Patent ID: 8231601
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for inserting and advancing a long catheter, the apparatus comprising: a length of infusion tubing with a valve on a proximal end, a connector to which the length of infusion tubing is directly attached at a distal end, the connector being a single one-piece structure, the long catheter whose outer diameter is less than an inner diameter of the connector, the long catheter including a sealing assembly that forms a direct seal with the connector when the long catheter is fully extended, the sealing assembly comprising a reverse tapered section at a trailing end of the long catheter such that the reverse tapered section of the long catheter has a larger inner diameter and a larger outer diameter than a remainder of the long catheter, wherein the long catheter is substantially the same length as the infusion tubing such that substantially an entire length of the long catheter is simultaneously movable within the length of infusion tubing, and wherein the long catheter is movable within the length of infusion tubing without a guide wire, an introducer catheter with an inner diameter large enough to allow the long catheter to pass within, the introducer catheter being connectable to the infusion tubing via the connector, and an infusion source cooperable with the infusion tubing valve, the infusion source being the driver for movement of the long catheter.