needle shield

Abstract

A needle shield for a peripheral intravenous catheter or other IV catheter system is provided herein. The shield can be formed from a single piece of material that can be bent to form a top portion, a bottom portion, a proximal portion, a top distal portion, and a bottom distal portion. The proximal portion can form a proximal needle opening, and the top or bottom distal portions can form a distal needle opening, allowing a needle to extend through the shield when the shield is located in the lumen of a catheter adapter. The shield can transition from an unlocked position to a locked position in which a distal tip of the needle will remain within the shield when the distal tip is retracted proximally.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Intravenous (IV) catheter systems are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, IV catheter systems can be used to infuse fluids such as saline solutions, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition into patients. IV catheter systems can also be used to draw blood from patients.

[0002] A common type of IV catheter system is the needle-type peripheral venous (“IV”) catheter (“PIVC”). As the name suggests, a needle-type catheter can be mounted on a needle with a sharp distal end. The catheter and needle can be assembled such that the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter, and the bevel of the needle faces away from the patient's skin. The catheter and needle are typically inserted into the patient's vascular system through the skin at a shallow angle.

[0003] After the catheter is inserted into the patient's vascular system, the needle is withdrawn from the catheter and catheter adapter. To prevent contact with the sharp distal tip of the needle, the needle assembly typically includes a shield that isolates the distal tip once the guide is withdrawn from the catheter adapter.

[0004] The subject matter protected herein is not limited to addressing any shortcomings or embodiments that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided merely to illustrate an exemplary technical field in which some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention generally relates to a sheath for a needle used in a peripheral venous catheter (PIVC) or other IV catheter systems. The sheath may be formed from a single piece of material that can be bent to form a top portion, a bottom portion, a proximal portion, a top distal portion, and a bottom distal portion. The proximal portion may form a proximal needle opening, and the top or bottom distal portion may form a distal needle opening, thereby allowing the needle to extend through the sheath when it is located within the lumen of a catheter adapter. When the distal tip of the needle is retracted proximally, the sheath can be switched from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the distal tip remains within the sheath.

[0006] In some embodiments, a shield for a needle may include a top portion forming a top surface and opposing side surfaces extending downward from the top surface. In some embodiments, the shield may include a bottom portion forming a bottom surface and opposing side surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the shield may include a proximal portion interconnecting the top and bottom portions. In some embodiments, the proximal portion may form a proximal needle opening. In some embodiments, the shield may include a top distal portion extending downward from the top surface. In some embodiments, the shield may include a bottom distal portion extending upward from the bottom surface. In some embodiments, when the shield is in an unlocked position, the top distal portion and the bottom distal portion may be spaced apart to expose the distal needle opening. In some embodiments, when the shield is in a locked position, the top distal portion and the bottom distal portion may not expose the distal needle opening.

[0007] In some embodiments, the top distal portion may include one or more tabs, and the bottom distal portion may include one or more recesses for receiving the one or more tabs to hold the shield in a locked position. In some embodiments, a distal pin opening may be formed in the top distal portion. In some embodiments, two tabs may be located on opposite sides of the top distal portion, and a distal pin opening may be formed between the two tabs. In some embodiments, two recesses may be located on opposite sides of the bottom distal portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the shield is in the unlocked position, the top distal portion and the bottom distal portion may not overlap, while when the shield is in the locked position, the top distal portion and the bottom distal portion may overlap. In some embodiments, when the shield is in the unlocked position, the opposing side surfaces of the top portion may partially overlap with the opposing side surfaces of the bottom portion, while when the shield is in the locked position, the opposing side surfaces of the top portion may completely overlap with the opposing side surfaces of the bottom portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, as the needle passes through the proximal needle opening and the distal needle opening, the top and bottom surfaces may each form a protrusion for retaining the shield within the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the top portion, bottom portion, proximal portion, top distal portion, and bottom distal portion may all be formed of a single sheet of material. In some embodiments, the single sheet of material may be a metal sheet.

