Integrated intravenous catheter with side port for easy blood withdrawal

Abstract

An integrated venous catheter can have a side port that facilitates blood withdrawal. The side port provides a separate fluid pathway for blood withdrawal and for infusion of fluid via an extension set. The side port can be configured to allow priming of the extension set while a blood sample is being collected. In this way, it is facilitated to collect a blood sample upon catheter insertion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an integrated venous catheter, and in particular to an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter. BACKGROUND

[0002] Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters can be used to infuse fluids such as saline solutions, various medicinal drugs, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient's body. Catheters can also be used to withdraw blood from a patient's body.

[0003] A common type of catheter is an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous ("IV") catheter ("PIVC"). As the name implies, an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter is assembled over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The catheter and introducer needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter with the bevel of the needle facing upward away from the skin of the patient. The catheter and introducer needle are typically inserted into the vasculature of a patient at a shallow angle through the skin.

[0004] An integrated peripheral intravenous catheter is a peripheral intravenous catheter having an integrated extension set. Such an extension set typically includes an extension tube integrated at one end into the catheter adapter and including an access port (e.g., a luer connector) coupled to the other end. Integrated peripheral intravenous catheters are commonly used for blood withdrawal. For example, after inserting the catheter of an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter into the vasculature of a patient, a clinician can cause blood to flow into the extension set up to the access port. To facilitate such blood flow, an air relief plug is typically coupled to the access port, which will allow air to escape from the extension tube as blood flows into the extension tube. Once blood flows to the access port, the clinician removes the air relief plug and attaches a blood collection set (e.g., a vacuum tube adapter) in place. Blood collection can then be performed.

[0005] The process of drawing blood through an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter extension set has various drawbacks. For example, the entire extension set must be primed (i.e., air must be expelled from the access port to enable blood to flow into the extension set up to the access port) before blood can be drawn. Additionally, removal of the air vent plug from the access port exposes the fluid pathway to the external environment. Thus, subsequent attachment of a blood draw set can contaminate the fluid pathway. As a result, the clinician can need to sterilize the access port before attaching the blood draw set, thereby lengthening the blood draw process. Due to the length of the extension tubing, blood can take a significant amount of time to flow into the blood draw set, especially when the patient's blood pressure is low. Once blood drawing is complete, residual blood can be left in the extension set. Although the blood in the extension tubing can be flushed out by injecting fluid through the access port, it can be difficult to completely flush out residual blood that can be trapped in the access port. Because the same access port is also typically used to inject fluid into the patient's vasculature, this residual blood can increase the risk of a bloodstream infection (BSI).

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is included as merely representative of one example technology area where some implementations described herein can be practiced. SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure generally relates to integrated intravenous catheters, including peripheral intravenous catheters, that include a side port that facilitates blood withdrawal. The side port provides a separate fluid pathway for blood withdrawal and fluid injection through an extension set. The side port can be configured to allow priming of the extension set while collecting a blood sample. In this manner, it is facilitated to collect a blood sample upon catheter insertion.

[0008] In a first set of example implementations, the present invention is embodied as an integrated intravenous catheter, such as a peripheral intravenous catheter, that includes a catheter adapter, a side port, and an extension set. The catheter adapter includes a catheter that is inserted into a patient's vasculature. The side port has a distal end, a proximal end, and a side branch, the side port being connected to the catheter adapter by the distal end. The extension set is connected to the side port via the side branch. The proximal end of the side port provides a first fluid pathway for withdrawing blood from the patient's vasculature, while the side branch of the side port provides a second fluid pathway for injecting fluid into the patient's vasculature.

[0009] In the first set of example implementations, the side port can include a septum at the proximal end in the first fluid pathway. A blood draw set can be inserted through the septum and can be configured to expel air from the first fluid pathway. Alternatively, a blood draw adapter can be coupled to the proximal end of the side port and can extend through the septum. The blood draw adapter can be configured to expel air from the first fluid pathway.

