Catheter system

Abstract

The catheter system may include a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The system may include a catheter tube extending distally from the catheter adapter. The system may include an extension tube coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The extension tube may be extensible. The system may include a locking mechanism coupled to the extension tube and removably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The system may include a needle hub removably coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube and a guide needle extending through the catheter tube. The proximal end of the guide needle may be fixed within the needle hub.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a catheter system, and particularly to a catheter system with an extendable extension tube. Background Art

[0002] Infusion therapy can be assisted by a vascular access device - a common healthcare procedure. For example, inpatients, home care patients, and other patients receive fluids, medications, and blood products via a vascular access device inserted into the vascular system. Blood sampling is another common healthcare procedure that can be assisted by a vascular access device.

[0003] The vascular access device can access the patient's peripheral or central vascular system. The vascular access device can be left in the body for a short term (several days), medium term (several weeks), or long term (months to years). The vascular access device is used for continuous or intermittent infusion therapy.

[0004] A common type of vascular access device is a winged peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As the name implies, the winged peripheral intravenous catheter can be mounted on a guide needle with a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip can be used to pierce the patient's skin and vascular system. Inserting the peripheral intravenous catheter into the vascular system can follow after the needle pierces the vascular system. The needle and the peripheral intravenous catheter are usually inserted into the patient's vascular system through the patient's skin at a shallow angle, with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin.

[0005] Placement of the peripheral intravenous catheter within the vascular system is crucial for blood sampling and fluid infusion, but can be difficult to maintain. When a peripheral intravenous catheter is inserted, the patient typically desires or needs a normal range of body movement. Moreover, external objects may exert an external force on the peripheral intravenous catheter, thereby changing the position of the peripheral intravenous catheter within the vascular system. In some cases, the external force may cause the distal end of the peripheral intravenous catheter to move dynamically back and forth or the distal end to statically shift from its position within the vascular system.

[0006] Peripheral venous catheter assemblies can be coupled to an extension kit that enables the coupling of an infusion or blood withdrawal device at a location remote from the peripheral venous catheter insertion site. While extension kits can reduce the risk of interfering with the insertion site or dislodging the catheter from the patient's vasculature, extension kits require a priming protocol where the extension tubing must be filled with fluid to eliminate air bubbles in the catheter system. The priming procedure is time-consuming for clinicians. Additionally, catheters with long extension tubing have the potential to become kinked and dislodge the catheter accidentally, or require additional fixation measures that may make the patient feel bulky and uncomfortable. Finally, catheters with extension tubing require a longer length to loop the extension tubing for proper fixation while minimizing kinking. Accordingly, a catheter system with an extendable extension tubing would be beneficial for patients and clinicians requiring infusion therapy.

[0007] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that solve all disadvantages and operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate an example technical field in which some implementations described herein may be practiced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a catheter system configured to facilitate successful catheter insertion and eliminate or significantly reduce priming, and also improve patient comfort associated with longer catheter retention times. More particularly, the catheter system can reduce complications associated with inserting catheter tubing into a patient's vein and / or improve the catheter retention time and looping of the extension tubing. The catheter system can also eliminate or significantly reduce the time associated with priming so that clinicians can expedite the setup of peripheral venous catheters.

[0009] In some embodiments, the catheter system can include a catheter hub having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The catheter system can include a catheter tubing extending distally from the catheter hub. The catheter system can include an extension tubing coupled to the proximal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the extension tubing can be extendable. In some embodiments, the catheter system can include a locking mechanism coupled to the extension tubing and removably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter hub. The system can include a needle hub removably coupled to the proximal end of the extension tubing and a guide needle extending through the catheter tubing. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the guide needle can be secured within the needle hub.

[0010] In some embodiments, the extension tubing can be corrugated. The extension tubing can be bendable when extended such that the extension tubing can be bent in various directions as required for infusion therapy. Additionally, the extension tubing can be elastic and retain its shape when bent and can resist kinking.

