Delivery device and catheter system

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a delivery device and a catheter system. The delivery device is used to deliver an instrument into a catheter assembly. The delivery device may include a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a slot. The delivery device may include a guide feature disposed within the housing. The guide feature may extend through the slot. The delivery device may include an instrument disposed within the housing and extending through the guide feature. In response to the guide feature moving a first distance along the slot in a distal direction, a first end of the instrument may advance a second distance in a distal direction, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The second end of the instrument may remain stationary relative to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of medical devices. In particular, this disclosure relates to a delivery device and catheter system for vascular access devices. Background Technology

[0002] Catheters are commonly used in various intravenous therapies. For example, catheters can be used to infuse fluids (such as saline solutions, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition solutions) into a patient. Catheters can also be used to aspirate blood from a patient.

[0003] A common type of catheter is the needle-type peripheral intravenous (“IV”) catheter. As the name suggests, a needle-type catheter can be mounted on a guide needle with a sharp distal end. The catheter and guide needle can be assembled such that the distal end of the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter, with the bevel of the needle facing upwards away from the patient's skin. The catheter and guide needle are typically inserted into the patient's vascular system through the skin at a shallow angle.

[0004] To verify that the guide needle and / or catheter is correctly placed in the blood vessel, clinicians typically confirm the presence of a blood "flashback" in the flashback lumen of the catheter assembly. Once needle placement has been confirmed, the clinician can temporarily occlude blood flow in the vascular system and remove the guide needle, leaving the catheter in place for future blood draws or infusions.

[0005] Blood collection using peripheral IV catheters can be challenging for several reasons, especially when the catheter remains in place for more than a day. For example, when a catheter is inserted into a patient for an extended period, it can easily become narrowed, collapse, twist, become clogged with debris (e.g., fibrin or platelet clots), and the catheter tip can adhere to the vascular system. Therefore, catheters are typically used to obtain blood samples during catheter placement, but rarely during catheter indwelling. Consequently, when blood samples are needed, additional needle punctures are required to provide venous access for blood collection, which can be painful for the patient and result in higher material costs. Therefore, there is a need for a catheter system and method that facilitates the placement of blood sampling instruments (e.g., catheters and probes) into a patient's vascular system without requiring additional needle punctures.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that address any of the drawbacks described above or that operate only in the environments described above. Rather, this background merely provides an example technical field for illustrating some of the implementation methods described herein. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to delivery devices, and related systems and methods for delivering vascular access devices into catheter assemblies and / or patient veins. In some embodiments, the delivery device may include a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a slot. In some embodiments, the delivery device may include a guiding feature disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the guiding feature may extend through the slot. In some embodiments, the guiding feature may include a channel that may be substantially U-shaped. In some embodiments, the guiding feature may include a propulsion tab that may be configured to be moved by a user's hand.

[0008] In some embodiments, the delivery device may include an instrument disposed within a housing and extending through a guide feature. For example, in some embodiments, the instrument may extend through a channel. In some embodiments, in response to the guide feature moving a first distance along a slot in a distal direction, a first end of the instrument may advance a second distance in a distal direction, the second distance being greater than the first distance. In some embodiments, the second distance may be twice the first distance. In some embodiments, a second end of the instrument may remain stationary relative to the housing. In some embodiments, in response to the guide feature advancing partially and / or completely along a slot in a distal direction, the first end of the instrument may advance further in a distal direction beyond the distal end of the housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, the device may include a probe, a lamp for disinfection, or other suitable instruments. In some embodiments, the device may include a catheter. In these and other embodiments, the housing may include an extension tube that extends outward from a distal portion of the housing. In some embodiments, a second end of the device may be coupled to the extension tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, a guidewire may be disposed within a catheter. In some embodiments, the guidewire may move through a channel in response to movement of a guide feature along a slot in a distal direction. In some embodiments, a first end of the guidewire may advance distally beyond the distal end of the housing in response to partial and / or complete advancement of the guide feature along the slot in a distal direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the delivery device may include a support tube that extends from and is coupled to the guide feature. In some embodiments, in response to distal movement of the guide feature along the slot, the instrument may be moved through the support tube.

