US20050054984A1 - Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer - Google Patents
Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer Download PDFInfo
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- US20050054984A1 US20050054984A1 US10/967,938 US96793804A US2005054984A1 US 20050054984 A1 US20050054984 A1 US 20050054984A1 US 96793804 A US96793804 A US 96793804A US 2005054984 A1 US2005054984 A1 US 2005054984A1
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- Prior art keywords
- tube
- introducer
- polymer
- finger tab
- mold
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/0009—Making of catheters or other medical or surgical tubes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
- A61M25/06—Body-piercing guide needles or the like
- A61M25/0662—Guide tubes
- A61M25/0668—Guide tubes splittable, tear apart
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/0097—Catheters; Hollow probes characterised by the hub
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to intravascular assemblies, and more specifically to the body of a one-piece introducer and method of making the one-piece introducer.
- Intravascular devices such as catheter assemblies are generally used for passing fluids between a device such as a syringe or a drip to or from body lumens such as veins or arteries, or other internal target sites.
- a device such as a syringe or a drip to or from body lumens such as veins or arteries, or other internal target sites.
- Such an assembly usually includes a hub, and a catheter tube.
- the tube is typically secured to the hub by means of an eyelet ring that is press fit within the nose of the hub.
- This hub and tube assembly is then mounted over an introducer needle comprising a sharp needle attached to a plastic hub.
- the sharp tip of the needle, protruding from the catheter tip is used for piercing a body lumen so that access may be gained into the body lumen by the needle and subsequently the catheter.
- the introducer needle is removed and discarded while the catheter tube remains in the body lumen.
- a syringe or a tube of a drip is then attached to the hub so that fluids may be passed through the hub and the catheter from the drip or the syringe to the body lumen.
- the hub is typically made of materials that provide sufficient rigidity thereto and the catheter tube is usually made of a material which is flexible.
- an introducer may be used with the catheter to reduce the number of times a patient's skin must be punctured in order to gain access to a body lumen such as a vein. Introducers serve to guide the insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel.
- a typical catheter introducer may be considered as having a relatively short tubular sheath, open at its distal end (the end within the patient), and a housing attached to the proximal end (outside of the patient) of the sheath.
- the housing typically includes a proximal aperture through which a catheter can be passed as well as a self-sealing valve or gasket to effect a seal to prevent blood from leaking out of the introducer, both when a catheter is passed through the introducer as well as when the catheter has been withdrawn from the introducer.
- the housing also may include a side port through which blood may be sampled or medication or other physiological liquids may be introduced.
- Such catheter introducers are in common use in angiography, angioplasty, or other procedures.
- the catheter and catheter introducer are used in the following manner.
- the hollow needle is first advanced through the skin, the subcutaneous tissue and into the body lumen (e.g., blood vessel) of interest.
- a guidewire then is advanced through the hollow needle and into the blood vessel. While maintaining that position of the guidewire, the needle then is withdrawn proximally and is separated from the guidewire.
- the sheath mounted on a dilator which is coupled to the needle for dilating a blood vessel, the dilator then is threaded onto the proximal end of the guidewire and is advanced along the guidewire toward and into engagement with the puncture site.
- the distal tapered end of the dilator facilitates insertion of the tip of the dilator into the puncture by progressively dilating the puncture as the dilator is advanced through the tissue.
- Such progressive dilation of the puncture site is intended to facilitate advancement of the still larger diameter introducer sheath into and through the puncture site so that together they can be advanced along the guidewire into the blood vessel.
- a conventional introducer 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , generally includes three components such as a tube (or dilator) 20 , a self-sealing valve 50 , and molded finger tabs 40 .
- a scoreline 30 may be added along tube 20 to make it easier for a healthcare worker to break apart tube 20 when removing the introducer while leaving the catheter, needle or instrument 60 in the patient.
- Conventional introducers are costly because tube 20 , self-sealing valve 50 , and molded finger tabs 40 must be manufactured separately and then assembled. It is therefore desirable to have a method of fabricating a one-piece introducer that is able to reduce the operational costs associated with conventional devices such as the cost of assembling the tube and hub.
- a method in which a polymer in a molten state is fed into a cavity of a mold.
- the polymer may be fed into the mold using a variety of methods such as conventional injection molding, multi-injection molding, co-injection of one or more polymers at or about the same time into the mold, gas assist molding or other suitable method.
- a first portion of the cavity has at least one finger tab.
- the second portion of the cavity is a tube.
