VASCULAR ACCESS DILATOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

An improved vascular access dilator apparatus consisting of a wire, a blade with a locking safety mechanism, and straight but malleable dilator with a smooth surface having a lumen just large enough for the wire to slide easily in and out. The safety sheath covers the blade once an incision in the dermis is made, thereby protecting both the patient and caregiver.

Claims

1. A method for introduction of a treatment device into a body vessel of a patient and safe disposal of apparatus therefor comprising the steps of: inserting a hollow needle into said vessel; inserting a wire longitudinally into said needle; retracting said needle; sliding a blade on said wire in the direction of said vessel; using said blade to make an incision in the dermis surrounding said vessel; withdrawing said blade; covering said blade with a safety cover retractable therefrom; disposing of said covered blade; sliding a cannula on said wire in the direction of said vessel; and inserting said cannula into said vessel to the depth of the proper French size printed thereon relative to the dermis of said patient, whereby said cannula is placed in said vessel in a safe manner for proper dilation for introduction of a treatment device.

2. A method for introduction of a treatment device into a body vessel of a patient and safe disposal of apparatus therefor comprising the steps of: inserting a hollow needle into said vessel; inserting a wire longitudinally into said needle; retracting said needle; sliding a blade on said wire in the direction of said vessel; using said blade to make an incision in the dermis surrounding said vessel; withdrawing said blade; covering said blade with a safety cover retractable therefrom; disposing of said covered blade; sliding a cannula on said wire in the direction of said vessel; placing a band at a prescribed French size printed on said cannula; and inserting said cannula into said vessel to the depth of the placement of said band relative to the dermis of said patient, whereby said cannula is placed in said vessel in a safe manner for proper dilation for introduction of a treatment device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective view of one example of a vascular access dilator apparatus.

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a close up perspective view of the blade, safety device, inserted wire and french sizes used for sizing.

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the vascular access dilator apparatus.

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a underside view of the vascular access dilator apparatus.

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a close up view of the blade safety device along with the french sizes and the wire that is inserted through the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an, ” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0018] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

[0019] Vascular access using this dilator apparatus are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0020] The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

[0021] A 21 gauge needle is inserted into a patient's vessel. This hollow needle creates a passageway into the targeted vessel, referred to as “access.” FIG. 1 depicts wire 5, which is then inserted through the needle into that patient's bloodstream, either an artery or vein. Once the wire is satisfactorily placed into the lumen of the vessel, the needle is slid over the wire, away from the patient, and off the wire. FIG. 2 shows blade 4, which slides down the wire to make a small incision in the patient's dermis to facilitate dilation. Additionally, FIGS. 2 and 5 depict markings that correlate with french sizes 8 for vessel cannula insertion. After the incision is made, the blade is withdrawn from the patient and covered by safety cover 2 as seen in FIG. 2. Lastly, the covered blade is removed from the wire and disposed per facility procedure.

[0022] Dilator 1 then slides down wire and is inserted into the lumen of the patient's vessel to the desired french size as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Sizes shown in FIG. 3 refer to the depth that the dilator can be inserted into patient to achieve desired dilation size. French sizes 7 are printed on the side of the cannula with circumferential markings so the user can properly dilate. Additionally, band 6 can be placed onto the prescribed size on dilator 1 to prevent over dilation.

[0023] Once dilation with apparatus is complete the dilator is removed from the wire and taken removed. Desired cannula is placed along wire, inserted into patient's vessel, and wire is removed.