Patent ID: 6080138
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
An IV protector for sealing off the end of a catheter used in peripheral intravenous infusion therapy in order to prevent loss of fluid from the catheter and IV tubing connected to an IV fluid bag, the IV tubing having a needle adaptor at one end of the tubing, upon removal and disposal from a venipuncture site, comprising a plastic cylinder, the cylinder being flexible and hollow and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being proximal to the IV fluid bag and the distal end being distal to the IV fluid bag, the cylinder having:a) a base at the proximal end of said cylinder, the base having an opening defined therein and locking means for locking said protector axially about the IV tubing in a retracted position, whereby said protector is disposed in a retracted position about the IV tubing while the catheter is inserted in the venipuncture site, and for locking said protector axially about the IV tubing in an extended position whereby said protector is disposed about the catheter after removing the catheter from the venipuncture site, wherein said locking means comprises internal threads defined in the base of said cylinder, said threads being adapted for engaging a threadable connector disposed about the IV tubing; andb) a projection and matching groove clasp fastener at the distal end of said cylinder for sealing the end of the cylinder in order that said protector encloses the catheter and is sealed around the tip end of the catheter to prevent loss of fluid from the catheter and the IV tubing.