Spring-based device, system, and method to facilitate vascular access

Abstract

The present invention relates to spring-based devices, systems, and methods to facilitate vascular access. A catheter system can include a catheter assembly, which can include a catheter adapter. The catheter adapter can include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter assembly can include a catheter, which can extend distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system can include a device extending through a distal opening of the catheter. The device can include a helical spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to spring-based devices, systems and methods for facilitating vascular access, and in particular to an extension kit and a catheter system. Background Technology

[0002] Catheters are commonly used to deliver fluids into a patient's vascular system. For example, catheters can be used to infuse routine saline solutions, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition solutions. Catheters can also be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0003] Catheters may include over-the-needle peripheral venous (“IV”) catheters. In this case, the catheter can be mounted on a guide needle with a sharp distal tip. The catheter and guide needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the guide needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter, with the bevel of the needle facing upwards and away from the patient's skin. The catheter and guide needle are typically inserted into the patient's vascular system through the skin at a shallow angle.

[0004] To verify proper placement of the guide needle and / or catheter in the blood vessel, clinicians typically confirm the presence of a "flashback" of blood in the flashback lumen of the catheter assembly. Once needle placement has been confirmed, clinicians can temporarily block flow in the vascular system and remove the needle, leaving the catheter in place for future blood draws or fluid infusions.

[0005] Blood collection or infusion using catheters can be difficult for a variety of reasons, especially when the catheter remains in the vascular system for more than a day. When a catheter is left in place for an extended period, the catheter or vein is more prone to narrowing, collapse, kinking, blockage by debris (such as fibrin, thrombi, or platelet clots), and adhesion of the catheter tip to the vascular system. Consequently, infusion may be unsuccessful. Furthermore, catheters are often used to collect blood samples at the moment of insertion, but rarely during their indwelling period. Therefore, when blood samples are needed, additional needle puncture is often required to provide venous access for blood collection, which can be painful for the patient and result in higher material costs.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that address all drawbacks or operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided merely to illustrate an example technical field in which some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to spring-based devices, systems, and methods for facilitating vascular access. In some embodiments, the spring-based device or system may include a device that can extend through a distal opening of a catheter. In some embodiments, the device may include a spring, such as a helical spring. In some embodiments, the helical spring may include a central guidewire extending therethrough or one or more eccentric guidewires extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the device may include a fitting that may have side holes and / or a closed distal tip. In some embodiments, the device may include a probe or sensor.

[0008] In some embodiments, spring-based devices or systems can facilitate blood collection from a patient, fluid delivery to a patient, patient or device monitoring, or other clinical needs by utilizing existing catheters placed within a patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, spring-based devices or systems can reduce damage to the vascular system, reduce blood collection time, reduce the risk of hemolysis, and overcome thrombi or fibrin sheaths within or around the catheter that could prevent blood aspiration. In some embodiments, spring-based devices or systems can be used to extend the lifespan of catheters placed within the vascular system, thereby reducing the number of needle pricks. In some embodiments, spring-based devices or systems may include probes.

