MULTIPLE-USE INTRAVENOUS CATHETER ASSEMBLY SEPTUM AND SEPTUM ACTUATOR

摘要

The present invention relates to a multiple-use intravenous (IV) catheter assembly septum and septum actuator. In particular, the present invention relates to an IV catheter assembly having a stationary septum actuator and a blood control septum, wherein the blood control septum is configured to slide within a catheter adapter of the IV catheter assembly between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. When in the compressed state, a slit of the blood control septum is opened and the septum comprises stored compressive potential energy. When the septum is released from the compressed state, the stored compressive potential energy is release and the blood control septum is restored to its original shape, thereby closing the septum's slit.

主权项

1. A multiple use blood control catheter assembly, comprising:
a catheter adapter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen that extends therebetween, the lumen including a portion having a first diameter and an annular ridge at a distal end of the portion; a catheter that extends out from the distal end of the catheter adapter; a septum actuator positioned within the lumen of the catheter adapter, the septum actuator having a base positioned distal to the annular ridge and a probe that extends proximally from the base; and a septum positioned proximal to the base of the septum actuator, the septum having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein, during use of the catheter assembly, the septum slides within the portion of the lumen between a proximal position and a distal position in response to an external device being inserted into the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the septum having a second diameter that is at least equal to the first diameter such that the septum divides the lumen into a proximal chamber and a distal chamber, wherein, when in the proximal position, the distal end of the septum is spaced from the annular ridge and the proximal end of the septum is positioned proximal to a proximal end of the probe, and, when in the distal position, the distal end of septum is compressed against the annular ridge and the proximal end of the septum is positioned distal to the proximal end of the probe, the compression biasing the septum in a proximal direction such that the septum returns to the proximal position when the external device is withdrawn from the proximal end of the catheter adapter.