SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING CATHETER OCCLUSION

Abstract

A system for detecting intravenous catheter occlusion may include a housing, which may include a distal end configured to couple to a proximal end of a catheter adapter, and an internal lumen forming a fluid pathway. The system may also include a wave transmitter, a transducer disposed within the fluid pathway, a processor coupled to the transducer, and an indicator unit coupled to the processor. The wave transmitter may transmit energy waves along an extension of an intravenous catheter from the catheter adapter. The processor may receive an electrical signal corresponding to the portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the intravenous catheter and may determine a difference between the electrical signal and a baseline signal. In response to the difference between the electrical signal and the baseline signal reaching a threshold value, the indicator unit may alert a user.

Description

1 / 16 “SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING CATHETER OCCLUSION” BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[001] In some cases, an intravenous (IV) catheter, including a peripheral IV catheter, may become unusable or compromised before the infusion or blood withdrawal using the catheter is complete. One reason why a catheter may become unusable could be due to catheter occlusion over time. In response to the catheter becoming occluded, the catheter may need to be removed and replaced with a new catheter. Catheter occlusions can be thrombotic, resulting from the formation of a thrombus within or surrounding a distal tip of the catheter. Catheter occlusions can also be non-thrombotic, resulting from precipitates, mechanical obstructions, among other factors. Furthermore, catheter occlusions can lead to catheter contamination, pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and other negative health consequences.

[002] Consequently, there is a need in the art for devices, systems and methods that provide an early indication of catheter occlusion and that enable the clinician to establish an intravenous line before an old intravenous line becomes ineffective or dangerous to a patient. Such devices, systems and methods are disclosed in the present disclosure. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[003] The present disclosure relates generally to the detection of IV catheter occlusion. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and associated methods for detecting IV catheter occlusion. In some embodiments, a system for detecting the occlusion of an intravenous catheter may include a sheath, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner lumen forming a fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the inner lumen may extend between the distal end and the proximal end of the sheath. Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, p. 9 / 46 2 / 16

[004] In some embodiments, the system may include a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter may extend distally from a distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the fluid path may extend through an internal lumen of the catheter and the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the distal end of the sheath may be configured to couple to a proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the sheath may be integrally formed with the catheter adapter and / or may include or correspond to a part of the catheter adapter.

[005] In some embodiments, the housing may include one or more wave transmitters, which can transmit energy or electromagnetic waves along the length of the catheter from the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the housing may include one or more transducers, which can detect a portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter. In some embodiments, the one or more transducers may be arranged in any location within the housing that allows the one or more transducers to detect the portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter. In some embodiments, one or more transmitters may be arranged in any location within the housing that allows them to transmit the energy waves along the length of the catheter. In some embodiments, the one or more transducers may be embedded or encapsulated in a wall of the inner lumen of the housing.In some embodiments, one or more transducers may be arranged in the fluid path, partially within the fluid path, or separated from the fluid path by an isolating element, such as, for example, a membrane, coating, adhesive, or other suitable element. Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 10 / 46 3 / 16

[006] In some modalities, the system may include a processor, which may be coupled to one or more transducers. In some modalities, the processor may receive an electrical signal corresponding to the portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter. In some modalities, the processor may compare the electrical signal with a baseline electrical signal to determine a difference between the electrical signal and the baseline electrical signal.

[007] In some embodiments, the system may include an indicator unit, which may be coupled to the processor. In some embodiments, in response to the difference between the electrical signal and the baseline electrical signal reaching a threshold value, the indicator unit may alert a user. For example, the indicator unit may sound an alarm and / or generate a warning message, which may be displayed and / or audibly transmitted to the user.

[008] In some embodiments, one or more wave transmitters may include an ultrasonic wave transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves. In some embodiments, one or more wave transmitters may include a sonic wave transmitter that transmits sonic waves. In some embodiments, one or more wave transmitters may include an electromagnetic wave transmitter that transmits electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, or gamma rays. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave transmitter may include an invisible light source, such as, for example, an infrared or ultraviolet laser, emitting an invisible light beam. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave transmitter may include a visible light source, such as, for example, a He-Ne laser, emitting an invisible light beam.

