Indwelling catheter opening device

摘要

A device and method for opening a substantially flat external flange of an indwelling catheter. The device is a one-piece elongated member having configured ends formed by bending the elongated member so that one configured end is positioned slightly above the other configured end by passing the second configured end through an aperture formed inside of the member. In addition, an apparatus comprising at least the opening device and an indwelling catheter having a flat external flange is disclosed. Other embodiments of opening devices constructed and arranged to open the external flange of an indwelling catheter are also contemplated. The device is used to maintain the low profile of the external flange of the indwelling catheter and to prevent damage to the skin or body tissue surrounding the catheter flange.