US7001396B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety introducer assembly and method
Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd
•
Filing: 2003-03-26
•
Granted: 2006-02-21
•
Expires: 2023-03-26
Abstract
Abstract An introducer assembly includes an outer sheath, and a dilator assembly that includes a dilator hub and a dilator sheath. The dilator sheath is disposed within the outer sheath passage, and a proximal end of the dilator sheath is movably disposed within the dilator hub. The dilator assembly further includes a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, and coupled with the dilator hub. The dilator sheath has a first position and a second position relative to the dilator hub, where in the first position the needle distal end extends out from the dilator sheath distal end, and in the second position the dilator sheath is extended over the needle distal end.
Inventors
- 👤 Valerie Glazier
- 👤 Todd Latterell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:21
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/06; A61M25/0612; A61M25/0631; A61M5/00; A61M5/178; A61M5/31; A61M5/32; A61M5/3205; A61M5/321; A61M5/3243
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
An introducer assembly comprising: an outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having an outer sheath passage therethrough; a dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, the dilator sheath disposed within the outer sheath passage, the dilator sheath extending from a dilator sheath proximal end to a dilator sheath distal end, the dilator sheath proximal end movably disposed within the dilator hub; the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end, the needle proximal end coupled with the dilator hub; the dilator sheath having a first position and a second position relative to the dilator hub, in the first position the needle distal end extends out from the dilator sheath distal end, in the second position the dilator sheath is extended over the needle distal end; and the dilator sheath frictionally retained by the outer sheath until the dilator sheath is disposed in the second position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
An introducer assembly comprising: an outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having an outer sheath passage therethrough; a dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, the dilator sheath disposed within the outer sheath passage, the dilator sheath extending from a dilator sheath proximal end to a dilator sheath distal end, the dilator sheath proximal end movably disposed within the dilator hub; the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end, the needle proximal end coupled with the dilator hub; the dilator sheath having a first position and a second position relative to the dilator hub, in the first position the needle distal end extends out from the dilator sheath distal end, in the second position the dilator sheath is extended over the needle distal end; and the dilator sheath frictionally retained by the outer sheath until the dilator sheath is disposed in the second position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a catch disposed at the dilator sheath proximal end and a shoulder disposed within the dilator hub, wherein the catch is disposed against the shoulder when the dilator sheath is disposed in the second position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 2 , wherein the catch further comprises at least one resilient arm extending therefrom.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a spring disposed within the dilator hub, where at least a portion of the spring is disposed between the dilator hub and the dilator sheath proximal end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a ring disposed on the dilator sheath, the ring disposed against a portion of the outer sheath when the dilator sheath is in the first position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 1 , further comprising at least one reset member coupled with the dilator assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 6 , wherein the at least one reset member is disposed in an at least partially exposed position when the dilator sheath is disposed in the second position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 6 , wherein the at least one reset member is disposed within the dilator hub when the dilator sheath is disposed in the first position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
196 words
An introducer assembly comprising: an outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having a sheath passage therethrough; a dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, at least a portion of the dilator sheath movably disposed within the dilator hub, the dilator sheath having a dilator sheath proximal end and a dilator sheath distal end; the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end; at least one resilient member disposed between the dilator sheath and the dilator hub; the dilator sheath having a first position and a second position, in the first position the needle is extended out through the sheath distal end and the resilient member is at least partially compressed, in the second position the dilator sheath distal end is disposed over the needle distal end; and wherein the dilator assembly is coupled with the outer sheath when the dilator sheath is in the first position, and the dilator assembly is not coupled with the outer sheath when the dilator sheath is in the second position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
196 words
