Catheter assembly including internal bolster

Abstract

A catheter assembly includes an internal bolster comprising a plurality of resilient members collectively forming an anchor at a first end of the catheter. Each resilient member is reversibly transformable between a spiral shape, when at rest, and a straightened shape, when forcibly unfurled. The catheter assembly may be used in a method for inserting a gastrostomy tube into a patient. The catheter assembly is inserted into the patient's stomach with the resilient members in the unfurled straightened state. Once the resilient members have entered the patient, the resilient members are allowed to return to the relaxed spiral shape, thereby anchoring the catheter assembly in the patient.

1 . A catheter assembly comprising:
 (a) a catheter, the catheter having a first end and a second end; and   (b) an internal bolster disposed at the first end of the catheter, the internal bolster comprising a plurality of resilient members collectively forming an anchor reversibly transformable between a radially expanded state and a radially condensed state.   
     
     
         2 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each of the resilient members is reversibly transformable between a spiral shape, when at rest, and a straightened shape, when forcibly unfurled. 
     
     
         3 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the spiral shape extends radially outwardly from the catheter and towards the second end of the catheter. 
     
     
         4 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the spiral shape extends radially outwardly from the catheter and away from the second end of the catheter. 
     
     
         5 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each of the resilient members comprises a resilient wire and a protective jacket, the protective jacket covering at least a portion of the resilient wire. 
     
     
         6 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 5  wherein each of the resilient wires is coupled to a common base embedded in the catheter. 
     
     
         7 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the internal bolster comprises exactly two resilient members. 
     
     
         8 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the internal bolster comprises more than two resilient members. 
     
     
         9 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the internal bolster comprises exactly six resilient members. 
     
     
         10 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the catheter and the resilient members form a unitary structure made entirely of silicone rubber. 
     
     
         11 . A catheter assembly comprising:
 (a) a catheter, the catheter having a first end and a second end; and   (b) a plurality of resilient members disposed at the first end of the catheter, each of the resilient members being reversibly transformable between a spiral shape, when at rest, and a straightened shape, when forcibly unfurled.   
     
     
         12 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the spiral shape extends radially outwardly from the catheter and towards the second end of the catheter. 
     
     
         13 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the spiral shape extends radially outwardly from the catheter and away from the second end of the catheter. 
     
     
         14 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 11  wherein each of the resilient members comprises a resilient wire and a protective jacket, the protective jacket covering at least a portion of the resilient wire. 
     
     
         15 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 11  wherein there are exactly two resilient members. 
     
     
         16 . The catheter assembly as claimed in  claim 11  wherein there are exactly six resilient members. 
     
     
         17 . A kit for use in implanting a catheter assembly in a patient, the kit comprising:
 (a) a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly comprising
 (i) a catheter, the catheter having a first end and a second end, and 
 (ii) an internal bolster disposed at the first end of the catheter, the internal bolster comprising a plurality of resilient members, each of the resilient members being reversibly transformable between a spiral shape, when at rest, and a straightened shape, when forcibly unfurled, the spiral shape extending radially outwardly from the catheter and towards the second end of the catheter; and 
   (b) a delivery device, the delivery device being a tubular member appropriately dimensioned to be inserted over the catheter assembly from the second end of the catheter and to unfurl the resilient members.   
     
     
         18 . The kit as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the delivery device has a sharpened distal end.