Vascular access device with vented blood collection port

Abstract

To provide a vascular access device having a vented blood collection port.SOLUTION: The present invention is a vascular access device comprising a catheter assembly having a catheter extending distally therefrom, the catheter assembly having a side inlet, a side port having a distal end coupled to the catheter assembly via the side inlet, a proximal end, and a side branch to which an extension set is coupled, and a vented blood collection port formed at a proximal end of the side port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters may be used to infuse normal saline solution, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. Catheters may also be used to withdraw blood from a patient. [Background technology]

[0002] The catheter may comprise an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous ("IV") catheter ("PIVC"). As the name suggests, an over-the-needle catheter may be mounted on an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The catheter and introducer needle may be assembled so that the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. The catheter and introducer needle are typically inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vascular system.

[0003] An integrated PIVC is a PIVC with an integrated extension set. Such an extension set typically consists of an extension tube with an access port (e.g., a Luer connector) integrated into a catheter adapter at one end and connected to the other end. Integrated PIVCs are often used for blood collection. For example, after inserting the catheter of an integrated PIVC into a patient's vascular system, a physician may allow blood to flow through the extension set and up to the access port. To allow this blood flow, a vent plug is typically connected to the access port, which allows air to escape the extension tube as blood enters the extension tube. If blood backs up into the access port, the physician then removes the vent plug and applies a blood collection set (e.g., a vacuum tube adapter) in its place. Blood is then collected.

[0004] The method of collecting blood through the extension set of an integrated PIVC has various drawbacks. For example, before blood can be collected, the entire extension set must be primed (i.e., air must be removed from the access port to allow blood to flow into the extension set and up to the access port). Furthermore, removal of the vent plug from the access port exposes the fluid pathway to the external environment. Therefore, subsequent attachment of the blood collection set may contaminate the fluid pathway. As a result, a physician may need to sterilize the access port before attaching the blood collection set, thereby prolonging the blood collection process. Due to the length of the extension tubing, it may take a considerable amount of time to allow blood to flow into the blood collection set, especially if the patient's blood pressure is low. Once blood is collected, blood remains within the extension set. Although fluid can be injected through the access port to flush the blood from the extension tubing, it is difficult to completely flush the remaining blood trapped within the access port. Because the same access port is typically used to infuse blood into the patient's vascular system, this residual blood increases the risk of blood-borne infection (BSI).

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is merely provided to illustrate one example technology area in which some implementations described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to a vascular access device having a vented blood draw port. The vented blood draw port may be provided on a side port of the vascular access device disposed between a catheter adapter and an extension set. The side port may provide an alternative fluid path for drawing blood and for injecting fluids to thereby separate blood from the extension set. The vented blood draw port may be provided in the form of a septum housing that is movable from a blood draw position to a fluid injection position. When in the blood draw position, the septum housing primes the extension set and may remain primed during blood draw.

[0007] In a first set of specific embodiments, the vascular access device may include a catheter assembly from which a catheter extends distally, a side port having a distal end coupled to the catheter assembly via a side inlet of the catheter assembly, and a septum housing. The side port may include a side branch to which an extension set is connected. The septum housing is coupled to a proximal end of the side port and includes a septum. The septum housing is configured to move from a blood collection position to a fluid injection position. When the septum housing is in the blood collection position, the septum housing blocks a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch. When the septum housing is in the fluid injection position, the septum housing does not block a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch.

[0008] In specific embodiments of the first set, the septum housing may be configured to rotate from a blood draw position to a fluid injection position. In such embodiments, the septum may be configured to cover the opening of the side branch when the septum housing is in the blood draw position, while the septum may be configured not to cover the opening of the side branch when the septum housing is in the fluid injection position. As a specific example, the septum may have an angled distal end. The vascular access device may have a first passageway for venting from within the side port when the septum housing is in the blood draw position, and a second passageway for venting from within the extension set when the septum housing is in the blood draw position. The first passageway may be formed in a sidewall of the side port, and the second passageway may be formed in the septum.

[0009] In a specific embodiment of the first set, the septum housing may be configured to move linearly from a blood draw position to a fluid collection position. In such an embodiment, the septum housing may include a septum housing sidewall having an opening. When the septum housing is in the blood draw position, the opening in the septum housing sidewall may be positioned so as not to overlap with the opening in the side branch, while when the septum housing is in the fluid injection position, the opening in the septum housing sidewall may be positioned so as to overlap with the opening in the side branch. In such an embodiment, the vascular access device may have a first pathway for venting from within the side port when the septum housing is in the blood draw position, and a second pathway for venting from within the extension set when the septum housing is in the blood draw position. The first pathway may be formed in the septum housing sidewall, and the second pathway may be formed in the sidewall of the side port. The septum housing may include one or more seals that block the first pathway and the second pathway when the septum housing is in the fluid injection position.

[0010] In a second set of specific embodiments, the vascular access device may include a catheter assembly having a catheter extending distally therefrom, a side port having a distal end coupled to the catheter assembly via a side inlet of the catheter assembly, and a vented blood withdrawal port formed at a proximal end of the side port. The side port may also include a side branch to which an extension set is coupled.

[0011] In a second set of specific embodiments, the vented blood draw port may be in the form of a septum housing configured to move from a blood draw position to a fluid injection position. When the septum housing is in the blood draw position, the septum housing blocks a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch. When the septum housing is in the fluid injection position, the septum housing does not block a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch.

[0012] In a second set of specific embodiments, the vented blood draw port may be in the form of a removable vent plug having a blood draw path and a priming fluid vent path, the blood draw path venting from within the side port and the priming fluid vent path venting from within the extension set.

[0013] In a second set of exemplary embodiments, the vascular access device may further comprise a valve disposed in the side branch, the valve being positionable to selectively block a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch.

[0014] In a third set of specific embodiments, a vascular access device may include a catheter adapter and a side port having a distal end coupled to the catheter adapter, a proximal end forming a vented blood draw port, and a side branch to which an extension set is coupled. The vented blood draw port may be in the form of a septum housing configured to move from a blood draw position to a fluid injection position. In such a case, when the septum housing is in the blood draw position, the septum housing blocks a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch. On the other hand, when the septum housing is in the fluid injection position, the septum housing does not block a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch. The septum housing may include a septum. In such a case, the septum may cover an opening of the side branch when the septum housing is in the blood draw position, while the septum may not cover the opening of the side branch when the septum housing is in the fluid injection position.

[0015] It is to be understood that both the following general description and the detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the present invention, as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. It is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or utilized in different ways, and structural changes may be made, unless otherwise stated in the claims, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be construed as limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] Specific embodiments will be described and explained in detail through the accompanying drawings, with additional particularity.

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a peripheral venous catheter having a vented blood collection port according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A provides a cross-sectional view of the vented blood draw port of FIG. 1 in a blood draw position. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B provides a cross-sectional view of the vented blood collection port of FIG. 1 in a fluid injection position. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows a portion of a sequence (before use) for collecting a blood sample using the peripheral venous catheter of FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a portion of a sequence (before use) for collecting a blood sample using the peripheral venous catheter of FIG. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C shows a portion of a sequence (at the time of blood draw) for collecting a blood sample using the peripheral venous catheter of FIG. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D shows a portion of a sequence (during fluid injection) for collecting a blood sample using the peripheral venous catheter of FIG. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E shows a portion of a sequence (during fluid injection) for collecting a blood sample using the peripheral venous catheter of FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A provides a cross-sectional view of a vented blood draw port (in a blood draw position) of another vascular access device positioned in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B provides a cross-sectional view of a vented blood withdrawal port (in a fluid injection position) of another vascular access device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A provides a cross-sectional view of a vented blood draw port (in a blood draw position) of another vascular access device positioned in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B provides a cross-sectional view of a vented blood withdrawal port (in a fluid injection position) of another vascular access device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A provides a cross-sectional view of a vented blood draw port (in a blood draw position) of another vascular access device positioned in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B]FIG. 5B provides a cross-sectional view of a vented blood withdrawal port (in a fluid injection position) of another vascular access device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of a vented blood harvest port of another vascular access device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a vented blood harvest port of another vascular access device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Although embodiments of the present disclosure are primarily described in the context of an integrated PIVC, the embodiments of the present disclosure extend to other integrated vascular access devices as well. For purposes of this specification and the claims, an integrated vascular access device should be construed as a vascular access device with an integrated extension set.

[0019] 1 provides an illustration of a PIVC 100 arranged in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The PIVC 100 includes a catheter adapter 110 from which a catheter 111 extends distally and a needle assembly 120 from which a needle 121 extends distally. Prior to insertion, the needle 120 is coupled to the catheter adapter 110, causing the needle 121 to extend distally from the catheter 111. The catheter adapter 110 also includes a side inlet 112 that defines a fluid path into and out of the catheter 111. The precise arrangement and function of the catheter adapter 110 and the needle assembly 120 are not critical to the present disclosure, and any suitable arrangement and / or interaction of these components may be implemented.

[0020] The PIVC 100 includes a side port 130 having a distal end 130a connected to the side inlet 112 via an intermediate tube 113 and a proximal end 130b to which a septum housing 150 is connected, and an extension set 140 integrated into the side port 130 to form a side branch 131. As stated, the extension set 140 includes an extension tube 141 extending between the side branch 131 and an access port 143 and a pinch clamp 142 for occluding the extension tube 141. However, many different types and arrangements of extension sets can be used with embodiments of the present disclosure. What is important is that the side port 130 be disposed between the extension set 140 and the catheter adapter 110.

[0021] The side port 130 defines two fluid paths. One fluid path extends between the distal end 130a and the proximal end 130b. As described in more detail below, this fluid path may be used to collect a blood sample through the PIVC 100 by connecting a blood collection set / adapter to the proximal end 130b (e.g., via the septum housing 150). The other fluid path extends between the distal end 130a and the side branch 131, and thus is a fluid path into and out of the extension set 140.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the side branch 131 has a proximal orientation and is therefore aligned toward the septum 151 of the septum housing 151. This proximal orientation causes fluid flowing from the extension set 140 to be directed toward the septum 151, thereby flushing any remaining blood or other fluids from the septum 151. However, the side branch 131 may also have a distal orientation or a perpendicular orientation at the same time.

[0023] 1A and 1B provide cross-sectional views of side port 130 when septum housing 150 is in a blood withdrawal position and a fluid injection position, respectively. As shown, septum housing 150 includes a septum 151 having an angled distal end 151a. Septum housing 150 is coupled to proximal end 130b of side port 130 in a manner that allows septum housing 150 to rotate relative to side port 130. Furthermore, septum 151 can be positioned within septum housing 150 such that septum 151 rotates when septum housing 150 rotates.

[0024] 1A typically represents the initial position of the septum housing 150 (e.g., the position of the septum housing 150 when the needle 121 and catheter 111 are inserted into the patient's vascular system). In this position, the angled distal end 151 is positioned away from the side branch 131 so that the septum 151, or more specifically, a longer portion of the septum 151, blocks the fluid path between the interior 130c of the side port 130 and the extension tube 141. As labeled, this allows the extension set 140 to be pre-primed with a priming fluid. To facilitate pre-priming, the septum 151 can include a passage 151b extending between the opening of the side branch 131 and the passage 132 formed toward the proximal end 130b of the side port 130.

[0025] In some embodiments, pathway 151b can be positioned to allow air to vent from extension set 140 while blocking the passage of priming fluid. For example, pathway 151b can be positioned to overlap opening 131b of side branch 131 sufficiently to vent air but not fluid. Alternatively or alternatively, pathway 151b can be filled with or formed of an air-permeable material that blocks the passage of fluid. In another embodiment, pathway 151b can be unblocked from the passage of fluid while pathway 132 is positioned to block the passage of fluid. For example, pathway 132 can be filled with an air-permeable material that blocks the passage of fluid. In either case, when septum housing 150 is in the blood collection position, air is vented from extension set 140 while blocking the flow of priming fluid into interior 130c of side port 130, thereby priming the extension set.

[0026] When septum housing 150 is in the blood draw position, the orientation of angled distal end 151a of septum 151 causes passageway 133 formed in side port 130 to be exposed to interior 130c of side port 130 (i.e., angled distal end 151a prevents septum 151 from blocking passageway 133). As labeled, this allows air within interior 130c to be vented as blood flows from the patient's vasculature toward and into interior 130c. In some embodiments, passageway 133 can be filled with an air-permeable material that blocks the passage of blood, thereby preventing blood from escaping through passageway 133. Thus, with septum housing 150 in the blood draw position, proximal end 130b of side port 130 and septum housing 151 form a vented blood draw port. For example, the needle of a blood collection set can be inserted through septum 151 to collect a blood sample. In particular, because of the angled distal end 151a of septum 151, this blood collection can occur while extension set 140 is being primed without risk of the blood sample being diluted with priming fluid.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1B, septum housing 150 has now been rotated into a fluid injection position. By way of example, a physician may rotate septum housing 150 to this position after collecting a blood sample. As shown, in the fluid injection position, angled distal end 151a of septum 151 now faces toward side branch 131 so that septum 151 no longer blocks opening 121a of side branch 131. Thus, the fluid path between extension set 140 and side port 130 is open. Due to the rotation of septum 151, path 151b no longer extends between the opening of side branch 131 and path 132. Similarly, septum 151 now blocks path 133. Furthermore, due to the orientation of the side branch 131 and the angled distal end 151a, fluid injected from the extension set 151 will be directed against the septum 151, thereby increasing the likelihood that residual blood will flow from the septum 151 and surrounding surfaces.

[0028] 2A-2E show a sequence of steps for collecting a blood sample using a PIVC 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2A, the PIVC 100 is not inserted into the patient's vascular system, but the extension set 140 has been pre-primed with a priming fluid. As shown, this pre-priming can be achieved by connecting an IV set 200 to the access port 143, but the extension set 140 can be primed in any suitable manner. As mentioned above, positioning the septum housing 150 in the blood collection position allows air to escape from the extension set 140 as the priming / IV fluid fills the extension set 140.

[0029] 2B, the PIVC 100 is now inserted into the patient's vascular system while the extension set 140 is being pre-primed. However, it should be noted that the PIVC 100 may be inserted into the patient's vascular system before priming the extension set 140. In this case, after the PIVC 100 is inserted into the patient's vascular system, and due to the venting provided through the passageway 133, blood flashback will flow toward and into the side port 130.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 2C , typically, after blood fills side port 130, a physician can couple blood collection set 210 to side port 130. For example, while septum housing 150 remains in the blood collection position, needle 211 of blood collection set 210 can be inserted through septum 151. Blood collection set 210, which may include an evacuated tube, can then be used to collect a blood sample. Because needle assembly 120 has not yet been removed from catheter adapter 110 as shown, the blood collection is shown to occur before needle 121 is withdrawn from the patient's vascular system. However, blood collection can similarly be performed after needle assembly 120 is removed.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2D, after the blood sample is collected, the blood collection set 210 can be removed from the side port 130. With the extension set 140 now primed, the physician can rotate the septum housing 150 to the fluid injection position so that the septum 151 no longer blocks the fluid path out of the extension set 140. As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, this causes the priming fluid / IV fluid to flow from the extension set 140, through the side port 130 and catheter adapter 110, and into the patient's vascular system. In particular, the flow of the priming fluid / IV fluid causes blood contained in the side port 130, and particularly any blood remaining above the septum 151, to flow into the patient's vascular system.

[0032] In the embodiment described above, septum housing 150 is configured to selectively block a fluid path from extension set 140 while selectively venting side port 130 using a rotation-based arrangement. In contrast, in other embodiments, a luer-based arrangement may be implemented. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B provide cross-sectional views of side port 130 having septum housing 350. Compared to septum housing 150, septum housing 350 is configured to slide between a blood collection position and a fluid injection position. In particular, septum housing 350 is disposed against septum housing sidewall 352 that extends into side port 130 and includes septum 351 contained therein.

[0033] 3A shows septum housing 350 in the blood draw position. As shown, septum housing side wall 352 is fully inserted into side port 130, covering opening 131a of side branch 131, thereby blocking a fluid path out from extension set 140. In such an embodiment, passage 133 is positioned to extend distally beyond septum housing side wall 352 so that air can be vented from the interior of side port 130 out. Opening 352a is formed in septum housing side wall 352, but is positioned proximate opening 131a of side branch 131 when septum housing 350 is in the blood draw position. Although not shown, side port 130 can include a passage (e.g., similar to passage 132) to vent air from extension set 140 when septum housing 350 is in the blood draw position.

[0034] With septum housing 350 in this blood collection position, a blood sample can be collected using a blood collection set inserted through septum 351. After collecting the blood sample and removing the blood collection set, a physician can apply a distal force to septum housing 350 to slide it into the fluid injection position shown in FIG. 3B . In this fluid injection position, opening 352a in septum housing side wall 352 aligns with (or at least overlaps with) opening 131a of side branch 131, thereby opening a fluid pathway from extension set 140. Side wall 352 also blocks pathway 133. Priming fluid that may be contained within extension set 140 and any fluid from a fluid source (e.g., an IV set) connected to access port 143 then begin to flow from extension set 140 into the patient's vascular system, thereby flushing the remaining blood into the patient's vascular system.

[0035] 4A and 4B provide a variation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the septum housing 350 has the same general shape and function in a similar manner to selectively open a fluid pathway from the extension set 140. However, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B provides a different means for venting. In such an embodiment, a pathway 401 is formed in the septum housing side wall 352 and extends from a distal end 401a at the distal end of the septum housing side wall 352 to a proximal end 401b open to the external environment. For example, in FIG. 4A, the proximal end 401b of the pathway 401 opens under the cap portion 350a of the septum housing 350, which surrounds the proximal end 130b of the side port 130. Thus, as blood flows toward the septum 351, air from within the interior 130c is vented out through the cap portion 350a. A passageway 402 is also formed in the portion of the side port 130 extending between the opening 131a of the side branch 131 and the proximal end 130b of the side port 130. Thus, when the extension set is primed, the passageway 402 allows air to vent from the extension set 140. One or both passageways 401 and 402 may, in some embodiments, be filled with an air-permeable material that blocks fluids.

[0036] The illustrated location and arrangement of channels 401 and 402 represent only one suitable channel arrangement. For example, in another embodiment, channel 401 may be formed within the sidewall of side port 130. In either case, one or more seal members 403 may be formed on or coupled to the underside of cap portion 350a of septum housing 350 to seal channels 401 and 402 when septum housing 350 is moved to the fluid injection position. Sealing member 403 may contact proximal end 130b of side port 130 to form an airtight seal that prevents fluid and air from flowing out of proximal end 130b. Although not shown, side port 130 and / or septum housing 350 may include physical structure (e.g., threads) to hold septum housing 350 tightly in the blood collection position.

[0037] 5A and 5B depict an embodiment of side port 130 including a septum housing 550 that rotates between a blood collection position and a fluid injection position. Septum housing 550 is similar to septum housing 350 in that it includes a septum 551 disposed in septum housing sidewall 552 having an opening 552a. FIG. 5A shows that when septum housing 550 is in the blood collection position, opening 552a is not positioned to overlap opening 131a of side branch 131. However, passages 553a and 553b formed in septum housing sidewall 552 are aligned with passages 132 and 133, respectively. Passage 553a extends from the inside to the outside of septum passageway sidewall 552 and is positioned proximal to septum 551, thereby allowing air to vent from within side port 130 into passageway 133. Both ends of passage 553b extend through the outside of septum housing side wall 552, with a distal end positioned within opening 131a of side branch 131 and a proximal end aligned with passage 132, thereby allowing air to vent from within extension set 140.

[0038] After collecting a blood sample with septum housing 550 in the blood collection position, the physician can rotate septum housing 550 into the fluid injection position shown in FIGURE 5B. In this fluid injection position, opening 552a aligns with opening 131a of side branch 131, thereby opening a fluid pathway from extension set 140. Similarly, pathways 553a and 553b are no longer aligned with pathways 132 and 133.