[0012] In some embodiments, the channel may be oriented horizontally or vertically within the housing. In some embodiments, the portion of the instrument located between the second end of the instrument and the guide feature may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device. In some embodiments, the portion of the instrument located between the second end of the instrument and the guide feature may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device. In some embodiments, the portion of the instrument located between the first end of the instrument and the guide feature may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device. In some embodiments, the portion of the instrument located between the first end of the instrument and the guide feature may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the delivery device may allow an instrument to enter a patient's vascular system via other vascular access devices (e.g., catheter assemblies) that can be inserted into the patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, when the instrument is introduced into the catheter assembly via the delivery device, the instrument may enter the fluid passage of the catheter assembly and / or the instrument may extend through the catheter assembly and into the patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter and another catheter that extends distally from the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the other catheter may be secured within the catheter adapter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a delivery device and / or a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may be coupled to the distal end of the housing. In some embodiments, in response to the guide feature partially and / or completely advancing along the slot in the distal direction, a first end of the instrument may advance in the distal direction beyond the distal end of the housing.

[0015] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and tools shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless so claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be limiting. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained using the accompanying drawings, with additional features and details, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1A This is a top view of an exemplary delivery device according to some embodiments, showing an exemplary catheter and an exemplary guidewire, each in a fully retracted position.

[0018] Figure 1B According to some embodiments Figure 1AA side view of the delivery device, showing the catheter and guidewire, each in the fully retracted position;

[0019] Figure 1C According to some embodiments Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the conveyor taken from line 1C-1C;

[0020] Figure 1D According to some embodiments Figure 1B A sectional view of the conveyor device taken from line 1D-1D;

[0021] Figure 2A According to some embodiments Figure 1A A top view of the delivery device, showing the catheter and guidewire, each in the fully advanced position;

[0022] Figure 2B According to some embodiments Figure 1A A side view of the delivery device, showing the catheter and guidewire, each in the fully forward position;

[0023] Figure 2C According to some embodiments Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the conveyor device taken from line 2C-2C;

[0024] Figure 3A This is a top view of another exemplary delivery device according to some embodiments, showing an exemplary device in a fully retracted position and an exemplary support tube;

[0025] Figure 3B According to some embodiments Figure 3A A top view of the conveying device, showing the machine in its fully forward position;

[0026] Figure 4A This is a top view of another exemplary delivery device according to some embodiments, showing an exemplary instrument and an exemplary support tube in the fully retracted position;

[0027] Figure 4B According to some embodiments Figure 3A A top view of the conveying device, showing the machine in a partially forward position;

[0028] Figure 4C According to some embodiments Figure 3A A top view of the conveying device, showing the machine in its fully forward position;

[0029] Figure 5A This is a top view of another exemplary delivery device according to some embodiments, showing the device in the fully retracted position;

[0030] Figure 5B According to some embodiments Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the conveying device taken from line 5B-5B, showing the device in the fully retracted position; and

[0031] Figure 5C According to some embodiments Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the conveyor device taken from line 5C-5C; and

[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary catheter system according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Now refer to Figure 1A-1D The image illustrates a delivery device 10 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may facilitate the delivery of an instrument (e.g., catheter 12) into an intravenous catheter assembly and / or a patient's vein. In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may facilitate the placement of catheter 12 into a second catheter, which may include an indwelling peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”). In some embodiments, the instrument may include a probe (which may include a sensor), a lamp for disinfection, or other suitable instruments that can be inserted into the second catheter via the delivery device 10.

[0034] In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include a housing 14. In some embodiments, the housing may include a distal end 16, a proximal end 18, and a slot 20. In some embodiments, the housing 14 may enclose or seal the instrument when it is in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the housing 14 may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the housing 14 may be opaque. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1-4, the housing 14 may be transparent. In some embodiments, the instrument may be supported at one or more locations within the housing.

[0035] In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include a guide feature 22 disposed within the housing 14. In some embodiments, the guide feature 22 may extend through a slot 20. In some embodiments, the guide feature 22 may include a propulsion tab 26 configured to be moved by a user's hand. In some embodiments, the guide feature 22 may move along the slot 20 to advance the instrument in a distal direction 23 and / or retract the instrument in a proximal direction 25.