[0009] In some embodiments, the extension kit may be configured to connect to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the extension kit may include a distal connector and a proximal connector. In some embodiments, the extension kit may include a housing that includes a distal end connected to the distal connector and a proximal end connected to the proximal connector. In some embodiments, the extension kit may include a cannula disposed within the housing and configured to move distally such that the distal end of the cannula is distal to the distal connector. In these embodiments, the cannula may be configured to move distally in response to flushing fluid distally through the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the distal end of the device may be distal to the distal end of the sleeve. In these and other embodiments, the device may be coupled to the sleeve. In some embodiments, the extension kit may include a device disposed within the sleeve. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to move distally such that the distal end of the device is distal to the distal end of the sleeve. In these embodiments, the device may be configured to move distally in response to flushing liquid distally through the housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the distal connector may include an inner diameter. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the sleeve may include a feature. In some embodiments, the feature may include an outer diameter. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the feature may be larger than the inner diameter of the distal connector, thereby preventing the feature from moving distally through the distal connector. In some embodiments, the sleeve may include an inner diameter. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the device may include an outer diameter. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the device may be larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve, thereby preventing the proximal portion of the device from moving distally from the inner diameter of the sleeve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pitch of the device can be varied. In some embodiments, the pitch of the device can be uniform. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the distal end of the device can be smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the device. In some embodiments, the sleeve can include a variable outer diameter. In some embodiments, the sleeve can include a tubular fitting. In some embodiments, the sleeve can include one or more side holes. In some embodiments, the sleeve can include one or more side holes and a closed distal tip.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vascular access device may include a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly that may include a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter that extends distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral venous catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include the device that extends through a distal opening of the catheter. In some embodiments, the pitch of a portion of the device near the distal opening of the catheter may be smaller than the pitch of another portion of the device proximal to the distal opening of the catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a cannula that extends through the device. In some embodiments, the cannula may include an occlusion element that, in response to insertion of the catheter into the patient's vascular system, prevents fluid flow through the center of the device, thereby preventing the device from being blocked by a thrombus. In these and other embodiments, the outer surface of the cannula may contact the inner surface of the device along its length to prevent fluid flow between the device and the cannula.

[0015] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a connector that attaches to the proximal end of a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, a device may be attached to the connector and may extend distally through the catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include another extension kit. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a side port that can attach to another extension kit. In some embodiments, the connector may attach to another extension kit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the other device may extend through the distal opening of the catheter. In some embodiments, the other device may include another helical spring. In some embodiments, the device and the other device may be wound together, such that there is limited space for thrombus to enter the catheter assembly during catheter insertion into the patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, the device and the other device may be concentric and may include a central axis extending through the device and the other device. In some embodiments, the other device may be configured to rotate about the central axis such that the distal end of the other device is spaced apart from the distal end of the device. For example, the other device may be configured to rotate about the central axis and advance distally relative to the device. As another example, the other device may be configured to rotate about the central axis and retract proximally relative to the device. In some embodiments, the rotation of the other device about the central axis and the movement of the other device distally or proximally relative to the device may open a fluid path between the device and the other device for blood aspiration.

[0017] In some embodiments, the straightener cannula may be disposed within a conduit. In some embodiments, the cannula may be disposed within a straightener cannula. In some embodiments, the cannula may be configured to bend into a device in response to the distal end of the cannula being removed from the straightener cannula. In some embodiments, the cannula may be configured to advance distally relative to the straightener tube. In some embodiments, the cannula may automatically bend into the device in response to the distal end of the straightener tube advancing distally beyond the distal end. In some embodiments, the straightener tube may be configured to retract proximally relative to the cannula. In some embodiments, the cannula may automatically bend into the device in response to the proximal retraction of the straightener tube relative to the cannula. In some embodiments, the cannula may bend into the device in response to thermal or wet actuation.

[0018] It should be understood that, as requested, the foregoing overview and the following detailed description are illustrative and exemplary, and not limiting. It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments of this disclosure may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made (unless required). Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Example embodiments will be described and illustrated with additional features and details using the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view of an example extended kit based on some implementation methods;

[0021] Figure 1B It is based on some implementation methods Figure 1A Enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the extension kit;

[0022] Figure 1C This is a cross-sectional view of an example conduit system based on some implementation schemes, showing... Figure 1A The example sleeve and example device of the extension kit are in the distal position in response to flushing liquid distally through the housing;

[0023] Figure 1D It is based on some implementation methods Figure 1C An enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the conduit system, showing the cannula and devices in the distal position;

[0024] Figure 1E It is based on some implementation methods Figure 1C An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter system, showing the cannula in a distal position and an example feature on the outer surface of the cannula;

[0025] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of another extended kit according to some implementation methods;

[0026] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of an example conduit system according to some embodiments, showing... Figure 2A The example sleeve and example device of the extension kit are in the distal position in response to flushing liquid distally through the housing;

[0027] Figure 2C It is based on some implementation methods Figure 2B An enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the conduit system, showing the cannula and devices in the distal position;