- the introducer lumen is formed by either gas-assist or a core pin inserted into the mold. The technique that is used may depend upon the overall length and size of introducer.
- a one-piece introducer for an intravascular device in another embodiment, includes at least one finger tab portion, a tube portion, and a hinge portion between the finger tab portion and the tube portion. Additional features, embodiments, and benefits will be evident in view of the figures and detailed description presented herein.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an introducer in which a tube, a self-sealing valve, and finger molded tabs are assembled according to the prior art
- FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an introducer in which a scoreline, added to the tube, is used to peel apart the introducer of the prior art
- FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a mold comprising three sections which are mated together and the polymer(s) are shown entering the cavity in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a one-piece introducer formed from the mold illustrated in FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of one-piece introducer in which the finger tab is used to peel away the tube in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a mold to form a one-piece introducer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the one-piece introducer formed from the mold illustrated in FIG. 6 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a finger tab used to peel away the tube in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a mold to form a one-piece introducer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a one-piece introducer formed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the one-piece introducer in which the finger tabs used to pull away the tube at a scoreline in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of one method for forming a one-piece introducer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- One embodiment of the invention relates to forming a one-piece introducer by injection molding of polymer(s) into a mold using a variety of techniques such as injection molding, multi-injection molding, co-injection molding, and gas assist molding.
- the mold can have a variety of shapes.
- a first portion of the cavity of the mold has at least one finger tab.
- the second portion of the cavity is a tube. After the molten polymer has filled the cavity of the mold, the polymer is cooled and a one-piece introducer is then formed.
- liquid crystal polymers such as that which is commercially available as VECTRATM from TICONATM, a division of Hoechst (Summit, N.J.) and XYDARTM commercially available from Amoco Polymers, Inc. located at Alpharetta, Ga.
- polyetheramides polycarbonate, polyester with glass fiber, polyester with carbon filler, polyamide with glass fiber
- thermoplastic elastomers e.g., CFLEX, commercially available from Consolidated Polymer Technology located in Largo, Fla.; KRATON commercially available from GLS Corporation, Thermoplastic Elastomers Division located in McHenry, Ill.; polyurethane, and SANTOPRENETM commercially available from Advanced Elastomer Systems located in Akron, Ohio; polyolefins and polyamide with carbon filler.
- Liquid crystal polymer is the preferred material to be used in this process.
- FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the invention for introducing molten polymer into mold 100 .
- the molten polymer is introduced into mold 100 using a variety of known methods such as injection molding, multi-injection molding, co-injection molding, gas assist molding or other suitable method.
- FIG. 3 illustrates mold 100 including first and second sections 115 a and 115 b and third section 190 that are mated together.
- the cavity formed by mold 100 includes tube portion 250 having a beveled distal tip 245 , a finger tab portion 270 , and a hinge 260 between tube portion 250 and finger tab portion 270 , and a safety valve 247 .
- Hinge 260 and tube portion 250 that are formed from this process are hollow.
- Hinge 260 may also be solid.
- the cavity formed by mold 100 includes an insert (not shown) in order to create space in tube portion 250 and hinge 260 .
- Inserts known in the art, are disposed in tube portion 250 and hinge 260 of mold 100 such that molten polymer moves around and surrounds the insert.
- the insert is removed from the one-piece introducer using conventional methods after the polymer has cooled, forming a hollow portion in tube portion 250 and hinge 260 .
- Mold 100 has an inlet 112 that allows molten polymer to enter mold 100 .
- inlets 117 a and 117 b may be used for each polymer.
- the molten polymer is introduced at inlet 112 of mold 100 at a pressure in the approximate range of 1,000 psi to 5,000 psi and a temperature that ranges from 200° C. to 340° C. It will be appreciated that other pressures and temperatures may be used depending upon the material selected.
- the dimensions of the cavity that is formed from sections 115 a , 115 b , and 190 varies with the gauge of the intravascular assembly to be fabricated.
- the one-piece introducer that is formed has a hollow tube with a hollow tip.
- the outer diameter of the tube cavity may range from about 0.70 millimeters (mm) to about 5.0 mm.
- the inner diameter of the tube cavity may range from about 0.50 mm to 4.7 mm.
- the path of the molten polymer that is introduced to mold 100 is described below.
- the molten polymer enters inlet 112 and fills finger tab portion 270 .
- the molten polymer then enters hinge 260 and travels into tube portion 250 and surrounds the insert (not shown) in tube portion 250 .
- the polymer stops at the distal end of tube portion 250 .
