Patent ID: 6537254
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A method for maintaining the cleanliness of a catheter inserted into a patient through an insertion sheath comprising the steps of:disposing a protective sleeve about an exposed portion of the catheter, said protective sleeve having a collapsible polymeric portion and a body portion connected to a distal end of the collapsible polymeric portion, said body portion comprising a distal tip portion and a proximal end, said insertion sheath comprising a valve hub, said valve hub comprising a hemostatic valve, and advancing at least a portion of the tip portion into the valve hub in between the catheter and the hemostatic valve so as to create an engagement between the tip portion and the hemostatic valve and to create an engagement between an inner surface of the valve hub and a portion of the body portion between the tip portion and proximal end of the body portion.