[009] In some embodiments, each of the one or more transducers may include an ultrasonic transducer that can detect ultrasonic waves reflected to Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 11 / 46 4 / 16 from the catheter. In some embodiments, each of the one or more transducers may include a sonic transducer that can detect sonic waves reflected from the catheter. In some embodiments, the one or more transducers may include an electromagnetic wave transducer. For example, each of the one or more transducers may include a light transducer, such as, for example, a photodiode, which can detect light waves reflected from the catheter. In some embodiments, the one or more transducers may convert the portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter into an electrical signal.

[010] In some embodiments, each of one or more transducers may include a piezoelectric element, such as, for example, a piezoelectric crystal. In some embodiments, a specific piezoelectric element may transmit ultrasonic waves along the length of the catheter. In some embodiments, the same piezoelectric element, or a different one, may receive the portion of the ultrasonic waves that are reflected back from the catheter and convert that portion into a corresponding electrical signal.

[011] In some embodiments, the baseline electrical signal can be determined by transmitting, via the wave transmitter, which may include one or more ultrasonic transducers, other ultrasonic waves along the length of the catheter when the catheter is open or unoccluded, and converting a portion of the ultrasonic waves, which are reflected back from the catheter, into the baseline electrical signal. In some embodiments, the baseline electrical signal can be determined before transmitting the energy waves along the length of the intravenous catheter and / or converting the portion of the energy waves, which are reflected back from the intravenous catheter, into the corresponding electrical signal. For example, the baseline electrical signal can be determined immediately after or shortly after insertion of the catheter into a patient's vein. Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 12 / 46 5 / 16

[012] In some embodiments, an outer surface of a distal tip of the intravenous catheter may be faceted, including one or more facets, which may improve the reflection of energy waves. In some embodiments, a wall forming the inner lumen of the catheter may be faceted, including one or more facets, which may improve the reflection of energy waves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS VIEWS OF THE FIGURES

[013] In order that the manner in which the aforementioned features and advantages of the invention, as well as other features and advantages, are obtained, may be readily understood, a more specific description of the systems and methods for detecting catheter occlusion described briefly above will be presented with reference to their specific embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying Figures. Knowing that these Figures represent only typical embodiments and should not, therefore, be considered as limitations of their scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying Figures, in which:

[014] Figure 1A illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system for detecting catheter occlusion, according to some modalities;

[015] Figure 1B illustrates a block diagram of the system, according to some modalities;

[016] Figure 2A illustrates an exploded view of the system, according to some embodiments;

[017] Figure 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a part of the system, according to some embodiments;

[018] Figure 2C illustrates another cross-sectional view of part of the system, according to some embodiments; Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 13 / 46 6 / 16

[019] Figure 2D illustrates another cross-sectional view of part of the system, according to some embodiments;

[020] Figure 2E illustrates another cross-sectional view of part of the system, according to some embodiments;

[021] Figure 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary distal tip of an exemplary catheter of the system, according to some embodiments;

[022] Figure 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary distal tip of an exemplary catheter of the system, according to some embodiments;

[023] Figure 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary distal tip of an exemplary catheter of the system, according to some embodiments;

[024] Figure 3D illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary distal tip of an exemplary catheter of the system, according to some embodiments; and

[025] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method for detecting catheter occlusion using the system, according to some modalities. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[026] The presently preferred embodiments of the invention described will be better understood by reference to the Figures, in which similar parts are designated by similar numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as described and illustrated in general in the accompanying Figures, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following more detailed description of the embodiments represented in Figures 1 to 4 does not have the Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 14 / 46 7 / 16 intention to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, being merely representative of some embodiments of the invention.