- the molds described herein may have a runner (not shown) located, for example, at the distal end of tube portion 250 that allows excess polymer to exit the cavity.
- the mold opens at parting line 220 a .
- the one-piece introducer is then removed or ejected from mold 100 using conventional techniques.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one-piece introducer 202 formed from mold 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- tube 242 , living hinge 246 , and finger tab 244 are formed as a single entity.
- Safety valve 248 is subsequently secured to one-piece introducer 202 or may be formed during the molding process.
- FIG. 5 illustrates finger tab 244 used to peel away tube 242 from instrument or catheter 249 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Finger tab(s) are pulled to remove the introducer from the catheter or instrument 249 at the distal end of catheter or instrument 249 .
- a scoreline which is used to make it easier to pull away finger tab 244 from catheter 249 , may or may not be formed from the process described herein. Preferably, however, the scoreline is formed during the filing of the cavity for mold 100 .
- FIGS. 6-11 illustrate various other embodiments of the invention using, for example, gas assist in order to form a variety of one-piece introducers.
- FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the invention using injection molding to form another type of one-piece introducer.
- mold 300 that includes first and second sections 315 a , and 315 b , and third section 390 mated together at parting line 330 a .
- the cavity formed by mold 300 includes tube portion 350 and two finger tab portions 370 that appear to form a head-shape for the one-piece introducer.
- Mold 300 further includes a beveled distal tip 345 at the distal end of tube portion 350 .
- Mold 300 has an inlet 312 that allows molten polymer to enter mold 300 .
- the cavity formed by mold 300 includes an insert (not shown) in order to create a hollow space in tube portion 350 .
- Inserts are disposed in tube portion 350 in mold 300 such that molten polymer moves around and surrounds the insert.
- the insert is removed from the one-piece introducer using conventional methods after the polymer has cooled, forming a hollow portion in tube portion 350 .
- the molten polymer is introduced at inlet 312 of mold 300 at a pressure about in the range of 1,000 psi to 5,000 psi and at a temperature that ranges from about 200 C to 340 C. It will be appreciated that other pressures and temperatures may be used depending upon the material selected.
- the dimension of the one-piece introducer that is formed from sections 315 a , 315 b , and 390 of mold 100 may vary with the gauge of the intravascular assembly to be fabricated.
- the overall length of the one-piece introducer that is formed may range in length from about 13 mm to about 230 mm.
- the thickness of tube portion derived by subtracting the inner diameter from the outer diameter divided by two, may range from about 0.1 mm to about 3.5 mm.
- the path of the molten polymer is presented below.
- the molten polymer enters inlet 312 and fills finger tab portions 370 .
- the polymer then enters tube portion 350 and surrounds the insert (not shown) in tube portion 350 .
- the polymer stops at the distal end of tube portion 350 .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate one-piece introducer 356 , formed from mold 300 of FIG. 6 , has tube 342 that has a double distal tip 343 formed with finger tab 344 .
- Safety valve 348 is thereafter inserted into and secured to one-piece introducer 356 .
- safety valve 348 may be formed during the molding process by configuring mold 300 to include a cavity portion for safety valve 348 .
- scoreline 346 may or may not be formed from the process and may be added subsequent to the process. Preferably, however, scoreline 346 is formed during the filing of the cavity for mold 300 .
- One-piece introducer 356 formed from mold 300 , is shown in FIG. 8 to have finger tab 344 move in a downward direction peeling tube 342 along scoreline 346 away from needle 349 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the invention using injection molding to form another type of one-piece introducer.
- FIG. 9 specifically illustrates mold 400 that includes first and second sections 415 a , 415 b , and third section 490 mated together.
- the cavity formed by mold 400 further includes a tube portion 450 and two finger tab portions 470 .
- Mold 400 further includes a beveled distal tip 445 at the distal end of the tube portion 450 .
- Mold 400 has an inlet 412 that allows molten polymer to enter mold 400 .
- the molten polymer is introduced at inlet 412 of mold 400 at a pressure about in the range of 1,000 psi to 5,000 psi and at a temperature that ranges from about 200 C to 340 C. It will be appreciated that other pressures and temperatures may be used depending upon the material selected.
- the dimension of the one-piece introducer that is formed from sections 415 a , 415 b , and 490 of mold 400 may vary with the gauge of the intravascular assembly to be fabricated.
- the overall length of the one-piece introducer formed from mold 400 may range in length from about 13 mm to about 230 mm.