[0028] Figure 2D This is a top perspective view of another example sleeve and another example device according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view of another example catheter system according to some embodiments, showing an example thermally actuated or wetly actuated guidewire;

[0030] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the distal end of the catheter system, showing the thermally actuated or wetly actuated guidewire before thermal actuation or wet actuation;

[0031] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the distal end of the catheter system, showing the thermally actuated guidewire or wet-actuated guidewire after thermal actuation or wet actuation;

[0032] Figure 3D These are cross-sectional views of an example straightener cannula and an example guidewire according to some implementation methods;

[0033] Figure 3E It is based on some implementation methods that advance to the distal side. Figure 3D The guidewire or the retraction

[0034] Figure 3D A cross-sectional view of the straightener sleeve;

[0035] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of another example conduit system according to some implementation methods;

[0036] Figure 4B It is based on some implementation methods Figure 4A Enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the catheter system;

[0037] Figure 4C It is based on some implementation methods Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a catheter system, showing the removal of an example guidewire from the catheter system;

[0038] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view of another conduit system according to some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 5B It is an enlarged view of one part of a device and another part of a device;

[0040] Figure 5C It is an enlarged view of another device advancing to the distal side relative to the device according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of the distal end of another example catheter system according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 6B It is based on some implementation methods Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the distal end of the catheter system;

[0043] Figure 7A This is a perspective view from above of an example device constructed according to some embodiments, extending through a conduit; and

[0044] Figure 7B It is based on some implementation methods Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the device connected to another example conduit system. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Now refer to Figure 1A-1B In some embodiments, the extension kit 10 may be configured to connect to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the extension kit 10 may include a distal connector 12 and a proximal connector 14. In some embodiments, the extension kit 10 may include a housing 16 that may include a distal end 18 connected to the distal connector 12 and a proximal end 20 connected to the proximal connector 14. In some embodiments, the extension kit 10 may include a cannula 22 disposed within the housing 16 and configured to move distally such that the distal end 24 of the cannula 22 is located distal to the distal connector 12. In these embodiments, the cannula 22 may be configured to move distally in response to flushing liquid or air distally through the housing 16. In some embodiments, a vent may allow air to escape from the extension kit 10.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sleeve 22 may include a fitting that may have an open distal end, such as... Figure 1A-1B As shown. In some embodiments, the sleeve 22 may include a fitting that may have side holes and / or a closed distal tip. In some embodiments, the sleeve 22 may include a probe or sensor. In some embodiments, the extension kit 10 may include a device 26 disposed within the sleeve 22. In some embodiments, the device 26 may include a spring, such as a helical spring. In some embodiments, the helical spring may be constructed of metal or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the helical spring may include a central guide wire extending therethrough or one or more eccentric guide wires extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the device 26 may include a fitting that may have side holes and / or a closed distal tip. In some embodiments, the device 26 may include a probe or sensor.

[0047] In some embodiments, device 26 may be configured to move distally such that the distal end 28 of device 26 is distal to the distal end 24 of sleeve 22. In these embodiments, device 26 may be configured to move distally in response to flushing liquid distally through housing 16. In some embodiments, proximal connector 14 may be coupled to pinless connector 30.

[0048] Now refer to Figure 1C In some embodiments, the infusion device 32, such as a syringe, may be coupled to the proximal connector 14. In some embodiments, the infusion device 32 may be directly coupled to the proximal connector 14. In other embodiments, a needleless connector 30 may be disposed between the infusion device 32 and the proximal connector 14. In some embodiments, the needleless connector 30 may be coupled to the infusion device 32. In some embodiments, the infusion device 32 may be actuated (e.g., the plunger of a syringe is depressed) to flush fluid within the infusion device 32 distally through the housing 16 and / or through the catheter assembly 34 coupled to the distal connector 12.

[0049] In some embodiments, the catheter system 36 may include a catheter assembly 34 and an extension kit 10. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 34 may include a catheter adapter 38. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 38 may include a distal end 40, a proximal end 42, and a lumen 44 extending through the distal end 40 and the proximal end 42 of the catheter adapter 38. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 34 may include a catheter 46 that extends distally from the distal end 40 of the catheter adapter 38. In some embodiments, the catheter 46 may include a peripheral venous catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter.