[027] In general, the present disclosure relates generally to the detection of IV catheter occlusions or conditions within an IV catheter that may lead to occlusion. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and associated methods for detecting IV catheter occlusion or conditions within the IV catheter that may lead to occlusion. Referring now to Figure 1A, in some embodiments, a self-diagnostic catheter assembly or system 100 may include a wave transmitter 102, which may transmit elongated electromagnetic or energy waves from the length of an intravenous catheter to a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the wave transmitter 102 may generate and / or transmit the energy waves along the length of the catheter when the catheter is tested for occlusion. In some embodiments, the catheter may be tested for occlusion after the catheter has been inserted into a patient's vein for any period of time.

[028] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include one or more transducers 104. In some embodiments, the wave transmitter 102 and / or the transducers 104 may be in a fluid path of a housing, partially within the fluid path, or separated from the fluid path by an isolating element, such as, for example, a membrane, coating, adhesive, or other suitable element. In some embodiments, the housing may be coupled to the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the housing may be integrally formed with the catheter adapter and / or may include or correspond to a part of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, one or more transducers 104 may detect a portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter. In some embodiments, the wave transmitter 102 and / or one or more transducers 104 may be coupled with a Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, p. 15 / 46 8 / 16 power supply 106. In some embodiments, the system 100 may not include the housing. In these and other embodiments, one or more transducers 104 and / or the wave transmitter 102 may be disposed within the catheter adapter 126.

[029] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a processor 108, which may be coupled to one or more transducers 104. In some embodiments, the processor 108 may receive an electrical signal corresponding to the portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter. In some embodiments, the processor 108 may compare the electrical signal with a baseline electrical signal to determine a difference between the electrical signal and the baseline electrical signal.

[030] In some embodiments, the baseline electrical signal can be determined by transmitting, via the wave transmitter 102, which may include the ultrasonic transducer, other ultrasonic waves along the length of the catheter when the catheter is not occluded, and converting a portion of the ultrasonic waves, which are reflected back from the catheter, into the baseline electrical signal. In some embodiments, the baseline electrical signal can be determined before transmitting the energy waves along the length of the catheter and / or converting the portion of the energy waves, which are reflected back from the catheter, into the corresponding electrical signal. For example, the baseline electrical signal can be determined immediately after or shortly after insertion of the catheter into the patient's vein. In some embodiments, the baseline electrical signal can be determined using another catheter similar or identical to the catheter.In some modalities, other ultrasonic waves may be equivalent to ultrasonic waves. For example, other ultrasonic waves and ultrasonic waves may have the same frequency, amplitude, etc.

[031] In some modes, the difference between the electrical signal and the baseline electrical signal may correspond to a difference in amplitude and / or Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 16 / 46 9 / 16 frequency difference between the portion of ultrasonic waves that are reflected back from the catheter when the catheter is tested for occlusion and the portion of other ultrasonic waves that are reflected back from the intravenous catheter when the catheter is not occluded. In some modalities, the difference between the electrical signal and the baseline electrical signal may be due to a change of state within the catheter. For example, a larger difference between the electrical signal and the baseline signal may occur in response to the presence of one or more blood clots within the catheter. In some modalities, the greater the difference, the more likely the catheter is to be occluded or likely to become occluded.

[032] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include an indicator unit 110, which may be coupled to the processor 108. In some embodiments, in response to the difference between the electrical signal and the baseline electrical signal reaching a threshold value, the indicator unit 110 may alert a user. For example, the indicator unit 110 may sound an alarm and / or generate a warning message, which may be displayed and / or audibly transmitted to the user. In some embodiments, the alarm and / or message may indicate to the user that the catheter should be replaced with a new catheter. In some embodiments, the indicator unit 110 may include a display, which may be disposed of in the housing or in another element of the system, and which may be configured to display the warning message to the user. In some embodiments, the threshold value may indicate a probability of catheter occlusion or a state of blood within the catheter that is likely to result in occlusion.