- the molten polymer enters inlet 412 and fills finger tabs 470 and travels through parting lines 422 and 423 after the polymer has cooled. After the mold is opened, the one-piece introducer is then removed from mold 400 using conventional techniques.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate one-piece introducer 505 formed from mold 400 illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- Introducer 505 has opposing finger tabs 520 and tube 510 that has a beveled distal tip 550 .
- Scoreline 540 formed along tube 510 allows tube 510 to be peeled away after a healthcare worker has inserted a catheter or needle (not shown) into a patient. It will be appreciated that one-piece introducer 505 may be formed without a scoreline.
- Valve 530 is a self-sealing valve that is inserted into tube 510 or the self-sealing valve is formed in the molding process.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a catheter or instrument 500 inserted through introducer 505 .
- Finger tabs 520 are pulled away from catheter or instrument 500 .
- Valves 530 are separated from catheter or needle 500 allowing tube 510 to be peeled away from catheter or instrument 500 .
- one-piece introducer 505 is discarded in accordance with local environmental regulations.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of one method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- a polymer in a molten state is introduced into a mold.
- the mold includes a cavity partitioned into a tube portion having a beveled distal tip, at least one finger tab portion, and a hinge between the tube portion and the finger tab portion. It is appreciated that tube portion of the cavity includes an insert or other suitable device in order to ensure that the tube that is formed is hollow.
- a one-piece introducer is formed.
- a one-piece introducer is ejected from the mold.
- a valve such as a self-sealing valve is inserted into the tube portion of the introducer.
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer in which at least one finger tab is formed at one end of a tube.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to intravascular assemblies, and more specifically to the body of a one-piece introducer and method of making the one-piece introducer.
- 2. Background
- Intravascular devices such as catheter assemblies are generally used for passing fluids between a device such as a syringe or a drip to or from body lumens such as veins or arteries, or other internal target sites. Such an assembly usually includes a hub, and a catheter tube. The tube is typically secured to the hub by means of an eyelet ring that is press fit within the nose of the hub. This hub and tube assembly is then mounted over an introducer needle comprising a sharp needle attached to a plastic hub. The sharp tip of the needle, protruding from the catheter tip, is used for piercing a body lumen so that access may be gained into the body lumen by the needle and subsequently the catheter. Once the catheter and the needle are located within the body lumen, the introducer needle is removed and discarded while the catheter tube remains in the body lumen. A syringe or a tube of a drip is then attached to the hub so that fluids may be passed through the hub and the catheter from the drip or the syringe to the body lumen. The hub is typically made of materials that provide sufficient rigidity thereto and the catheter tube is usually made of a material which is flexible.
- If a catheter is to be repeatedly inserted into a patient, an introducer may be used with the catheter to reduce the number of times a patient's skin must be punctured in order to gain access to a body lumen such as a vein. Introducers serve to guide the insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel.
- A typical catheter introducer may be considered as having a relatively short tubular sheath, open at its distal end (the end within the patient), and a housing attached to the proximal end (outside of the patient) of the sheath. The housing typically includes a proximal aperture through which a catheter can be passed as well as a self-sealing valve or gasket to effect a seal to prevent blood from leaking out of the introducer, both when a catheter is passed through the introducer as well as when the catheter has been withdrawn from the introducer. The housing also may include a side port through which blood may be sampled or medication or other physiological liquids may be introduced. Such catheter introducers are in common use in angiography, angioplasty, or other procedures.
- The catheter and catheter introducer are used in the following manner. The hollow needle is first advanced through the skin, the subcutaneous tissue and into the body lumen (e.g., blood vessel) of interest. A guidewire then is advanced through the hollow needle and into the blood vessel. While maintaining that position of the guidewire, the needle then is withdrawn proximally and is separated from the guidewire. With the sheath mounted on a dilator which is coupled to the needle for dilating a blood vessel, the dilator then is threaded onto the proximal end of the guidewire and is advanced along the guidewire toward and into engagement with the puncture site. The distal tapered end of the dilator facilitates insertion of the tip of the dilator into the puncture by progressively dilating the puncture as the dilator is advanced through the tissue. Such progressive dilation of the puncture site is intended to facilitate advancement of the still larger diameter introducer sheath into and through the puncture site so that together they can be advanced along the guidewire into the blood vessel. When the distal portion of the sheath has been advanced into the blood vessel, the dilator and guidewire can be removed, leaving the catheter introducer in place and in readiness to receive and direct other guidewires, catheters or other appropriate instruments into and from the blood vessel.