[0010] In some embodiments, a venous catheter system may include a catheter assembly having a catheter adapter forming a lumen and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, a venous catheter system may include a needle assembly having a needle hub and a needle extending distally from the needle hub. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may be configured to engage with the catheter assembly such that the needle extends through the lumen of the catheter adapter and the catheter. In some embodiments, a venous catheter system may include a shield located within the lumen of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the shield may include a top portion forming a top surface and opposing side surfaces extending downward from the top surface. In some embodiments, the shield may include a bottom portion forming a bottom surface and opposing side surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the shield may include a proximal portion interconnecting the top and bottom portions. In some embodiments, the proximal portion may form a proximal needle opening. In some embodiments, the shield may include a top distal portion extending downward from the top surface. In some embodiments, the shield may include a bottom distal portion extending upward from the bottom surface. In some embodiments, when the needle assembly is coupled to the catheter adapter, the needle can extend through the proximal needle opening and the distal needle opening of the shield to keep the shield in the unlocked position, and when the needle assembly is retracted proximally from the catheter assembly so that the distal end of the needle passes through the distal needle opening, the shield can be switched to a locked position in which the distal end of the needle is prevented from passing distally through the distal needle opening.

[0011] In some embodiments, the top and bottom surfaces of the shield may each form a protrusion. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a slot that receives the protrusions formed in the top and bottom surfaces when the shield is in the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the top distal portion may include one or more tabs, and the bottom distal portion may include one or more recesses for receiving one or more tabs to hold the shield in a locked position. In some embodiments, a distal needle opening may be formed in the top distal portion. In some embodiments, two tabs may be located on opposite sides of the top distal portion, and two recesses may be located on opposite sides of the bottom distal portion. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a diaphragm positioned distal to the shield within the lumen of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, when the needle assembly is coupled to the catheter assembly, a needle may extend through the diaphragm. In some embodiments, the top portion, bottom portion, proximal portion, top distal portion, and bottom distal portion may all be formed from a single piece of material.

[0012] In some embodiments, a peripheral venous catheter may include a catheter assembly having a catheter adapter forming a lumen and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, a peripheral venous catheter may include a needle assembly having a needle hub and a needle extending distally from the needle hub. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may be configured to engage with the catheter assembly such that the needle extends through the lumen of the catheter adapter and the catheter. In some embodiments, the peripheral venous catheter may include a shield located within the lumen of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the shield may be formed of a single piece of material. In some embodiments, the shield may include a top portion forming a top surface and opposing side surfaces extending downward from the top surface. In some embodiments, the shield may include a bottom portion forming a bottom surface and opposing side surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the shield may include a proximal portion interconnecting the top and bottom portions. In some embodiments, the proximal portion may form a proximal needle opening. In some embodiments, the shield may include a top distal portion extending downward from the top surface. In some embodiments, the shield may include a bottom distal portion extending upward from the bottom surface. In some embodiments, when the needle assembly is coupled to the catheter adapter, the needle can extend through the proximal needle opening and the distal needle opening of the shield to keep the shield in the unlocked position, and when the needle assembly is retracted proximally from the catheter assembly so that the distal end of the needle passes through the distal needle opening, the shield can be switched to a locked position in which the distal end of the needle is prevented from passing distally through the distal needle opening.

[0013] In some embodiments, the top and bottom surfaces of the shield may each form protrusions. In some embodiments, the conduit adapter may include a slot that receives the protrusions formed in the top and bottom surfaces when the shield is in the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the top distal portion may include one or more tabs, and the bottom distal portion may include one or more recesses for receiving one or more tabs to hold the shield in the locked position.

[0014] It should be understood that the above overview and the following detailed description are merely illustrative and not limiting of the invention protected by the claims. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless protected by the claims. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1A The PIVC configuration according to some embodiments is shown;

[0017] Figure 1B This shows the removal from the catheter assembly. Figure 1A The needle assembly of the PIVC, including how a shield configured according to some embodiments secures the distal end of the needle;

[0018] Figures 2A to 2C These are, respectively, a top perspective view, a distance view, and a side view of the protective cover configured according to some embodiments when the cover is in the unlocked position;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of the shield in the locked position according to some embodiments;

[0020] Figure 4 A protective cover in a pre-assembled state is shown according to some embodiments;

[0021] Figure 5 According to some embodiments Figure 1A A separate view of the PIVC conduit adapter;

[0022] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view of a conduit adapter according to some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 6A According to some embodiments Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the PIVC, showing the needle not yet withdrawn from the catheter; and

[0024] Figure 6B According to some embodiments Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the PIVC, showing the needle retracted to position the distal end in... Figures 2A to 2C Inside the protective shield. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1AExamples of PIVC 100 configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. PIVC 100 may include a catheter assembly 110 and a needle assembly 120. Catheter assembly 110 may include a catheter adapter 111, through which a catheter 112 extends distally. Needle assembly 120 may include a needle hub 121, through which a needle 122 extends distally. Needle assembly 120 may be inserted into the proximal end 116 of catheter adapter 111 to engage needle assembly 120 to catheter assembly 110, which in turn allows the distal end 122a of needle 122 to extend distally from catheter 112. Catheter adapter 111 may include a pair of slots 115 located on opposite sides of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, catheter adapter 111 may include an extension port 113 through which an extension assembly 114 may be integrated into PIVC 100.

[0026] Figure 1B The needle assembly 120 is shown after being withdrawn and detached from the catheter adapter 111. According to some embodiments, a shield 200 may be employed within the PIVC 100 to secure the distal end 122a of the needle 122 during withdrawal of the needle assembly 120. In some embodiments, the needle 122 may include an enlarged cross-sectional area segment or "bump" 122b that prevents the needle 122 from separating from the shield 200, as further described below.

[0027] Figures 2A to 2C These are, respectively, a top perspective view, a distance view, and a side view of the shield 200 isolated when it is in the unlocked position. This unlocked position can represent the state of the shield 200 before the distal end 122a retracts into it. Conversely, Figure 3 This is a top perspective view showing the shield 200 in the locked position. This locked position can represent the state of the shield 200 after the distal end 122a has retracted into the shield 200 and the shield 200 is or has been separated from the catheter adapter 111. Figure 4 The shield 200 is shown in a pre-assembled state, and it is shown that the shield 200 can be made from a single piece of flat material (e.g., a metal sheet) and then folded into... Figures 2A to 2C The unlock location is shown.

[0028] like Figures 2A to 4As shown, the shield 200 may include a top portion 210 and a bottom portion 230 connected by a proximal portion 250. The terms “top” and “bottom” are used relative to the orientation of the shield 200 in the figure and are intended only to distinguish the two portions and should not be construed as requiring the top portion to be positioned at the top during use of the PIVC. In fact, in some embodiments, the shield 200 may be positioned within the catheter adapter 111 along either orientation, as will become apparent below. Conversely, the term “proximal” in the proximal portion 250 is intended to indicate that the proximal portion 250 will be oriented proximally (i.e., away from the distal end 122a) during use. The shield 200 may also include a top distal portion 220 extending from the top portion 210 opposite to the proximal portion 250, and a bottom distal portion 240 extending from the bottom portion 230 opposite to the proximal portion 250. During use of the shield 200, the top distal portion 220 and the bottom distal portion 240 will be oriented distally.

[0029] In some embodiments, the top portion 210 may include a top surface 210a and side surfaces 210b, 210c, the side surfaces being opposite to each other and extending downward from the top surface 210a. In some embodiments, reference... Figure 4 The top portion 210 can be formed by folding the opposing side surfaces 210b, 210c downward relative to the top surface 210a. Similarly, in some embodiments, the bottom portion 230 may include a bottom surface 230a and opposing side surfaces 230b, 230c, which may extend upward from the bottom surface 230a. In some embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 4 The bottom portion 230 can be formed by folding the opposite side surfaces 230b and 230c upward relative to the bottom surface 230a.

[0030] In some embodiments, the width (W1) of the top surface 210a may be different from the width (W2) of the bottom surface 230a. For example, W1 may be smaller than W2, so that when the shield 200 is assembled, the side surfaces 210b and 210c may be located inside the side surfaces 230b and 230c. Optionally, W2 may be smaller than W1, so that when the shield 200 is assembled, the side surfaces 230b and 230c may be located inside the side surfaces 210b and 210c. In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the width of the proximal portion 250 may be tapered to match the respective widths of the top surface 210a and the bottom surface 230a. In some embodiments, the length (L1) of the top portion 210 may differ from the length (L2) of the bottom portion 230. For example, L1 may be less than L2, so that when the shield 200 is assembled, the top distal portion 220 may be located inside the bottom distal portion 240. Alternatively, L2 may be less than L1, so that when the shield 200 is assembled, the bottom distal portion 240 may be located inside the top distal portion 220. In some embodiments, the widths of the side surfaces 210b, 210c, 230b, and 230c relative to the width of the proximal portion 250 may be configured such that when the shield 200 is in a position such as Figure 3 When in the locked position, side surfaces 210b, 210c overlap with side surfaces 230b, 230c. This overlap prevents the distal end 122a from passing between the side surfaces once it retracts into the shield 200.

[0031] In some embodiments, protrusion 211 may be formed on top surface 210a, and protrusion 231 may be formed on bottom surface 230a. In some embodiments, protrusions 211 and 231 may be aligned such that when the shield 200 is horizontally oriented, protrusion 211 may be located vertically above (or below) protrusion 231. In such embodiments, opposing slots 115 in the catheter adapter 111 may also be aligned to receive protrusions 211, 231, such as Figure 5A As shown. However, in other embodiments, protrusion 211 may be offset relative to protrusion 231, in which case the opposing slot 115 may be offset accordingly.

[0032] In some embodiments, the top distal portion 220 may include one or more tabs 221 extending distally. In some embodiments, two tabs 221 may be formed on opposite sides of the top distal portion 220. In some embodiments, each tab 221 may be formed by folding down a portion of the top distal portion 220 such that each tab 221 can extend distally and upward. In some embodiments, the top distal portion 220 may include a distal needle opening 222 through which a needle 122 can extend when the shield 200 is in the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the distal needle opening 222 may be located between the tabs 221, with a gap between the needle 122 and the distal needle opening 222. In some embodiments, the distal needle opening 222 may contact the surface of the needle 122 through which the needle can slide and / or be pre-tensioned. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 250 may include a proximal needle opening 251, the size of which may allow the needle 122 to pass through but not the tab 122b. In some embodiments, the needle 122 may be subjected to low drag force in response to movement through the proximal needle opening 251.

[0033] In some embodiments, the bottom distal portion 240 may include one or more recesses 241 corresponding to one or more tabs 221 of the top distal portion 220. For example, in some embodiments, two recesses 241 may be formed on opposite sides of the bottom distal portion 240 and may be aligned with two tabs 221 formed on opposite sides of the top distal portion 220. In some embodiments, each recess 241 may be positioned within the bottom distal portion 240 such that a portion of the bottom distal portion 240 remains positioned above the recess.

[0034] In some embodiments, the distal needle opening 222 may be formed in the bottom distal portion 240 instead of the top distal portion 220. Similarly, in some embodiments, a tab 221 may be formed in the bottom distal portion 240, while a recess 241 may be formed in the top distal portion 220. Thus, embodiments of the shield 200 include various arrangements and orientations of the distal needle opening 222, tab 221, and recess 241 on the top distal portion 220 and the bottom distal portion 240.

[0035] In some embodiments, when the shield 200 is in the unlocked position, the distal needle opening 222 may be at least partially located above the bottom distal portion 240, allowing the needle 122 to pass through the shield 200 via the proximal needle opening 251 and the distal needle opening 222. In this unlocked position, with the needle 122 held within the distal needle opening 222, the needle 122 may contact the top distal portion 220 and the bottom distal portion 240 to prevent the shield 200 from transitioning to the locked position. However, when the distal end 122a of the needle 122 retracts proximally into the shield 200, the top distal portion 220 and the bottom distal portion 240 may move toward each other, allowing the tab 221 to insert into the recess 241. In some embodiments, the engagement between the tab 221 and the recess 241 may hold the shield 200 in the locked position. For example, because the tab 221 can be oriented distally and upward, when the tab 221 is contained within the notch 241, the tab 221 can contact the bottom distal portion 240 to prevent the top portion 210 from pivoting away from the bottom portion 230. In some embodiments, the top distal portion 220 and the bottom distal portion 240 can be configured to fully overlap when the shield 200 is in the locked position, such that the distal needle opening 222 is covered by the bottom distal portion 240. In such embodiments, once the shield 200 is in the locked position, the bottom distal portion 240 will prevent the distal end 122a from extending distally from the shield 200, even if the distal end 122a of the needle 122 is within the distal needle opening 222. In some embodiments, the top distal portion 220 and the bottom distal portion 240 may be at least as wide as the top surface 210a and the bottom surface 230a, respectively, and may be adjacent to the side surfaces 210b, 210c and 230b, 230c, respectively, to prevent the distal end 122a from passing through therebetween.

[0036] In some embodiments, the above-described configuration of the shield 200 allows the shield 200 to be manufactured by stamping a single sheet of material. For example, a sheet material having Figure 4 A single sheet of metal of the shape shown is placed in a press, where it can be stamped to form protrusions 211, 231, and tabs 221. In such embodiments, once the sheet is stamped, it can be folded into an unlocked position.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a top (or bottom) perspective view of a conduit adapter 111 according to some embodiments, and Figure 5A This is a corresponding cross-sectional view. As shown, the catheter adapter 111 may form an inner lumen 111a and may include a slot 115, which may be positioned toward the proximal end 116. As described above, the slot 115 may be positioned within the catheter adapter 111 to receive protrusions 211 and 231. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 5AAs shown, the slot 115 can extend completely through the sidewall of the conduit adapter 111, while in other embodiments, the slot 115 may include an internal indentation in the inner surface of the sidewall that does not extend through the outer surface of the sidewall.

[0038] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a three-dimensional view showing the top (or bottom) cross-section of the PIVC 100. Figure 6A This illustrates PIVC 100 when the needle assembly 120 is not withdrawn from the catheter assembly 110. Conversely, Figure 6B The diagram shows a PIVC 100 during needle assembly 120 withdrawal. In some embodiments, a diaphragm 117 may be positioned within a lumen 111a distal to the slot 115 to receive a shield 200 within the lumen 111a when the needle assembly 120 is coupled to the catheter assembly 110. In some embodiments, the needle 122 may pass through the diaphragm 117. In some embodiments, the lumen 111a may not include the diaphragm 117. In some embodiments, when the needle assembly 120 is coupled to the catheter assembly 110, the shield 200 may be positioned such that protrusions 211 and 231 are inserted into the slot 115. In some embodiments, as the needle 122 extends through the proximal needle opening 251, the top portion 210 and the bottom portion 230 may be forced apart to retain protrusions 211, 231 within the slot 115. In other words, in some embodiments, the proximal needle opening 251 may be configured such that the portion of the needle 122 contained in the proximal needle opening 251 keeps the top portion 210 and the bottom portion 230 sufficiently spaced to prevent the protrusions 211, 231 from dislodging from the slot 115, while the needle 122 remains in the proximal needle opening 251.

[0039] In some embodiments, after catheter 112 has been inserted into the patient's vascular system, needle assembly 120 can be retracted proximally from catheter assembly 110. This proximal retraction of needle assembly 120 can cause the distal end 122a of needle 122 to proximally pass over the top distal portion 220. With needle 122 no longer in the distal needle opening 222, top portion 210 and bottom portion 230 can freely pivot toward each other. In some embodiments, when distal end 122a has entered shield 200, proximal movement of needle 122 can cause protrusion 122b to contact proximal portion 250. Because protrusion 122b can have a larger cross-sectional area than proximal needle opening 251, a sustained proximal force acting on needle assembly 120 can cause shield 200 to be pulled proximally from catheter adapter 111. In some embodiments, when the shield 200 is pulled proximally, the protrusions 211, 231 that form inclined outer surfaces can cause the top portion 210 and the bottom portion 230 to pivot inward toward each other. This inward pivoting can cause the tab 221 to insert into the recess 241, thereby locking the shield 200, and can also cause the protrusions 211, 231 to disengage from the slot 115, thereby allowing the shield 200 to retract from the catheter adapter 111. After the shield 200 is separated from the catheter adapter 111, the engagement between the tab 221 and the recess 241 can hold the shield 200 in the locked position.

[0040] In some embodiments, the top distal portion 220 and the bottom distal portion 240 may be configured not to contact the needle 122 as it extends into or through the diaphragm 117. For example, in Figure 6A In this configuration, the bottom distal portion 240 is sized to be located below the center point of the diaphragm 117, through which the needle 122 extends. As a result, when the needle 122 is within the diaphragm 117, it can be held above the bottom distal portion 240. Similarly, the size and position of the distal needle opening 222 can be set within the top distal portion 220, so that no part of the top distal portion 220 contacts the needle 122 before the distal end 122a retracts from the diaphragm 117. In this way, when the needle 122 is withdrawn through the diaphragm 117, the top distal portion 220 and the bottom distal portion 240 can be prevented from exerting a dragging force on the needle 122.

[0041] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the invention and the ideas contributed by the inventors to advance the field, and are to be construed as not being limited to such specific examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shield for a needle, characterized in that The shield includes: a top portion forming a top surface and opposing side surfaces extending downward from the top surface; a bottom portion forming a bottom surface and opposing side surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface; a proximal portion interconnecting the top portion and the bottom portion, the proximal portion forming a proximal needle opening; a top distal portion extending downward from the top surface; and a bottom distal portion extending upward from the bottom surface; wherein, when the shield is in an unlocked position, the top distal portion and the bottom distal portion are spaced apart to uncover a distal needle opening, and when the shield is in a locked position, the top distal portion and the bottom distal portion do not uncover the distal needle opening; wherein the top distal portion includes one or more tabs and the bottom distal portion includes one or more notches for receiving the one or more tabs to retain the shield in the locked position, the one or more notches facing in a distal direction, and the one or more tabs being formed by folding down a portion of the top distal portion such that the one or more tabs extend distally and upward from the top distal portion, the one or more tabs of the top distal portion extending in a distal direction through the one or more notches when the shield is in the locked position.