[033] In some embodiments, the 102 wave transmitter may include an ultrasonic wave transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves. In some embodiments, the 102 wave transmitter may include a sonic wave transmitter that transmits sonic waves. In some embodiments, the 102 wave transmitter may include an electromagnetic wave transmitter that transmits Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 17 / 46 10 / 16 electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, or gamma rays. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave transmitter may include an invisible light source, such as, for example, an infrared or ultraviolet laser, emitting an invisible light beam. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave transmitter may include a visible light source, such as, for example, a He-Ne laser or other type of laser, emitting an invisible light beam.

[034] In some embodiments, each of the one or more transducers 104 may include an ultrasonic transducer that can detect ultrasonic waves reflected from the catheter. In some embodiments, the one or more transducers may include an electromagnetic wave transducer. For example, each of the one or more transducers 104 may include a light transducer, such as, for example, a photodiode, which can detect light waves reflected from the catheter. In some embodiments, the one or more transducers 104 may convert the portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter into an electrical signal.

[035] Referring now to Figure 1B, in some embodiments, each of the one or more transducers 104 in Figure 1A may include a piezoelectric element 112, such as, for example, a piezoelectric crystal. In some embodiments, one or more piezoelectric elements 112 may act as the wave transmitter 102. In some embodiments, a specific piezoelectric element 112 may transmit ultrasonic waves along the length of the catheter. In some embodiments, the same piezoelectric element 112, or a different one, may receive the portion of the ultrasonic waves that are reflected back from the catheter and convert that portion into a corresponding electrical signal.

[036] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a signal generator 114, which may be coupled to the power supply 106 and to one or more Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, p. 18 / 46 11 / 16 piezoelectric elements. In some embodiments, the signal generator 114 can excite one or more piezoelectric elements, which can result in the propagation of ultrasonic waves throughout the entire internal lumen of the catheter and / or one or more other parts of the fluid path. The propagation of ultrasonic waves can provide fluid vibration within the fluid path, which can be easily altered by the presence of one or more clots within the catheter.

[037] Referring now to Figures 2A to 2B, in some embodiments, the system 100 for detecting catheter occlusion 116 may include a sheath 118, which may include a distal end 120, a proximal end 122, and an inner lumen 124 forming a fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the inner lumen 124 may extend between the distal end 120 and the proximal end 122 of the sheath 118.

[038] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a catheter adapter 126. In some embodiments, the catheter 116 may extend distally from a distal end 128 of the catheter adapter 126. In some embodiments, the fluid path may extend through an inner lumen 129 of the catheter 116 and an inner lumen 131 of the catheter adapter 126, which may be continuous. In some embodiments, the distal end 120 of the housing 118 may be configured to couple to a proximal end 130 of the catheter adapter 126. In some embodiments, the proximal end 130 of the catheter adapter 126 and the distal end 120 of the housing 118 may be coupled to each other by threading. In some embodiments, the proximal end 122 of the housing 118 can be configured to receive an IV line through a Luer device 132, which can be threaded onto the proximal end 122.

[039] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include one or more piezoelectric elements 112 or one or more other transducers, which may be Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, p. 19 / 46 12 / 16 arranged in the fluid path of the housing 118 or capable of detecting energy waves in the fluid path. In some embodiments, one or more piezoelectric elements 112 may include piezoelectric crystals. In some embodiments, one or more piezoelectric elements 112 or one or more other transducers may detect a portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter 116. In some embodiments, one or more piezoelectric elements 112 or one or more other transducers may be embedded or encapsulated in a wall of the inner lumen 124 of the housing 118. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric elements 112 may be separated from the fluid path by a barrier or insulating element 133, such as, for example, a membrane, coating, adhesive, or other suitable element, as illustrated in Figure 2C.

[040] In some embodiments, one or more piezoelectric elements 112 can transmit energy waves along the entire length of the catheter 116 of the catheter adapter 126 and / or throughout a lumen 129 of the catheter 116. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more piezoelectric elements 112 can act as the wave transmitter 102 in Figure 1A and / or one or more transducers 104 of Figure 1A. In some embodiments, the signal generator 114 can be electrically coupled to one or more piezoelectric elements 112 through one or more connectors or cables 113, which can extend through an opening in the housing 118.

[041] Referring now to Figure 2D, in some embodiments, the wave transmitter 102 may be disposed in the wall of the enclosure 118, and the energy waves may be transmitted from the wave transmitter 102 along the length of one or more of the following via one or more waveguides 135: the enclosure 118, the catheter adapter 126, and the catheter 116. In these and other embodiments, the energy waves may include infrared, visible light, ultraviolet light, or other electromagnetic waves. As illustrated in Figure 2D, in Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, p. 20 / 46 13 / 16 In some embodiments, the waveguides 135 may extend from the wave transmitter 102 through the enclosure wall 118 to a distal end of the enclosure 118. In some embodiments, the energy waves traveling along the waveguides 135 may emerge at the distal end of the enclosure and continue through the catheter adapter 126 and / or the catheter 116. In some embodiments, the waveguides 135 may include light guides or optical fibers.

[042] Referring now to Figure 2E, in some embodiments, the wave transmitter 102 may be external to the housing 118 and / or the catheter adapter 126. In some embodiments, the energy waves may be transmitted from the external wave transmitter 102 through the wall of the housing 118 via one or more waveguides 135. In some embodiments, the waveguides 135 may extend through the wall of the housing 118 to the distal end of the housing. In some embodiments, the energy waves moving along the waveguides 135 may emerge at the distal end of the housing and continue through the catheter adapter 126 and / or catheter 116.Referring to both Figures 2D and 2E, in some embodiments, one or more transducers 104 may be arranged as illustrated in Figures 2B or 2C or in any location within the housing 118 that allows one or more transducers 104 to detect the portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter 116.

[043] Referring now to Figure 3A, in some embodiments, an outer surface of a distal tip 134 of the catheter 116 may include one or more outer facets 136 or flat surfaces, which may be inclined relative to a longitudinal axis 138 of the catheter 116. In some embodiments, the facets 136 may improve the reflection of energy waves. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a wall forming the inner lumen 129 of Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, p. 21 / 46 14 / 16 catheter 116 may include one or more internal facets 140, which may improve the reflection of energy waves. In some embodiments, the internal facets 140 may be proximal and close to a part of the tip 134 configured to come into contact with an introducer needle 146 when the introducer needle 146 is inserted into a patient vein and before the introducer needle is withdrawn. In some embodiments, the outer surface and / or the inner surface of the distal tip 124 may be symmetrical around the longitudinal axis 138.

[044] Referring now to Figure 3B, in some embodiments, an outer surface of the distal tip 134 of the catheter 116 may include one or more external curved portions 142, which may improve the reflection of energy waves. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the wall forming the inner lumen 129 of the catheter 134 may include one or more internal curved portions 144, which may improve the reflection of energy waves. In some embodiments, the internal curved portions 114 may extend from a portion of the tip 134 configured to contact an introducer needle 146 proximal to a proximal end of the catheter 116. Contact between the portion of the tip 134 and the introducer needle 146 may occur when the introducer needle 146 is inserted into a vein of the patient and before withdrawal of the introducer needle.

[045] Referring now to Figure 3C, in some modalities, the distal tip 134 may include the outer curved parts 142 and the inner facets 140, which may improve the reflection of energy waves. Referring now to Figure 3D, in some modalities, the distal tip 134 may include the outer facets 136 and the inner curves 144, which may improve the reflection of energy waves.

[046] Referring now to Figure 4, an illustrative method 200 for detecting IV catheter occlusion or conditions within an IV catheter that may lead to occlusion can begin in block 202, in which energy waves can be Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, p. 22 / 46 15 / 16 transmitted along the length of an IV catheter coupled to a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter and catheter adapter may include or correspond to catheter 116 and catheter adapter 126 in Figures 2A to 2B. Block 202 may be followed by block 204.

[047] In block 204, a portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter can be converted into a corresponding electrical signal. Block 204 can be followed by block 206.

