Importance

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Abstract

The introducer has an adapter with a pair of wings extending at an acute angle to each other wherein the wings are used in handling, holding and splitting. A splittable catheter mounts in a part of the adapter and extends in alignment with an axis of the adapter. The adapter is molded about the splittable catheter tube. A needle and hub are in axial alignment with one another so the needle fits within the splittable catheter coaxial with the axis and the hub removably locks to the adapter to hold the splittable catheter coaxially about the needle during insertion of the needle and splittable catheter with an over the needle technique. Interengagement means on the adapter and the hub lock the axial relationship of the needle within the splittable catheter. An apex between the acute of the wings is parallel to the passageway therethrough and a weakened line is on a side of the adapter opposite the apex so that force applied to the wings to reduce the acute angle thereof will separate the weakened line and the apex initiating tearing of the splittable catheter. The method for using and making an introducer includes the steps of holding a winged adapter with the fingers of one hand, inserting the needle and splittable catheter into a blood vessel, releasing the lock between the adapter and the hub, removing the hub by withdrawing the needle from the catheter and squeezing the wings together to split the adapter and the catheter.

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First Claim