- A
conventional introducer 10, illustrated inFIG. 1 , generally includes three components such as a tube (or dilator) 20, a self-sealing valve 50, and moldedfinger tabs 40. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , ascoreline 30 may be added alongtube 20 to make it easier for a healthcare worker to break aparttube 20 when removing the introducer while leaving the catheter, needle orinstrument 60 in the patient. Conventional introducers are costly becausetube 20, self-sealing valve 50, and moldedfinger tabs 40 must be manufactured separately and then assembled. It is therefore desirable to have a method of fabricating a one-piece introducer that is able to reduce the operational costs associated with conventional devices such as the cost of assembling the tube and hub. - A method is disclosed in which a polymer in a molten state is fed into a cavity of a mold. The polymer may be fed into the mold using a variety of methods such as conventional injection molding, multi-injection molding, co-injection of one or more polymers at or about the same time into the mold, gas assist molding or other suitable method. A first portion of the cavity has at least one finger tab. The second portion of the cavity is a tube. After the molten polymer has filled the cavity of the mold, the polymer is cooled and a one-piece introducer is then formed. In another embodiment, the introducer lumen is formed by either gas-assist or a core pin inserted into the mold. The technique that is used may depend upon the overall length and size of introducer.
- In another embodiment, a one-piece introducer for an intravascular device is disclosed. The one-piece introducer includes at least one finger tab portion, a tube portion, and a hinge portion between the finger tab portion and the tube portion. Additional features, embodiments, and benefits will be evident in view of the figures and detailed description presented herein.
- The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an introducer in which a tube, a self-sealing valve, and finger molded tabs are assembled according to the prior art; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an introducer in which a scoreline, added to the tube, is used to peel apart the introducer of the prior art; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a mold comprising three sections which are mated together and the polymer(s) are shown entering the cavity in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a one-piece introducer formed from the mold illustrated inFIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of one-piece introducer in which the finger tab is used to peel away the tube in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a mold to form a one-piece introducer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the one-piece introducer formed from the mold illustrated inFIG. 6 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a finger tab used to peel away the tube in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a mold to form a one-piece introducer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a one-piece introducer formed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the one-piece introducer in which the finger tabs used to pull away the tube at a scoreline in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of one method for forming a one-piece introducer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. - One embodiment of the invention relates to forming a one-piece introducer by injection molding of polymer(s) into a mold using a variety of techniques such as injection molding, multi-injection molding, co-injection molding, and gas assist molding. The mold can have a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, a first portion of the cavity of the mold has at least one finger tab. The second portion of the cavity is a tube. After the molten polymer has filled the cavity of the mold, the polymer is cooled and a one-piece introducer is then formed.
- Referring to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
- Presented below is a description of the materials that may be used followed by a process description of forming a one-piece introducer. Next, several embodiments are presented of the various molds that may be used to form a variety of one-piece introducers.
- The materials that may be used for injection molding of the one-piece introducer include liquid crystal polymers such as that which is commercially available as VECTRA™ from TICONA™, a division of Hoechst (Summit, N.J.) and XYDAR™ commercially available from Amoco Polymers, Inc. located at Alpharetta, Ga. Additionally, other polymers may be used such as polyetheramides, polycarbonate, polyester with glass fiber, polyester with carbon filler, polyamide with glass fiber, thermoplastic elastomers, e.g., CFLEX, commercially available from Consolidated Polymer Technology located in Largo, Fla.; KRATON commercially available from GLS Corporation, Thermoplastic Elastomers Division located in McHenry, Ill.; polyurethane, and SANTOPRENE™ commercially available from Advanced Elastomer Systems located in Akron, Ohio; polyolefins and polyamide with carbon filler. Liquid crystal polymer is the preferred material to be used in this process.
