Catheter and guidewire advancement device

Abstract

A catheter advancement device to assist with the ease and sterility of insertion of catheters and other elongate, flexible medical devices is disclosed. It includes two one-way valves that may be reciprocated with respect to each other. Some variations may include a demount gap which may be continuously opened or may be controllable opened and closed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application no. 2017903585, filed on Sep. 5, 2017, and titled (“CATHETER AND GUIDEWIRE ADVANCEMENT DEVICE”) which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0002]All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.FIELD[0003]The apparatuses and methods described herein relate generally to medical devices to assist in the advancement of a catheter and / or guidewire.BACKGROUND[0004]Catheters are routinely used in medicine for access to body spaces such as the urinary bladder, blood vessels, and portions of the biliary tree or abdominal or thoracic cavity. They are used mainly for monitoring, drainage and for inf...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The methods and apparatuses described herein can help to advance a flexible, elongate medical device without the need for manual handling of the device, making the procedure faster and less painful. The apparatuses can be operated with one hand and even inside a sterile pouch. It can also provide for easier procedure with less chance of contamination of the catheter. The methods and apparatuses may also include a guide enclosure to prevent buckling or bending of the catheter between valves. The reciprocation mechanism with a living hinge can help maintain the valves' coaxial relationship with the catheter during advancement. Overall, the patent text describes technical improvements that can make the catheterization or insertion of guidewire procedure faster, easier, and safer.

Problems solved by technology

Typically such flexible elongate medical devices may be difficult to insert and advance by reason of their shape and flexibility.

Where one hand is utilized to steady the target anatomy, as in the insertion of a urethral catheter, the procedure is challenging and often leads to compromised sterility.

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