Intravenous catheter system and priming device for an intravenous catheter system

Abstract

A priming device can be used with an intravenous catheter system. The priming device can be placed along a tube of an extension set such that the priming device divides the intravenous catheter system into a downstream portion and an upstream portion. The priming device can evacuate air from the upstream and downstream portions to enable blood to flow up to the priming device while also enabling a priming solution to flow down to the priming device. As a result, the catheter can be inserted into a patient's vasculature without first priming the catheter. Once air has been evacuated from the upstream and downstream portions of the intravenous catheter system, the priming device can be activated to open a fluid path through the priming device. With the fluid path open, the priming solution can begin to flow toward the patient's vasculature, thereby flushing blood from the intravenous catheter system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to an intravenous catheter system and a priming device for an intravenous catheter system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Intravenous (IV) catheter systems are commonly used for various infusion therapies. For example, intravenous catheter systems can be used to infuse fluids such as saline solutions, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. Intravenous catheter systems can also be used to withdraw blood from a patient.

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

[0004] Integrated intravenous catheter systems, such as integrated peripheral intravenous catheters, are intravenous catheter systems having an integrated extension set. Such extension sets include an extension tube integrated at one end into a catheter adapter and containing a access port (e.g., a luer connector) coupled to the other end. Integrated peripheral intravenous catheters are often used to withdraw blood. For example, after inserting the catheter of an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter into the patient's vasculature, the clinician can allow blood to flow into the extension set up to the access port. Once blood has flowed up to the access port, the clinician can attach a blood collection set (e.g., a vacuum tube adapter) to the access port to collect a blood sample. During this process, blood can leak out of the access port. Also, for some integrated intravenous catheter systems, it is necessary to prime the catheter before inserting the catheter into the patient's vasculature.

[0005] 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 only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some example implementations described herein can be practiced. SUMMARY

[0006] This disclosure generally relates to an infusion device and related methods that can be used with an intravenous catheter system. In some embodiments, the infusion device can be positioned along the tubing of an extension kit such that it divides the intravenous catheter system into a downstream (or distal) portion and an upstream (or proximal) portion. In some embodiments, the infusion device expels air from the upstream and downstream portions to allow blood to flow upwards to the infusion device while also allowing the perfusion solution to flow downwards to the infusion device. As a result, the catheter can be inserted into a patient's vascular system without first perfusing the catheter. In some embodiments, once air has been expelled from the upstream and downstream portions of the intravenous catheter system, the infusion device can be activated to open a fluid path through it.

[0007] In some embodiments, with the fluid pathway open, the perfusion solution can begin to flow toward the patient's vascular system, thereby flushing blood from the intravenous catheter system.