[0036] In some embodiments, the propulsion tab 26 may include various shapes, sizes, and configurations. In some embodiments, the propulsion tab 26 may be disposed on the top, side, or bottom of the conveying device 10. In some embodiments, the slot 20 may be disposed in any portion of the housing 14. In some embodiments, the slot 20 may be disposed on the left or right side of the housing 14. In some embodiments, the slot 20 may be disposed on the top or bottom of the housing 14. In some embodiments, the slot 20 may be aligned with the longitudinal axis 27 of the conveying device 10. In some embodiments, the housing 14 may include multiple slots 20, which may allow a widened specific guide feature 22 to extend through the slots 20.

[0037] In some embodiments, the guide feature 22 may include an instrument support structure, such as channel 24. In some embodiments, channel 24 may be substantially U-shaped. In some embodiments, channel 24 may include a U-shape having arms that are generally parallel to each other (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 5B (as shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, channel 24 may include a U-shape having arms that are opposite to or facing each other. In some embodiments, the support structure may include various shapes and configurations. In some embodiments, channel 24 may be part of a tunnel that can enclose an instrument. In some embodiments, the instrument may be disposed within housing 14 and may extend through guide feature 22. For example, in some embodiments, the instrument may extend through channel 24.

[0038] In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guide feature 22 along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the first end 28 of the instrument can be advanced distally. In some embodiments, the second end 30 of the instrument may remain stationary relative to the housing 14. For example, in some embodiments, the second end 30 of the instrument may be secured within and / or attached to the housing 14.

[0039] In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include a blood control diaphragm 31 disposed within the lumen of the delivery device 10. In some embodiments, the diaphragm 31 may be disposed near or toward the distal end 16 of the delivery device 10. In some embodiments, the device may penetrate the diaphragm 31 when fully retracted, or the device may penetrate the diaphragm 31 in response to being advanced. In some embodiments, the diaphragm 31 may prevent blood from entering the interior of the delivery device 10.

[0040] In some embodiments, the device may include a catheter 12, and a second end 30 of the device may be coupled to an extension tube 32. In some embodiments, the extension tube 32 may be coupled to a blood collection device. In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include any suitable type of blood collection device. In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include a reservoir. In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include a vacuum tube, a test tube, or a syringe. In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include an adapter configured to hold a test tube or syringe. In some embodiments, the fluid passage of the delivery device 10 may include the catheter 12 and the extension tube 32.

[0041] In some embodiments, catheter 12 can be used for fluid infusion and / or blood draw. In some embodiments, guidewire 34 may be disposed within catheter 12. In some embodiments, guidewire 34 may be used to facilitate placement of catheter 12 within a patient's vein, which may reduce vein-related trauma and may support catheter 12 during advancement to prevent catheter 12 from passing through a second catheter (e.g., catheter 65, etc.). Figure 6 (As shown) it may collapse or bend. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the conveying device 10 may not include the guide wire 34.

[0042] In some embodiments, the guidewire 34 may include a first end 36 and a second end 38. In some embodiments, the guidewire 34 and the catheter 12 may advance and / or retract together. In some embodiments, the second end 38 of the guidewire 34 may remain stationary relative to the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the second end 38 of the guidewire may be secured within the catheter 12 and / or the housing 14.

[0043] In some embodiments, catheter 12 may include a multi-diameter catheter, such as that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 660,646, filed April 20, 2018, entitled “MULTI-DIAMETER CATHETER AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS,” which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the multi-diameter catheter may allow for improved blood flow rate during blood collection. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of guidewire 34 may be smaller than the inner diameter of catheter 12, allowing blood to flow around guidewire 34 during blood collection.

[0044] Figure 1A-1CThe diagram illustrates catheter 12 and guidewire 34 in a fully retracted position before advancement of catheter 12 and guidewire 34 or after catheter 12 and guidewire 34 have returned from the advance position, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, when guide feature 22 is fully retracted proximally to retract catheter 12 and / or guidewire 34, guide feature 22 may contact the proximal end of slot 20 and / or the proximal end 18 of housing, which may act as a stop.

