Ultrasound assisted catheter placement system

Abstract

A deep vein intravenous introducer has a wheel located toward the front end of the device that can be rotated by the index finger of the user. After placement of the needle in the lumen of the vessel, the user rotates the wheel, which advances the wire guide through the center of the needle and into the patient. Once the guide wire is advanced into the vessel lumen the catheter can be advanced over the guide wire with a hub or finger tab on the catheter close to the index finger. The operation can be performed by one hand without moving the hand from its initial position. The user can then simultaneously use the other hand to operate an ultrasound detection device during insertion without the assistance of another person. A catheter is provided that can be visualized by ultrasound to enable confirmation of correct placement in a vessel. A probe cover is provided that is pre-sterilized and packaged in a cardboard with the top sides of the cover folded down over the cardboard. The cover is placed over the probe end, the sides of the cover are folded up, and the cardboard is removed. The sterile probe cover can be quickly and efficiently placed over the ultrasound's transducer end. Finally, a kit is provided that contains all of the medical devices needed to perform cannulation.

1 . A wire introduction device for introducing a guide wire into a body of a patient, the device comprising:
 a housing body; and   a wheel rotatably coupled with said housing body, said wheel connected to the guide wire and configured to advance the guide wire into the patient body upon rotation of said wheel.   
     
     
         2 . The wire introduction device of  claim 1 , further comprising a drive wire connected to the wheel, and a connector connecting said drive wire to the guide wire, wherein rotation of said wheel advances the drive wire which in turn advances the guide wire. 
     
     
         3 . The wire introduction device of  claim 2 , further comprising a drum connected to said wheel, wherein the drive wire is coupled with said drum. 
     
     
         4 . The wire introduction device of  claim 2 , further comprising a rear opening located at a rear end of said housing, wherein said drive wire and the guide wire extend through the rear opening. 
     
     
         5 . The wire introduction device of  claim 4 , further comprising a sheath positioned about the drive wire and guide wire at the rear opening of said housing. 
     
     
         6 . The wire introduction device of  claim 1 , further comprising an opening at a front end of said housing body, wherein the guide wire extends through the opening. 
     
     
         7 . The wire introduction device of  claim 6 , further comprising an elongated coupling projecting outward from said housing body about said opening and configured to receive a needle having a central opening, wherein the guide wire extends through the central opening of the needle. 
     
     
         8 . The wire introduction device of  claim 1 , wherein said wheel has an outer circumferential edge with ridges, and further comprising a tab coupled to said housing and configured to engage the ridges and prevent said wheel from backward rotation while allowing forward rotation of said wheel. 
     
     
         9 . The wire introduction device of  claim 1 , wherein said device is configured for single-handed operation, whereby the user can hold the device in a single hand and operate said wheel with an index finger of said hand. 
     
     
         10 . A catheter comprising a tube for insertion into a human body, and a tab extending from said tube, said tab coupled to said tube and configured to facilitate insertion of said tube into the human body. 
     
     
         11 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A sterile probe cover assembly comprising:
 a container having a top edge; and   a probe cover having one or more sides, said one or more sides having a top portion, whereby said one or more sides are received in said container and the top portion of said one or more sides is folded down over the top edge of said container.   
     
     
         19 . The probe cover assembly of  claim 20 , wherein the cover is configured to fit over an ultrasound probe. 
     
     
         20 . The probe cover assembly of  claim 20 , wherein said assembly can slide over the ultrasound probe, the top portion of said one or more sides folded up and onto the probe, and the container removed. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A intravenous deep vein kit comprising: a box, and one or more intravenous medical devices contained within the box. 
     
     
         23 . The kit of  claim 22 , said box having a bottom configured to stabilize a body part to be catheterized. 
     
     
         24 . The kit of  claim 23 , further comprising a cushion affixed to the bottom of said kit. 
     
     
         25 . The kit of  claim 23 , wherein said bottom has a concave form to stabilize an elbow and arm to facilitate alignment of the arm for catheter placement.