FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to vascular access and more particularly to midline catheters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIV) typically remain in place or "dwell" from a few hours to four days. For longer therapies, PIVs are serially replaced or an extended use (extended dwell) IV catheter is inserted. The most popular extended dwell IV catheter is the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). The end or tip or the catheter is generally positioned in the lower one-third of the cavo-atrial junction. PICC insertions require a highly skilled nurse or physician for insertion as they may employ a variety of special components including a complicated, large- gauge, peel-away introducer and/or fine-gauge wires that are inserted into the vein.

[0003] Multiple complications can arise from the placement of a PICC line ranging from simple bruising to significant tissue damage, In all cases, a post-procedural chest X-Ray is used to indicate whether or not the catheter is appropriately positioned in the superior vena cava. Sometimes, the catheter tip is found to reside either in the jugular vein, in the right atrium of the heart, or malpositioned elsewhere. In the event of improper catheter tip placement, the PICC must be manipulated into proper position, removed or pulled back into a sub-optimal, non-central position. Repositioning of a PICC line can be both difficult and costly, as it often requires the use of a Fluoroscope for X-Ray imaging guidance. Failure to reposition a poorly placed catheter tip can result in complications such as abnormal heart rhythms, vessel damage, or, rarely, a perforation of the superior vena cava or other central vessels. Many physicians are hesitant to order a PICC line for these same reasons.

[0004] In between the PIV and PICC is a mid-length (midline) catheter which is designed for a moderate extended dwell period of between six and thirty days.

Midline catheters are peripheral infusion devices inserted via the antecubital fossa with the tips terminating in either the basilic, cephalic, or brachial vein, distal to the shoulder, at or below the axillary line. Most technicians consider the basilic vein to be optimal due to the diameter of the vein.

[0005] As midline catheters are intended for extended use (e.g. up to 30 days), maintaining patency of the catheter is a concern. Therefore, what is needed is a midline catheter that has enhanced patency that will increase dwell time by minimizing events that may lead to catheter occlusion due to blood clots and/or suctioning to the vessel wall.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The foregoing needs are addressed by the midline catheter in accordance with the invention.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention a catheter with enhanced patency is provided. This is accomplished by shortening the lumen from 20cm (as in a standard midline catheter) to 10cm to reduce the mechanical vessel irritation from shoulder movement.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention the catheter includes a distal end that includes a radiused edge, which reduces the mechanical vessel irritation during insertion from shoulder movement during dwell. Unlike conventional midline catheters the midline catheter in accordance with the invention includes a non- trimmable distal tip.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention the distal end of the catheter includes opposing notches at the distal end that reduces the likelihood of catheter occlusion due to blood clots or suctioning to the vessel wall.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention the notches include an arched portion positioned on and cut into the shaft of the catheter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the midline catheter in accordance with the invention showing the distal tip.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the midline catheter in accordance with the invention showing the distal tip.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the midline catheter in accordance with the invention showing the radiused edge of distal tip and the arched notch.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view depicting a hub and luer of a catheter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The midline catheter in accordance with the invention advantageously reduces mural thrombus formation along with a higher potential of extended utility for blood return. Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the midline catheter 10 in accordance with the invention includes catheter shaft 12, catheter lumen 14 and distal tip 16. Proximal end 49 is operably coupled to a luer 52, extension, clamp, ID tag and hub 50.

[0017] Distal tip 16 includes a pair of opposing notches 18, 20 thereon. Notches 18, 20 each include a distal end 22 and a proximal end 24. Proximal end 24 is formed as an arch in the sidewall of catheter shaft 12. The arch shape is advantageous in that it eliminates corners that might encourage clots to form. Notches 18, 20 enhances the patency of catheter 10 by preventing occlusion of lumen 14. Notches 18, 20 increase the open, patent area of the catheter allowing for partial occlusion while still remaining patent. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that more than two opposing notches may be positioned at the distal tip of the catheter depending on the size of the catheter and depending on the dimensions of the notch. The dimensions of each of the opposing arches are approximately .020 inches to .025 inches wide and .038 inches by .042 inches in length. Preferably the dimensions are .022 inches wide and .040 inches in length. Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the dimensions of the notches 18, 20 may vary according to need and size of the catheter.

[0018] In addition, the distal end 22 of midline catheter 10 in accordance with the invention advantageously includes a radius 26 circumferentially disposed on the distal end 22 for reducing mechanical irritation during insertion and dwell periods. The radius may be from .007 inches to .010 inches and preferably .008 inches.

[0019] The midline catheter 10 in accordance with the invention may include a 3F single, 4F single and 4F double sized catheter. The catheter may have a length of approximately 10cm to prevent the catheter from reaching the shoulder region which in turn reduces mechanical vessel irritation from shoulder movement.

[0020] After implantation it is difficult to determine whether a catheter is a PICC or a midline without referring to documentation regarding the implantation procedure. Therefore, it is anticipated that the hub 50 and luer 52 may include printed indicia thereon to clearly identify it as a "midline" catheter and/or whether or not the catheter is "power injectable." Such indicia may include a symbol, words and may additionally include a color such as yellow, red, green, etc. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the printed indicia may also be printed on the catheter shaft.

[0021] Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the catheter 10 may be power injectable or may be inserted manually.

[0022] Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.