[0039] In any of the above embodiments, the side port 130 and / or septum housing may be positioned to provide a visual indication of whether the septum housing is in a blood draw position or a fluid injection position. Also, in any of the above embodiments, the septum housing may be positioned to repeatedly move between the blood draw position and the fluid injection position, or may be locked in the fluid injection position to prevent it from returning to the blood draw position.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows an example in which the side port 130 does not use a septum housing. Instead, a septum 651 is contained directly within the proximal end 130b of the side port 130. Additionally, a one-way valve 600 is disposed within the opening 131a of the side branch 131. Although not shown, the side port 130 may include a path for venting air from the interior 130c of the side port 130 and / or the side branch 131. The one-way valve 600 may be in the form of a hemispherical elastomeric member with the concave side facing the extension set 140. With this arrangement, when an IV set or another fluid source delivers fluid through the access port 143, the one-way valve 600 can flex open in response to the resulting increase in fluid pressure. In contrast, when blood flows into the side port 130, any increase in fluid pressure is not sufficient to bypass the one-way valve 600. In another embodiment, another type of valve can be used within opening 131a of side branch 131 to block the flow of priming fluid after the blood sample is taken. For example, a door valve or a sliding valve can be used in place of one-way valve 600.

[0041] FIG. 7 provides an example in which a removable vent plug 750 is used in place of a septum housing to provide a vented blood collection port on side port 130. The removable vent plug 750 splits into two separate long passages. A blood collection passage 751 extends between a distal end 750a and a proximal end 750b of the removable vent plug 750. The blood collection passage 751 may include an air-permeable material 754 that allows air to vent from the proximal end 750b, which may allow a blood collection set to be inserted into the blood collection passage 751. In some embodiments, a septum may be disposed within the blood collection passage 751. A priming fluid vent passage 752 is disposed opposite the blood collection passage 751 and extends between a side opening 753 in the removable vent plug 750 and the proximal end 750b. The side opening 753 does not extend to the distal end 750a so that the priming fluid vent pathway 752 is isolated from blood flashback. The priming fluid vent pathway 752 can include an air permeable material that vents air but blocks fluid, thereby facilitating priming of the extension set 140.

[0042] 7 shows the removable vent plug 750 in a blood draw position. After a blood sample is collected through the blood draw line 751, the physician pulls the removable vent plug 750 proximally, removing it from the side port 130 and then attaching it to a needleless connector or another adapter.

[0043] In summary, embodiments of the present disclosure allow blood samples to be collected at the time of catheter placement via a vented blood draw port located distal to the extension set's access port (e.g., needleless connector). With such a design, blood is isolated from the extension set's access port. Such embodiments enhance blood flashback and removal of residual blood after the blood draw process. Furthermore, in addition to allowing blood samples to be collected at the time of catheter placement, embodiments of the present disclosure also allow blood samples to be collected throughout the catheter's dwell time by simply returning the septum housing to the blood draw position.

[0044] All examples and conditional language used herein are intended for educational purposes to aid the reader in understanding the present invention and the concepts of the inventor's contributions beyond the prior art, and should be construed without being limited to such specific examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a catheter assembly having a catheter extending distally therefrom, the catheter assembly having a side inlet; a side port having a distal end connected to the catheter assembly via a side inlet, a proximal end, and a side branch to which an extension set is connected; A vascular access device comprising: a vented blood withdrawal port formed at the proximal end of a side port.

2. 10. The vascular access device of claim 1, wherein the vented blood draw port comprises a septum housing configured to move from a blood draw position to a fluid injection position, wherein when the septum housing is in the blood draw position, the septum housing blocks a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch, and when the septum housing is in the fluid injection position, the septum housing does not block a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch.

3. 10. The vascular access device of claim 1, wherein the vented blood draw port comprises a removable vent plug having a blood draw path and a priming fluid vent path, the blood draw path venting from within the side port and the priming fluid vent path venting from within the extension set.

4. 10. The vascular access device of claim 1, further comprising a valve disposed in the side branch, the valve selectively blocking a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch.

5. A vascular access device comprising a catheter adapter, a side port having a distal end coupled to the catheter adapter, a proximal end forming a vented blood withdrawal port, and a side branch to which an extension set is coupled.

6. 6. The vascular access device of claim 5, wherein the vented blood draw port comprises a septum housing configured to move from a blood draw position to a fluid injection position, wherein when the septum housing is in the blood draw position, the septum housing blocks a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch, and when the septum housing is in the fluid injection position, the septum housing does not block a fluid path between the distal end of the side port and the side branch.

7. 7. The vascular access device of claim 6, wherein the septum housing comprises a septum that covers the opening of the side branch when the septum housing is in the blood collection position, and the septum does not cover the opening of the side branch when the septum housing is in the fluid injection position.

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