[0045] In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include a connector 40, which may be disposed at the distal end 16 of the housing 14. In some embodiments, the connector 40 may be configured to couple the delivery device 10 to an intravenous catheter assembly (e.g., such as...). Figure 6 (as shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, connector 40 may include a Luer adapter, such as a sliding or threaded male or female Luer adapter, or other suitable connector.

[0046] In some embodiments, the channel 24 can be horizontally oriented within the housing, as shown in Figures 1-4. For example, when the delivery device 10 is coupled to a catheter assembly positioned for insertion into a patient, the generally U-shaped arms of the channel 24 can be positioned substantially side-by-side, such as... Figure 6 As shown. In some embodiments, the portion of the instrument between the second end 30 of the instrument and the guide feature 22 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 27, such as... Figure 1A and Figure 1C As shown. In some embodiments, the instrument portion between the second end 30 of the instrument and the guide feature 22 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis 27. In some embodiments, the instrument portion between the first end 28 of the instrument and the guide feature 22 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 27. In some embodiments, the instrument portion between the first end 28 of the instrument and the guide feature 22 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis 27, for example... Figure 1A and 1C As shown.

[0047] In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include one or more markings 29 that provide a visual and / or tactile indication of the instrument's position to the user. More specifically, in some embodiments, the markings 29 may indicate the distance the instrument has advanced and / or retracted. For example, a particular marking 29 may correspond to the position of the guide feature 22 to position the distal end of the instrument at or near the end of the catheter 12 or at another location. In some embodiments, the markings 29 may be disposed on the outer surface of the delivery device 10. In some embodiments, at least some of the markings 29 may include pawls and / or protrusions. In some embodiments, at least some of the markings 29 may include pawls configured to hold the guide feature 22 in a predetermined position and / or provide resistance to movement of the guide feature 22 from the pawl.

[0048] Now refer to Figure 2A-2C According to some embodiments, the guide feature 22 can be fully advanced. In some embodiments, when the guide feature 22 is fully advanced in the distal direction 23 to allow the instrument and / or guidewire 34 to be fully advanced, the guide feature 22 can contact the distal end of the slot 20 and / or the inner surface of the housing 14, which can serve as a stop.

[0049] In some embodiments, in response to the guide feature 22 advancing partially and / or completely along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the first end 28 of the instrument may advance further in the distal direction 23 than the distal end of the housing 14. In some embodiments, in response to the guide feature 22 moving a first distance along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the first end 28 of the instrument may advance a second distance in the distal direction 23, the second distance being greater than the first distance. In some embodiments, the second distance may be twice the first distance (1:2 advance ratio).

[0050] If a particular guide feature moves a first distance along a particular slot in the distal direction 23, and the first end of a particular instrument advances in the distal direction 23 by a distance equal to the first distance (“1:1 advance ratio”), the length of the particular delivery device may need to be increased proportionally to the length of the instrument. This is particularly true when the instrument is long enough to provide a long reach, meaning the particular delivery device can also be very long, which can significantly impact its usability, cost, and performance. As the length of the particular delivery device increases, the instrument may be more prone to kinking or collapsing during advancement. In some embodiments, a 1:2 advance ratio between the guide feature 22 and the first end 28 of the instrument (or another advance ratio if the second distance is greater than the first distance) can provide reliability and structural support as the instrument advances, while also providing an instrument with a long reach.

[0051] In some embodiments, a 1:2 advance ratio between the guide feature 22 and the first end 28 of the device (or another advance ratio where the second distance is greater than the first distance) can be achieved by creating a U-shaped device within the housing 14 and supporting the device in the guide feature 22. Thus, in some embodiments, the delivery device 10 can facilitate the support and advance of a device with increased length. Specifically, in some embodiments, the channel 24 of the guide feature 22 or another suitable structure can support the device as it advances through the channel 24 and distally into the vascular system. In some embodiments, the 1:2 advance ratio between the guide feature 22 and the first end 28 of the device can include an approximate 1:2 advance ratio between the guide feature 22 and the first end 28. In some embodiments, in response to the guide feature 22 moving a first distance along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the first end 28 of the device can advance a second distance in the distal direction 23, which is more than twice the first distance, and may include at least twice the first distance. In these and other embodiments, the device can be configured to present multiple U-shapes and / or the delivery device 10 can include multiple U-shaped channels or other suitable support structures.

[0052] In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guide feature 22 along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the guidewire 34 may move together with the catheter 12 through the channel 24. In some embodiments, in response to the guide feature 22 advancing partially and / or completely along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the first end 36 of the guidewire 34 may advance beyond the distal end of the housing 14 in the distal direction 23.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first end 36 of the guidewire 34 may be positioned proximal to and / or near the transition portion of the inner diameter of the catheter 12 to allow blood or other fluids to flow in the annular space between the inner diameter of the catheter 12 and the outer diameter of the guidewire 34. In some embodiments, the guidewire 34 may provide support for the catheter 12 along its full length or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the guidewire 34 may improve the structural reliability of the catheter 12, provide adequate blood collection filling time performance, reduce or maintain an appropriate risk of hemolysis, and reduce the risk of kinking of the catheter 12. In some embodiments, the housing 14 may facilitate complete closure of the guidewire 34 and / or the catheter 12 upon completion of blood collection.

[0054] Now refer to Figures 3A-3BIn some embodiments, the conveying device 50 may include a support tube 52 extending from the guide feature 22. In some embodiments, the proximal end 54 of the support tube 52 may be secured to the guide feature 22. In some embodiments, the conveying device 50 may include or correspond to the conveying device 10 discussed with reference to Figures 1-2. More specifically, in some embodiments, the conveying device 50 may include one or more features of the conveying device 10. Similarly, in some embodiments, the conveying device 10 may include one or more features of the conveying device 50.

[0055] In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guide feature 22 along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the instrument can move through the support tube 52. In some embodiments, the support tube 52 may include an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the instrument, allowing the instrument to move through the support tube 52. In some embodiments, the support tube 52 may provide support for a first end 28 or a free end of the instrument. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guide feature 22 a first distance along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the distal end 56 of the support tube 52 may advance a distance equal to the first distance in the distal direction 23 (“1:1 advance ratio”), while the first end 28 of the instrument may advance a distance greater than the first distance, for example, twice the first distance (“1:2 advance ratio”). In some embodiments, different advance ratios of the guide feature 22 relative to the first end 28 and of the guide feature 22 relative to the support tube 52 may result in the support tube 52 advancing distally without exceeding the diameter reduction portion of the instrument, and the diameter reduction portion of the instrument advancing distally through the catheter assembly and into the vascular system.

[0056] Now refer to Figures 4A-4C In some embodiments, the delivery device 58 may facilitate the timed or delayed disembarkation of the instrument from the support tube 52. More specifically, in some embodiments, the first end 28 of the instrument may be shortened such that when the guide feature 22 is fully retracted, the first end of the instrument is located proximal to at least a portion of the support tube 52, such as... Figure 4A As shown. In some embodiments, the conveying device 58 may include or correspond to the conveying device 10 and / or conveying device 50 discussed with reference to FIG1-3. More specifically, in some embodiments, the conveying device 58 may include one or more features of the conveying device 10 and / or the conveying device 50. Similarly, in some embodiments, the conveying device 10 and / or the conveying device 50 may include one or more features of the conveying device 58.

[0057] In some embodiments, given a 1:2 advance ratio between the guide feature 22 and the first end 28 of the instrument (or another advance ratio if the second distance is greater than the first distance) and a 1:1 advance ratio between the guide feature 22 and the distal end 56 of the support tube 52, the first end 28 of the instrument may exit the distal end 56 of the support tube 52. In some embodiments, the first end 28 of the instrument may exit the distal end 56 of the support tube 52 to facilitate instrument entry into a portion of the catheter assembly that may be too narrow for the support tube 52 to enter.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the delivery device 50 includes a support tube 52, the catheter 12 may be made of a material softer than polyimide, which causes less damage to the vein wall. In these and other embodiments, the catheter 12 may include a tube made of one or more of polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”), thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), and other suitable compliant materials.

[0059] In some embodiments, the channel 24 may be arranged within the housing 14 in different orientations. Referring now... Figures 5A-5C In some embodiments, the channel 24 of the delivery device 60 can be vertically oriented within the housing 14. For example, when the delivery device 10 is coupled to a catheter assembly positioned for insertion into a patient, the arms of the generally U-shaped channel 24 can be positioned generally vertically relative to each other, such as... Figure 6 As shown. In these embodiments, the first end 28 of the instrument may be positioned below the longitudinal axis 27, and the second end 30 of the instrument may be positioned above the longitudinal axis 27. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first end 28 may be positioned above the longitudinal axis 27, while the second end 30 may be positioned below the longitudinal axis 27.

[0060] In some embodiments, the conveying device 60 may include or correspond to one or more of the following: conveying device 10, conveying device 50, and conveying device 58. More specifically, in some embodiments, the conveying device 60 may include one or more features of the conveying device 10, conveying device 50, and / or conveying device 58. Similarly, in some embodiments, the conveying device 10, conveying device 50, and / or conveying device 58 may include one or more features of the conveying device 60.

[0061] In some embodiments, the curvature of the U-shape can vary depending on, for example, the bending radius of the material that constitutes the device 24. In some embodiments, the curvature of the U-shape can be configured to prevent the device 24 from kinking or being damaged.

[0062] Now refer to Figure 6In some embodiments, the catheter system 61 may include a catheter assembly 62 and / or a delivery device 84. In some embodiments, the delivery device 84 may include or correspond to one or more of the following: delivery device 10, delivery device 50, delivery device 58, and delivery device 60. More specifically, in some embodiments, the delivery device 84 may include one or more features of delivery device 10, delivery device 50, delivery device 58, and / or delivery device 60. Similarly, in some embodiments, delivery device 10, delivery device 50, delivery device 58, and / or delivery device 60 may include one or more features of delivery device 84.

[0063] In some embodiments, the delivery device 84 may be coupled to a catheter assembly 62, which may include a catheter adapter 64 and a catheter 65. In some embodiments, the catheter 65 may be left in place. In some embodiments, the catheter 65 may include a PIVC (Peripherally Inserted Ventilation Device). In some embodiments, the catheter 65 may be secured to the catheter adapter 64 and may extend distally from the catheter adapter 64. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 64 may include a distal end 66, a proximal end 68, and a lumen 70 extending between the distal end 66 and the proximal end 68. In some embodiments, the distal end 66 and the proximal end 68 of the catheter adapter 64 may be axially aligned.

[0064] In some embodiments, the catheter system 61 may include a straight or non-integrated catheter adapter 64. In some embodiments, the catheter system 61 may include an integrated catheter adapter 64, for example, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. More specifically, in some embodiments, the IV catheter system may include a catheter adapter 64 with an integrated extension tube, such as BD NEXIVA. TM Closed IV catheter system, BD NEX1VA TM DIFFUSICS TM Closed IV catheter system, or Becton Dickinson PEGASUS TM A safe, closed IV catheter system. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 64 may include a side port 72 from which an extension tube 76 may extend.

[0065] In some embodiments, catheter assembly 62 may include extension assembly 74, which can be coupled to catheter adapter 64. In some embodiments, extension assembly 74 may include extension tube 76, which may include a distal end 78 and a proximal end 80. In some embodiments, extension tube 76 may extend from side port 72.

[0066] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 62 may include a connector 82 configured to engage a delivery device 84 to the catheter assembly 62. In some embodiments, the connector 82 may be engaged to the proximal end 80 of the extension tube 76. In other embodiments, the connector 82 may be located at the proximal end 68 of the catheter adapter 64 or at another location. In some embodiments, the connector 82 may include a Luer adapter (e.g., a male or female Luer adapter) or other suitable connector.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first end 36 of the guidewire 34 and / or the first end 28 of the instrument may be positioned distal to the distal end of the catheter 65 when the instrument and guidewire 34 are fully and / or partially advanced. In some embodiments, the catheter 12 may provide structural support for the catheter 65. In some embodiments, when the catheter 65 is no longer functional or safe (e.g., due to debris buildup on the distal end 85 of the catheter 65 and / or catheter 65 collapse), the catheter 12 may allow the user to draw blood samples or inject fluid through the catheter 65. Therefore, in some embodiments, the catheter 12 may reduce the number of needle pricks experienced by the patient because the catheter 65 can be replaced less frequently.

[0068] In some embodiments, delivering catheter 12 into catheter system 61 and / or the patient's vascular system can reduce the risk of hemolysis and catheter 65 kinking. In some embodiments, delivery device 84 may allow the use of guidewire 34, which can improve the placement of catheter 12 within the vascular system. In some embodiments, connector 82 may be positioned away from the patient, which can reduce the risk of interference with catheter 65 insertion site.

[0069] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the catheter 12 and / or guidewire 36 may be replaced by other instruments, such as probes (which may include sensors), light tubes for disinfection, or other suitable instruments.

[0070] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for instructional purposes to help readers understand the invention and the concepts provided by the inventors for further development in the field, and should be interpreted as not being limited to these specific examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A delivery device for delivering a catheter into a catheter assembly to infuse fluids and / or draw blood using the catheter when the catheter assembly is no longer functional or safe, characterized in that, The conveying device includes: A housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a slot; A guide feature disposed within the housing, wherein the guide feature extends through the slot, wherein the guide feature includes a channel, wherein the channel is substantially U-shaped; A conduit disposed within the housing and extending through the substantially U-shaped channel, wherein, in response to movement of the guide feature along the slot in the distal direction, the conduit moves through the channel, and a first end of the conduit advances in the distal direction, wherein a second end of the conduit remains stationary relative to the housing; An extension tube extending outward from the distal portion of the housing, wherein the second end of the conduit is connected to the extension tube; and A guidewire disposed within the catheter, wherein the guidewire is configured to support the catheter during advancement, and wherein, in response to movement of the guiding feature along the slot in the distal direction, the guidewire and the catheter move together through the channel.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In response to the guide feature moving a first distance along the slot in the distal direction, the first end of the conduit advances a second distance in the distal direction, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In response to the guide feature advancing fully along the slot in the distal direction, the first end of the conduit advances beyond the distal end of the housing in the distal direction.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In response to the guide feature advancing fully along the slot in the distal direction, the first end of the guide wire advances beyond the distal end of the housing in the distal direction.

5. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In response to the guide feature moving a first distance along the slot in the distal direction, the first end of the guidewire advances a second distance in the distal direction, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

6. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The delivery device further includes a support tube extending from and connected to the guide feature, wherein, in response to the guide feature moving a first distance along the slot in the distal direction, the conduit moves through the support tube and a first end of the support tube advances the first distance in the distal direction.

7. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel is horizontally oriented within the housing.

8. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel is vertically oriented within the housing.

9. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the catheter located between the second end of the catheter and the guiding feature is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device.

10. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the catheter located between the second end of the catheter and the guide feature is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device.

11. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the catheter located between its first end and the guiding feature is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device.

12. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the catheter located between its first end and the guide feature is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device.

13. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding feature also includes a propulsion tab configured to be moved by the user's hand.

14. A delivery device for delivering a catheter into a catheter assembly to infuse fluids and / or draw blood using the catheter when the catheter assembly is no longer functional or safe, characterized in that, The conveying device includes: A housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a slot; A guide feature disposed within the housing, wherein the guide feature extends through the slot, wherein the guide feature includes a channel, wherein the channel is substantially U-shaped; A conduit disposed within the housing and extending through the substantially U-shaped channel, wherein, in response to movement of the guide feature along the slot in the distal direction, the conduit moves through the channel, and a first end of the conduit advances in the distal direction, wherein a second end of the conduit remains stationary relative to the housing; An extension tube extending outward from the distal portion of the housing, wherein the second end of the conduit is connected to the extension tube; and A guidewire disposed within the catheter and the generally U-shaped channel, wherein the guidewire is configured to support the catheter during advancement, wherein the guidewire is spaced apart from the catheter to allow blood or other fluid to flow between the guidewire and the catheter and through the channel; and wherein, in response to movement of the guiding feature along the slot in the distal direction, the guidewire and the catheter move together through the channel.

Images