-
FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the invention for introducing molten polymer intomold 100. The molten polymer is introduced intomold 100 using a variety of known methods such as injection molding, multi-injection molding, co-injection molding, gas assist molding or other suitable method.FIG. 3 illustratesmold 100 including first and second sections 115 a and 115 b andthird section 190 that are mated together. The cavity formed bymold 100 includestube portion 250 having a beveleddistal tip 245, afinger tab portion 270, and ahinge 260 betweentube portion 250 andfinger tab portion 270, and a safety valve 247.Hinge 260 andtube portion 250 that are formed from this process are hollow.Hinge 260 may also be solid. - The cavity formed by
mold 100 includes an insert (not shown) in order to create space intube portion 250 and hinge 260. Inserts, known in the art, are disposed intube portion 250 and hinge 260 ofmold 100 such that molten polymer moves around and surrounds the insert. The insert is removed from the one-piece introducer using conventional methods after the polymer has cooled, forming a hollow portion intube portion 250 and hinge 260. -
Mold 100 has aninlet 112 that allows molten polymer to entermold 100. Alternatively, if two polymers are to be injected intomold 100, inlets 117 a and 117 b may be used for each polymer. The molten polymer is introduced atinlet 112 ofmold 100 at a pressure in the approximate range of 1,000 psi to 5,000 psi and a temperature that ranges from 200° C. to 340° C. It will be appreciated that other pressures and temperatures may be used depending upon the material selected. - The dimensions of the cavity that is formed from
sections 115 a, 115 b, and 190 varies with the gauge of the intravascular assembly to be fabricated. In this embodiment, the one-piece introducer that is formed has a hollow tube with a hollow tip. The outer diameter of the tube cavity may range from about 0.70 millimeters (mm) to about 5.0 mm. The inner diameter of the tube cavity may range from about 0.50 mm to 4.7 mm. - Given the description of
mold 100, the path of the molten polymer that is introduced tomold 100 is described below. The molten polymer entersinlet 112 and fillsfinger tab portion 270. The molten polymer then enters hinge 260 and travels intotube portion 250 and surrounds the insert (not shown) intube portion 250. The polymer stops at the distal end oftube portion 250. It will be appreciated that the molds described herein may have a runner (not shown) located, for example, at the distal end oftube portion 250 that allows excess polymer to exit the cavity. - Once the polymer cools, the mold opens at parting line 220 a. After the mold is opened, the one-piece introducer is then removed or ejected from
mold 100 using conventional techniques. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one-piece introducer 202 formed frommold 100 illustrated inFIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 4 ,tube 242, livinghinge 246, andfinger tab 244 are formed as a single entity.Safety valve 248 is subsequently secured to one-piece introducer 202 or may be formed during the molding process.FIG. 5 illustratesfinger tab 244 used to peel awaytube 242 from instrument orcatheter 249 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Finger tab(s) are pulled to remove the introducer from the catheter orinstrument 249 at the distal end of catheter orinstrument 249. It will be appreciated that a scoreline, which is used to make it easier to pull awayfinger tab 244 fromcatheter 249, may or may not be formed from the process described herein. Preferably, however, the scoreline is formed during the filing of the cavity formold 100.FIGS. 6-11 illustrate various other embodiments of the invention using, for example, gas assist in order to form a variety of one-piece introducers. -
FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the invention using injection molding to form another type of one-piece introducer. Specifically,FIG. 6 illustratesmold 300 that includes first and second sections 315 a, and 315 b, andthird section 390 mated together at parting line 330 a. The cavity formed bymold 300 includestube portion 350 and twofinger tab portions 370 that appear to form a head-shape for the one-piece introducer.Mold 300 further includes a beveleddistal tip 345 at the distal end oftube portion 350.Mold 300 has aninlet 312 that allows molten polymer to entermold 300. The cavity formed bymold 300 includes an insert (not shown) in order to create a hollow space intube portion 350. Inserts, known in the art, are disposed intube portion 350 inmold 300 such that molten polymer moves around and surrounds the insert. The insert is removed from the one-piece introducer using conventional methods after the polymer has cooled, forming a hollow portion intube portion 350. The molten polymer is introduced atinlet 312 ofmold 300 at a pressure about in the range of 1,000 psi to 5,000 psi and at a temperature that ranges from about 200 C to 340 C. It will be appreciated that other pressures and temperatures may be used depending upon the material selected. - It will be appreciated that the dimension of the one-piece introducer that is formed from
sections 315 a, 315 b, and 390 ofmold 100 may vary with the gauge of the intravascular assembly to be fabricated. For example, the overall length of the one-piece introducer that is formed may range in length from about 13 mm to about 230 mm. The thickness of tube portion, derived by subtracting the inner diameter from the outer diameter divided by two, may range from about 0.1 mm to about 3.5 mm. - Given the description of
