Catheter assembly, catheter system, and catheter adapter

Abstract

A catheter assembly, comprising: a catheter adapter body and a catheter, the catheter adapter body comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a lower surface; an upper surface; a catheter adapter channel formed within the catheter adapter body; the catheter comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a catheter lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the catheter, the proximal end of the catheter being coupled to the catheter adapter body such that the catheter lumen is in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel; an angle formed between the lower surface of the catheter adapter body and a first longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter channel being greater than 4 degrees. The present application also relates to a catheter system and a catheter adapter. By adopting the technical solution of the present application, the "S"-shaped bend in the prior art catheter can be reduced or eliminated, thereby effectively increasing and / or maximizing the intravenous length of a given PIVC. Thereby, the features in the traditional catheter adapter design that may increase the likelihood of complications are reduced or eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to medical devices, and in particular, the present application relates to a catheter assembly, a catheter system, and a catheter adapter. Background Art

[0002] Catheters are commonly used in various infusion therapies. For example, a catheter can be used to infuse fluids such as saline solution, various drugs, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. A catheter can also be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0003] A common type of catheter is a peripheral intravenous catheter over the needle ("PIVC"). As the name implies, a PIVC can be mounted on a guide needle having a sharp distal tip. The PIVC and the guide needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the guide needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC, with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. The PIVC and the guide needle are typically inserted through the skin at a small angle and into a patient's blood vessel, such as the patient's artery, vein, or any other vasculature.

[0004] To verify proper placement of the guide needle and / or PIVC within a blood vessel, a clinician typically observes blood "flashback" occurring within the PIVC. Blood flashback occurs when blood travels proximally between the outer surface of the guide needle and the inner surface of the PIVC (which can be transparent). Thus, the clinician can visualize the blood and confirm placement of the guide needle within the blood vessel. Once placement of the needle has been confirmed, the clinician can temporarily occlude the flow in the vein, remove the guide needle, and secure the PIVC to the patient's skin with a dressing to hold the PIVC in place for future blood draws and / or fluid infusions.

[0005] However, traditional catheter adapter designs may have features that can increase the likelihood of complications, including but not limited to: (1) a reduced "intravenous" length of a given catheter lumen; (2) an offset of the catheter lumen from the vein; (3) penetration and / or extravasation of a drug / fluid into surrounding tissue; (4) phlebitis; (5) occlusion of the catheter lumen (e.g., the tip of the catheter lumen may become stuck in the vein wall and be blocked); (6) increased stress on the catheter lumen and the vein; (7) a larger "un-productive" length of the catheter lumen for coupling an increased volume of fluid; and (8) a larger catheter adapter footprint, which may affect the loading of the catheter lumen when securing the catheter adapter to the patient's skin with a dressing.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as the ones described above. Rather, this background is provided to illustrate an example technical field in which some of the embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure generally relates to vascular access devices and related systems.

[0008] In certain embodiments, a catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter body and a catheter. The catheter adapter body may include a proximal end, a distal end, a lower surface, an upper surface, and a catheter adapter channel formed within the catheter adapter body. The catheter may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a catheter lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the catheter. The proximal end of the catheter may be coupled to the catheter adapter body such that the catheter lumen is in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel, and the angle formed between the lower surface of the catheter adapter body and a first longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter channel may be greater than 4 degrees.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the catheter adapter body of the catheter assembly may include a second longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the catheter adapter body, and the angle formed between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis may be greater than 10 degrees.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the angle formed between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis may be between 10 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the angle formed between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis may be 30 degrees.

[0012] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the catheter lumen proximate to the catheter adapter body may be coaxial with the catheter adapter channel formed within the catheter adapter body.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a septum coupled to the catheter adapter body adjacent to the catheter adapter channel. In certain embodiments, the septum may be a single-component septum. In certain embodiments, the septum may be a multi-component septum.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the catheter adapter body may include a passage port in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, a catheter adapter can include a catheter adapter body and a catheter adapter channel. The catheter adapter body can include a proximal end, a distal end, a lower surface, and an upper surface. The catheter adapter channel can be formed within the catheter adapter body. The lower surface of the catheter adapter body can be configured to abut a surface area of a patient's skin, and the angle formed between the surface area of the patient's skin and the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter channel can be greater than 4 degrees.