2. The shroud of claim 1, wherein, The distal needle opening is formed in the top distal portion.

3. The shroud of claim 2, wherein, The one or more tabs include two tabs located on opposite sides of the top distal portion, the distal needle opening being formed between the two tabs.

4. The shroud of claim 3, wherein, The one or more notches include two notches located on opposite sides of the bottom distal portion.

5. The shroud of claim 1, wherein, The top distal portion and the bottom distal portion do not overlap when the shield is in the unlocked position, and the top distal portion and the bottom distal portion overlap when the shield is in the locked position.

6. The shroud of claim 5, wherein, The opposing side surfaces of the top portion partially overlap the opposing side surfaces of the bottom portion when the shield is in the unlocked position, and the opposing side surfaces of the top portion fully overlap the opposing side surfaces of the bottom portion when the shield is in the locked position.

7. The shroud of claim 1, wherein, The top surface and the bottom surface each form a protrusion for retaining the shield within a catheter adapter when a needle extends through the proximal needle opening and the distal needle opening.

8. The shroud of claim 1, wherein, The top portion, the bottom portion, the proximal portion, the top distal portion, and the bottom distal portion are all formed from a single piece of material.

9. The shroud of claim 8, wherein, The single piece of material is a single piece of metal.

10. An intravenous catheter system, comprising: The intravenous catheter system includes: a catheter assembly having a catheter adapter forming an internal lumen and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; a needle assembly having a needle hub and a needle extending distally from the needle hub, the needle assembly being configured to couple to the catheter assembly such that the needle extends through the internal lumen of the catheter adapter and the catheter; and a shield assembly having a shield extending distally from the needle hub, the shield assembly being configured to couple to the needle assembly such that the shield extends through the internal lumen of the catheter adapter and the catheter. a shield positioned in an internal lumen of the catheter adapter, the shield being the shield of claim 1; wherein, when the needle assembly is coupled to the catheter adapter, the needle extends through a proximal needle opening and a distal needle opening of the shield, thereby maintaining the shield in an unlocked position, and when the needle assembly is retracted proximally from the catheter assembly to pass a distal tip of the needle through the distal needle opening, the shield transitions to a locked position in which the distal tip of the needle is prevented from passing distally through the distal needle opening.

11. The intravenous catheter system of claim 10, wherein, the top surface and the bottom surface of the shield each form a protrusion, and wherein the catheter adapter includes a slot that receives the protrusions formed in the top surface and the bottom surface when the shield is in the unlocked position.

12. The intravenous catheter system of claim 10, wherein, the distal needle opening is formed in the top distal portion.

13. The intravenous catheter system of claim 10, wherein, the one or more tabs include two tabs positioned on opposite sides of the top distal portion, and the one or more notches include two notches positioned on opposite sides of the bottom distal portion.

14. The intravenous catheter system of claim 10, wherein, the catheter assembly includes a septum positioned in an internal lumen of the catheter adapter and distally of the shield, the needle extending through the septum when the needle assembly is coupled to the catheter assembly.

15. The intravenous catheter system of claim 10, wherein, the top portion, the bottom portion, the proximal portion, the top distal portion, and the bottom distal portion are all formed from a single piece of material.

16. A peripheral venous catheter, characterized in that the peripheral intravenous catheter includes: a catheter assembly having a catheter adapter forming an internal lumen and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; a needle assembly having a needle hub and a needle extending distally from the needle hub, the needle assembly configured to be coupled to the catheter assembly to cause the needle to extend through the internal lumen of the catheter adapter and the catheter; and a shield positioned in the internal lumen of the catheter adapter, the shield being formed from a single piece of material and being the shield of claim 1; wherein, when the needle assembly is coupled to the catheter adapter, the needle extends through a proximal needle opening and a distal needle opening of the shield, thereby maintaining the shield in an unlocked position, and when the needle assembly is retracted proximally from the catheter assembly to pass a distal tip of the needle through the distal needle opening, the shield transitions to a locked position in which the distal tip of the needle is prevented from passing distally through the distal needle opening.

17. The peripheral intravenous catheter of claim 16, wherein, the top surface and the bottom surface of the shield each form a protrusion, and wherein the catheter adapter includes a slot that receives the protrusions formed in the top surface and the bottom surface when the shield is in the unlocked position.

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