[0008] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to an infusion device for an intravenous catheter system. In some embodiments, the infusion device may include a body forming a plunger channel and having a distal end forming a distal channel connected to the plunger channel and a proximal end forming a proximal channel connected to the plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may include an outlet channel that extends through an outer surface of the body between the plunger channels. In some embodiments, the infusion device may include a plunger having a plunger body inserted into the plunger channel and sliding within the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position. In some embodiments, the plunger body may include a first channel and a second channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the first channel may connect the proximal channel to the outlet channel, thereby discharging air contained in an extension tube connected to the proximal end through the outlet channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the second channel may be aligned with the distal channel, thereby discharging air contained in an extension tube connected to the distal end through the second channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the open position, the first channel can connect the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the infuser.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first channel may include a main channel extending through the plunger body and a branch channel extending from the main channel through a proximal outer surface of the plunger body. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the branch channel may be aligned with the proximal channel, and the main channel may be aligned with the discharge channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the open position, the main channel may be aligned with both the proximal and distal channels.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second channel may include a horizontal channel extending through the distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through the bottom outer surface of the plunger body. In some embodiments, the horizontal channel may be aligned with the distal channel in response to the plunger being in the closed position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the infusion device may include a first discharge member positioned in the discharge channel and a second discharge member positioned in the second channel. In some embodiments, the first discharge member and the second discharge member may each include a hydrophobic membrane, and the infusion device may include a hydrophilic membrane positioned distal to the second discharge member in the second channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the body may include a second discharge channel extending from the plunger channel through an outer surface of the body. In some embodiments, the second channel may form a blood chamber, and the plunger body may further include a third channel extending from the blood chamber through an outer surface of the plunger body. In such an embodiment, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the third channel may be aligned with the second discharge channel such that air contained in an extension tube connected to the distal end is discharged through the second channel, the third channel, and the second discharge channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second channel may be formed by a horizontal channel extending through the distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through the bottom outer surface of the plunger body. In some embodiments, the blood chamber may be formed between the horizontal channel and the vertical channel. In some embodiments, the perfusion device may further include a diaphragm positioned in the vertical channel between the blood chamber and the bottom outer surface. In some embodiments, the perfusion device may include a first discharge member positioned in the discharge channel and a second discharge member positioned in the third channel. In some embodiments, the first and second discharge members may each be hydrophobic membranes, and the perfusion device may further include a hydrophilic membrane positioned in the third channel between the second discharge member and the blood chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, an intravenous catheter system may include one or more of the following: a catheter assembly having a catheter adapter and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; an extension tube fluidly coupled to the catheter adapter; a access port located at a proximal end of the extension tube; and an infusion device. In some embodiments, the infusion device may be coupled in series to the extension tube such that a distal portion of the extension tube is located between the infusion device and the catheter adapter, and a proximal portion of the extension tube is located between the infusion device and the access port. In some embodiments, the infusion device may include a body forming a plunger channel and including a distal end coupled to the distal portion of the extension tube.

[0015] In some embodiments, the distal end may form a distal channel connected to the plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may include a proximal end coupled to a proximal portion of the extension tube. In some embodiments, the proximal end may form a proximal channel connected to the plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may further include a discharge channel extending through an outer surface of the body between the plunger channels.

[0016] In some embodiments, the infuser may include a plunger, the plunger comprising a plunger body inserted into the plunger channel and sliding within the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position. In some embodiments, the plunger body may include a first channel and a second channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the first channel may connect the proximal channel to the discharge channel to discharge air contained in the proximal portion of the extension tube, and the second channel may be aligned with the distal channel to discharge air contained in the distal portion of the extension tube. In some embodiments, when the plunger is in the open position, the first channel may connect the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the infuser.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first channel may include a main channel extending through the plunger body and a branch channel extending from the main channel through a proximal outer surface of the plunger body. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the branch channel may be aligned with the proximal channel and the main channel may be aligned with the discharge channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the open position, the main channel may be aligned with both the proximal and distal channels. In some embodiments, the second channel may include a horizontal channel extending through the distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through the bottom outer surface of the plunger body.

[0018] In some embodiments, the body may include a second discharge channel extending from the plunger channel through an outer surface of the body. In some embodiments, the second channel may form a blood chamber, and the plunger body may include a third channel extending from the blood chamber through an outer surface of the plunger body. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the third channel may be aligned with the second discharge channel to allow air contained in the distal portion of the extension tube to be discharged through the second channel, the third channel, and the second discharge channel. In some embodiments, the infusion device may include a diaphragm positioned in the second channel between the blood chamber and the bottom outer surface of the plunger body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the infusion device may include one or more of the following: a first discharge member that discharges air contained in a proximal portion of the extension tube; a second discharge member that discharges air contained in a distal portion of the extension tube; and a hydrophilic membrane positioned distal to the second discharge member.

[0020] In some embodiments, an infusion device for an intravenous catheter system may include a body and a plunger. In some embodiments, the body may form a plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may include a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end forming a distal channel connected to the plunger channel, and the proximal end forming a proximal channel connected to the plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may include an outlet channel extending through an outer surface of the body between the plunger channels. In some embodiments, the infusion device may include a plunger, the plunger comprising a plunger body that is inserted into the plunger channel and slides within the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the plunger body may include a first channel and a second channel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first channel may include a main channel and a branch channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the branch channel may be aligned with the proximal channel and the main channel may be aligned with the discharge channel, thereby discharging air contained in the extension tube connected to the proximal end through the discharge channel.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second channel may be aligned with the distal channel to discharge air contained in an extension tube connected to the distal end. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the open position, the main channel may connect the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the infuser.