[0011] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a rod having a lip disposed at the distal end of the locking mechanism, the lip engaging a flange disposed on the catheter adapter. For example, in response to depression of the proximal end of the rod, the lip can disengage from the flange of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, when the locking mechanism is engaged, the extension tube can be compressed, and when the locking mechanism is disengaged, the extension tube is extensible. The guide needle can be retracted through the extension tube while the extension tube is being compressed, extended, or while the extension tube is extending.

[0012] In some embodiments, the catheter system can include a septum member. The septum member can be disposed within the proximal end of the extension tube. In other embodiments, the catheter system can include a luer connector coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube. A flashback chamber can be disposed within the proximal end of the needle hub. In response to insertion of the catheter tubing into a patient's vein, blood can flow into the flashback chamber. The flashback chamber can include a vent hole. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber can extend proximally from the proximal end of the needle hub. The volume of the flashback chamber can be between about 2 ml and about 3 ml. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber can be transparent.

[0013] In some embodiments, the needle hub can include a paddle-shaped grip portion. Additionally, the catheter adapter can include at least one wing extending outwardly from the catheter adapter. The at least one wing can include an upper surface and a lower surface. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the wing includes a grip portion and the lower surface of the wing includes a recess. When the tip of the guide needle is retracted within the catheter tubing, the recess can be coupled to the grip portion on the upper surface of the paddle-shaped grip portion.

[0014] 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 that are claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the figures. It should also be understood that combinations of embodiments can be made or other embodiments can be utilized and structural changes can be made (unless such a requirement exists) without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Example embodiments will be described and illustrated with additional specificity and detail by using the drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1A is a top perspective view of an example catheter system 10 according to some embodiments;

[0017] Figure 1B is a top perspective view of an example catheter system 10 according to some embodiments, showing the extended extension tube;

[0018] Figure 2A is a front perspective view of an exemplary catheter system according to some embodiments;

[0019] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a top view of the catheter system of

[0020] Figure 2C is a perspective view of the catheter system of Figure 2A with an extended extension tube;

[0021] Figure 2D is Figure 2A a cross-sectional side view of the catheter system of

[0022] Figure 2E is Figure 2A an exploded view of the catheter system of

[0023] Figure 3A is Figure 2A a perspective view of the catheter system of, where the needle hub is partially separated from the catheter fitting;

[0024] Figure 3B is a perspective view of an exemplary catheter fitting and extension tube according to some embodiments, where the extension tube is compressed;

[0025] Figure 3C is Figure 3B a perspective view of the catheter fitting of, where the extension tube is extended;

[0026] Figure 3D is Figure 3B a perspective view of the catheter fitting of, where the extension tube is extended and bent;

[0027] Figure 3E is Figure 3B a perspective view of the catheter fitting of, where the extension tube is extended and bent;

[0028] Figure 4A is an upper perspective view of an exemplary paddle grip according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 4B is a lower perspective view of an exemplary catheter wing extending from an exemplary catheter fitting according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary needle in an insertion position within an exemplary catheter fitting according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary needle in an intermediate position within an exemplary catheter fitting according to some embodiments; and

[0032] Figure 6A perspective view of an exemplary needle hub coupled to an exemplary collection container, according to some embodiments.

[0033] It should be understood that the figures are for the purpose of illustrating the concepts of the present disclosure and may not be drawn to scale. Additionally, the figures show exemplary embodiments and do not represent a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0034] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are always designated by like numerals. It is readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus and system as shown in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as claimed in this application or any other application claiming priority to this application, but is merely representative of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] The present disclosure generally relates to a catheter system configured to facilitate successful catheter insertion, eliminate or significantly reduce priming, and improve patient comfort associated with longer catheter dwell times. Now referring to Figure 1A , an exemplary catheter system 10 is shown, which is ready to be inserted into a patient's vein ( Figure 1A not shown). In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter hub 12 and a catheter tubing 14. The catheter hub 12 may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter tubing 14 may extend distally from the catheter hub 12.

[0036] The catheter system 10 may include a needle hub 16. The proximal end of the catheter hub may be removably coupled to the needle hub 16. The catheter system 10 may include a guide needle 18. In some embodiments, the guide needle 18 may extend through the catheter tubing 14, and the proximal end of the guide needle 18 may be fixed within the needle hub 16.

[0037] A flashback chamber 20 may be provided within and extend proximally from the proximal end of the needle hub 16. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber 20 may be transparent such that a clinician can verify whether the catheter has been correctly inserted into the patient's vein. In some embodiments, the needle hub 16 further includes a paddle grip 22 to assist in manipulating the needle hub. The paddle grip 22 may extend outwardly and distally from the needle hub 16.

[0038] Now referring to Figure 1B, the catheter system 10 may include an extension tube 24 coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter 12. The extension tube 24 may be extensible and may be corrugated. The extensible and / or corrugated extension tube 24 may reduce or eliminate the need for perfusion of the catheter system 10 by reducing the internal fluid volume, thereby eliminating the need for external fluid to prevent the formation of air bubbles in the catheter system 10.

[0039] Now referring to Figure 2A - Figure 2C , in some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a locking mechanism 26 that is coupled to the extension tube and removably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter 12. The locking mechanism 26 may be located on the upper surface of the catheter system 10. The locking mechanism may include ridges to hold and provide an indication of proper positioning while applying pressure to operate the locking mechanism 26. The locking mechanism 26 may be engaged to maintain the extension tube 24 in a compressed state and may be disengaged to allow the extension tube 24 to extend. For example, the extension tube 24 may include a rod. One end of the rod may be depressed to disengage from the locking mechanism 26.

[0040] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 26 may include a lip disposed on the distal end of the rod to serve as the locking mechanism 26. The catheter adapter 12 may include an upwardly extending flange. The flange may include flat rigid plastic extending from the catheter adapter 12 such that the locking mechanism may engage the flange disposed on the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the user may apply pressure to the proximal end of the rod of the locking mechanism to lift the lip and thereby disengage the lip from the flange.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the proximal end of the catheter adapter 12, the flashback chamber 20, and the extension tube 24 may be nested within at least a portion of the needle hub 16. The catheter adapter 12 and the extension tube 24 may be housed within the needle hub 16 prior to use of the catheter adapter 12 on a patient and / or expansion of the extension tube 24. The compact design of the catheter system 10 enables the user to insert the catheter fitting 14 into a vein with one hand.

[0042] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the catheter adapter 12 is slidably coupled to the distal end of the needle hub 16. The extension tube 24 may be fully housed within the needle hub 16 when the extension tube 24 is compressed. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be configured as a push-pull slider to extend and compress the extension tube 24 and / or separate both the catheter adapter 12 and the extension tube 24 from the needle hub 16. For example, the user may slide the extension tube 24 and the catheter adapter 12 from the needle hub 16 by applying a distal force to the locking mechanism 26 to remove the catheter adapter 12 from the needle hub 16.

[0043] The locking mechanism 26 can be coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube 24. Thus, when the needle hub is separated from the extension tube 24, the locking mechanism 26 remains coupled to the distal end of the extension tube. The needle hub may include a cut-away portion on its upper surface such that the locking mechanism 26 can slide distally to be removed and the locking mechanism 26 can be accessed by the user.

[0044] In some embodiments, the flashback chamber 20 may include a vent hole 28. The vent hole 28 may be gas permeable and liquid impermeable. The vent hole may be configured to remove gas from the flashback chamber 20 when blood or other liquid enters the flashback chamber 20. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber 20 may be disposed within the proximal end of the needle hub. In response to inserting the catheter assembly 14 into a patient's vein, blood may flow into the flashback chamber 20 and provide an indication of successful placement of the guide needle 18 and / or the catheter assembly 14 within the vein. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the flashback chamber extends from the proximal end of the needle hub 16 and may be transparent. The flashback chamber 20 may be transparent to provide a flashback indication of successful insertion into the patient's vein.

[0045] Now referring Figure 2D - Figure 2E , the catheter system 10 may include a septum member 30. The septum member 30 may be disposed within the proximal end of the extension tube 24. In some embodiments, the septum member may be disposed within a septum holder 32 coupled to the extension tube 24. The locking mechanism 26 may be coupled to the septum holder 32 to secure the locking mechanism 26 to the extension tube. In some embodiments, the septum member may be a two-piece septum member, a three-piece septum member, or any suitable septum member.

[0046] In some embodiments, the guide needle 18 may pierce the septum member 30 and extend through the catheter assembly 14. Additionally, an infusion device may be coupled to the septum member 30 to administer fluid to the patient. In some embodiments, a luer connector (not shown) may be coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube 24. The extension tube 24 may be coupled to the catheter fitting and / or the septum holder 32 or the luer connector by laser welding. The extension tube 24 may be coupled to the catheter fitting 12 and / or the septum holder 32 by an adhesive.

[0047] Now referring Figure 3A - Figure 3E , the extension tube 24 may be corrugated. The corrugated extension tube may be extensible and / or compressible, and the extension tube 24 may be bendable when extended. The bendable extension tube may improve patient comfort and require fewer fixation measures for long-term indwelling. In some embodiments, the guide needle may be retracted through the extension tube when the extension tube is compressed, extended, or while the extension tube is being extended.

[0048] The patient may have low blood pressure, which makes blood extraction more difficult because blood may not flow into the catheter adapter 12 without assistance. The clinician can expand the extension tube 24 while retracting the guide needle 18 to create a negative pressure within the catheter system 10 and / or the extension tube 24, such that the vacuum action draws blood from the vein. Expansion of the extension tube 24 may not necessarily draw blood, and the guide needle 18 can be retracted without expanding the extension tube 24.

[0049] The guide needle 18 can be retracted while the locking mechanism 26 is engaged and / or disengaged. After the guide needle 18 is retracted, the catheter adapter 12 and / or the extension tube 24 can be secured such that the distal end of the extension tube is accessible for connection to other devices, sampling, and / or disinfecting the septum member 30. The extension tube can be compressed and the locking mechanism 26 engaged before securing the catheter adapter 12 to the patient's skin or before removing the catheter adapter.

[0050] The extension tube 24 can be elastic and retain its shape when bent. By way of example, the extension tube 24 can be extended and bent such that the extension tube is L-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, or otherwise redirected. The extension tube 24 can be configured to maintain the bent shape. The bent shape can improve patient comfort when the catheter system 10 is secured for a period of indwelling. In some applications, the extension tube 24 can be bent to provide a more secure and / or convenient connection to a fluid source such as IV fluid and / or a medical device.

[0051] In some embodiments, the extension tube 24 can be repositioned from a previous different shape. The extension tube 24 can be compressed after being positioned in a bent configuration. In some embodiments, the patency of the catheter fitting 14 and / or the extension tube 24 can be evaluated by extending or compressing the extension tube. Expanding or compressing the extension tube causes fluid to flow into or out of the catheter fitting. The clinician can use the force required to expand or contract the extension tube to determine if an obstruction is present. In some embodiments, the extension tube can be configured to resist kinking. The corrugations of the extension tube 24 can be bendable without kinking while still being bendable into a bent shape and / or redirecting the extension tube. After the extension tube 24 is compressed, the locking mechanism 26 can be re-engaged. In some embodiments, compression of the extension tube 24 and / or a change in the direction of the extension tube can be beneficial to patient comfort by using less tape and / or securing material to secure the catheter adapter 12 or the catheter system 10 for indwelling.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 4A - Figure 4B, the needle hub 16 can include a paddle-shaped gripping portion 22, and the paddle-shaped gripping portion 22 can include raised features 34 on its upper surface. The raised features 34 can include protrusions and / or bumps to enhance the grip. The raised features can include one or more ridges and / or other gripping features that assist the user in gripping the paddle-shaped gripping portion 22. In some embodiments, the raised features 34 can extend upward beyond other gripping features of the paddle-shaped gripping portion 22.

[0053] In some embodiments, the catheter hub 12 includes at least one wing 36 extending outward from the catheter hub. These wings can stabilize the catheter hub and simplify the insertion of the catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter hub 12 includes two wings extending from the catheter hub. The wings can be constructed of a flexible material. When the catheter hub 12 is coupled to and / or nested within the needle hub 16, at least one wing 36 of the catheter hub can be located on top of and / or in contact with the paddle-shaped gripping portion 22. In some embodiments, the paddle-shaped gripping portion 22 can extend distally beyond the wings 36 of the catheter hub 12.

[0054] The wings 36 of the catheter hub 12 can include an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the wing can include gripping features 38. In some embodiments, the gripping features 38 can enable the user to control the catheter hub 12 when applying the catheter system 10 to a patient. The gripping features 38 can include ridges and / or bumps. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the wings 36 of the catheter hub 12 can include recesses 40.

[0055] Now referring to Figure 5A - Figure 5B , when the tip of the guide needle is retracted within the catheter, the recess 40 can be configured to couple to the raised features 34 on the paddle-shaped gripping portion 22. In some embodiments, the coupling of the raised features 34 and the recess 40 provides the user with a tactile indication that the tip of the guide needle 18 has been retracted into the catheter tube 14. This tactile indication can provide the user with an indication that the catheter tube 14 can be safely repositioned and / or further inserted into the patient's vein without damaging the vein by the tip of the guide needle 18. After the catheter tube 14 is placed in the desired indwelling position, the raised features 34 on the paddle-shaped gripping portion 22 can be decoupled from the recess 40, and the guide needle 18 can be fully retracted from the catheter hub 12.

[0056] Now referring to Figure 6, the needle hub 16 may include a flashback chamber 20, wherein, in response to the catheter fitting 14 being inserted into a patient's vein, blood flows into the flashback chamber 20. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber 20 may be transparent to provide an indication to the user that the catheter fitting 14 is positioned within the vein. The flashback chamber 20 can confirm the correct placement of the catheter fitting 14 within the vein. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber may include a vent 28 for removing air when air is displaced within the flashback chamber 20 and / or the catheter system 10 as blood flows into the catheter fitting 14 and into the flashback chamber 20. The vent may include a membrane that filters air and is impermeable to liquids.

[0057] The flashback chamber may have a volume sufficient to provide a blood sample. In some embodiments, the blood and / or fluid within the flashback chamber 20 may be used as a sample. The flashback chamber 20 may have a volume between about 2 ml and about 3 ml. Since the catheter system 10 is not perfused with a perfusion fluid that may dilute the sample, the blood within the flashback chamber 20 can be sampled. When using the blood within the flashback chamber as a sample, the clinician will not need to re-puncture the patient after placing the catheter fitting 14 within the vein. Additionally, a sample can be obtained without using other blood collection accessories. In some embodiments, the sample can be discharged through the guide needle 18. For example, a sample tube 42 can be coupled to the flashback chamber 20 to sample the blood, and the guide needle 18 can be placed within the sample tube 42, and the vacuum within the sample tube can draw the blood and / or fluid from the flashback chamber into the sample tube. This sampling method may be particularly valuable for pediatric and / or neonatal care where placing the catheter and / or drawing blood may be more difficult.

[0058] As used throughout this specification, "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" refers to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment being included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the recited phrases or variations thereof that are referred to throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. It is understood that any embodiment of the present disclosure or any part (one or more) of any embodiment of the present disclosure can be combined together in any number of different ways.

[0059] Similarly, it should be understood that in the above description of the 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 an intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in that claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the appended claims, the inventive aspects lie in combinations of less than all the features of any of the foregoing disclosed embodiments. 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 the independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0060] In a claim, the term "first" with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. An element intended to be recited in means-plus-function format shall be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the basic principles set forth herein.

[0061] 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 may be functionally coupled to each other. The term "adjacent" refers to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, although these items are not necessarily attached together. The phrase "in fluid communication" means that two features are connected such that fluid within one feature can enter into the other feature.

[0062] As defined herein, "substantially equal to" means "equal to" each other or within a relative deviation of approximately +10% or -10%.

[0063] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0064] Although particular embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the scope of the appended claims is not limited to the exact construction and components disclosed herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, changes, and variations may be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the devices and systems disclosed herein.

[0065] All of the examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts that the inventors have made for further development of the field, and should be construed as not being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A catheter system, the catheter system comprises: a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the catheter adapter further comprising a flange; a catheter fitting extending distally from the catheter adapter; an extension tube including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the extension tube is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, and wherein the extension tube is extensible; a septum holder coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube; a septum disposed within the septum holder; a rod extending from the septum holder, wherein a distal end of the rod includes a lip configured to engage the flange; a needle hub removably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, wherein when the extension tube is in a compressed state, the extension tube is directly surrounded by the needle hub and the rod; and a guide needle extending through the catheter fitting, wherein a proximal end of the guide needle is fixed within the needle hub.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the extension tube is corrugated such that the extension tube is bendable when extended.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the extension tube is elastic and retains its shape when bent.

4. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, in response to depression of a proximal end of the rod, the lip is configured to disengage from the flange of the catheter adapter.

5. The catheter system according to claim 4, wherein, the extension tube is compressed when the lip and the flange are engaged, and is extensible when the lip and the flange are disengaged.

6. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the guide needle is retractable through the extension tube when the extension tube is compressed, extended, or while the extension tube is being extended.

7. The catheter system according to claim 1, further comprising a Luer connector coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube.

8. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, a flashback chamber is disposed within the needle hub and extends proximally from a proximal end of the needle hub.

9. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, the needle hub further comprises a paddle-shaped grip portion.

10. A catheter system, the catheter system comprises: a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the catheter adapter further comprising a flange; a catheter fitting extending distally from the catheter adapter; an extension tube coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, wherein the extension tube is corrugated, and wherein the extension tube is extensible; a septum holder coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube; a septum disposed within the septum holder; A rod that extends from the septum holder, wherein the distal end of the rod includes a lip configured to engage with the flange; A needle hub detachably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, wherein the needle hub includes a paddle-shaped gripping portion, and wherein when the extension tube is in a compressed state, the extension tube is directly surrounded by the needle hub and the rod; A flashback chamber disposed within the proximal end of the needle hub, wherein in response to insertion of the catheter component into a patient's vein, blood flows into the flashback chamber; and A guide needle that extends through the catheter component, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is fixed within the needle hub.

11. The catheter system according to claim 10, wherein, the catheter adapter further includes at least one wing extending outwardly from the catheter adapter.

12. The catheter system according to claim 11, wherein, the at least one wing includes an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface includes a gripping portion and the lower surface includes a recess, and wherein when the tip of the guide needle is retracted into the catheter component, the recess is coupled to the gripping portion on the upper surface of the paddle-shaped gripping portion.

13. The catheter system according to claim 10, wherein, the flashback chamber includes a vent hole.

14. The catheter system according to claim 10, wherein, the capacity of the flashback chamber is between 2 ml and 3 ml.

15. The catheter system according to claim 10, wherein, the flashback chamber is transparent.

16. A catheter system, the catheter system comprising: A catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the catheter adapter further including a flange; A catheter component extending distally from the catheter adapter; An extension tube coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, wherein the extension tube is extensible; A septum holder coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube; A septum disposed within the septum holder; A rod that extends from the septum holder, wherein the distal end of the rod includes a lip configured to engage with the flange; A needle hub detachably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, wherein the needle hub includes a paddle-shaped gripping portion, and wherein when the extension tube is in a compressed state, the extension tube is directly surrounded by the needle hub and the rod; and A guide needle that extends through the catheter component, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is fixed within the needle hub; and A flashback chamber, wherein in response to insertion of the catheter component into a patient's vein, blood flows into the flashback chamber, and wherein the flashback chamber is transparent.

17. The catheter system according to claim 16, wherein, the extension tube is corrugated such that the extension tube resists kinking and is compressible and bendable when extended.

18. The catheter system according to claim 16, wherein, In response to a downward pressing of the proximal end of the rod, the lip disengages from the flange of the catheter adapter.

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