[0016] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the surface area of the patient's skin and the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter channel can be greater than 10 degrees.

[0017] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the surface area of the patient's skin and the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter channel can be between 10 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0018] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the surface area of the patient's skin and the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter channel can be 30 degrees.

[0019] In some embodiments, the catheter adapter can include a septum coupled to the catheter adapter body adjacent to the catheter adapter channel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the septum can be a single-component septum. In some embodiments, the septum can be a multi-component septum.

[0021] In some embodiments, the catheter adapter body can include a passage port in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel.

[0022] In some embodiments, a catheter system can include a catheter adapter, a catheter coupled to the catheter adapter, and a needle assembly. The catheter adapter can include a proximal end, a distal end, a lower surface, an upper surface, and a catheter adapter channel formed within the catheter adapter. The catheter adapter can include a first longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the catheter adapter such that the first longitudinal axis is generally parallel to the lower surface of the catheter adapter. The catheter can include a proximal end, a distal end, and a catheter lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the catheter. The proximal end of the catheter can be coupled to the catheter adapter such that the catheter lumen is in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel, and the angle formed between the first longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter and a second longitudinal axis of the catheter can be greater than 4 degrees. The needle assembly can include a needle hub and a guide needle coupled to the needle hub. The guide needle can be configured to be removably inserted into the catheter adapter channel and the catheter lumen.

[0023] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the first longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter and the second longitudinal axis of the catheter can be greater than 10 degrees.

[0024] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the first longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter and the second longitudinal axis of the catheter can be between 10 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0025] In some embodiments, the angle formed between the first longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter and the second longitudinal axis of the catheter can be 30 degrees.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the catheter lumen proximate to the catheter adapter can be coaxial with the catheter adapter passage formed within the catheter adapter.

[0027] In some embodiments, the catheter system can include a septum coupled to the catheter adapter adjacent to the catheter adapter passage. In some embodiments, the septum can be a single-component septum. In some embodiments, the septum can be a multi-component septum.

[0028] Adopting the technical solution of the present application can reduce or eliminate the "S"-shaped bend in the prior art catheter, thereby effectively increasing and / or maximizing the intravenous length of a given PIVC. This reduces or eliminates the features in the traditional catheter adapter design that may increase the likelihood of complications.

[0029] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the embodiments of the present disclosure as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined, or other embodiments can be utilized, and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, unless so claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional features and details by using the drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter system 10 according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a sectional top view of the catheter system 10 according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 2Cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter assembly 200 according to certain embodiments;

[0034] Figure 3A Side view of an exemplary catheter assembly 300 inserted into a patient's blood vessel 2 according to certain embodiments;

[0035] Figure 3B Is Figure 3A Cross-sectional side view of catheter assembly 300 inserted into a patient's blood vessel 2 according to certain embodiments;

[0036] Figure 4A Side view of an exemplary catheter assembly 400 inserted into a patient's blood vessel 2 according to certain embodiments;

[0037] Figure 4B Is Figure 4A Cross-sectional side view of catheter assembly 400 inserted into a patient's blood vessel 2 according to certain embodiments;

[0038] Figure 5 Is Figure 3A And 4A Side view of catheter assemblies 300, 400 inserted into a patient's blood vessel 2 to compare the relative "intravenous" lengths between catheters 322, 422;

[0039] Figure 6 Is Figure 3A And 4A Cross-sectional side view of catheter assemblies 300, 400 inserted into a patient's blood vessel 2 to compare the relative "intravenous" lengths between catheters 322, 422, where catheter assemblies 300, 400 are stacked on top of each other;

[0040] Figure 7 Is Figure 4A Cross-sectional side view of catheter assembly 400 according to certain embodiments before catheter assembly 400 is attached to the patient;

[0041] Figure 8 Cross-sectional side view of catheter assembly 800 according to certain embodiments, the catheter assembly 800 being similar to Figure 4A Catheter assembly 400 including access port 480; and

[0042] Figure 9 Cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 900 according to certain embodiments, the exemplary catheter system 900 including Figure 4A Catheter assembly 400 and needle assembly 412.