[0024] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory, and do not limit the invention as claimed. 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 so claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed as restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of an exemplary intravenous catheter system including an infusion device according to certain embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2A and 2B A front view of an example of an infusion device according to certain embodiments, showing the infusion device in the closed position and the open position, respectively;

[0028] Figure 2C and 2D They are respectively Figure 2A and 2B A cross-sectional view of an infusion apparatus according to certain embodiments, as depicted in the image;

[0029] Figure 2E supply Figure 2A and 2B Exploded cross-sectional view of an infusion apparatus according to certain embodiments;

[0030] Figure 3 and 3A for Figure 2A and 2B A front view of an infusion device according to certain embodiments, showing an example of a hydrophilic membrane;

[0031] Figure 4A A front view of another example of a perfusion device configured for aspirating blood samples according to certain embodiments, showing the perfusion device in the closed position;

[0032] Figure 4B for Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the infusion apparatus;

[0033] Figure 4C for Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of an infusion device according to certain embodiments, with the needle of the blood collection kit inserted into the infusion device; and

[0034] Figure 4D for Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of an infuser according to certain embodiments, in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described primarily in the context of integrated peripheral intravenous catheters. However, embodiments of this disclosure are also extended to other integrated intravenous catheter systems and any vascular access device on which the described perfusion device may be employed. For the purposes of this specification and claims, the term “integrated” in the context of intravenous catheter systems should be interpreted as the intravenous catheter system comprising a tube (e.g., an “extension kit”) providing fluid access to the catheter. The term “tube” should be interpreted as any elongated material defining a fluid path.

[0036] Figure 1 Examples of integrated peripheral intravenous catheters 100 including an infusion device 200 constructed according to certain embodiments are provided. In some embodiments, the peripheral intravenous catheter 100 may include a needle assembly 110 coupled to a catheter assembly 120. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 120 may include a catheter adapter 121 from which a catheter 122 extends distally. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 110 may include a needle adapter 111 from which a needle 112 extends distally. In some embodiments, in response to coupling of the needle assembly 110 to the catheter assembly 120, the needle 112 may extend through and distally beyond the catheter 122. In some embodiments, a needle shield 113 may cover the needle 112 and the catheter 122, but will be removed before insertion of the needle and catheter.

[0037] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 120 may include an extension port 123 forming an opening into the lumen of the catheter adapter 121 and the lumen of the catheter 122. In some embodiments, the access port 132 may be coupled to the extension port 123 via an extension tube 130. In some embodiments, the instiller 200 may be positioned in series with the extension tube 130. In other words, a portion of the extension tube 130 may be positioned distal (or downstream) of the instiller 200, and another portion of the extension tube 130 may be positioned proximal (or upstream) of the instiller 200. However, in some embodiments, the instiller 200 may be directly coupled to the extension port 123. In some embodiments, one advantage of connecting the instiller 200 to the extension port 123 via the extension tube 130 is that it allows the instiller 200 to move relative to the catheter adapter 121 due to the flexibility of the extension tube 130. In some embodiments, the clamping clip 131 may also be attached to the portion of the extension tube 130 proximal to the infuser 200 and may be selectively clamped to prevent fluid flow through the tube. In some embodiments, the access port 132 may represent any of a number of different types of connectors that can be used on or connected to the extension kit. In some embodiments, the access port 132 may be used to connect the drip line to the peripheral intravenous catheter 100, but any fluid source may be connected to the access port 132.

[0038] Figure 2A and 2B A front view of an embodiment of the infusion device 200 is provided. It should be noted that in these figures, the infusion device 200 is shown as transparent so that its internal structure can be observed. Figure 2C and 2D A cross-sectional front view of this embodiment of the infusion device 200 is provided to better illustrate the internal structure. In some embodiments, the infusion device 200 may include a plunger 210 and a body 220 in which the plunger 210 is inserted. In some embodiments, the plunger 210 may be positioned such that... Figure 2A The closing position shown is similar to... Figure 2B The infuser 200 moves between the open and closed positions shown. In some embodiments, when in the closed position, the infuser 200 expels air but prevents fluid flow, while when in the open position, the infuser 200 allows fluid flow.

[0039] In some embodiments, the body 220 may include a top 220a, a bottom 220b, a distal end 220c, and a proximal end 220d. The terms “top” and “bottom” are used only to distinguish two opposite sides of the infusion device 200 and should not be construed as requiring either side to be oriented in any particular direction. Similarly, the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” as used below are intended to distinguish various components but should not be construed as requiring such components to be in any particular orientation. The distal end 220c is the end of the infusion device 200 closest to the catheter adapter 121, while the proximal end 220d is the end of the infusion device 200 closest to the access port 132.

[0040] like Figure 2E As shown in the exploded view, in some embodiments, the plunger channel 221 may extend from the top 220a to the bottom 220b and allow the plunger 210 to be inserted into and slide within the body 220. In some embodiments, the distal channel 222 may extend from the distal end 220c and may connect to the plunger channel 221. Similarly, the proximal channel 223 extends from the proximal end 220d and connects to the plunger channel 221. In some embodiments, such as the one shown, at least a portion of both the distal channel 222 and the proximal channel 223 may be sized to receive and secure the respective ends of the extension tube 130. In some embodiments, the body 220 may include a discharge channel 224 extending from the plunger channel 221 through an outer surface of the body 220. In some embodiments, a first discharge member 225 may be positioned within the discharge channel 224 and may be configured to allow air, rather than fluid, to escape from the discharge channel 224. In some embodiments, the first discharge member 225 may be a hydrophobic membrane.

[0041] In some embodiments, the plunger 210 may include an actuating member 210a and a plunger body 210b extending downward from the actuating member 210a. In some embodiments, the plunger body 210b may be sized to fit snugly into the plunger channel 221 and may be formed of a material that forms a liquid-tight seal against the sidewalls of the plunger channel 221.

[0042] As in Figure 2E As best seen in the exploded view, in some embodiments, the plunger body 210b may include a first channel 213 consisting of a main channel 213a and a branch channel 213b. In some embodiments, the main channel 213a extends completely through the plunger body 210b from the distal side to the proximal side, while the branch channel 213b extends upward from the proximal side of the plunger body 210b to the main channel 213a at a position below the main channel 213a. In some embodiments, when the infuser 200 is in the closed position, the proximal end of the branch channel 213b may be aligned with the proximal channel 223, and the distal end of the main channel 213a may be aligned with the discharge channel 224. Therefore, in some embodiments, as Figure 2C As shown, when an infusion fluid (e.g., saline) is infused into the portion of extension tube 130 that connects to the proximal end 220d of the body 220, air contained in this portion of extension tube 130 can flow through proximal channel 223, branch channel 213b, main channel 213a, and discharge channel 224 before being discharged to the external environment via the first discharge member 225. In some embodiments, this air discharge can continue until the infusion fluid has flowed to the first discharge member 225 and all air has been discharged from extension tube 130 and infuser 200.

[0043] In some embodiments, the plunger body 210b may include a second channel 211 isolated from the first channel 213. In some embodiments, the second channel 211 may include a vertical channel 211a and a horizontal channel 211b. In some embodiments, the vertical channel 211a may extend upward from the bottom of the plunger body 210b. In some embodiments, the horizontal channel 211b extends from the distal side of the plunger body 210b to the vertical channel 211a. In some embodiments, a second discharge member 212 is positioned within the second channel 211, for example, at the distal end of the horizontal channel 211b. In some embodiments, the second discharge member 212 may be in the form of a hydrophobic membrane.

[0044] In some embodiments, when the infusion device 200 is in the closed position, the horizontal channel 211b can be aligned with the distal channel 222. Therefore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2CAs shown, when blood flows into the portion of the extension tube 130 distal to the infuser 200, air contained in that portion of the extension tube 130 can pass through the second discharge member 212 and be discharged to the external environment through the second channel 211 and the plunger channel 221.

