| abstract |
A through the needle catheter 10 is provided where the needle 15 is splittable after removal and the catheter material is formed from an extremely hydrophilic polymer. Upon removal of the needle, the catheter expands with contact to water and other aqueous solutions, such as blood or intravenous dosages. Upon expansion, the outer diameter of the catheter tube 20 seals the tube within the body tissue preventing leakage from the body tissue around the tube 20. Also, the inner diameter of the catheter tube expands to allow higher infusion flow rates of intravenous fluids into the body. <IMAGE> <IMAGE> |