Patent ID: 6645194
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A method of positioning a fluid conducting cannula in a body, the method comprising the steps of:providing a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end having a circular cross-section, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, a first portion having a non-circular cross-section, and at least one fluid aperture formed adjacent the distal end; inserting an obturator in the lumen of the cannula, the obturator including an elongate member and a flexible disc, the elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible disc coupled to the distal end of the elongate member and substantially restricting the flow of fluid, entering the at least one fluid aperture, through the lumen; providing a percutaneous aperture in a body; inserting the distal end of the cannula into the body through the percutaneous aperture; and positioning the cannula so that the first portion resides within the percutaneous aperture.