Catheter assembly with segmented stabilization system

Abstract

A catheter assembly with segmented or step-wise deployment stabilization system includes a base or handle, puncture needle extending from the handle, and a deployment mechanism or mechanisms to selectively extend from the distal end of the needle for first length a hollow stabilizing component and as a second step to a second further length a stabilizing guide wire element. The hollow stabilizing component has some degree of flexibility as does the guide wire to minimize chance of damage to surrounding tissue. The user can feel resistance and have the opportunity to retract either component and attempt redeployment without a retraction of the puncture needle and a second poke of the patient's skin. In the example for peripheral venous catheterization, the system reduces the probability of blood vessel puncture. The deployment mechanism can have a guiding system which ensures the proper sequence of deployment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus designed for facilitating subcutaneous insertion of a catheter comprising:
 a hollow needle assembly comprising a hollow needle having a longitudinal axis and a distal end; and   a hollow stabilizing component assembly comprising a hollow stabilizing component having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, the hollow stabilizing component coaxial to and selectively movable between a retracted position along the longitudinal axis of the needle to a deployed position extended past the distal end of the needle;   wherein the needle is configured to provide subcutaneous access and the hollow stabilizing component is configured to provide a first support and guide section extendible from the needle.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an additional stabilizing component selectively movable between a retracted position along the longitudinal axis of the hollow stabilizing component to a deployed position extended from the distal end of the hollow stabilizing component so that the needle is operable to provide subcutaneous access, wherein the hollow stabilizing component providing a first support and guide section extendible from the needle, and the additional stabilizing component providing a second support and guide section from the needle. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a hollow stabilizing component deployment device for manual movement of the hollow stabilizing component over a range. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising an additional stabilizing component deployment device for manual movement of the additional stabilizing component over a range. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the hollow stabilizing component is slideable inside the needle and the additional stabilizing component is slideable inside the hollow stabilizing component. 
     
     
         6 . A method for facilitating subcutaneous insertion of a cannula comprising:
 advancing subcutaneously a distal end of a puncture needle; and   extending a distal end of a hollow stabilizing component beyond the needle.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising extending an additional stabilizing component beyond the extended hollow stabilizing component. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the additional stabilizing component comprises a guide wire. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising using a proximal hollow stabilizing component deployment device and a proximal guide wire deployment device to extend the hollow stabilizing device along the needle and the guide wire through and out of the hollow stabilizing component. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising positioning a catheter sheath over the needle prior to subcutaneous insertion, and sliding the sheath forward over the hollow stabilizing component and the stabilizing guide wire. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising removing the needle, the hollow stabilizing component, and the stabilizing guide wire while leaving the catheter sheath. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 6 , applied to peripheral venous catheterization. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising confirming entry into a peripheral vein or artery through providing a fluid pathway from the extended distal end of the hollow stabilization component proximally to a collection chamber at or near a proximal end of the needle, and allowing visual observation of blood in the chamber by the user. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the deployment devices are coordinated to require step-wise deployment of at least the hollow stabilizing component to its extended position and then the guide wire. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising allowing retraction of the guide wire and then the hollow stabilizing component in reverse order from extension. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the needle is substantially rigid and the hollow stabilizing component and guide wire have a degree of flexibility. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein combined length of extension of the hollow stabilizing component and the guide wire is approximately equal to length of a catheter sheath to be emplaced by guiding over the needle, hollow stabilizing component, and guide wire. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus for supplemental stabilization during placement of a catheter sheath with a catheterization needle and guide wire comprising:
 an intermediate stabilizing component comprising a flexible tube that is extendable past a distal end of the needle and through which the guide wire can be further extended.   
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising manually operated members that allow a user to selectively deploy the intermediate stabilizing component and the guide wire. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the manually operated members comprise sliders that move in a system of slots which control step-wise extension and retraction of the hollow stabilizing component and guide wire.