[048] In block 206, the electrical signal can be received in a processor. Block 206 can be followed by block 208. The processor may include or correspond to processor 108 of Figure 1. In block 208, the electrical signal can be compared to a baseline electrical signal to determine a difference between the electrical signal and the baseline electrical signal. Block 208 can be followed by block 210.

[049] In block 210, in response to the difference between the electrical signal and the baseline electrical signal reaching a threshold value, a user may be alerted.

[050] Although illustrated as distinct blocks, several blocks may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. In some embodiments, method 200 may include additional blocks. For example, in some embodiments, method 200 may include providing one or more of the following: the housing, a transducer, and the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the housing may include or correspond to housing 118 of Figures 2A to 2B, and the transducer may include or correspond to transducer 104 of Figure 1A. As another example, in some embodiments, method 200 may include determining the baseline electrical signal, wherein determining the baseline electrical signal comprises transmitting other energy waves along the length of the intravenous catheter when the intravenous catheter is not occluded and converting a portion of the other energy waves, Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 23 / 46 16 / 16 which are reflected back from the intravenous catheter in the baseline electrical signal.

[051] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential features as described in general terms herein and claimed hereafter. In some embodiments, the housing 118 in Figures 1 to 2 may not be directly coupled to the catheter adapter 126 and / or the Luer device 132. For example, the system 100 in Figures 1 to 2 may include a needle safety mechanism, which may be disposed between the catheter adapter 126 and the housing 118 or in another location. As another example, the catheter adapter 126 may include various configurations. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 126 may include a side port, a septum, a septum actuator, or one or more other elements. The embodiments and examples described should be considered, in all respects, as merely illustrative and not restrictive.Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the preceding description. All modifications that fall within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims should be considered within their scope. Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 24 / 46

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. System for detecting the occlusion of an intravenous catheter (116), comprising: a catheter adapter (126) having a distal end (128) and a proximal end (130), an intravenous catheter (116) extending distally from the distal end (128), an inner lumen (129) of the intravenous catheter (116) and an inner lumen (131) of the catheter adapter (126) forming a fluid path; a housing (118) having a distal end (120), a proximal end (122) and an inner lumen (124) extending between the distal end (120) and the proximal end (122), the distal end (120) of the housing (118) being coupled to the proximal end (130) of the catheter adapter (126);a wave transmitter (102) disposed within a wall of the inner lumen (124) of the housing (118), CHARACTERIZED in that the wave transmitter (102) transmits energy waves along an extension of the intravenous catheter (116) through waveguides (135) extending through the wall of the inner lumen (124) of the housing (118) to the distal end (120) of the housing (118); a transducer (104) disposed within the wall of the inner lumen (124) of the housing (118), wherein the transducer (104) detects a portion of the energy waves corresponding to the energy waves that are reflected back from the intravenous catheter (116); a processor coupled to the transducer (104), wherein the processor receives an electrical signal corresponding to the portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the intravenous catheter (116) and compares the electrical signal with a baseline signal to determine a difference between the electrical signal and the baseline signal;and Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 25 / 46 2 / 2 an indicator unit (110) coupled to the processor, in which, in response to the difference between the electrical signal and the baseline signal reaching a threshold value, the indicator unit (110) alerts a user.; 2. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the transducer (104) comprises an ultrasonic transducer.

3. System according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the ultrasonic transducer converts the portion of the energy waves, which are reflected back from the intravenous catheter (116), into an electrical signal.

4. System according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the energy waves are ultrasonic waves.

5. System according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the ultrasonic transducer comprises a piezoelectric crystal, wherein the piezoelectric crystal is embedded in the wall of the inner lumen.

6. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that an outer surface of a distal tip (134) of the intravenous catheter (116) comprises a plurality of facets.

7. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that a wall forming the inner lumen (129) of the intravenous catheter (116) comprises one or more inner curved portions (114, 142) extending proximally from a portion of a distal tip (134) of the intravenous catheter (116) configured to come into contact with an introducer needle.

8. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that a wall forming the inner lumen (129) of the intravenous catheter (116) comprises a plurality of facets. Petition 870260057601, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, p. 26 / 46

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