mold 300, the path of the molten polymer is presented below. The molten polymer entersinlet 312 and fillsfinger tab portions 370. The polymer then enterstube portion 350 and surrounds the insert (not shown) intube portion 350. The polymer stops at the distal end oftube portion 350. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate one-piece introducer 356, formed frommold 300 ofFIG. 6 , hastube 342 that has a doubledistal tip 343 formed withfinger tab 344.Safety valve 348 is thereafter inserted into and secured to one-piece introducer 356. Alternatively,safety valve 348 may be formed during the molding process by configuringmold 300 to include a cavity portion forsafety valve 348. It will be appreciated thatscoreline 346 may or may not be formed from the process and may be added subsequent to the process. Preferably, however,scoreline 346 is formed during the filing of the cavity formold 300. One-piece introducer 356, formed frommold 300, is shown inFIG. 8 to havefinger tab 344 move in a downwarddirection peeling tube 342 alongscoreline 346 away fromneedle 349. -
FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the invention using injection molding to form another type of one-piece introducer.FIG. 9 specifically illustratesmold 400 that includes first and second sections 415 a, 415 b, andthird section 490 mated together. The cavity formed bymold 400 further includes atube portion 450 and twofinger tab portions 470.Mold 400 further includes a beveleddistal tip 445 at the distal end of thetube portion 450. -
Mold 400 has aninlet 412 that allows molten polymer to entermold 400. The molten polymer is introduced atinlet 412 ofmold 400 at a pressure about in the range of 1,000 psi to 5,000 psi and at a temperature that ranges from about 200 C to 340 C. It will be appreciated that other pressures and temperatures may be used depending upon the material selected. - It will be appreciated that the dimension of the one-piece introducer that is formed from
sections 415 a, 415 b, and 490 ofmold 400 may vary with the gauge of the intravascular assembly to be fabricated. For example, the overall length of the one-piece introducer formed frommold 400 may range in length from about 13 mm to about 230 mm. - The molten polymer enters
inlet 412 and fillsfinger tabs 470 and travels throughparting lines mold 400 using conventional techniques. -
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate one-piece introducer 505 formed frommold 400 illustrated inFIG. 9 .Introducer 505 has opposingfinger tabs 520 andtube 510 that has a beveleddistal tip 550.Scoreline 540 formed alongtube 510 allowstube 510 to be peeled away after a healthcare worker has inserted a catheter or needle (not shown) into a patient. It will be appreciated that one-piece introducer 505 may be formed without a scoreline.Valve 530 is a self-sealing valve that is inserted intotube 510 or the self-sealing valve is formed in the molding process. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a catheter orinstrument 500 inserted throughintroducer 505.Finger tabs 520 are pulled away from catheter orinstrument 500.Valves 530 are separated from catheter orneedle 500 allowingtube 510 to be peeled away from catheter orinstrument 500. After one-piece introducer 505 has been used, one-piece introducer 505 is discarded in accordance with local environmental regulations. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of one method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Atblock 600, a polymer in a molten state is introduced into a mold. The mold includes a cavity partitioned into a tube portion having a beveled distal tip, at least one finger tab portion, and a hinge between the tube portion and the finger tab portion. It is appreciated that tube portion of the cavity includes an insert or other suitable device in order to ensure that the tube that is formed is hollow. Atblock 610, a one-piece introducer is formed. Atblock 620, a one-piece introducer is ejected from the mold. Atblock 630, a valve such as a self-sealing valve is inserted into the tube portion of the introducer. - In the preceding detailed description, the invention is described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
Claims (30)
1. A method comprising:
providing a mold having a cavity, wherein a first portion of the cavity forms at least one finger tab, a second portion of the cavity forms a tube, and a third portion of the cavity forms a hinge between the first portion of the cavity and the second portion of the cavity;
feeding a molten polymer into the cavity of the mold; and
cooling the polymer.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
providing a fourth portion of the cavity which forms a self-sealing valve.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein feeding a molten polymer occurs through one of injection molding, multi-injection molding, co-injection molding, and gas assist molding.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein at least two polymers are co-injected into the mold.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
ejecting a one-piece introducer.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
inserting a valve into the tube.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
forming a plurality of finger tabs.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal polymer, polyetheramide, polycarbonate, polyester with glass fiber, polyester with carbon filler, polyamide with glass fiber, thermoplastic elastomer, polyolefins and polyamide with carbon filler.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polymer is introduced into a mold at a temperature approximately in the range of 200 C to 340 C.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the polymer is introduced at a pressure approximately in the range of 1,000 psi to 5,000 psi.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the cavity forms a second finger tab.
12. The method of claim 5 , wherein one of a longitudinal scoreline and offline scoreline is formed in the tube of the introducer.