An introducer assembly comprising: an outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having a sheath passage therethrough; a dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, at least a portion of the dilator sheath movably disposed within the dilator hub, the dilator sheath having a dilator sheath proximal end and a dilator sheath distal end; the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end; at least one resilient member disposed between the dilator sheath and the dilator hub; the dilator sheath having a first position and a second position, in the first position the needle is extended out through the sheath distal end and the resilient member is at least partially compressed, in the second position the dilator sheath distal end is disposed over the needle distal end; and wherein the dilator assembly is coupled with the outer sheath when the dilator sheath is in the first position, and the dilator assembly is not coupled with the outer sheath when the dilator sheath is in the second position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein the resilient member is less compressed when the dilator sheath is in the second position than in the first position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 9 , further comprising at least one reset member coupled with the dilator assembly.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 11 , wherein the at least one reset member is disposed in an at least partially exposed position when the dilator sheath is disposed in the second position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 11 , wherein the at least one reset member is disposed within the dilator hub when the dilator sheath is disposed in the first position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 9 , further comprising means for preventing re-exposure of the needle after the sheath is placed in the second position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein the dilator sheath is retained by the outer sheath in a friction fit when the sheath is disposed in the first position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
48 words
The introducer assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the dilator assembly is coupled with the outer sheath when the dilator sheath is in the first position, and the dilator assembly is not coupled with the outer sheath when the dilator sheath is in the second position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
179 words
An introducer assembly comprising: an outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having a sheath passage therethrough; a dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, at least a portion of the dilator sheath movably disposed within the dilator hub, the dilator sheath having a dilator sheath proximal end and a dilator sheath distal end; the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end; at least one resilient member disposed between the dilator sheath and the dilator hub; the dilator sheath having a first position and a second position, in the first position the needle is extended out through the sheath distal end and the resilient member is at least partially compressed, in the second position the dilator sheath distal end is disposed over the needle distal end; and wherein moving the dilator assembly axially away from the outer sheath moves the dilator sheath from first position to the second position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
179 words
An introducer assembly comprising: an outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having a sheath passage therethrough; a dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, at least a portion of the dilator sheath movably disposed within the dilator hub, the dilator sheath having a dilator sheath proximal end and a dilator sheath distal end; the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end; at least one resilient member disposed between the dilator sheath and the dilator hub; the dilator sheath having a first position and a second position, in the first position the needle is extended out through the sheath distal end and the resilient member is at least partially compressed, in the second position the dilator sheath distal end is disposed over the needle distal end; and wherein moving the dilator assembly axially away from the outer sheath moves the dilator sheath from first position to the second position.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
198 words
A method comprising: disposing a dilator assembly within an outer sheath, the outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having a sheath passage therethrough, the dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, the dilator movably disposed within the dilator hub, the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end, at least one resilient member disposed between the dilator sheath and the dilator hub, the dilator sheath having a first position and a second position, in the first position the needle is extended out through the sheath distal end and the resilient member is at least partially compressed, in the second position the dilator sheath distal end is disposed over the needle distal end; moving the needle toward the outer sheath proximal end; and moving the dilator sheath from the first position to the second position with the resilient member while the needle is moved toward the outer sheath proximal end; and coupling the dilator assembly with the outer sheath while the dilator sheath is disposed in the first position.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
198 words
A method comprising: disposing a dilator assembly within an outer sheath, the outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having a sheath passage therethrough, the dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, the dilator movably disposed within the dilator hub, the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end, at least one resilient member disposed between the dilator sheath and the dilator hub, the dilator sheath having a first position and a second position, in the first position the needle is extended out through the sheath distal end and the resilient member is at least partially compressed, in the second position the dilator sheath distal end is disposed over the needle distal end; moving the needle toward the outer sheath proximal end; and moving the dilator sheath from the first position to the second position with the resilient member while the needle is moved toward the outer sheath proximal end; and coupling the dilator assembly with the outer sheath while the dilator sheath is disposed in the first position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as recited in claim 18 , further comprising resetting the dilator sheath to the first position.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as recited in claim 19 , wherein resetting the dilator sheath to the first position includes depressing a reset member and moving the dilator sheath towards the dilator hub.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as recited in claim 18 , further comprising frictionally retaining the dilator sheath with the outer sheath while the needle is moved toward the outer sheath proximal end.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as recited in claim 18 , further comprising uncoupling the dilator assembly from the outer sheath and allowing the dilator sheath to move from the first position to the second position.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