[0010] In a first set of example implementations, the septum can be included in a positive septum valve configured to move from a closed position in which the septum blocks the second fluid passageway to an open position in which the septum does not block the second fluid passageway. The septum can include a vent passageway to vent air from the second fluid passageway when the positive septum valve is in the closed position. The positive septum valve can include an actuation member having one or more tabs that interface with the side port to prevent the positive septum valve from moving from the open position to the closed position. In such cases, for each of the one or more tabs, the side port can include a distal notch into which the tab is inserted when the positive septum valve is in the closed position and a proximal notch into which the tab is inserted when the positive septum valve is in the open position. The distal notch can be configured to allow the tab to slide proximally out of the distal notch, while the proximal notch can be configured to prevent the tab from sliding distally out of the proximal notch.

[0011] In a first set of example implementations, the side port can also include a vent membrane positioned between the side branch and the proximal end of the side port. The positive septum valve can be configured to allow air contained in the extension set to escape through the vent membrane when the positive septum valve is in the closed position.

[0012] In a first set of example implementations, when the side port includes the positive septum valve, a blood collection adapter can be connected to the proximal end of the side port and can prevent the positive septum valve from moving to the open position.

[0013] In a second set of example implementations, the present invention is implemented as an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter including a catheter adapter having a catheter configured to be inserted into a vasculature of a patient, a side port having a distal end, a proximal end, and a side branch, the side port being connected to the catheter adapter by the distal end, the proximal end housing a positive septum valve, and an extension set connected to the side port via the side branch.

[0014] In a second set of example implementations, the positive septum valve can include a septum and can be configured to move from a closed position in which the septum blocks a fluid passageway through the side branch to an open position in which the septum does not block the fluid passageway through the side branch. The septum can be configured to vent air from the extension set when the positive septum valve is in the closed position.

[0015] In a second set of example implementations, the integrated peripheral intravenous catheter can also include a blood collection adapter connected to the proximal end of the side port. The blood collection adapter can provide a separate fluid passageway for blood collection when the positive septum valve is in the closed position. The blood collection adapter can prevent the positive septum valve from moving to the open position.

[0016] In a third set of example embodiments, the present application can be implemented as an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter that includes a catheter adapter having a catheter configured to be inserted into a vasculature of a patient, a side port, and an extension set. The side port has a distal end through which the side port is connected to the catheter adapter. The side port also has a proximal end that houses a positive septum valve. The side port also has a side branch. The positive septum valve includes a septum and is configured to move from a closed position in which the septum obstructs a first fluid passageway through the side branch to an open position in which the septum does not obstruct the first fluid passageway. The proximal end provides a second fluid passageway through which blood can be withdrawn from the vasculature of the patient when the positive septum valve is in the closed position. The extension set is connected to the side port via the side branch and has an access port through which fluid can be injected into the vasculature of the patient via the first fluid passageway.

[0017] In the third set of example embodiments, the integrated peripheral intravenous catheter can also include a blood withdrawal adapter coupled to the proximal end of the side port. The septum can be configured to expel air from the extension set when the positive septum valve is in the closed position, thereby enabling priming of the extension set when the positive septum valve is in the closed position.

[0018] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the application claimed. It should be further understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments can be combined, or other embodiments utilized, and structural changes made thereto, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present application, unless so claimed. Accordingly, the following detailed description should be taken as illustrative and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail by the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] Figure 1A and Figure 1B each illustrates an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter including a side port according to embodiments of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter including a side port to which a blood withdrawal set is pre-attached;

[0022] Figure 2A provides Figure 2 a detailed view of the side port of the integrated peripheral intravenous catheter illustrated;

[0023] Figure 3An integrated peripheral intravenous catheter is shown that includes a side port to which a blood sampling adapter is pre-attached;

[0024] Figure 3A A detailed view of the side port of the integrated peripheral intravenous catheter and the pre-attached blood sampling adapter shown in Figure 3

[0025] Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of the blood sampling adapter of Figure 3

[0026] Figure 4 An integrated peripheral intravenous catheter is shown that includes a side port having a passive septum valve;

