Catheter system facilitating reduced drag

Abstract

A catheter system that can include a needle assembly coupled to a catheter adapter. The needle assembly can include a housing, a guide needle, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a tip shielding feature. The distal tip of the guide needle can be configured to be withdrawn proximally from a first position to a second position where a raised feature of the guide needle contacts the proximal opening and is prevented from moving through the proximal opening. In response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to a third position, the housing can move proximally and the tip shielding feature can be released to block the distal opening. As the distal tip moves proximally from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position, the tip shielding feature can not contact the guide needle, which can reduce friction-based resistance on the guide needle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to infusion devices, such as intravenous catheters. Background Art

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

[0003] Common types of intravenous catheters include peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), and midline catheters. An intravenous catheter can include a "stylet" catheter that can be mounted on a needle having a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip can be used to pierce the skin and vasculature of a patient. Insertion of the intravenous catheter into the vasculature can occur after the needle has pierced the vasculature. The needle and the intravenous catheter are typically inserted into the patient's vasculature at a shallow angle with the bevel of the needle facing up and away from the patient's skin. Once placement of the needle within the vasculature has been confirmed, the user can temporarily occlude the flow within the vasculature and withdraw the needle, leaving the intravenous catheter in place for future blood draws and / or fluid infusions.

[0004] When the needle is withdrawn from the intravenous catheter, the safety of the clinician is a major consideration. Not only is there a risk of needlestick injury, but the clinician also wishes to avoid any blood exposure from the needle. Competing with the clinician's need for safety is the need to keep the intravenous catheter within the patient's vasculature during needle withdrawal. When the needle is withdrawn from the intravenous catheter, friction-based resistance may cause the catheter to displace from the insertion site. Due to the friction-based resistance, the clinician may awkwardly hold the intravenous catheter in place when attempting to withdraw the needle in a safe manner.

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

[0006] The present invention generally relates to catheter systems and related devices and methods. In some embodiments, a catheter system can include a catheter adapter that can include a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall forming a lumen. In some embodiments, the wall can include a slot. In some embodiments, the catheter system can include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle assembly coupled to a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a guide needle, which may include a distal tip and a raised feature. In some embodiments, the distal tip may be disposed distally of the catheter in a first position. In some embodiments, the first position may correspond to an insertion position, ready to be inserted into a patient's vasculature.

[0008] In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a housing, which may include a distal opening, a proximal opening, and a side opening. In some embodiments, the diameter of the proximal opening may be smaller than the outer diameter of the raised feature. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the side opening may be distal to the proximal end of the slot.

[0009] In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a spring clip, which may be disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the spring clip may include a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the first end may include a U-shaped portion, which may be partially disposed within the slot. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the side opening may be disposed within the U-shaped portion to bias the U-shaped portion outwardly. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion and / or the entire spring clip may not contact the guide needle, which may reduce the friction-based resistance on the guide needle when the guide needle is withdrawn.

[0010] In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the first position to a second position, the raised feature may contact the proximal opening. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to a third position, the housing and the proximal end of the side opening may move proximally, the U-shaped portion may be released and move inwardly, and the spring clip may block the distal opening. In some embodiments, blocking the distal opening may prevent needle stick injuries. In some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip may abut the proximal end of the side opening, which may prevent the spring clip from moving distally in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip may include a shielding portion. In some embodiments, the shielding portion may be generally L-shaped and may extend from the U-shaped portion. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the shielding portion may block the distal opening.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip may include a lip, which may extend proximally from the shielding portion. In some embodiments, the shielding portion may be disposed between the lip and the U-shaped portion. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the distal tip may be disposed between the lip and the U-shaped portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the spring clip may include an opening. In some embodiments, the introducer needle may extend through the opening of the spring clip. In some embodiments, the spring clip is spaced apart from the opening, which may reduce the friction-based resistance on the introducer needle when the introducer needle is withdrawn. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the introducer needle proximal to the raised feature may be slightly smaller than the proximal opening of the housing, such that the introducer needle contacts and is supported by the proximal opening. In these embodiments, the tight fit between the introducer needle and the proximal opening of the housing may prevent blood from leaking through the proximal opening of the housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the spring clip may be generally U-shaped between a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the opening of the spring clip may be disposed within the generally U-shaped mouth between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the generally U-shaped mouth between the first end and the second end may face in the distal direction, and the mouth of the U-shaped portion may face in the proximal direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing may include a groove. In some embodiments, the second end of the spring clip may be disposed within the groove. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from a second position to a third position, the proximal end of the housing and the side opening may move proximally, and the second end of the spring clip may move closer to the distal end of the groove.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing may include one or more support ridges that may be disposed on the side of the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a needle tip shield that may include one or more contact surfaces. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield may include an elongate body, and one or more arms may extend inwardly from the elongate body. In some embodiments, the arms may include contact surfaces. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield may not contact the introducer needle, which may reduce the friction-based resistance on the introducer needle when the introducer needle is withdrawn.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pressing element may be disposed at least partially around the housing and the needle tip shield. In some embodiments, the contact surface may be aligned with the support ridge, and the pressing element may press the contact surface against the support ridge. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from a second position to a third position, the housing may move proximally, and the contact surface may become misaligned with the support ridge, such that the pressing element moves the housing and the needle tip shield together, and the needle tip shield blocks the distal opening.

[0018] In some embodiments, the wall may include a slot. In some embodiments, the tip shield may include a protrusion disposed within the slot. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from a second position to a third position, the housing may move proximally and the contact surface may become misaligned with the support ledge such that the pressing element causes the housing and the tip shield to move together and the protrusion is removed from the slot. In some embodiments, in response to the protrusion being removed from the slot, the catheter adapter and the needle assembly may separate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the housing may include an outer housing. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a biasing element disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the biasing element may include a proximal opening having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the raised feature. In some embodiments, the guide needle may extend through the distal opening of the housing and the proximal opening of the biasing element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include another spring clip that may be disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the spring clip may include a U-shaped portion and an arm extending distally from the U-shaped portion. In some embodiments, the arm may engage the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the biasing element may contact the U-shaped portion to bias the spring clip in a compressed position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the distal tip may be configured to be withdrawn proximally from a first position to a particular second position where the raised feature contacts the proximal opening of the biasing element. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to a particular third position, the biasing element may move proximally relative to the U-shaped portion to release the U-shaped portion from the compressed position and release the arm from the catheter adapter, and the U-shaped portion may block the distal opening to prevent the distal tip of the guide needle from exiting the distal opening.

[0022] In some embodiments, the biasing element may include an inner housing that may surround the guide needle. In some embodiments, the biasing element may include a base and an extension extending distally from the base. In some embodiments, the extension may contact the U-shaped portion to bias the spring clip in a compressed position. In some embodiments, the base may include the proximal opening of the biasing element. In some embodiments, the extension is spaced apart from the guide needle. In some embodiments, the extension may include a rod. In some embodiments, the housing may include an inner support wall. In some embodiments, the extension may extend through the inner support wall and may slide through the inner support wall.

[0023] It should be understood that the foregoing summary description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory, and not restrictive of the claimed invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the various embodiments may be combined, or 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 required. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specific details by using the drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1A is a perspective top view of an exemplary catheter system according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of, showing an exemplary guide needle according to some embodiments, the guide needle including an exemplary distal tip in an exemplary first position;

[0027] Figure 1C is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing an exemplary needle assembly according to some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 1D is according to some embodiments Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the distal tip in an exemplary second position;

[0029] Figure 1E is according to some embodiments Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the distal tip in an exemplary third position;

[0030] Figure 1F is according to some embodiments Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the distal tip in the third position and an exemplary spring clip that blocks the distal opening of the needle assembly in response to movement of the distal tip from the second position to the third position;