[0050] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 34 may include another extension kit 48, which may be integrated with the catheter adapter 38. In some embodiments, the other extension kit 48 may include an extension tube 50, which may be integrated with a side port 52 of the catheter adapter 38 located between the distal end 40 and the proximal end 42. In some embodiments, the adapter 54 may be coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube 50. In some embodiments, the distal connector 12 may be coupled to the adapter 54. In some embodiments, the distal connector 12 may be coupled to the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 38, and the cannula 22 may be arranged generally in a straight line within the catheter adapter 38.

[0051] Now refer to Figure 1D-1EIn some embodiments, the distal connector 12 and / or housing 16 may include an inner diameter 56. In some embodiments, housing 16 may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. In some embodiments, the outer surface of sleeve 22 may include a feature 58. In some embodiments, feature 58 may be integrally or integrally formed as a single unit with sleeve 22. In some embodiments, feature 58 may be a component separate from and connected to sleeve 22. In some embodiments, feature 58 may be wedge-shaped or another suitable shape. In some embodiments, a retraction mechanism that narrows on sleeve 22 and feature 58 may be used to retract sleeve 22. In some embodiments, the retraction mechanism may be provided on housing 16. The retraction mechanism can be further described in U.S. Patent Application 17 / 146,400, filed January 11, 2021, entitled "Plunger-based Delivery Device to Facilitate Vascular Access," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] In some embodiments, feature 58 may include an outer diameter 60. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 60 of feature 58 may be larger than the inner diameter 56, thereby preventing feature 58 from moving distally through the distal connector 12. In some embodiments, sleeve 22 may include an inner diameter 62. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of device 26 may include an outer diameter 64. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 64 of the proximal portion of device 26 may be larger than the inner diameter 62 of sleeve 22, thereby preventing the proximal portion of device 26 from moving distal to the inner diameter 62 of sleeve 22.

[0053] In some embodiments, in response to actuating the infusion device 32 or flushing, the cannula 22 and device 26 can be moved from a proximal position to a distal position, for example in Figure 1D-1EAs shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, in response to the sleeve 22 and device 26 being in the distal position, the sleeve 22 can be wedged into the distal connector 12 with an interference fit because the outer diameter 60 is greater than the inner diameter 56; and / or, the device 26 can be wedged into the distal end 24 of the sleeve 22 with an interference fit because the outer diameter 64 is greater than the inner diameter 62. In some embodiments, in response to the sleeve 22 and device 26 being in the distal position, the sleeve 22 and device 26 can extend distal to the distal end 65 of the conduit 46. In some embodiments, the distal end 28 of device 26 can be between 0 mm and 80 mm beyond the distal end of the conduit 46. In some embodiments, the distal end 28 of device 26 can extend beyond the distal end of the conduit 46 by more than 80 mm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 66 of the distal end 28 of device 26 can be smaller than the outer diameter 64 of the proximal portion of device 26.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 1C-1E In some embodiments, device 26 may create a fluid path for blood to flow into catheter 46 and catheter assembly 34. In some embodiments, infusion device 32 may also function as a blood collection device (e.g., by retracting a plunger), or any other suitable blood collection device (e.g., VACUTAINER) may be used. (注册商标) or VACUTAINER (注册商标) LUER-LOK (商标) (It may be available from Becton Dickinson and Company of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey) and is connected to the extension kit 10 to collect blood from a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula 22 may be soft, which reduces the likelihood of the cannula 22 damaging the vascular system. In some embodiments, the rigidity of the cannula 22 may be less than the rigidity of the catheter 46. In some embodiments, the cannula 22 creates an isolated or closed fluid path for blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of blood contamination due to drug adsorption in the catheter assembly 34. In some embodiments, the catheter 46 may be used as an additional or alternative fluid path to the cannula 22. In some embodiments, the cannula 22 may extend through the catheter 46 and the catheter adapter 38.

[0055] In some embodiments, the pitch of device 26 can be varied. In some embodiments, device 26 may include a tight pitch near the distal opening 68 of cannula 22 and / or adjacent to the distal end of catheter 46. In some embodiments, a tight pitch can prevent blockage due to fibrin sheath, thrombus, or venous wall under vacuum pressure when the blood collection device is actuated. In some embodiments, a tight pitch can prevent catheter 46 from collapsing under vacuum pressure when the blood collection device is actuated. In some embodiments, the pitch of device 26 may be uniform. In some embodiments, device 26 may include a pitch that is more open proximal to the tight pitch, which can promote blood flow and increase blood flow rate compared to a closed cannula or a tight pitch.

[0056] In some embodiments, device 26 may be coupled to a guidewire (not shown) that extends through device 26. In some embodiments, the distal end 28 of device 26 may be rounded or curved, which can prevent damage to the vein wall.

[0057] Now refer to Figure 2A-2D The diagram illustrates an extension kit 70 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the extension kit 70 may be similar to or identical to the extension kit 10 in one or more features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the distal end 28 of the device 26 may be distal to the distal end 24 of the sleeve 22. In these and other embodiments, the device 26 may be coupled to the sleeve 22. In some embodiments, the device 26 may be coupled to the sleeve 22 in any suitable manner—such as by embedding, bonding, welding, adhesives, solvents, interference fits, etc. In some embodiments, the device 26 may be wedged into the distal end 24 of the sleeve 22 in an interference fit due to the outer diameter 64 being larger than the inner diameter 62. In some embodiments, the device 26 may be wedged into the distal end 24 of the sleeve 22 in an interference fit without flushing. In some embodiments, a guidewire (e.g., see...) may be... Figures 6A to 6B guidewire 84 or Figures 4A to 4C The guide wire 84) is connected to the device 26 and / or extends through the device 26.

[0058] like Figure 2D As shown, in some embodiments, the cannula 22 may include a variable outer diameter and a corresponding variable inner diameter. In some embodiments, the variable outer diameter and the corresponding variable inner diameter may facilitate greater blood flow through the cannula 22 in response to the cannula 22 being in a distal position. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the cannula 22 may increase in response to an increase in the diameter of the internal geometry of the catheter assembly 34. In some embodiments, the device 26 may include two closely spaced pitch segments and a more open pitch segment between the two closely spaced pitch segments.

[0059] Now refer to Figures 6A-6BIn some embodiments, the cannula 22 may include one or more side holes 72 that facilitate a fluid path for blood aspiration. In some embodiments, the guidewire 84 may extend through the device 26 to provide increased rigidity and reduce the likelihood of catheter 46 collapsing. As described above, in some embodiments, the distal end 28 of the device 26 may be rounded or curved to prevent damage to the vein wall.In some embodiments, device 26 and / or cannula 22 may include segmented deployment structures, for example, as in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 037,246, filed July 17, 2018, entitled “Extension housing aid or importer of a cannula or intravenous catheter”; U.S. Patent Application 16 / 388,650, filed April 18, 2019, entitled “Instrument delivery device having a rotary element”; U.S. Patent Application 16 / 037,319, filed July 17, 2018, entitled “Multi-diameter catheter and associated devices and methods”; and U.S. Patent Application 16 / 037,319, filed July 3, 2019, entitled “Delivery device for vascular access”. U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 502,541 (filed November 21, 2019) entitled "Syringe-based Delivery Device for Vascular Access Instruments," U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 691,217 (filed January 14, 2020) entitled "Catheter Delivery Device and Related Systems and Methods," and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 742,013 (filed April 2, 2020) entitled "Vascular Access Instrument Having a Fluid-Permeable Structure, and Related Devices and Methods." The entire contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 838,831 (METHODS).

[0060] Refer again Figures 3A-3C In some embodiments, the catheter system 36 may include a specific guidewire 74 that can be bent to form the device 26 in response to thermal or wet actuation. Figure 3B It is based on some implementation methods Figure 3AA cross-sectional view of the distal end of the catheter system, showing the thermally or wetly actuated guidewire prior to thermal or wet actuation. In some embodiments, the guidewire 74 may be inserted through the catheter assembly 34 to reduce obstruction by fibrin sheath or thrombus. In some embodiments, the guidewire 74 and / or device 26 may be constructed of shape memory polymer or alloy.

