Catheter Tray, Packaging System, and Associated Methods

Abstract

A tray (100) for accommodating a coiled medical device, such as a catheter assembly (700), includes a first compartment (101), a second compartment (102), and a third compartment (103). The catheter assembly (700) and devices associated with a catheterization procedure, such as syringes (701,702) containing sterile water and lubricating jelly and a specimen container (703) can be disposed within the tray. Printed instructions (1001) can be included with the tray (100). When a CSR wrap (1000) is disposed about the tray (100), the printed instructions can be placed atop the CSR wrap (1000) but beneath an outer sterile wrap (1002). The printed instructions (1001) can include a patient portion (1202) that is detachably coupled to a health care services portion (1201) such that it can be taken home with the patient after the procedure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 183,629, filed Jun. 3, 2009. This application is a continuation in part of, and therefore claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 495,148, filed Jun. 30, 2009.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]This invention relates generally to storage containers for medical devices, and more particularly to a storage container for a long, flexible medical implement, such as a catheter, and related medical devices, as well as an instruction manual included therewith.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]Medical devices, including surgical instruments, supplies, and so forth, are generally shipped from manufacturer to medical services provider in sterile packaging. For example, a scalpel may be shipped to a surgeon in a plastic, vacuum-sealed, sterile package. Similarly, bandages may be shipped in paper, plastic, or paper composite ster...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For instance, if a catheter is inadvertently bent, kinked, or otherwise damaged, it may no longer be suitable for use.

These catheters are prone to damage in shipment, storage, and when being unpacked, as the card and wrap provide little physical protection.

Such packaging presents a problem, however, in that large amounts of storage space are taken with a universal tray, especially when a relatively short catheter is shipped therein.

Additionally, when in use, these trays occupy large amounts of a medical service provider's sterile workspace or table, leaving little room for related components, such as lubricants, fluid bags, and so forth.

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