[0027] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The passive septum valve is shown in a closed position and an open position, respectively;

[0028] Figure 4C An exploded view of the side port and the passive septum valve is provided;

[0029] Figure 4D A cross-sectional view of the side port and the passive septum valve is provided;

[0030] Figure 4E How a blood sampling adapter can be pre-attached to a side port having a passive septum valve is shown;

[0031] Figure 4F How a blood sampling kit can be pre-attached to a side port having a passive septum valve is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 A side port of an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter is shown, wherein the side port includes a passive septum valve with a venting passage;

[0033] Figure 5A The passive septum valve of Figure 5 is shown separately;

[0034] Figure 5B How the venting passage allows air to vent from the extension tube of the integrated peripheral intravenous catheter while simultaneously retaining priming fluid in the extension tube is represented;

[0035] Figure 6 A side port of an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter is shown, wherein the side port includes a passive septum valve configured for one actuation;

[0036] Figure 6A The passive septum valve of Figure 6 is shown;

[0037] ​​Figure 6B and Figure 6C provide cross-sectional views of the side port when the active diaphragm valve is in the closed position and the open position, respectively. Figure 6

[0038] Figure 7 shows an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter including a side port having a venting membrane and an active diaphragm valve; and

[0039] Figure 7A and Figure 7B indicate fluid and air flow through the side port of Figure 7 when the active diaphragm valve is in the closed position and the open position, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be primarily described in the context of an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter. However, embodiments of the present invention are equally extendable to other integrated intravenous catheters. Thus, the technology of the present invention can be applied to any type of integrated intravenous catheter. For the purposes of this specification and the claims, an integrated intravenous catheter shall be construed to include intravenous catheters of integrated extension sets.

[0041] Figure 1A and Figure 1B each provide an example of a peripheral intravenous catheter 100 constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The peripheral intravenous catheter 100 includes a catheter adapter 110 from which a catheter 111 extends distally, and a needle assembly 120 from which a needle 121 extends distally. Prior to insertion, the needle assembly 120 is coupled to the catheter adapter 110 such that the needle 121 extends distally from the catheter 111. The catheter adapter 110 also includes a side inlet 112 that defines a fluid passageway to and from the catheter 111. The exact construction and function of the catheter adapter 110 and needle assembly 120 are non-essential to the present invention and any suitable construction and / or interaction of these components can be employed.

[0042] The peripheral intravenous catheter 100 also includes a side port 130 having a distal end 130a that is connected to the side inlet 112 via an intermediate tube 113, a proximal end 130b that houses a diaphragm 133 (or other flow control component), and a side branch 131 through which an extension set 140 is integrated with the side port 130. As shown, the extension set 140 can include an extension tube 141 that extends between the side branch 131 and an access port 143, and a pinch clamp 142 for occluding the extension tube 141. However, it should be noted that a variety of different types and constructions of extension sets can be used with embodiments of the present invention. Importantly, the side port 130 is positioned between the extension set 140 and the catheter adapter 110.​

[0043] Side port 130 defines two fluid pathways. One fluid pathway extends between distal end 130a and proximal end 130b. As described in detail below, this fluid pathway can be used to collect a blood sample through peripheral intravenous catheter 100 by connecting a blood collection set / adapter to proximal end 130b. The other fluid pathway extends between distal end 130a and side branch 131, thus serving as a fluid pathway for extension set 140.

[0044] In Figure 1A , side branch 131 has a distally directed orientation relative to the main body of side port 130. In other words, side branch 131 is oriented away from septum 133. Conversely, in Figure 1B , side branch 131 has a proximally directed orientation, thus oriented toward septum 133. This proximally directed orientation causes fluid exiting from extension set 140 to be directed toward septum 133, thus flushing away residual blood or other fluid from septum 133.

[0045] Figure 2 Peripheral intravenous catheter 100 is shown as Figure 1A , but with a pre-attached blood collection set 200 added. Blood collection set 200 includes a tube 201, a cannula 202 extending from a distal end of tube 201, and an access port 203 coupled to a proximal end of tube 201. A blood collection adapter 210 can also be integrated into or pre-attached to access port 203. Blood collection adapter 210 includes a capped cannula 211 and includes a vent 212. As Figure 2A best shown, blood collection adapter 210 can be pre-attached to peripheral intravenous catheter 100 by inserting cannula 202 into proximal end 130b of side port 130 and through septum 133.

[0046] In some embodiments, extension set 140 can be primed prior to insertion of peripheral intravenous catheter 100 into a patient’s vasculature. For example, Figure 2Aindicates that at least the lower end of the extension tube 141 has been filled with the priming fluid 199. The priming fluid can be retained in the extension tube 141 by actuating the pinch clamp 142. Whether or not the extension tube 141 is primed, the catheter 111 can be inserted into the vasculature of a patient. Due to the pre-attachment of the blood collection set 200 and the vent 212, blood will begin to flow through the side port 130 into the tube 201 until it reaches the blood collection adapter 210. At this point, a blood collection tube (e.g., a vacuum tube) can be connected to the blood collection adapter 210 to collect a blood sample. Once the blood sample has been collected, the blood collection set 200 can be removed from the side port 130 (e.g., by withdrawing the cannula 202 from the septum 133). The extension set 140 can then be used to infuse fluid into the vasculature of the patient via the side port 130. As can be seen, the pre-attachment of the blood collection set 200 to the side port 130 enables the collection of a blood sample initially upon catheter insertion through a fluid passageway that is different than the fluid passageway that will be used to infuse fluid subsequently. Notably, this enables the extension set 140 to be pre-primed while also enabling the collection of a blood sample while the extension set 140 remains primed.

[0047] In some cases, the use of the blood collection set 200 can still be undesirable. For example, given the length of the tube 201, it can take a significant amount of time for blood to flow to the blood collection adapter 210. Similarly, when the blood pressure of a patient is low, there can not be sufficient blood flow through the tube 201 even when a vacuum tube is used to collect blood. To minimize such issues, a blood collection adapter 300 can be coupled directly to the side port 130 as Figure 3 shown.

[0048] As Figure 3A and Figure 3B best shown, the blood collection adapter 300 includes a housing 301 that is configured to be attached to the proximal end 130b of the side port 130. The blood collection adapter 300 also includes a cannula 302 that extends through the housing 301. The distal end of the cannula 302 can extend beyond the housing 301 such that, when the housing 301 is attached to the side port 130, the cannula 302 will extend through the septum 133. The proximal end of the cannula 302 also extends beyond the housing 301 and is covered by a sheath 303.

[0049] The housing 301 can form a notch 305 that can receive the protrusion 134 formed on the exterior of the side port 130 to lock the blood collection adapter 300 to the side port 130. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the housing 301 is positioned distal of the notch 305 such that when the protrusion 134 is positioned in the notch 305, the blood collection adapter 300 cannot be separated from the side port 130 without first rotating the blood collection adapter 300 relative to the side port 130. The housing 301 can include threads or any other structure suitable for receiving / securing a blood collection tube.

[0050] The vent 304 is positioned within a passageway 306 in the housing 301. The passageway 306 can be aligned with the opening 302a in the cannula 302 to allow air in the cannula 302 to be expelled through the vent 304. Thus, when the catheter 111 is inserted into the vasculature of a patient, air will be expelled from the side port 130 to allow blood to flow through the side port 130 and to the proximal end of the cannula 302. At this point, a blood collection tube can be connected to the blood collection adapter 300 to collect a blood sample. In particular, the connection of the blood collection tube can cause the cannula 302 to puncture the sheath 303 to open a fluid passageway into the blood collection tube. In the same manner as described above, the extension set 140 can be pre-primed prior to insertion of the catheter 111 into the vasculature of a patient and can remain primed while a blood sample is collected via the blood collection adapter 300.

[0051] Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral intravenous catheter 100 is shown with the side port 130 including a passive septum valve 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the passive septum valve 200 includes a septum 220 and a housing 212. The housing 212 includes a passageway 213 that the septum 220 is positioned within to secure the septum 220 to the housing 212. The housing 212 is positioned within a passageway 135 in the side port 130 to allow the passive septum valve 200 to slide from a closed (distal) position to an open (proximal) position and vice versa. Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral intravenous catheter 100 is shown with the side port 130 including a passive septum valve 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the passive septum valve 200 includes a septum 220 and a housing 212. The housing 212 includes a passageway 213 that the septum 220 is positioned within to secure the septum 220 to the housing 212. The housing 212 is positioned within a passageway 135 in the side port 130 to allow the passive septum valve 200 to slide from a closed (distal) position to an open (proximal) position and vice versa. Figure 4A - Figure 4D As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral intravenous catheter 100 is shown with the side port 130 including a passive septum valve 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the passive septum valve 200 includes a septum 220 and a housing 212. The housing 212 includes a passageway 213 that the septum 220 is positioned within to secure the septum 220 to the housing 212. The housing 212 is positioned within a passageway 135 in the side port 130 to allow the passive septum valve 200 to slide from a closed (distal) position to an open (proximal) position and vice versa.

[0052] Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral intravenous catheter 100 is shown with the side port 130 including a passive septum valve 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the passive septum valve 200 includes a septum 220 and a housing 212. The housing 212 includes a passageway 213 that the septum 220 is positioned within to secure the septum 220 to the housing 212. The housing 212 is positioned within a passageway 135 in the side port 130 to allow the passive septum valve 200 to slide from a closed (distal) position to an open (proximal) position and vice versa. Figure 4BThe side port 130 of the active diaphragm valve 400 is shown in both the closed and open positions. The active diaphragm valve 400 can be initially in the closed position before the catheter 111 is inserted into the patient's vascular system. When the active diaphragm valve 400 is in the closed position, the diaphragm 420 covers the opening of the side branch 131. In other words, the diaphragm 420 blocks the fluid passage into and out of the extension kit 140. Therefore, perfusion fluid 199 that may be injected into the extension kit 140 is prevented from flowing into the side port 130 and beyond the side branch 131. With the active diaphragm valve 400 in this closed position, the peripheral venous catheter 100 can be used to collect blood samples in any of the above-described manner, for example, as... Figure 4E (Blood Collection Adapter 300) and Figure 4F As shown in (Blood Collection Kit 200).

[0053] After collecting a blood sample, a proximal force can be applied to the sliding tab 41 to move the active diaphragm valve 400. Figure 4B In the open position shown. When the active diaphragm valve 400 is in the open position, the diaphragm 420 no longer covers the opening of the side branch 131, thereby opening a fluid passage to and from the extension kit 140. Fluid (including any perfusion fluid 199 that may have been pre-injected into the extension kit 140) can then be injected from the extension kit 140 into the side port 130. This fluid can flush any residual blood in the side port 130 into the patient's vascular system. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, taking into account the proximal orientation of the side branch 131, the fluid will be directed toward the diaphragm 420, thereby flushing away any blood that may have remained between the diaphragm 420 and the side wall of the side port 130.

[0054] Figure 4E A variation of the blood collection adapter 300 is shown. This variation of the blood collection adapter 300 can be used when the side port 130 includes an active diaphragm valve 400, and when it is intended to connect the blood collection adapter 300 to the side port 130. Figure 4EThe blood collection adapter 300 shown is the same as described above, except for the addition of a distally facing notch 307 against which the slide tab 411 abuts when the protrusion 134 is inserted into the notch 305. The notch 307 functions to prevent the active septum valve 400 from transitioning to the open position until after the blood collection adapter 300 is removed from the side port 130. More specifically, to position the protrusion 134 within the notch 305, the slide tab 411 will need to be in its most distal position (or at least in a position that causes the septum 420 to cover the opening of the side branch 131). Then, with the protrusion 134 positioned in the notch 305, the notch 307 will prevent the slide tab 411 from sliding proximally. In this way, the fluid passageway of the extension set 140 can remain blocked until after a blood sample is collected through the side port 130 (or at least until the blood collection adapter 300 is removed).

[0055] Figure 5 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B A variation of the active septum valve 400 that can be used in some embodiments of the present application is shown. As best shown in Figure 5A , a plurality of vent passageways 420a can be formed around the portion of the septum 420 that is distal relative to the passageway 421. Notably, this distal portion of the septum 420 that is formed with the vent passageways 420a covers the opening 131a of the side branch 131. The vent passageways 420a can extend to the passageway 421 so that air can pass through the septum housing 412 and out of the side port 130 (e.g., via the passageway 135 and / or the proximal end 130b). The vent passageways 420a can be configured (e.g., sized) to enable air to pass through but not fluid. Thus, in the event that the extension set 140 can be pre-primed, the vent passageways 420a will allow air 198 to vent out of the extension set 140 while preventing the priming fluid 199 from flowing out of the extension set 140. In this way, the vent passageways 420a facilitate priming of the extension set 140 while the active septum valve 400 is in the closed position.

[0056] Figure 6 and Figure 6A - Figure 6C Another variation of the active septum valve 400 that can be employed on some embodiments of the present application is shown to allow the active septum valve 400 to be single-actuated (or moved from the closed position to the open position). As shown in Figure 6A , a tab 610 can be formed on the underside of the slide tab 411 on the opposite side of the connecting portion 413. Each tab 610 includes a ramped proximal end 610a and includes a distal end 610b. As shown in Figure 6 , the side port 130 can include corresponding distal notches 601 and proximal notches 602 on opposite sides of the passageway 135. Each distal notch 601 includes a ramped proximal end 601a.

[0057] Figure 6B The side port 130 is shown when the active diaphragm valve 400 is in the closed position. In this closed position, the tabs 610 will be inserted into the distal slots 601 with the ramped proximal ends 610a of the tabs 610 substantially aligned with the ramped proximal ends 601a of the distal slots 601. Because these ends are correspondingly ramped, when a proximally directed force is applied to the sliding tabs 411, the ramped proximal ends 610a will slide up and relative to the proximal ends 601a of the distal slots 601 such that each tab 610 will escape the corresponding distal slot 601. Further proximal movement will then cause the tabs 610 to drop into the corresponding proximal slots 602, as shown. Figure 6C Each proximal slot 602 includes a distal end 602a that is not ramped relative to the distal ends 610b of the corresponding tabs 610. Thus, the interaction between these distal ends will prevent distal movement of the tabs 610, thereby preventing the active diaphragm valve 400 from returning to the closed position. Thus, in these embodiments, once the active diaphragm valve 400 has been slid to the open position, the fluid passageway through the extension set 140 will remain open.

[0058] Figure 7 and Figure 7A - Figure 7B A variation of the side port 130 that can be employed on peripheral intravenous catheters 100 in some embodiments of the present application is shown. In these embodiments, an air vent membrane 700 is integrated into an air vent passageway 700a in the side port 130. The air vent passageway 700a is positioned proximal to the side branch 131. In addition, the diaphragm 420 of the active diaphragm valve 400 includes an air vent passageway 422 that is positioned distal to the passageway 421. As best shown in Figure 7A the air vent passageway 422 can be configured to extend partially over the opening 131a of the side branch 131 when the active diaphragm valve 400 is in the closed position, thereby forming an air channel from the extension set 140 into the air vent passageway 422. The air vent passageway 422 can also be configured to extend at least partially over the air vent passageway 700a, thereby extending the air channel to the air vent membrane 700. In this manner, air 198 can be vented from the extension set 140 when the active diaphragm valve 400 is in the closed position, thereby facilitating priming of the extension set 140. After a blood sample has been collected, the active diaphragm valve 400 can be slid proximally so that the diaphragm 420 no longer blocks the opening 131a. As Figure 7B shown, the extension set 140 can then be used to infuse fluids, including flushing residual blood 197.

[0059] In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that a peripheral intravenous catheter constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present application can facilitate collection of a blood sample upon catheter insertion, even before withdrawal of the needle from the patient's vasculature. Such collection of a blood sample can be accomplished through a fluid passageway that is distinct from a fluid passageway used for subsequent infusion of fluid into the patient's vasculature. Thus, blood will not come into contact with the access port of the extension set used for such infusion, thereby reducing the risk of BSI. Various configurations of the peripheral intravenous catheter even allow this blood collection process to be performed while priming the extension set, without the risk of diluting the blood sample with the priming solution.

[0060] All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended to be construed to cover all processes, products, and compositions of matter similar or equivalent to those described in the claims and which would fall within the purview of the inventor's contribution to the art. While the application has been described above with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that various modifications and changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the application.

Claims

1. An integrated intravenous catheter, comprising: a catheter adapter having a catheter configured to be inserted into a vasculature of a patient; a side port having a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a side branch, the side port being connected to the catheter adapter by the distal end, a first fluid passageway extending between the distal end and the proximal end, a second fluid passageway extending between the distal end and the side branch; an extension set connected to the side port via the side branch, and; an active septum valve including a septum slidably disposed within the first fluid passageway, the septum being movable between a closed distal position and an open proximal position, wherein the open proximal position allows fluid flow through the second fluid passageway, and wherein the closed distal position blocks fluid flow through the second fluid passageway.

2. The integrated intravenous catheter of claim 1, further comprising a blood sampling set inserted through the septum, the blood sampling set being configured to expel air from the first fluid passageway.

3. The integrated intravenous catheter of claim 1, further comprising: a blood sampling adapter coupled to the proximal end of the side port and extending through the septum, the blood sampling adapter being configured to expel air from the first fluid passageway.

4. The integrated venous catheter of claim 1, wherein, the septum including one or more air vent passageways to vent air from the second fluid passageway when the active septum valve is in the closed distal position.

5. The integrated venous catheter of claim 1, wherein, the active septum valve including an actuation member having one or more tabs that interface with the side port to prevent the active septum valve from moving from the open proximal position to the closed distal position.

6. The integrated venous catheter of claim 5, wherein, for each of the one or more tabs, the side port including a distal notch and a proximal notch, the tab being inserted into the distal notch when the active septum valve is in the closed distal position, the tab being inserted into the proximal notch when the active septum valve is in the open proximal position, the distal notch being configured to allow the tab to slide proximally out of the distal notch, the proximal notch being configured to prevent the tab from sliding distally out of the proximal notch.

7. The integrated venous catheter of claim 1, wherein, the side port further including an air vent membrane between the proximal end and the side branch of the side port, the active septum valve being configured to allow air contained in the extension set to escape through the air vent membrane when the active septum valve is in the closed distal position.

8. The integrated intravenous catheter of claim 1, further comprising: a blood sampling adapter connected to the proximal end of the side port.

9. The integrated IV catheter of claim 8, wherein, the blood sampling adapter preventing the active septum valve from moving to the open proximal position.

10. The integrated venous catheter of claim 1, wherein, the integrated intravenous catheter being a peripheral intravenous catheter.

11. The integrated venous catheter of claim 1, wherein, the active septum valve expelling air from the extension set when the active septum valve is in the closed distal position.

12. The integrated venous catheter of claim 3, wherein, The blood collection adapter includes a separate fluid passageway for drawing blood when the active septum valve is in the closed distal position.

13. The integrated IV catheter of claim 12, wherein, The blood collection adapter prevents the active septum valve from moving to the open proximal position.

14. The integrated venous catheter of claim 1, wherein, The extension set includes an access port through which fluid can be injected into the patient's vasculature via the first fluid passageway.

15. The integrated IV catheter of claim 14, further comprising: A blood collection adapter is coupled to the proximal end of the side port.

16. The integrated venous catheter of claim 14, wherein, The septum is configured to vent air from the extension set when the active septum valve is in the closed distal position, thereby enabling priming of the extension set when the active septum valve is in the closed distal position.

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