[0043] It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes of the concepts of the present disclosure and may not be drawn to scale. Additionally, the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments and do not represent a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0044] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are always denoted by like numerals. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the devices and systems shown in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as claimed in this application or any other application claiming the priority of this application, but merely represents exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] Reference Figure 1A and 1B , in certain embodiments, according to certain embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle assembly 12 and a catheter assembly 14. Figure 1A and 1B illustrates the catheter system 10 in an insertion position ready to be inserted into a patient's vein ( Figure 1A and 1B not shown in). In certain embodiments, the catheter assembly 14 may include a catheter adapter or catheter adapter body 16, the catheter adapter or catheter adapter body 16 may include a proximal end 20, a distal end 18, and a catheter adapter channel 21, the catheter adapter channel 21 being formed with the catheter adapter body 16 and extending between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 18 of the catheter adapter body 16. In certain embodiments, the catheter adapter body 16 may include a septum 70 coupled to the catheter adapter body 16 adjacent to the catheter adapter channel 21. In certain embodiments, the septum 70 may be a single-component septum. In certain embodiments, the septum 70 may be a multi-component septum. In certain embodiments, the catheter assembly 14 may include a catheter 22, the catheter 22 may include a proximal end 26, a distal end 24, and a catheter lumen 27 extending between the proximal end 26 and the distal end 24 of the catheter 22. In certain embodiments, the catheter 22 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”). In certain embodiments, the proximal end 26 of the catheter 22 may be fixed within the catheter adapter body 16.

[0046] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 can include a needle hub 28 that can be removably coupled to the catheter adapter body 16. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 can include a guide needle 30. In some embodiments, the proximal end 31 of the guide needle 30 can be fixed within the needle hub 28. In some embodiments, the guide needle 30 can extend through the catheter lumen 27, and when the catheter system 10 is in the insertion position and ready to be inserted into a patient's vein ( Figure 1A and 1B not shown), the distal end 33 of the guide needle 30 can project from the distal end 24 of the catheter 22.

[0047] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 can include a needle grip 32 that a clinician can grasp and move proximally to withdraw the guide needle 30 from the vein once placement of the catheter 22 within the vein has been confirmed. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can include an extension tube 34. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube 34 can be coupled to the catheter adapter body 16, and the proximal end of the extension tube 34 can be coupled to an adapter 36. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter body 16 can include a access port 80 that can be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel 21. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube 34 can be coupled to the access port 80 such that the extension tube 34 can be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel 21 via the access port 80.

[0048] In some embodiments, once the guide needle 30 has been removed from the catheter system 10, a fluid infusion device (not shown) can be coupled to the adapter 36 to deliver fluid to the patient via the catheter 22 inserted into the vein. In some embodiments, a blood collection device (not shown) can be coupled to the adapter 36 to draw blood from the patient via the catheter 22 inserted into the vein.

[0049] The catheter system 10 can include straight, ported, integrated, and conventional catheters. For example, in some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can be integrated, having an extension tube 34 integrated within the catheter adapter body 16, such as the BDNEXIVA TM Closed IV Catheter System, BDNEXIVA TM DIFFUSICS TM Closed IV Catheter System, BD PEGASUS TM Safety Closed IV Catheter System, or other integrated catheter systems. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can be non-integrated, without an extension tube 34.

[0050] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can be vented to observe blood and to facilitate proximal flow of blood within the guide needle 30 and / or the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can be vented in any suitable manner. For example, the vent plug 38 can be coupled to the adapter 36 during insertion of the catheter 22 into a patient. In some embodiments, the vent plug 38 can be air permeable but blood impermeable. In some embodiments, the catheter 22, the catheter adapter body 16, the extension tube 34, the adapter 36, and the vent plug 38 can be in fluid communication. As another example, in some embodiments, the needle hub 28 can include a flash chamber.

[0051] Figure 2 FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter assembly 200 in accordance with some embodiments. The catheter assembly 200 generally can include a catheter adapter body 216 and a catheter 222.

[0052] The catheter adapter body 216 can include a proximal end 220, a distal end 218, a lower surface 240, an upper surface 242, and a catheter adapter channel 221 that is formed within the catheter adapter body 216 and extends between the proximal end 220 and the distal end 218 of the catheter adapter body 216. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter body 216 can include a septum 270 that can be coupled to the catheter adapter body 216 adjacent to the catheter adapter channel 221. In some embodiments, the septum 270 can be a single-component septum. In some embodiments, the septum 270 can be a multi-component septum. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter body 216 can further include a passage port ( Figure 2 not shown in FIG. ) that can be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel 221.

