Catheter packaging with integrated clip

Abstract

Packaging for a catheter may include a tubular structure and an integrated clip. A catheter may be inserted into the tubular structure. The catheter may have a flexible shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a hub affixed to the proximal end. The hub may have features of a size or dimension that are larger than the outer size of the shaft. In the tubular structure of the packaging, the integrated clip may be formed by removing a portion of the sidewall of the tubular structure to form an opening, such that a portion of the hub extends out of the opening, and forming at least one clip or clasping member in the tubular structure for grasping a portion of the hub. The packaging thus has an integrated clip for holding the catheter hub in position.

1 . Packaging for a catheter having a flexible shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, with a hub affixed to the proximal end, wherein the hub defines a body having a first size and a neck having a second smaller size, comprising: 
 a tubular component with a sidewall and defining a lumen and a tubular size, such that a catheter shaft may be inserted within the lumen of the tubular component;    an opening formed in the sidewall of the tubular component, such that the hub body may be partially received in the opening of the tubular component, wherein the first size of the hub body is greater than the size of the tubular component opening;    at least one clip defined by a moveable portion of the tubular component, such that the at least one clip may be releasably clasped around the neck of the catheter hub, wherein the tubular component and the at least one clip are integral and unitary;    such that the packaging tubular component has an integrated clip for releasably holding a portion of a catheter hub.    
   
   
       2 . The packaging of  claim 1 , further comprising a second clip.  
   
   
       3 . The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular component and clip are made of polymer material.  
   
   
       4 . The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is formed as a scalloped portion removed from one side of the tubular component.  
   
   
       5 . The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one clip is formed by a collar having a slit.  
   
   
       6 . The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the catheter is of a type selected from among the group of balloon catheters, diagnostic catheters, guiding catheters, stent delivery system catheters, injection catheters, gene therapy catheters, electrophysiology catheters, therapeutic drug delivery catheters, ultrasound catheters, and laser angioplasty catheters.  
   
   
       7 . The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular component has a shape selected from among the group of straight, curved, helical, and a spiral coil.  
   
   
       8 . The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular component further comprises a second aperture, and the hub has a pair of radially extending wings, such that the apertures are adapted to receive the wings.  
   
   
       9 . The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the clip is a clasping member.  
   
   
       10 . A catheter packaging system, comprising a catheter and the packaging system of  claim 1 .  
   
   
       11 . A catheter packaging system, prepared by a process comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a catheter having a flexible shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, with a hub affixed to the proximal end; wherein the hub defines a body having a first size and a neck having a second smaller size;    (b) providing a tubular component with a sidewall and which defines a lumen and a tubular size, such that the catheter shaft fits within the lumen of the tubular component;    (c) forming an aperture in the sidewall of the tubular component, such that the hub body may be partially received in the opening of the tubular component, wherein the first size of the hub body is greater than the size of the tubular component opening;    (d) cutting or removing a portion of the collar, to form at least one clip; the clip having a relaxed position and being moveable to an opened position, tending to resiliently return to the relaxed position;    (e) inserting the catheter shaft into the tubular component, positioning the catheter hub partially in the aperture and near the clip; and    (f) opening the clip to its open position, and inserting the neck of the catheter hub into the clip, and allowing the clip to resiliently clasp the neck of the catheter hub, such that the hub body is partially received within and extends out of the aperture, such that the clip tends to hold the catheter in position within the packaging system.