Patent ID: 7806887
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a pinch clamp for releasably pinching off fluid flow through a catheter insertion sheath, comprising: providing a clamp over a catheter insertion sheath, wherein the catheter insertion sheath includes a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and further includes at least one proximal handle portion thereon, with the clamp having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion with at least one of the first and second engagement portions being affixed to the at least one proximal handle portion of the sheath, and with at least one of the first and second engagement portions being engageable with the sheath and movable between nonpinching and pinching positions with respect to the sheath; using a thumb on one hand to bias the first engagement portion pinch member of the clamp toward the longitudinal axis; and using at least one finger on the hand to bias the second engagement portion of the clamp toward the longitudinal axis, such that the first engagement portion releasably engages the second engagement portion and the sheath is pinched off by at least one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion.