Devices, systems, and methods for reducing premature actuation of a needle safety device

Abstract

A catheter system can include a catheter assembly, which can include a catheter adapter and a catheter extending from the catheter adapter. The catheter system can include a needle assembly, which can include a barrel, a needle hub slidably disposed within the barrel, and a guide needle fixed within the needle hub and extending through the catheter. The needle assembly can further include a stop surface coupled to the barrel and an actuation lock. The actuation lock can slide relative to the barrel from a first position to a second position. In response to the actuation lock being in the first position, the stop surface can contact the actuation lock, thereby preventing the actuation lock from being depressed. In response to the actuation lock sliding from the first position to the second position, the stop surface can no longer contact the actuation lock, and thereby the actuation lock can be configured to be depressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for reducing premature actuation of a needle safety device. Background Art

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

[0003] An intravenous catheter can include an over-the-needle catheter that can be mounted on a guide needle having a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip can be used to pierce the skin and vein of a patient. After the guide needle pierces the vein, the catheter can be inserted into the vein. The guide needle and catheter can be inserted into the patient's vein through the skin at a shallow angle, with the bevel of the needle facing upward away from the patient's skin.

[0004] To verify the correct placement of the guide needle and / or catheter within the vein, a user typically confirms the presence of a blood "flashback" that is visible to the user. More specifically, the guide needle can include a notch disposed toward the distal end of the guide needle, and in response to the distal tip of the guide needle being positioned within the vein, blood can flow proximally through the needle lumen, exit the needle lumen through the notch, and then travel proximally between the outer surface of the guide needle and the inner surface of the catheter. Thus, when at least a portion of the catheter is transparent, the user can see a small amount of blood "flashback", thereby confirming the placement of the catheter within the vein. The presence of a venous entry indication such as a blood flashback can facilitate the successful placement of the catheter. Once the correct placement of the guide needle within the vein has been confirmed, the user can temporarily occlude the flow in the vein and withdraw the guide needle, leaving the catheter in place for future blood draws and / or infusions.

[0005] A needle safety mechanism can shield the sharp distal tip of the guide needle when withdrawing the guide needle from the patient's body, thereby preventing accidental needle sticks. In some systems, the needle hub and guide needle can be slidably disposed within a barrel, with the sharp distal tip of the guide needle initially extending beyond the distal end of the barrel. A spring can be located between the needle hub and the distal end of the barrel. A lock is used to hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the barrel so that the sharp distal tip of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the barrel. After the guide needle and catheter have been correctly inserted into the patient's vein, the lock can be actuated such that the spring can push the needle hub toward the proximal end of the barrel. Thereby, the sharp distal tip of the needle is withdrawn into the barrel and is inaccessible to the user. Since the device is spring-actuated, movement of the lock will allow the spring to withdraw the needle into the barrel. Unfortunately, in some cases, the user may inadvertently depress the lock before the catheter has been correctly placed within the patient's vein.

[0006] 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

[0007] The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for reducing premature actuation of a needle safety device. In some embodiments, a catheter system can include a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly can include a catheter adapter that can include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly can include a catheter that can extend from the distal end of the catheter adapter.

[0008] In some embodiments, the catheter system can include a needle assembly that can include a needle hub and a guide needle. In some embodiments, the guide needle can be fixed within the needle hub and can extend through the catheter. In some embodiments, the needle assembly can include a barrel that can include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the needle hub can be slidably disposed within a generally hollow barrel. In some embodiments, the needle assembly can include a spring disposed around the guide needle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the needle assembly can include an actuation lock that can include a top and a bottom. In some embodiments, the actuation lock can be adapted to selectively engage with the needle hub to overcome the biasing of the spring and hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the barrel such that the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the barrel and through the catheter. In some embodiments, the actuation lock can include a protrusion that can be disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter to prevent movement of the actuation lock when the catheter adapter is adjacent to the distal end of the barrel. In some embodiments, the protrusion is disposed adjacent to the bottom of the actuation lock.

[0010] In some embodiments, the needle assembly can include a cap that can be coupled to the distal end of the barrel. In some embodiments, the cap can extend proximally over at least a portion of the top of the actuation lock to prevent premature pressing of the actuation lock. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the cap can not be supported by the barrel. In some embodiments, the barrel can support the proximal end of the cap. For example, one or more sides of the proximal end of the cap can contact the barrel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the needle assembly can include a stop surface that can be coupled to the barrel. In some embodiments, the actuation lock can slide relative to the barrel from a first position to a second position. For example, the actuation lock can slide relative to the barrel from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0012] In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock being in the distal position, the stop surface can contact the actuation lock, thereby preventing the actuation lock from being depressed. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface can no longer contact the actuation lock, and thus the actuation lock can be configured to be depressed.

[0013] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the top of the actuation lock can include a raised surface configured to contact a user's finger when the user's finger slides the actuation lock from the distal position to the proximal position. In some embodiments, the top of the actuation lock can include one or more grooves that can be disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. In some embodiments, the grooves can be configured to contact a user's finger when the user's finger slides the actuation lock from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0014] In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock being in the distal position, the stop surface can contact the protrusion, thereby preventing the actuation lock from being depressed. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface can no longer contact the protrusion, and thus the actuation lock can be configured to be depressed. In some embodiments, the stop surface can be disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter between the protrusion and the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the syringe can include a groove configured to receive the bottom and the protrusion of the actuation lock in response to the actuation lock sliding from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the top of the actuation lock can include a protrusion. In some embodiments, the stop surface can include another protrusion that can extend outward from the syringe. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock being in the distal position, the protrusion and the other protrusion can be aligned. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the protrusion can slide proximally towards the other protrusion, and thus the actuation lock can be configured to be depressed.

[0016] In some embodiments, the actuation lock can slide from the proximal position to the distal position. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock being in the proximal position, the stop surface can contact the actuation lock, thereby preventing the actuation lock from being depressed. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface can no longer contact the actuation lock, and thus the actuation lock can be configured to be depressed.

[0017] In some embodiments, the distal end of the top of the actuation lock may include a raised surface that may be configured to contact a user's finger when the user's finger slides the actuation lock from a proximal position to a distal position. In some embodiments, the top of the actuation lock may include a groove that may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. In some embodiments, the groove may be configured to contact a user's finger when the user's finger slides the actuation lock from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bottom of the actuation lock may include a stepped surface. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock being in the proximal position, a stop surface may engage the stepped surface, thereby preventing the actuation lock from being depressed. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface may no longer contact the stepped surface, and thus the actuation lock may be configured to be depressed.

[0019] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the top of the actuation lock may include a protrusion. In some embodiments, the stop surface may include another protrusion that may extend outward from the syringe barrel. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock being in the proximal position, the protrusion on the bottom surface and the other protrusion on the stop surface may be aligned. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the protrusion may slide distally past the other protrusion on the bottom surface, and thus the actuation lock may be configured to be depressed.

[0020] It should be understood that, for the claimed invention, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and not restrictive. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that combinations of embodiments may be made or other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made (unless such a requirement is present) without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The example embodiments will be described and illustrated with additional features and details by using the drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1A is a side view of an example catheter system in accordance with some embodiments, showing an example catheter adapter being advanced distally relative to an example needle hub.

[0023] Figure 1B is a front view of an example cap;

[0024] Figure 1C is in accordance with some embodiments Figure 1B rear view of the cap;

[0025] Figure 1D A perspective view from above of a catheter system in an insertion configuration ready to be inserted into a patient's vasculature, according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 1E According to some embodiments Figure 1A A perspective view from above of the catheter system of, showing a catheter adapter advanced distally relative to the needle hub.

[0027] Figure 1F According to some embodiments, in an insertion configuration Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the catheter system of;

[0028] Figure 1G According to some embodiments Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the catheter system of, showing a catheter adapter advanced distally relative to the needle hub, where the cap is removed and an exemplary spring is actuated;

[0029] Figure 2A According to some embodiments, in an insertion configuration Figure 1A A side view of the catheter system of, showing another exemplary cap.

[0030] Figure 2B According to some embodiments Figure 2A A front view of the cap of;

[0031] Figure 2C According to some embodiments Figure 2A A rear view of the cap of;

[0032] Figure 2D According to some embodiments Figure 1A A perspective view from above of the catheter system of;

[0033] Figure 2E According to some embodiments Figure 1A A perspective view from above of the catheter system of, showing a catheter adapter advanced distally relative to the needle hub.

[0034] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of another exemplary catheter system according to some embodiments, showing an exemplary actuation lock in a distal position;

[0035] Figure 3B According to some embodiments Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the catheter system of;

[0036] Figure 3C According to some embodiments Figure 3A Another cross-sectional view of the catheter system of;

[0037] Figure 4A According to some embodiments Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a catheter system showing an example top portion of an actuation lock;

[0038] Figure 4B According to some embodiments Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a catheter system showing another example top portion of an actuation lock;

[0039] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of another example catheter system showing an example actuation lock in a proximal position according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 5B According to some embodiments Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a catheter system;

[0041] Figure 5C According to some embodiments Figure 5A Another cross-sectional view of the catheter system; and

[0042] Figure 6 According to some embodiments Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a catheter system showing an example top of an actuated lock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Reference now Figures 1A - 1G In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can include a catheter assembly 12. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 12 can include a catheter adapter 14, which can include a distal end 16, a proximal end 18, and a lumen 20 extending through the distal end 16 and the proximal end 18. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 12 can include a catheter 22, which can extend from the distal end 16 of the catheter adapter 14. In some embodiments, the catheter 22 can include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"), a peripherally pierced central catheter ("PICC"), or a midline catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter 22 can be secured within the catheter adapter 14 by a wedge or other suitable device.

[0044] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can include a needle assembly 24 that can include a needle hub 26 and a guide needle 28 that can be fixed within the needle hub 26 and can extend through the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the guide needle 28 can include a sharp distal tip 30 and a proximal end 32. In some embodiments, the proximal end 32 can be fixed within the needle hub 26. In some embodiments, the guide needle 28 can include a flashback notch that can enable a user to see a flashback of blood between the outer surface of the guide needle 28 and the inner surface of the catheter 22. Additionally or alternatively, the user can see a flashback of blood within the lumen at the proximal end 32 of the guide needle 28. In some embodiments, the ability of the user to see a flashback of blood can indicate to the user the presence of the guide needle 28 within the patient's vasculature.

[0045] In some embodiments, a septum member 34 can be disposed within the lumen 20 of the catheter adapter 14. In some embodiments, the septum member 34 can divide the lumen 20 of the catheter hub 14 into a distal chamber and a proximal chamber. In some embodiments, a septum actuator 35 can be configured to open the septum member 34 in response to insertion of a medical device (such as an infusion device or a blood collection device) into the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14 after removal of the needle assembly 24.

[0046] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 can include a needle safety device that can include a barrel 36, a spring 38, an actuation lock 40, and a projection 42. In some embodiments, the barrel 36 can include a distal end 44 and a proximal end 46. In some embodiments, the needle hub 26 can be slidably disposed within the generally hollow barrel 36. In some embodiments, a spring 38 can be disposed around the guide needle 28 and / or between the needle hub 26 and the distal end 44 of the barrel 36.

[0047] In some embodiments, the actuation lock 40 can include a top 48 and a bottom 50. In some embodiments, the actuation lock 40 can be movably mounted adjacent to the distal end 44 of the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the actuation lock 40 can be adapted to selectively engage the needle hub 26 to hold the needle hub 26 adjacent to the distal end 44 of the barrel 36 against the bias of the spring 38 such that the guide needle 28 extends beyond the distal end 44 of the barrel 36 and through the catheter 22.

[0048] In some embodiments, the protrusion 42 can be disposed within the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14 to prevent movement of the actuation lock 40 when the catheter adapter 14 is adjacent to the distal end 44 of the syringe 36. In some embodiments, the protrusion 42 is disposed adjacent to the bottom 50 of the actuation lock 40. In some embodiments, the protrusion 42 can extend from the actuation lock 40 to engage the catheter adapter 14 to prevent movement of the actuation lock 40 when the catheter adapter 14 is adjacent to the distal end 44 of the syringe 36, such as shown in Figure 1F as shown. In some embodiments, the protrusion 42 can extend toward the distal end 16 of the catheter adapter 14.

[0049] In some embodiments, the actuation lock 40 can extend into the syringe 36 via a slot 52 formed in the syringe 36 adjacent to the distal end 44. In some embodiments, the actuation lock 40 can include an opening 54, and the distal end 44 of the syringe 36 can include an opening 56. In some embodiments, the opening 54 and the opening 56 can allow the guide needle 28 and the needle hub 26 to extend through the actuation lock 40 and the distal end 44 of the syringe 36. In some embodiments, when the actuation lock 40 is "up" in the non-actuated position, the edge of the protrusion 42 and / or the opening 56 can engage the needle hub 26 and hold the needle hub 26 adjacent to the distal end 44 of the syringe 36 against the force of the spring 38. In some embodiments, the needle hub 26 can be generally hourglass-shaped such that the diameter of the middle portion is less than the diameter of either end. This shape can facilitate the engagement between the protrusion 42 and / or the edge of the opening 56 and the needle hub 26.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the actuation lock 40 is in the non-actuated position, the protrusion 42 can be located within the catheter adapter 14. Thus, when the catheter 22 is still on the guide needle 28 with the catheter adapter 14 adjacent to the distal end 44 of the syringe 36, the protrusion 42 can prevent the actuation lock 40 from moving "downward" to the actuated position.

[0051] In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 42 can vary. In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 42 can be long enough for the protrusion 42 to engage the catheter adapter 14 when the catheter adapter 14 is adjacent to the distal end 44 of the syringe 36. In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 42 can not be too long so as not to interfere with the use of the catheter 22 and the guide needle 28.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the catheter 22 is removed from the guide needle 28 such that the catheter adapter 14 is no longer adjacent to the distal end 44 of the barrel 36, the actuation lock 40 can move "downward", i.e., be actuated, because the catheter adapter 14 no longer interferes with the movement of the protrusion 42. In this position, the edge of the protrusion 42 and / or the opening 56 will no longer engage with the needle hub 26. In some embodiments, when the actuation lock 40 is actuated, the diameter of the opening 56 can increase. In some embodiments, when the actuation lock 40 is actuated, the openings 54 and 56 can be larger than the maximum diameter of the needle hub 26. In some embodiments, the spring 38 can thereby push the needle hub 26 towards the proximal end 46 of the barrel 36, thereby withdrawing the sharp distal tip 30 of the guide needle 28 into the barrel 36, for example Figure 1G as shown

[0053] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 can include a cap 58 that can be coupled to the distal end 44 of the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the cap 58 can extend proximally over at least a portion of the top 48 of the actuation lock 40 to prevent premature depression of the actuation lock 40. In some embodiments, the cap 58 can include a distal end 60 and a proximal end 62. In some embodiments, the cap 58 can include one or more sidewalls 64 that can extend proximally from the distal end 60 of the cap 58. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 64 can engage the distal end 44 of the barrel 36 in a snap-fit or press-fit manner. In some embodiments, the cap 58 can fit snugly over the distal end 44 of the barrel 36.

[0054] In some embodiments, the distal end 60 of the cap 58 can include an opening 66 that can extend from the bottom edge of the distal end 60. In some embodiments, the needle hub 26 can extend through the generally U-shaped opening 66. In some embodiments, the opening 66 can facilitate easy removal of the cap 58, which can be lifted upward from the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the proximal end 62 of the cap 58 can not be supported by the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the proximal end 62 of the cap 58 can not contact the barrel 36 and / or the actuation lock 40. In some embodiments, the proximal end 62 can be bent in the proximal direction to form a generally J-shaped or generally L-shaped configuration, for example Figure 1A as shown

[0055] Figure 1A and 1EIllustrated is the distal advancement of the catheter adapter 14 relative to the syringe 36 prior to actuation of the actuation lock 40. In some embodiments, once the user observes blood flashback, the user may advance the catheter adapter 14 distally. In some embodiments, after the catheter adapter 14 has been advanced distally, the user may remove the cap 58 and depress the actuation lock 40, which may cause the guide needle 28 to retract into the syringe 36, where the guide needle 28 may be fully encapsulated at the syringe 36.

[0056] Now referring Figures 2A - 2E , in some embodiments, one or more sides 67 of the syringe 36 may support the proximal end 62 of the cap 58. For example, one or more sides 67 of the syringe 36 may contact the proximal end 62 of the cap 58.

[0057] Now referring Figures 3A - 3B , illustrated is a catheter system 70 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 70 may be similar or identical to the catheter system 10 discussed with respect to Figures 1A - 2C . In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 may include a stop surface 72 that may be coupled to the syringe 36. In some embodiments, the actuation lock 40 may slide from a first position to a second position relative to the syringe 36.

[0058] As Figure 3A shown, in some embodiments, the actuation lock 40 may slide from a distal position to a proximal position relative to the syringe 36. Figure 3A Illustrated is the actuation lock 40 in the distal position and non-actuated position. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 being in the distal position, the stop surface 72 may contact the actuation lock 40, thereby preventing the actuation lock 40 from being depressed. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface 72 may no longer contact the actuation lock 40, such that the actuation lock 40 is configured to be depressed.

[0059] In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 being in the distal position, the stop surface 72 may contact the protrusion 42, thereby preventing the actuation lock 40 from being depressed. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface 72 may no longer contact the protrusion, such that the actuation lock is configured to be depressed. In some embodiments, the stop surface 72 may be disposed within the proximal end 62 of the catheter adapter 14 between the protrusion 42 and the catheter adapter 14. In some embodiments, the inner surface 74 of the syringe 36 may include a groove 76 configured to receive the bottom and the protrusion 42 of the actuation lock 40 in response to the actuation lock 40 sliding from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0060] In some embodiments, to depress the actuation lock 40, the actuation lock 40 can be removed from the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14, and then the protrusion 42 can be moved proximally towards the stop surface 72. In some embodiments, the distance between the portions of the actuation lock 40 that contact the slot 52 can be greater than or equal to the length of the portion of the stop surface that contacts the protrusion 42 and / or the length of the protrusion 42.

[0061] As Figure 3B shown, in some embodiments, the bottom surface 78 of the top 48 of the actuation lock 40 can include a protrusion 80. In some embodiments, the stop surface 72 can include another protrusion 82 that can extend outwardly from the barrel 36. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 being in the distal position, the protrusion 80 and the other protrusion 82 can be aligned, such as Figure 3B shown. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the protrusion 80 can slide proximally towards the other protrusion 82, and then the actuation lock 40 is configured to be depressed. In some embodiments, the distance between the proximal end of the top 48 of the actuation lock 40 and the proximal end of the slot 52 can be greater than or equal to the length of the protrusion 80.

[0062] Now referring Figure 3C , in some embodiments, the top 48 of the actuation lock 40 can be configured to move independently of the bottom 50 of the actuation lock 40. In some embodiments, the top 48 can be a separate element from the bottom 50. In these embodiments, the top 48 and the bottom 50 can be keyed to each other in a sliding manner. For example, the top 48 can include one or more protrusions that can slide within one or more grooves of the bottom 50, or the bottom 50 can include one or more protrusions that can slide within one or more grooves of the top 48. In some embodiments, the protrusions and the grooves can be generally parallel to the longitudinal or central axis of the catheter system 70.

[0063] In some embodiments, the top 48 and the bottom 50 can be integrally formed or integrally formed as a single unit. In these embodiments, the top 48 and the bottom 50 can be connected by a flexible adapter that can enable the top 48 to move independently relative to the bottom 50. For example, the top 48 can be configured to move in a horizontal direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 70 while the bottom 50 is fixed. In some embodiments, the bottom 50 can be configured to move vertically or "downward" only in response to the top 48 moving vertically or "downward". In some embodiments, the top 48 and / or the bottom 50 can be supported by the barrel 36.

[0064] In some embodiments, in response to actuation of the top 48 of the lock 40 sliding from a distal position to a proximal position in a horizontal direction, the top 48 and the bottom 50 can be brought together and / or contacted. In some embodiments, in response to the top 48 and the bottom 50 being brought together and the protrusion 42 being removed from the catheter adapter 14, the top and the bottom 50 can be configured to be simultaneously depressed, thereby allowing the guide needle 28 to retract into the syringe barrel 36.

[0065] Now referring to Figure 4A , in some embodiments, the proximal end of the top 48 of the actuation lock 40 can include a raised surface 84 configured to contact a finger of a user when the user's finger slides the actuation lock 40 from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0066] Now referring to Figure 4B , in some embodiments, the top of the actuation lock can include one or more grooves 86 that can be disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the grooves 86 can be configured to contact a finger of a user when the user's finger slides the actuation lock from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0067] Now referring to Figures 5A - 5B , a catheter system 90 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, in one or more components and / or operational aspects, the catheter system 90 can be similar or identical to the catheter system 70 discussed with respect to Figures 3A - 4B and / or the catheter system 10 discussed with respect to Figures 1A - 2C . In some embodiments, the actuation lock 40 can be slid from a proximal position to a distal position. As Figures 5A - 5B shown, in some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 being in the proximal position, the stop surface 72 can contact the actuation lock 40, thereby preventing the actuation lock 40 from being depressed. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 sliding from a proximal position to a distal position, the stop surface 72 can no longer contact the actuation lock 40, and thus the actuation lock 40 can be configured to be depressed.

[0068] As Figure 5A shown, in some embodiments, the bottom 50 of the actuation lock 40 can include a stepped surface 92. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 being in the proximal position, the stop surface 72 can engage the stepped surface 92, thereby preventing the actuation lock 40 from being depressed. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 sliding from a proximal position to a distal position, the stop surface 72 can no longer contact the stepped surface 92, and thus the actuation lock 40 can be configured to be depressed. In some embodiments, to depress the actuation lock 40, the actuation lock 40 can be removed from the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14, and thus the protrusion 42 can move proximally towards the stop surface 72.

[0069] As Figure 5B shown, in some embodiments, the bottom surface 78 of the top 48 of the actuation lock 40 may include a protrusion 94. In some embodiments, the stop surface 72 may include another protrusion 96 that may extend outwardly from the barrel 36. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 being in the proximal position, the protrusion 94 on the bottom surface 78 and the other protrusion 96 on the stop surface 72 may be aligned. In some embodiments, in response to the actuation lock 40 sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the protrusion 94 of the actuation lock 40 may slide distally relative to the other protrusion 96, and thus the actuation lock 40 may be configured to be depressed.

[0070] Now referring Figure 5C , in some embodiments, the top 48 of the actuation lock 40 may be configured to move independently of the bottom 50 of the actuation lock 40. In some embodiments, the top 48 may be a separate element from the bottom 50. In these embodiments, the top 48 and the bottom 50 may be keyed to each other in a sliding manner. For example, the top 48 may include one or more protrusions that can slide within one or more grooves of the bottom 50, or the bottom 50 may include one or more protrusions that can slide within one or more grooves of the top 48. In some embodiments, the protrusions and grooves may be generally parallel to the longitudinal or central axis of the catheter system 70.

[0071] In some embodiments, the top 48 and the bottom 50 may be integrally formed or integrally formed as a single unit. In these embodiments, the top 48 and the bottom 50 may be connected by a flexible adapter that may allow the top 48 to move independently relative to the bottom 50. For example, the top 48 may be configured to move in a horizontal direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 70 while the bottom 50 is fixed. In some embodiments, the bottom 50 may be configured to move vertically or "downward" only in response to a vertical or "downward" movement of the top 48. In some embodiments, the top 48 and / or the bottom 50 may be supported by the barrel 36.

[0072] In some embodiments, in response to the top 48 of the actuation lock 40 sliding from the proximal position to the distal position in the horizontal direction, the top 48 and the bottom 50 may be brought together and / or contacted. In some embodiments, in response to the top 48 and the bottom 50 being brought together and the projection 42 being removed from the catheter adapter 14, the top and the bottom 50 may be configured to be depressed simultaneously, thereby allowing the guide needle 28 to retract into the barrel 36.

[0073] Now referring Figure 6, in some embodiments, the distal end of the top 48 of the actuating lock 40 may include a raised surface 98 that may be configured to contact a finger when the finger slides the actuating lock 40 from a proximal position to a distal position. In some embodiments, the top 48 of the actuating lock 40 may include a groove 86 that may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit 22. In some embodiments, the groove 86 may be configured to contact a finger when the user's finger slides the actuating lock from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0074] All of the examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for illustrative purposes only to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art and are to be construed as not being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the disclosure 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.

Claims

1. A catheter system, the catheter system comprising: Catheter assembly, the catheter assembly comprising: A catheter adapter, the catheter adapter including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end; and A catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and a needle assembly, the needle assembly comprising: A needle hub; A guide needle fixed within the needle hub and extending through the catheter; A syringe barrel including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the needle hub is slidably disposed within the syringe barrel, and wherein the syringe barrel is generally hollow; A spring disposed about the guide needle; An actuation lock including a top and a bottom, wherein the actuation lock is adapted to selectively engage the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent the distal end of the syringe barrel against the bias of the spring such that the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the syringe barrel and through the catheter, and wherein the actuation lock includes a protrusion disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter to prevent movement of the actuation lock when the catheter adapter is adjacent the distal end of the syringe barrel; and A cap removably coupled to the distal end of the syringe barrel and extending proximally over at least a portion of the top of the actuation lock to prevent premature depression of the actuation lock, wherein the cap is configured to be spaced apart from the proximal end of the catheter adapter in response to distal advancement of the catheter adapter relative to the needle assembly.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, The proximal end of the cap is not supported by the syringe barrel.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple sides of the proximal end of the cap contact and are supported by the syringe barrel.

4. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is disposed adjacent the bottom of the actuation lock.

5. A catheter system, the catheter system comprising: Catheter assembly, the catheter assembly comprising: A catheter adapter, the catheter adapter including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end; A catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and a needle assembly, the needle assembly comprising: A needle hub; A guide needle fixed within the needle hub and extending through the catheter; A syringe barrel including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the needle hub is slidably disposed within the syringe barrel, and wherein the syringe barrel is generally hollow; A spring disposed about the guide needle; A stop surface coupled to the syringe barrel; An actuating lock, the actuating lock including a top and a bottom and being slidable relative to the syringe from a distal position to a proximal position, wherein the actuating lock is adapted to selectively engage with the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the syringe against the bias of the spring such that the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the syringe and through the catheter, wherein in response to the actuating lock being in the distal position, the stop surface contacts the actuating lock, thereby preventing the actuating lock from being depressed, and wherein in response to the actuating lock sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface does not contact the actuating lock, and thus the actuating lock is configured to be depressed, wherein the actuating lock includes a protrusion extending from the actuating lock and disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter, and wherein in response to the actuating lock being in the distal position, the stop surface contacts the protrusion, thereby preventing the actuating lock from being depressed, and wherein in response to the actuating lock sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface does not contact the protrusion, and thus the actuating lock is configured to be depressed.

6. The catheter system according to claim 5, wherein, The proximal end of the top of the actuating lock includes a raised surface configured to contact a finger when the finger slides the actuating lock from the distal position to the proximal position.

7. The catheter system according to claim 5, wherein, The top of the actuating lock includes a plurality of grooves generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

8. The catheter system according to claim 5, wherein, The stop surface is disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter between the protrusion and the catheter adapter.

9. The catheter system according to claim 5, wherein, The inner surface of the syringe includes a groove configured to receive the bottom of the actuating lock and the protrusion in response to the actuating lock sliding from the distal position to the proximal position.

10. The catheter system according to claim 5, wherein, The bottom surface of the top of the actuating lock includes a first protrusion, and wherein the stop surface includes a second protrusion extending outward from the syringe, and wherein in response to the actuating lock being in the distal position, the first protrusion is aligned with the second protrusion, and wherein in response to the actuating lock sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the first protrusion slides proximally relative to the second protrusion, and thus the actuating lock is configured to be depressed.

11. A catheter system, the catheter system comprising: A catheter assembly, the catheter assembly including: A catheter adapter including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end; A catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and a needle assembly, the needle assembly including: A needle hub; A guide needle fixed within the needle hub and extending through the catheter; A syringe including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the needle hub is slidably disposed within the syringe, and wherein the syringe is generally hollow; A spring disposed around the guide needle; A stop surface coupled to the syringe; An actuating lock, the actuating lock including a top and a bottom and being slidable relative to the syringe from a proximal position to a distal position, wherein the actuating lock is adapted to selectively engage with the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the syringe against the bias of the spring such that the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the syringe and through the catheter. Wherein, in response to the actuating lock being in the proximal position, the stop surface contacts the actuating lock, thereby preventing the actuating lock from being depressed, and wherein, in response to the actuating lock sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface does not contact the actuating lock, and thus the actuating lock is configured to be depressed, and wherein the actuating lock includes a protrusion extending from the actuating lock and disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

12. The catheter system according to claim 11, wherein, The distal end of the top of the actuating lock includes a raised surface configured to contact a finger when the finger slides the actuating lock from the proximal position to the distal position.

13. The catheter system according to claim 11, wherein, The top of the actuating lock includes a plurality of grooves generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

14. The catheter system according to claim 11, wherein, The bottom of the actuating lock includes a stepped surface, wherein, in response to the actuating lock being in the proximal position, the stop surface engages with the stepped surface, thereby preventing the actuating lock from being depressed, and wherein, in response to the actuating lock sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface does not contact the stepped surface, and thus the actuating lock is configured to be depressed.

15. The catheter system according to claim 11, wherein, The bottom surface of the top of the actuating lock includes a first protrusion, and wherein the stop surface includes a second protrusion extending outward from the syringe, and wherein, in response to the actuating lock being in the proximal position, the first protrusion is aligned with the second protrusion, and wherein, in response to the actuating lock sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the first protrusion slides distally relative to the second protrusion, and thus the actuating lock is configured to be depressed.

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