13. The method of claim 5 , wherein a beveled tip is formed at a distal end of a tube of the introducer.
14. A method of making a one-piece introducer comprising:
providing a mold having a cavity, wherein a proximal portion having a finger tab portion and a distal portion having a tube portion, wherein the finger tab portion is connected to the tube portion through a hinge portion;
introducing molten polymer into a cavity of a mold; and
forming a scoreline along the tube portion.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal polymer, polyetheramide, polycarbonate, polyester with glass fiber, polyester with carbon filler, polyamide with glass fiber, polyolefins, thermoplastic elastomers and polyamide with carbon filler.
16. A one-piece introducer for an intravascular device, comprising:
at least one finger tab portion;
a tube portion;
a hinge portion between the finger tab portion and the tube portion, wherein the finger tab portion, the hinge portion, and the tube portion form a seamless introducer.
17. The one-piece introducer of claim 16 , comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal polymer, polyetheramide, polycarbonate, polyester with glass fiber, polyester with carbon filler, polyamide with glass fiber, thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefins and polyamide with carbon filler.
18. The one-piece introducer of claim 16 , wherein the tube portion is substantially hollow.
19. The one-piece introducer of claim 16 , wherein the finger tab portion has a shape which is one of substantially rectangular, cylindrical, spherical, and square.
20. The one-piece introducer of claim 16 , further comprising:
a scoreline formed on the tube portion.
21. A one-piece introducer comprising:
at least one finger tab portion;
a tube portion having a scoreline, wherein the at least one finger tab portion and the tube portion are seamless.
22. The one-piece introducer of claim 1 , wherein a hinge is located between the tube portion and the at least one finger tab portion.
23. The one-piece introducer of claim 21 , wherein the tube portion is substantially hollow.
24. The one-piece introducer of claim 21 , wherein the finger tab portion has a shape which is one of substantially rectangular, cylindrical, spherical, and square.
25. A one-piece introducer comprising:
a tube;
the first finger tab and the second finger tab formed at a proximal end of the tube without seams; and
a scoreline formed on the tube.
26. The one-piece introducer of claim 25 , further comprising:
a safety valve is coupled at the proximal end of the tube.
27. The one-piece introducer of claim 25 , comprises a polymer, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal polymer, polyetheramide, polycarbonate, polyester with glass fiber, polyester with carbon filler, polyamide with glass fiber, thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefins and polyamide with carbon filler.
28. The one-piece introducer of claim 25 , wherein the scoreline extends to a beveled distal tip of the tube portion.
29. The one-piece introducer of claim 25 , wherein the tube is substantially hollow.
30. The one-piece introducer of claim 25 , wherein the finger tab portion has a shape which is one of substantially rectangular, cylindrical, spherical, and square.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/967,938 US20050054984A1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2004-10-19 | Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/753,355 US6837873B1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2000-12-29 | Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer |
US10/967,938 US20050054984A1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2004-10-19 | Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/753,355 Division US6837873B1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2000-12-29 | Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050054984A1 true US20050054984A1 (en) | 2005-03-10 |
Family
ID=33541688
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/753,355 Expired - Lifetime US6837873B1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2000-12-29 | Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer |
US10/967,938 Abandoned US20050054984A1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2004-10-19 | Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/753,355 Expired - Lifetime US6837873B1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2000-12-29 | Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer |
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US (2) | US6837873B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
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US8262619B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2012-09-11 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Introducer sheath for catheters |
US20140083537A1 (en) * | 2011-05-06 | 2014-03-27 | Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh | Y-Channel and Method for Production Thereof |
Families Citing this family (8)
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US6837873B1 (en) * | 2000-12-29 | 2005-01-04 | Medex, Inc. | Method and an apparatus for forming a one-piece introducer |
US7588581B2 (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2009-09-15 | Medtronic, Inc. | Placement of chronic micro-catheter device and method |
US7422571B2 (en) * | 2002-08-29 | 2008-09-09 | Medical Components, Inc. | Releasably locking dilator and sheath assembly |
PT2164553T (en) * | 2007-06-22 | 2018-06-18 | Medical Components Inc | Hub for a tearaway sheath assembly with hemostasis valve |
WO2009038727A1 (en) * | 2007-09-18 | 2009-03-26 | Medical Components, Inc. | Tearaway sheath assembly with split hemostasis valve |
EP3666324A1 (en) * | 2008-03-14 | 2020-06-17 | Medical Components, Inc. | Tearaway introducer sheath with hemostasis valve |
US11446467B2 (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2022-09-20 | Smiths Medical Asd, Inc. | Overmolded septum for catheter hub |
US11590326B2 (en) | 2019-03-01 | 2023-02-28 | Nailmark Medical, Llc | Chest tube insertion sheath |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US6837873B1 (en) | 2005-01-04 |
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