[0031] Figure 1G is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the needle assembly removed from an exemplary catheter adapter according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 1H is a perspective top view of a needle assembly according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 2AIs a perspective view of the upper portion of another exemplary catheter system according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 2B Is Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the catheter system of, showing an exemplary guide needle according to some embodiments, the exemplary guide needle including an exemplary distal tip in an exemplary first position;

[0035] Figure 2C Is according to some embodiments Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the distal tip in an exemplary second position;

[0036] Figure 2D Is according to some embodiments Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the distal tip in a third position;

[0037] Figure 2E Is according to some embodiments Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the distal tip in a third position and an exemplary tip shield that blocks the distal opening of the exemplary needle assembly in response to movement of the distal tip from the second position to the third position;

[0038] Figure 2F Is Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the needle assembly removed from an exemplary catheter adapter according to some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 2G Is a perspective view of the upper portion of a needle assembly according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 3A Is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary catheter system according to some embodiments, showing an exemplary biasing element and an exemplary guide needle, the guide needle including an exemplary distal tip in an exemplary first position;

[0041] Figure 3B Is according to some embodiments Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the distal tip in an exemplary second position;

[0042] Figure 3C Is according to some embodiments Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the distal tip in a third position;

[0043] Figure 3D Is according to some embodiments Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system of, showing the needle assembly removed from an exemplary catheter adapter;

[0044] Figure 3E is a perspective view of an upper portion of an exemplary spring clip of a catheter system according to some embodiments; Figure 3A

[0045] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system according to some embodiments; Figure 3A showing a distal tip and another exemplary biasing element in an exemplary first position;

[0046] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter system according to some embodiments; Figure 3A showing the distal tip and another biasing element in a second position;

[0047] Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter system according to some embodiments; Figure 3A showing the distal tip and another biasing element in a third position;

[0048] Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter system according to some embodiments; Figure 3A showing a needle assembly removed from a catheter adapter and another biasing element;

[0049] Figure 5A is a graph showing the relationship between friction-based resistance caused by an actuator according to some embodiments and withdrawal distance; and

[0050] Figure 5B is a graph showing a curve according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a catheter system that may include a needle assembly coupled to a catheter adapter. The needle assembly may include a housing, a guide needle, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a tip shielding feature. The distal tip of the guide needle may be configured to be withdrawn proximally from a first position to a second position, where a raised feature of the guide needle contacts the proximal opening and is prevented from moving through the proximal opening. In response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to a third position, the housing may move proximally, and the tip shielding feature may be released to block the distal opening. When the distal tip moves proximally from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position, the tip shielding feature may not contact the guide needle, which may reduce friction-based resistance on the guide needle. FIGS. 1-4 further depict examples of catheter systems according to some embodiments.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 1A - 1B ​, showing a catheter system 10 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter adapter 12, which may include a distal end 14, a proximal end 16, and a wall 18 forming a lumen 20. In some embodiments, the lumen 20 may extend through the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16. In some embodiments, the wall 18 may include a slot 21. In some embodiments, the slot 21 may include a hole or a groove extending through the wall 18.

[0053] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter 22 extending distally from the distal end 14 of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the catheter 22 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”), a midline catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”), or another suitable catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include any suitable catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 may include a side port in fluid communication with the lumen 20 of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, an extension tube may be integrated within the side port and may be part of an extension kit. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 may be straight or non-integrated and may not include an extension tube.

[0054] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle assembly 24 coupled to the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 may include a guide needle 26, which may include a distal tip 28 and / or a raised feature 30. In some embodiments, the guide needle 26 may be made of metal and the distal tip 28 may be sharp. In some embodiments, the distal tip 28 may be disposed distally of the catheter 22 in a first position, such as Figure 1A - 1B shown. In some embodiments, the first position may correspond to an insertion position, ready to be inserted into the patient's vasculature.

[0055] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 may include a housing 32, which may include a distal opening 34, a proximal opening 36, and a side opening 38. In some embodiments, the diameter of the proximal opening 36 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the raised feature 30, such that the raised feature 30 cannot pass through the proximal opening 36. In some embodiments, the raised feature 30 may include any suitable feature having an increased outer diameter. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the housing 32 may include a gasket, which may include the proximal opening 36.

[0056] In some embodiments, the proximal end 40 of the side opening 38 may be distal to the proximal end 42 of the slot 21. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 may include a spring clip 44, and the spring clip 44 may be disposed within the housing 32. In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 may include a first end 46 and a second end 48. In some embodiments, the first end 46 may include a U-shaped portion 50, and the U-shaped portion 50 may be partially disposed within the slot 21. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the side opening 38 may be disposed within the U-shaped portion 50 to outwardly bias and hold the U-shaped portion 50. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion 50 and / or the entire spring clip 44 may not contact the guide needle 26, which may reduce the friction-based resistance on the guide needle 26 when the guide needle 26 is withdrawn.

[0057] In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion 50 may be generally U-shaped, which may include a V-shaped or other curved shape that is adapted to hold the proximal end 40 of the side opening 38 when the distal tip 28 is in the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion may include a 180° bend. In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 may be made of metal or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 may be elastic.

[0058] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the guide needle 26 may be fixed within the needle hub 51. In some embodiments, the needle hub 51 may be close to the housing 32. In some embodiments, the needle hub 51 may include one or more gripping features that may facilitate a clinician to grip and move the needle hub 51 in the proximal direction to withdraw the guide needle 26 from the patient's vasculature and the catheter 22.

[0059] Now referring Figure 1C , the distal tip 28 is shown between the first position and the second position. Now referring Figure 1D , in some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the first position to the second position, as shown, for example, in Figure 1C , the raised feature 30 may contact the proximal opening 36.

[0060] Now referring Figure 1E , in some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, as shown, for example, in Figure 1EAs shown, the proximal end 40 of the housing 32 and the side opening 38 can move proximally, the U-shaped portion 50 can be released and move inwardly, and the spring clip 44 can block the distal opening 34. In some embodiments, the first end 46 of the spring clip 44 can abut the proximal end 40 of the side opening 38, which can prevent the spring clip 44 from moving distally in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position. In some embodiments, the distal tip 28 and the housing 32 can move between the first position and the second position by about 1 millimeter or another suitable distance, which can facilitate the easy withdrawal and capture of the distal tip 28.

[0061] Now referring to Figure 1F , in some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip 44 can include a needle tip shielding feature or shielding portion 52. In some embodiments, the shielding portion 52 can be generally L-shaped and can extend from the U-shaped portion 50. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the shielding portion 52 can block the distal opening 34, thereby preventing the distal tip 28 from leaving the distal opening 34. In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 or the shielding portion 52 can also prevent blood from leaking from the distal opening 34.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first end 46 of the spring clip 44 can include a lip 54 that can extend proximally from the shielding portion 52. In some embodiments, the shielding portion 52 can be disposed between the lip 54 and the U-shaped portion 50. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the distal tip 28 can be disposed between the lip 54 and the U-shaped portion 50. In these embodiments, the first end 46 of the spring clip 44 can cross the longitudinal axis 56 of the catheter system 10 (see also Figure 1A - 1B ).

[0063] In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 can include an opening 58. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 26 can extend through the opening 58 of the spring clip 44. In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 can be spaced apart from the opening 58, which can reduce the friction-based resistance on the introducer needle 26 when the introducer needle 26 is withdrawn proximally. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the introducer needle 26 proximal to the raised feature 30 can be slightly smaller than the proximal opening 36 of the housing 32 such that the introducer needle contacts and is supported by the proximal opening 36. In these embodiments, the tight fit between the introducer needle 26 and the proximal opening 36 of the housing 32 can prevent blood from leaking through the proximal opening 36 of the housing 32.

[0064] In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 may be generally U-shaped between a first end 46 and a second end 48. In some embodiments, the opening 58 of the spring clip 44 may be disposed within a generally U-shaped mouth between the first end 46 and the second end 48. In some embodiments, the generally U-shaped mouth between the first end 46 and the second end 48 may face in a distal direction, and the mouth of the U-shaped portion 50 may face in a proximal direction.

[0065] In some embodiments, the housing 32 may include a groove 59. In some embodiments, the second end 48 of the spring clip 44 may be disposed within the groove 59. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the housing 32 and the proximal end 40 of the side opening 38 may move proximally, and the second end 48 of the spring clip 44 may move closer to the distal end of the groove 59.

[0066] Now referring Figure 1G - 1H , in some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position and the U-shaped portion being released from the proximal end 40 of the side opening 38 and the slot 21, the needle assembly 24 may be removed from the catheter adapter 12.

[0067] Now referring Figure 2A - 2B , a catheter system 60 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 60 may include or correspond to the catheter system 10. In some embodiments, the catheter system 60 may be similar or equivalent to Figure 1A - 1H the catheter system 10 in terms of one or more included components and / or operations. According to some embodiments, Figure 2A - 2B the distal tip 28 of the introducer needle 26 in the first position is shown.

[0068] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 62 of the catheter system 60 may include a housing 64 and a needle tip shield 66, and the housing 64 may include or correspond to Figure 1A - 1H the housing 32. In some embodiments, the housing 64 may include one or more support ridges 68, and the support ridges 68 may be disposed on the side of the introducer needle 26. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield 66 may include one or more contact surfaces 70. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield 66 may include an elongate body 72, and one or more arms 74 may extend inwardly from the elongate body 72. In some embodiments, the arms 74 may include the contact surfaces 70. In some embodiments, the arms 74 may be on the side of the introducer needle 26 and may not contact the introducer needle 26. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield 66 may not contact the introducer needle 26, for example, as Figure 2B shown, which may reduce the frictional resistance-based resistance on the introducer needle 26 when the introducer needle 26 is withdrawn.

[0069] In some embodiments, the pressing element 76 can be disposed at least partially around the housing 64 and the tip shield 66. In some embodiments, the pressing element can include a spring band, and the spring band can be annular. In some embodiments, the contact surface 70 can be aligned with the support ledge 68, and the pressing element 76 can press the contact surface 70 against the support ledge 68.

[0070] In some embodiments, the housing 64 can include a distal opening 78 and a proximal opening 80. In some embodiments, the diameter of the proximal opening 80 can be smaller than the outer diameter of the raised feature 30 such that the raised feature 30 cannot pass through the proximal opening 80. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the housing 64 can include a gasket, and the gasket can include the proximal opening 80.

[0071] Now referring Figure 2C , in some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from a first position to a second position, such as shown in Figure 2C , the raised feature 30 can contact the proximal opening 80.

[0072] Now referring Figure 2D - 2E , in some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to a third position, such as shown in Figure 2D , the housing 64 can move proximally, and the contact surface 70 can become misaligned with the support ledge 68. In response, as shown in Figure 2E , for example, the pressing element 76 causes the housing 64 and the tip shield 66 to move together, and the tip shield 66 blocks the distal opening 78 and / or prevents blood from leaking from the distal opening 78.

[0073] In some embodiments, the wall 18 of the catheter adapter 12 can include a slot 82. In some embodiments, the slot 82 can include a hole or groove extending through the wall 18. In some embodiments, the tip shield 66 can include a protrusion 84 disposed within the slot 82. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the housing 64 can move proximally, and the contact surface 70 can become misaligned with the support ledge 68 such that the pressing element 76 causes the housing 64 and the tip shield 66 to move together, and the protrusion 84 is removed from the slot 82.

[0074] Now referring Figure 2F - 2G , in some embodiments, in response to the protrusion 84 being removed from the slot 82, the catheter adapter 12 and the needle assembly 62 can be separated. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position and the separation of the catheter adapter 12 and the needle assembly 62, the needle assembly 24 can be removed from the catheter adapter 12.

[0075] Now referringFigure 3A , showing a catheter system 86 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 86 may include or correspond to the catheter system 10 and / or the catheter system 60. In some embodiments, in terms of one or more included components and / or operations, the catheter system 86 may be similar to or equivalent to Figure 1A - 1H the catheter system 10 and / or Figure 2A - 2G the catheter system 60. Figure 3A Showing the distal tip 28 of the introducer needle 26 in a first position according to some embodiments.

[0076] In some embodiments, the catheter system 86 may include a needle assembly 87, and the needle assembly 87 may include a housing 88, and the housing 88 may include or correspond to Figure 1A - 1H the housing 32 and / or Figure 2A - 2G the housing 64. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 87 may include a biasing element 90, and the biasing element 90 may be disposed within the housing 88. In some embodiments, the biasing element 90 may include a proximal opening 92, and the diameter included in the proximal opening 92 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the raised feature 30, such that the raised feature 30 cannot pass through the proximal opening 92. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 26 may extend through the distal opening 94 of the housing 88 and the proximal opening 92 of the biasing element 90.

[0077] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 87 may include a spring clip 96, and the spring clip 96 may be disposed within the housing 88. In some embodiments, the spring clip 96 may include a U-shaped portion 98 and an arm 100 extending distally from the U-shaped portion 98. In some embodiments, the arm 100 may engage with the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, one end of the arm 100 may include a finger, and the finger may be disposed in a groove of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the biasing element 90 may contact the U-shaped portion 98 to bias the spring clip 96 to a compressed position, as Figure 3A - 3B shown.

[0078] Now refer to Figure 3B , in some embodiments, the distal tip 28 may be configured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to a second position, where the raised feature 30 contacts the proximal opening 92 of the biasing element 90.

[0079] Now refer to Figure 3C, in some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the biasing element 90 may move proximal to the U-shaped portion 98 to release the U-shaped portion 98 from the compressed position, and release the arm 100 from the catheter adapter 12, and the U-shaped portion 98 may block the distal opening 94, thereby preventing the distal tip 28 of the guide needle 26 from leaving the distal opening 94 and / or preventing blood from leaking from the distal opening 94.

[0080] As Figure 3A - 3D shown, in some embodiments, the biasing element 90 may include an inner housing that may surround the guide needle 26.

[0081] Now referring Figure 4A - 4D , in some embodiments, the biasing element 90 may include a base 102 and an extension 104 extending distally from the base 102. In some embodiments, the extension 104 may contact the U-shaped portion 98 to bias the spring clip 96 in the compressed position. In some embodiments, the base 102 may include the proximal opening 92 of the biasing element 90. In some embodiments, the extension 104 may be spaced apart from the guide needle 26. In some embodiments, the extension 104 may include a rod or other suitable shape that does not interfere with the guide needle 26 when the guide needle 26 is withdrawn. In some embodiments, the outer housing 88 may include an inner support wall 106. In some embodiments, the extension 104 may extend through the inner support wall 106 and may slide through the inner support wall 106.

[0082] In some embodiments, when the distal tip 28 is in the first and second positions, the spring clip 96 may exert a strong force on the extension 104. Thus, in some embodiments, in order to bias the spring clip 96 and hold the U-shaped portion 98 in the compressed position, the extension 104 may be disposed below the guide needle 26. More specifically, in some embodiments, the extension 104 may be disposed on the side of the guide needle 26 opposite the mouth of the U-shaped portion 98 and facing the arm 100. In some embodiments, in response to the distal tip 28 being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the extension 104 may move proximal to the U-shaped portion 98 to release the U-shaped portion 98 from the compressed position.

[0083] Referring back Figure 3E , a spring clip 96 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the spring clip 96 includes any suitable spring clip. Figure 3EShown are an arm 100, a finger 108 angled relative to the arm 100, a U-shaped portion 98, and a coupler portion 108. In some embodiments, the coupler portion 108 may be coupled to the inner surface of the outer housing 88. In some embodiments, the spring clip 96 may be elastic. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion may be generally U-shaped, which may include a V-shaped or other suitable curved shape. In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 may be made of metal or other suitable materials.

[0084] Now referring to Figure 4A - 4D , in some embodiments, one or more of the catheter systems described in the present disclosure may be configured to reduce the resistance caused by friction on the introducer needle during the withdrawal of the introducer needle from the patient and the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the reduced friction-induced resistance may reduce the likelihood that a clinician will accidentally displace the catheter from the insertion site and the vasculature. Figure 4A - 4D The distance and relative force magnitude values in

[0085] Now referring to Figure 5A , the catheter systems 10, 60, and 86 may be configured to reduce the resistance caused by friction on the introducer needle 26 during the withdrawal of the introducer needle 26 from the patient and the catheter assembly (which may include the catheter adapter 12 and the catheter 22). In some embodiments, Figure 5A The graph in Figure 5A The distance and relative force magnitude values are exemplary for illustrative purposes and not limiting.

[0086] Figure 5B is a graph showing the lower resistance of an exemplary catheter system of the present disclosure (“Low Resistance 16g”) relative to a catheter system known in the art (“Normal 16 Ga”), according to some embodiments. As Figure 5B shown, the load on the catheter system (“Low Resistance 16g”) remains lower at various extension or withdrawal distances of the introducer needle compared to other catheter systems known in the art. The load or resistance of the catheter system (“Low Resistance 16g”) may average about 0.1 N, while catheter systems known in the art typically have an average load or resistance of about 0.5 to 0.6 N. In some embodiments, the catheter system (“Low Resistance 16g”) may include or correspond to Figure 3A - 4D the catheter system 86 of

[0087] All of the examples and conditional language recited herein are for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to advance the art and are to be construed as not being limited to these specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that the embodiments can be combined.

Claims

1. A catheter system, the catheter system comprising: a catheter adapter including a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall forming a lumen, wherein the wall includes a slot; a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter; a needle assembly coupled to the catheter adapter, the needle assembly including: a guide needle including a distal tip and a raised feature, wherein the distal tip is disposed distally of the catheter in a first position; a housing including: a distal opening; a proximal opening, wherein the diameter of the proximal opening is less than the outer diameter of the raised feature; and a side opening, wherein the proximal end of the side opening is distal of the proximal end of the slot; and a spring clip disposed within the housing, wherein the spring clip includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a U-shaped portion partially disposed within the slot, wherein the proximal end of the side opening is disposed within the U-shaped portion to bias the U-shaped portion outwardly, wherein the U-shaped portion does not contact the guide needle, wherein in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the first position to a second position, the raised feature contacts the proximal opening, wherein in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to a third position, the housing and the proximal end of the side opening move proximally, the U-shaped portion is released and moves inwardly, and the spring clip blocks the distal opening.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the first end of the spring clip abuts against the proximal end of the side opening.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the first end of the spring clip includes a shielding portion, wherein the shielding portion is generally L-shaped and extends from the U-shaped portion, wherein in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the shielding portion blocks the distal opening.

4. The catheter system according to claim 3, wherein, the first end of the spring clip further includes a lip extending proximally from the shielding portion, wherein the shielding portion is disposed between the lip and the U-shaped portion, wherein in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the distal tip is disposed between the lip and the U-shaped portion.

5. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the spring clip does not contact the guide needle.

6. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the spring clip includes an opening, wherein the guide needle extends through the opening, and the spring clip is spaced apart from the opening.

7. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the spring clip is generally U-shaped between the first end and the second end.

8. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the housing includes a groove, wherein the second end of the spring clip is disposed within the groove, wherein in response to the distal tip being withdrawn proximally from the second position to the third position, the housing and the proximal end of the side opening move proximally, and the second end moves closer to the distal end of the groove.

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