168 words
A method comprising: coupling a dilator assembly with a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly including an outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having an outer sheath passage therethrough; the dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, the dilator sheath disposed within the outer sheath passage, the dilator sheath extending from a dilator sheath proximal end to a dilator sheath distal end, the dilator sheath proximal end movably disposed within the dilator hub; the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end, the needle proximal end coupled with the dilator hub; moving the dilator hub and the needle along the longitudinal axis toward the outer sheath proximal end; frictionally retaining the dilator sheath with the outer sheath while the needle is moved toward the outer sheath proximal end; disposing the dilator sheath distal end over the needle distal end.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
168 words
A method comprising: coupling a dilator assembly with a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly including an outer sheath extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end, the outer sheath having an outer sheath passage therethrough; the dilator assembly including a dilator hub and a dilator sheath, the dilator sheath disposed within the outer sheath passage, the dilator sheath extending from a dilator sheath proximal end to a dilator sheath distal end, the dilator sheath proximal end movably disposed within the dilator hub; the dilator assembly including a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, the needle extending from a needle proximal end to a needle distal end, the needle proximal end coupled with the dilator hub; moving the dilator hub and the needle along the longitudinal axis toward the outer sheath proximal end; frictionally retaining the dilator sheath with the outer sheath while the needle is moved toward the outer sheath proximal end; disposing the dilator sheath distal end over the needle distal end.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as recited in claim 23 , further comprising resetting the dilator sheath and exposing the needle distal end after the dilator sheath distal end is disposed over the needle distal end.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as recited in claim 24 , wherein resetting the dilator sheath includes depressing a reset member and moving the dilator sheath towards the dilator hub.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as recited in claim 23 , further comprising coupling the dilator assembly with the outer sheath while the needle distal end extends out from the dilator sheath distal end.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as recited in claim 23 , further comprising moving the dilator sheath to a position over the needle distal end with a resilient member coupled between the dilator hub and the dilator sheath.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as recited in claim 23 , further comprising uncoupling the dilator assembly from the outer sheath and allowing the dilator sheath to move from the first position to the second position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3630192A
Cited
US4046144A
Cited
US4230123A
Cited
USRE31855E
Cited
USRE31855F1
Cited
US4488545A
Cited
US4531937A
Cited
US4892525A
Cited
US4629450A
Cited
US4592744A
Cited
EP0232994A2
Cited
US4747831A
Cited
US4772266A
Cited
US4907598A
Cited
US4869366A
Cited
US4909794A
Cited
US4935014A
Cited
US4978344A
Cited
US4906236A
Cited
US4978334A
Cited
US4944728A
Cited
US4994041A
Cited
US5193552A
Cited
US4966592A
Cited
US4946446A
Cited
US4994034A
Cited
US5188599A
Cited
US5407431A
Cited
US6096005A
Cited
US5057083A
Cited
US4998921A
Cited
US4995866A
Cited
US5052403A
Cited
US5129884A
Cited
US5125414A
Cited
US5114404A
Cited
USD332651S
Cited
US5190528A
Cited
US5645556A
Cited
US5295974A
Cited
US5169387A
Cited
US5098392A
Cited
US5195980A
Cited
US5755693A
Cited
US5496301A
Cited
US5368574A
Cited
US5360423A
Cited
US5401249A
Cited
US5569289A
Cited
US5607439A
Cited
US5584848A
Cited
US5571134A
Cited
US5372581A
Cited
US5395337A
Cited
US5531694A
Cited
US6099544A
Cited
US5409469A
Cited
US5336199A
Cited
US5575777A
Cited
US5702367A
Cited
US5423758A
Cited
US5389076A
Cited
US5454790A
Cited
US5542927A
Cited
US5487734A
Cited
US5480385A
Cited
US5616135A
Cited
US5766135A
Cited
US5562103A
Cited
US5549571A
Cited
US5685863A
Cited
US5709699A
Cited
US5741233A
Cited
US5669887A
Cited
US5964740A
Cited
US5685855A
Cited
US5797880A
Cited
US20030060760A1
Cited
WO1998024494A1
Cited
US5873854A
Cited
US6203530B1
Cited
US5851212A
Cited
US6156010A
Cited
US6120494A
Cited
US6077244A
Cited
US5989220A
Cited
WO2000006221A1
Cited
US6626868B1
Cited
US6016595A
Cited
US6379337B1
Cited
US6102894A
Cited
US20020045843A1
Cited
US6524276B1
Cited
US6379338B1
Cited
US6398743B1
Cited
US6641564B1
Cited
US20030060758A1
Cited
US20030060772A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-02-20 | 2009-08-22 | 2010-02-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-02-20 | 2013-08-22 | 2014-02-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-02-20 | 2017-08-22 | 2018-02-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |