from the patient and discarded.

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First Claim