[0053] The catheter 222 can include a proximal end 226, a distal end 224, and a catheter lumen 227 that extends between the proximal end 226 and the distal end 224 of the catheter 222. In some embodiments, the catheter 222 can include a peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”). In some embodiments, the proximal end 226 of the catheter 222 can be coupled to and / or secured within the catheter adapter body 216 such that the catheter lumen 227 can be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel 221 formed within the catheter adapter body 216.

[0054] In some embodiments, the angle 260 formed between the lower surface 240 of the catheter adapter body 216 and the first longitudinal axis 251 of the catheter adapter channel 221 can be between 0 degrees and 4 degrees. The lower surface 240 of the catheter adapter body 216 can be generally parallel to Figure 2 the line 250 shown in FIG. In Figure 2In the embodiment shown, the first longitudinal axis 251 of the catheter adapter channel 221 may be equivalent to the second longitudinal axis 252 or the main axis of the catheter adapter body 216, and the second longitudinal axis 252 or the main axis extends between the proximal end 220 and the distal end 218 of the catheter adapter body 216. In this embodiment, the first longitudinal axis 251 of the catheter adapter channel 221 may be coaxial with the second longitudinal axis 252 of the catheter adapter body 216. Moreover, the longitudinal axis of the catheter lumen 227 may also be coaxial with the first longitudinal axis 251 and the second longitudinal axis 252, as can be seen in Figure 2 as follows.

[0055] Figure 3A and 3B show a catheter assembly 300 similar to the catheter assembly 200 shown in Figure 2 . However, Figure 3A and 3B the catheter assembly 300 is shown as being inserted into the blood vessel 2 of a patient, wherein the lower surface 340 of the catheter adapter body 316 abuts the surface area of the skin 1 of the patient. Specifically, Figure 3A shows a side view of the catheter assembly 300, and Figure 3B shows Figure 3A a cross-sectional side view of the catheter assembly 300. The catheter assembly 300 generally may include a catheter adapter body 316 and a catheter 322.

[0056] The catheter adapter body 316 may include a proximal end 320, a distal end 318, a lower surface 340, an upper surface 342, and a catheter adapter channel 321, and the catheter adapter channel 321 is formed within the catheter adapter body 316 and extends between the proximal end 320 and the distal end 318 of the catheter adapter body 316. In certain embodiments, the catheter adapter body 316 may include a septum 370, and the septum 370 may be coupled to the catheter adapter body 316 adjacent to the catheter adapter channel 321. In certain embodiments, the septum 370 may be a single-component septum. In certain embodiments, the septum 370 may be a multi-component septum. In certain embodiments, the catheter adapter body 316 may further include a passage port 380, and the passage port 380 may be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter channel 321.

[0057] The catheter 322 can include a proximal end 326, a distal end 324, and a catheter lumen 327 extending between the proximal end 326 and the distal end 324 of the catheter 322. In some embodiments, the catheter 322 can include a peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”). In some embodiments, the proximal end 326 of the catheter 322 can be coupled to and / or fixed within the catheter adapter body 316 such that the catheter lumen 327 can be in fluid communication with a catheter adapter passage 321 formed within the catheter adapter body 316.

[0058] In Figure 3A and 3B the embodiment shown, a first longitudinal axis 351 of the catheter adapter passage 321 can be equivalent to a second longitudinal axis 352 of the catheter adapter body 316, the second longitudinal axis 352 extending between the proximal end 320 and the distal end 318 of the catheter adapter body 316 such that as Figure 3A and 3B shown, the first longitudinal axis 351 of the catheter adapter passage 321 is coaxial with the second longitudinal axis 352 of the catheter adapter body 316. Moreover, at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the catheter lumen 327 proximate the distal end 318 of the catheter adapter body 316 can be coaxial with the first longitudinal axis 351 and the second longitudinal axis 352. In this way, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter body 316 and the longitudinal axis of the catheter lumen 327 proximate the distal end 318 of the catheter adapter body 316 can be zero because the two axes are coaxial with each other as shown in this embodiment.

[0059] In some embodiments, the angle 360 between the lower surface 340 of the catheter adapter body 316 (and / or the surface area of the patient's skin abutting the lower surface 340 of the catheter adapter body 316) and the first longitudinal axis 351 of the catheter adapter passage 321 can be between 0 degrees and about 4 degrees. The lower surface 340 of the catheter adapter body 316 can be generally parallel to the patient's skin 1 and / or generally parallel to the surface area of the patient's skin abutting the lower surface 340 of the catheter adapter body 316.

[0060] Thus, because Figure 3B the angle 360 shown is relatively small (e.g., between 0 degrees and 4 degrees), the catheter 322 can exhibit a generally “S”-shaped bend in its profile due to this small angle 360, which can cause the distal end 318 of the catheter adapter body 316 to be elevated away from the patient's skin when the catheter adapter body 316 is fixed to the patient's skin with a dressing. The “S”-shaped bend formed in the catheter 322 can reduce the effective intravenous length 392 of the catheter 322 toward the distal end 324 of the catheter 322, as inFigure 3A as can be seen.

[0061] Typically, factors such as patient anatomy, insertion quality, and catheter adapter body design can affect the effective intravascular length of a given PIVC. As previously mentioned, a smaller intravascular length is associated with complications such as migration, phlebitis, anatomy-induced blockages (e.g., the catheter tip is more likely to become lodged in the vein wall), and the like.

[0062] Traditional design architectures of PIVCs place the major axis of the catheter lumen generally parallel to and in many cases coincident with the major axis of the catheter adapter body, as Figure 2-3B shown. This traditional design architecture inherently limits the usable length of the catheter. Inserting the catheter nearly parallel to the patient's skin causes the catheter to assume an "S" shape at the location where it enters the intravascular space because the catheter passes parallel to the patient's skin near the catheter adapter body before bending downward into the patient's tissue and then bending horizontally again as the catheter enters the vein. The upper portion of this "S" shape (e.g., see Figure 3A reference numeral 390 in the drawing) effectively reduces the intravascular length 392 of the catheter toward the distal end of the catheter, as Figure 3A shown. An improved catheter adapter design that reduces or eliminates this "S" shape bend in the catheter can effectively increase and / or maximize the intravascular length of a given PIVC.

[0063] Figure 4A and 4B show an exemplary catheter assembly 400 that reduces / eliminates the upper portion of the "S" shape bend formed in a catheter inserted into a patient's blood vessel. Specifically, Figure 4A shows a side view of catheter assembly 400 inserted into a patient's blood vessel 2, and Figure 4B shows Figure 4A a cross-sectional side view of catheter assembly 400 inserted into a patient's blood vessel 2. Note how the upper portion 490 of the "S" shape is reduced / eliminated, thereby increasing the intravascular length 492 toward the distal end 424 of catheter 422.

[0064] The catheter assembly 400 can generally include a catheter adapter body 416 and a catheter 422. The catheter adapter body 416 can include a proximal end 420, a distal end 418, a lower surface 440, an upper surface 442, and a catheter adapter passage 421 that is formed within the catheter adapter body 416 and extends between the proximal end 420 and the distal end 418 of the catheter adapter body 416. In certain embodiments, the catheter adapter body 416 can include a septum 470 that can be coupled to the catheter adapter body 416 adjacent to the catheter adapter passage 421. In certain embodiments, the septum 470 can be a single-component septum. In certain embodiments, the septum 470 can be a multi-component septum. In certain embodiments, the catheter adapter body 416 can include a access port 480 that can be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter passage 421.

[0065] The catheter 422 can include a proximal end 426, a distal end 424, and a catheter lumen 427 that extends between the proximal end 426 and the distal end 424 of the catheter 422. In certain embodiments, the catheter 422 can include a peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”). In certain embodiments, the proximal end 426 of the catheter 422 can be coupled to and / or secured within the catheter adapter body 416 such that the catheter lumen 427 can be in fluid communication with the catheter adapter passage 421 formed within the catheter adapter body 416.

[0066] In Figure 4A and 4B the illustrated embodiment, a first longitudinal axis 451 of the catheter adapter passage 421 can not be coaxial with a second longitudinal axis 452 of the catheter adapter body 416. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the catheter lumen 427 proximate to the catheter adapter body 416 can be coaxial with the catheter adapter passage 421 formed within the catheter adapter body 416. In certain embodiments, the second longitudinal axis 452 of the catheter adapter body 416 can extend along a primary longitudinal direction of the catheter adapter body 416 between the proximal end 420 and the distal end 418 of the catheter adapter body 416. In certain embodiments, the second longitudinal axis 452 can be generally parallel to the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416. In certain embodiments, the second longitudinal axis 452 can be generally parallel to the skin 1 of the patient and / or generally parallel to a surface area of the skin 1 of the patient that abuts the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416.

[0067] In certain embodiments, a first longitudinal axis 451 of the catheter 422 and / or the catheter adapter passage 421 can form an angle 460 relative to the second longitudinal axis 452 of the catheter adapter body 416, as Figure 4B shown in.

[0068] In some embodiments, the angle 460 between the first longitudinal axis 451 formed in the catheter 422 or the catheter adapter channel 421 and the second longitudinal axis 452 of the catheter adapter, the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416, and / or the surface area of the patient's skin that abuts the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416 may be greater than 4 degrees.

[0069] In some embodiments, the angle 460 between the first longitudinal axis 451 formed in the catheter 422 or the catheter adapter channel 421 and the second longitudinal axis 452 of the catheter adapter, the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416, and / or the surface area of the patient's skin that abuts the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416 may be greater than 10 degrees.

[0070] In some embodiments, the angle 460 between the first longitudinal axis 451 formed in the catheter 422 or the catheter adapter channel 421 and the second longitudinal axis 452 of the catheter adapter, the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416, and / or the surface area of the patient's skin that abuts the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416 may be greater than 4 degrees and may be between 10 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0071] In some embodiments, the angle 460 between the first longitudinal axis 451 formed in the catheter 422 or the catheter adapter channel 421 and the second longitudinal axis 452 of the catheter adapter, the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416, and / or the surface area of the patient's skin that abuts the lower surface 440 of the catheter adapter body 416 may be 30 degrees.

[0072] Thus, because the angle 460 of the catheter 422 corresponding to Figure 4A and 4B is relatively large (e.g., greater than 10 degrees) compared to the angles 260, 360 of the catheters 222, 322 corresponding to Figure 2-3B , the catheter 422 may not exhibit a substantially "S" shape compared to the catheters 222, 322 shown in Figure 2-3B . This can be seen in Figure 5 and 6 , Figure 5 and 6 by comparing the catheter assemblies 300, 400 to each other. Specifically, Figure 5 is a side view of the catheter assemblies 300, 400 inserted into the patient's blood vessel 2 for Figure 3A and 4A to compare the relative intravenous lengths 392, 492 between the catheters 322, 422; and Figure 6 is for Figure 3A and 4ACross-sectional side views of catheter assemblies 300, 400 inserted into a patient's blood vessel 2 (where catheter assemblies 300, 400 are stacked on top of each other) to compare the relative intraluminal lengths between catheters 322, 422. In certain embodiments, the intraluminal length 492 can be 4 mm to 8 mm longer (and / or longer than 8 mm) than the intraluminal length 392.

[0073] Figure 7 For Figure 4A Cross-sectional side view of catheter assembly 400 before catheter assembly 400 is attached to the patient and Figure 8 Is a cross-sectional side view of catheter assembly 800 according to certain embodiments, catheter assembly 800 being similar to Figure 4A Catheter assembly 400 of, but which includes access port 480.

[0074] Figure 9 Is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 900 according to certain embodiments, exemplary catheter system 900 including Figure 4A Catheter assembly 400 of combined with needle assembly 412. In certain embodiments, needle assembly 412 can include a needle hub 428 having a compact design, the needle hub 428 being removably coupled to catheter adapter body 416. In certain embodiments, needle assembly 412 can include a guide needle 430 coupled to needle hub 428. In certain embodiments, the proximal end 431 of guide needle 430 can be fixed within needle hub 428. In certain embodiments, needle hub 428 can include a flash chamber. In certain embodiments, when catheter system 900 is in the insertion position, guide needle 430 can extend through catheter lumen 427, and the distal end 433 of guide needle 430 can protrude from the distal end 424 of catheter 422 to prepare for insertion into a patient's vein ( Figure 9 Not shown in). In certain embodiments, guide needle 430 can be removably inserted into catheter adapter channel 421 and catheter lumen 427. In certain embodiments, guide needle 430 can be removed from catheter adapter channel 421 and / or catheter lumen 427 at an angle greater than 10 degrees relative to the patient's skin 1, the lower surface 440 of catheter adapter body 416, and / or the second longitudinal axis 452 of catheter adapter body 416. In certain embodiments, guide needle 430 can be removed from catheter adapter channel 421 and / or catheter lumen 427 at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the patient's skin 1, the lower surface 440 of catheter adapter body 416, and / or the second longitudinal axis 452 of catheter adapter body 416.

[0075] References to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" in the course of this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases or variations thereof recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. It should be understood that any embodiment of the present disclosure or any one or more parts of any embodiment of the present disclosure can be combined together in any number of different ways.

[0076] Similarly, it should be understood that in the above description of embodiments, for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure, various features are sometimes combined together in a single embodiment, drawing, or its description. However, the format of the present disclosure should not be construed as reflecting the intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in that claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive aspects lie in combinations of less than all the features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the claims following this detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, where each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment. The present disclosure includes all permutations of independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0077] The recitation of the term "first" with respect to a feature or element in a claim does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in apparatus plus function format should be understood in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the details of the above-described embodiments can be changed without departing from the basic principles set forth herein.

[0078] Standard medical orientations, reference planes, and descriptive terms are used in this specification. For example, "anterior" means toward the front of the body. "Posterior" means toward the back of the body. "Superior" means toward the head. "Inferior" means toward the feet. "Medial" means toward the midline of the body. "Lateral" means away from the midline of the body. "Axial" means toward the central axis of the body. "Off-axis" means away from the central axis of the body. "Ipsilateral" means on the same side of the body. "Contralateral" means on the opposite side of the body. The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions. The midsagittal plane divides the body into left and right halves that are bilaterally symmetric. The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions. These descriptive terms can be applied to living or inanimate subjects.

[0079] The phrases "connected to", "coupled to", "engaged with", and "in communication with" refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interactions. Even if two components do not directly contact each other, they can be functionally coupled to each other. The term "abut" refers to items in direct physical contact with each other, but the items may not necessarily be attached together. The phrase "in fluid communication" refers to two features that are connected such that fluid within one feature can enter into another feature.

[0080] As defined herein, "substantially equal" means "equal" to each other or within a relative deviation of approximately ±10%.

[0081] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" need not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Although aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

[0082] Although specific embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it should be understood that the scope of the appended claims is not limited to the exact construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations to the arrangement, operation, and details of the devices and systems disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0083] All of the examples and conditional language recited herein are for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and should be construed as not being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A catheter assembly, characterized in that, The catheter assembly includes: A catheter adapter body, the catheter adapter body including: A proximal end; A distal end; A lower surface; An upper surface, wherein the upper surface includes the uppermost surface of the catheter assembly and is fixed relative to the lower surface, and both the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter adapter body extend between the lower surface and the upper surface; A catheter adapter passage formed within the catheter adapter body, the catheter adapter passage having a first longitudinal axis that extends from the upper surface through the distal end of the catheter adapter body; and A catheter, the catheter including: A proximal end; A distal end; and A catheter lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the catheter, wherein: The proximal end of the catheter is coupled to the catheter adapter body such that the catheter lumen is in fluid communication with the catheter adapter passage; and The angle formed between the lower surface of the catheter adapter body and the first longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter passage is greater than 4 degrees.

2. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The catheter adapter body includes a second longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the catheter adapter body; and The angle formed between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is greater than 10 degrees.

3. The catheter assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The angle formed between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is between 10 degrees and 90 degrees.

4. The catheter assembly according to claim 3, wherein The angle formed between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is 30 degrees.

5. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the catheter lumen proximate to the catheter adapter body is coaxial with the catheter adapter passage formed within the catheter adapter body.

6. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein The catheter assembly further includes a septum coupled to the catheter adapter body adjacent to the catheter adapter passage, wherein the septum includes one of the following: A single-component septum; and A multi-component septum.

7. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The catheter adapter body further includes a passage port in fluid communication with the catheter adapter passage.

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