[0061] Now refer to Figure 3D-3E In some embodiments, the straightener cannula 76 may be disposed within the catheter 46. In some embodiments, the guidewire 78 may be disposed within the straightener cannula 76, which may extend through the catheter assembly 34. In some embodiments, the guidewire 78 may be configured to bend into device 26 in response to the distal end 80 of the guidewire 78 being removed from the straightener cannula 76. In some embodiments, the guidewire 78 may be configured to advance distally relative to the straightener cannula 76 for blood aspiration. In some embodiments, the guidewire 78 may automatically bend into device in response to distal advancement of the guidewire 78 beyond the distal end of the straightener cannula 76. In some embodiments, the straightener cannula 76 may be configured to retract proximally relative to the guidewire 78 for blood aspiration. In some embodiments, the guidewire 78 may automatically bend into device 26 in response to proximal retraction of the straightener cannula 76 relative to the guidewire 78.

[0062] Now refer to Figures 4A-4C In some embodiments, the catheter system 36 may include a device 26 that extends through the distal opening 82 of the catheter 46. In some embodiments, the pitch of the device 26 near the distal opening 82 of the catheter 46 may be smaller than the pitch of another portion of the device 26 proximal to the distal opening 82 of the catheter 46. In some embodiments, the catheter system 36 may include a guidewire 84 that extends through the device 26. In some embodiments, the guidewire 84 may include an occluder such as a rounded nose that can prevent fluid flow through the center of the device 26 in response to insertion of the catheter 46 into the patient's vascular system to prevent the device 26 from being blocked by a thrombus. In these and other embodiments, the outer surface of the guidewire 84 may contact the inner surface of the device 26 along its entire length or a portion thereof to prevent fluid flow between the device 26 and the guidewire 84.

[0063] In some embodiments, the catheter system 36 may include a connector 86 coupled to the catheter assembly 34. For example, connector 86 may be coupled to the proximal end 42 of adapter 54 or catheter adapter 38. In some embodiments, device 26 may be coupled to connector 86 and may extend distally from connector 86 through catheter 46. In some embodiments, guidewire 84 may be coupled to another connector 88, which may be coupled to connector 86. In some embodiments, guidewire 84 may be removed from catheter system 36. In some embodiments, guidewire 84 may be removed from catheter system 36 for blood aspiration or infusion.

[0064] Now refer to Figures 5A-5C In some embodiments, another device 90 may extend through the distal opening 82 of the catheter 46. In some embodiments, device 26 and the other device 90 may be intertwined to limit the space for thrombi or other obstructions to enter the catheter assembly 34 during insertion of the catheter 46 into the patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, device 26 and the other device 90 may be concentric and may include a central axis extending through device 26 and the other device 90.

[0065] In some embodiments, the other device 26 may be configured to rotate about a central axis such that the distal end 92 of the other device 90 and the distal end 28 of the device 26 are spaced apart. For example, the other device 90 may be configured to rotate about a central axis and advance distally relative to the device 26. In some embodiments, the device 26 and the other device 90 may be nested together such that they contact each other and are intertwined relative to each other. As another example, the other device 90 may be configured to rotate about a central axis and retract proximally relative to the device 26. In some embodiments, the rotation of the other device 90 about a central axis and the movement of the other device 90 distally or proximally relative to the device 26 may open a fluid path through the device 26 and the other device 90 for blood aspiration or infusion, for example, as... Figure 5C As shown.

[0066] Now refer to Figures 7A-7B In some embodiments, connector 86 may be coupled to the proximal end 42 of catheter adapter 38. In some embodiments, device 26 may be coupled to connector 86 and may extend generally in a straight line distally through catheter 46. In some embodiments, device 26 may include a helical spring. In some embodiments, the helical spring may include a central guidewire extending therethrough or one or more eccentric guidewires extending therethrough. In some embodiments, device 26 may include a fitting that may have side holes and / or a closed distal tip. In some embodiments, device 26 may include a probe or sensor.

[0067] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for illustrative purposes to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and the concepts made by the inventors for further development of the art, and should be construed as not being limited to such specific examples and conditions. Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An extension set to be coupled to a vascular access device, the extension set comprising: a distal connector; a proximal connector; a housing comprising a distal end coupled to the distal connector and a proximal end coupled to the proximal connector; a tube disposed within the housing and configured to move distally such that a distal end of the tube is distal to the distal connector; and a coil spring coupled to and disposed within the tube, wherein a proximal end of the coil spring is contained within the tube, wherein a distal end of the coil spring is distal to a distal end of the tube, or the coil spring is configured to move distally such that a distal end of the coil spring is distal to a distal end of the tube. the distal end of the coil spring is distal to the distal end of the tube.

2. The extension kit of claim 1, wherein, the coil spring is configured to move distally such that the distal end of the coil spring is distal to the distal end of the tube.

3. The extension kit of claim 1, wherein, the distal connector comprises an inner diameter, wherein an outer surface of the tube comprises a feature, wherein the feature comprises an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter of the feature is greater than the inner diameter, thereby preventing the feature from moving distally through the distal connector.

4. The extension kit of claim 1, wherein, the coil spring is configured to move distally such that the distal end of the coil spring is distal to the distal end of the tube, wherein the tube comprises an inner diameter, wherein a proximal portion of the coil spring comprises an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter is greater than the inner diameter, thereby preventing the proximal portion of the coil spring from moving distal to the inner diameter of the tube.

5. The extension kit of claim 1, wherein, the pitch of the coil spring is varied.

6. The extension kit of claim 1, wherein, the pitch of the coil spring is uniform.

7. The extension kit of claim 1, wherein, the outer diameter of the distal end of the coil spring is less than the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the coil spring.

8. The extension kit of claim 1, wherein, the tube has a variable outer diameter.

9. The extension kit of claim 1, wherein, the tube comprises a plurality of side holes.

10. The extension kit of claim 1, wherein, 11. A catheter system comprising: a catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end; and a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and a coil spring coupled to the catheter and extending through a distal opening of the catheter, wherein a proximal end of the coil spring is contained within the catheter. the pitch of the coil spring proximate the distal opening of the catheter is less than the pitch of the coil spring proximate the distal opening of the catheter.

12. The catheter system of claim 11, wherein, 13. The catheter system of claim 11, further comprising a guidewire extending through the coil spring. the guidewire comprises an occlusion, wherein an outer surface of the occlusion contacts an inner surface of the coil spring along a length of the coil spring.

14. The catheter system of claim 13, wherein, the other coil spring is configured to rotate relative to the coil spring and advance distally.

15. The catheter system of claim 11, further comprising another helical spring extending through the distal opening of the catheter, wherein, the coil spring is coupled to the connector and extends distally from the connector through the catheter.

16. The catheter system of claim 11, further comprising a connector coupled to a proximal end of the catheter adapter, wherein, ​ 17. The catheter system of claim 11, wherein, The catheter assembly further includes an extension set, wherein the catheter adapter further includes a side port coupled to the extension set, the catheter system further includes a connector coupled to the extension set, wherein the helical spring is coupled to the connector and extends distally from the connector through the catheter.

18. A catheter system comprising: a catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end; and a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter; a straightener tube disposed within the catheter; and a guidewire coupled to and disposed within the straightener tube, wherein, in response to moving a distal end of the guidewire away from the straightener tube, the guidewire automatically bends into a helical spring.

19. The catheter system of claim 18, wherein, the guidewire is configured to advance distally relative to the straightener tube, wherein, in response to the guidewire advancing distally beyond a distal end of the straightener tube, the guidewire automatically bends into the helical spring.

20. The catheter system of claim 18, wherein, the straightener tube is configured to retract proximally relative to the guidewire, wherein, in response to the straightener tube retracting proximally relative to the guidewire, the guidewire is configured to bend into the helical spring.

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