[0045] As from Figure 2C As can be seen, in some embodiments, the infusion device 200 can vent air from the distal and proximal portions of the extension tube 130, thereby allowing blood and perfusion fluid to flow into the infusion device 200. In some embodiments, the configuration of the first channel 213 and the second channel 211 can maintain isolation between the blood and the perfusion fluid when the infusion device 200 is held in the closed position. More specifically, in some embodiments, the configuration of the branch channel 213b relative to the proximal channel 223 and the configuration of the main channel 213a relative to the discharge channel 224 can form a fluid path from the proximal portion of the extension tube 130 to the first discharge member 225. Similarly, in some embodiments, the configuration of the second channel 211 and the position of the second discharge member 212 can form a separate fluid path from the distal portion of the extension tube 130 to the second discharge member 212.

[0046] In some embodiments, in response to the flow of blood forcing all air out through the second discharge member 212 and the flow of perfusion fluid forcing all air out through the first discharge member 225, the integrated peripheral venous catheter 100 can be fully perfused while maintaining isolation between the blood and the perfusion fluid. In some embodiments, at this time, the perfusion device 200 can be transitioned to [the desired position] by applying a force to the actuating member 210a. Figure 2B and 2D In the open position shown. For example, a clinician can place his or her thumb on the actuating member 210a and his or her fingers under the distal end 220c and proximal end 220d, and then apply pressure.

[0047] In some embodiments, in the open position, the main channel 213a may be aligned with both the proximal channel 223 and the distal channel 222, thereby opening a fluid path through the perfusion device 200. In some embodiments, perfusion fluid that has already filled the proximal channel 223 may begin to flow through the proximal channel 223 and into the distal channel 222, thereby flushing blood toward the patient's vascular system.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and 3AAs shown, the hydrophilic membrane 214 may be positioned distal to the second discharge member 212 such that the hydrophilic membrane 214 will be exposed to blood flowing into the distal channel 222. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic membrane 214 may absorb blood and ultimately form an air barrier to prevent air from returning through the second discharge member 212 and entering the distal channel 222.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the perfusion device 200 is intended to be used on such an integrated catheter system, the perfusion device 200 can be constructed in such a way that blood can be aspirated from the catheter adapter 121 or from any other component distal to the perfusion device 200. In such a case, a vacuum may be created distal to the perfusion device 200 when blood is aspirated. In some embodiments, without the hydrophilic membrane 214, this vacuum may cause air to pass distally through the second discharge member 212 (e.g., through the hydrophobic membrane) and into the distal channel 222. However, in some embodiments, with the hydrophilic membrane 214, air can initially be expelled proximally through the hydrophilic membrane 214 and the second discharge member (or hydrophobic membrane) 212 until the hydrophilic membrane 214 absorbs blood, at which point air will no longer pass through the hydrophilic membrane 214. In some embodiments, if a vacuum is created when blood is aspirated from a point distal to the perfusion device 200, the hydrophilic membrane 214 will prevent air from flowing toward the vacuum, thereby maintaining the perfusion state of the portion of the catheter system distal to the perfusion device 200.

[0050] In some embodiments, the perfusion device 200 may be configured to allow blood samples to be drawn from the second channel 211. Figures 4A-4D This is an example of such an implementation. Figure 4A Provides a transparent front view of the infuser 200 in the closed position. Figure 4B A cross-sectional side view of the infusion unit 200 in the closed position is provided. Figure 4C Provides a cross-sectional perspective view of the perfusion device 200 in the closed position during blood aspiration and Figure 4D Provides a sectional front view of the infusion device 200 in the open position.

[0051] In these embodiments, the body 220 may be constructed in the same or similar manner as described above, except that the second discharge channel 226 may extend from the plunger channel 221 through the outer surface of the body 220. (See reference...) Figure 4A In some embodiments, the second discharge channel 226 extends rearward, but may also extend forward or in any other direction that allows it to pass through the outer surface of the body 220.

[0052] In these embodiments, the plunger 210 may also have a design similar to that described above, except that the diaphragm 216 is positioned in and seals the vertical channel 211a, and the second channel 211 contains the blood chamber 211c, with the vertical channel 211a and horizontal channel 211b connected to the blood chamber 211c. Figure 4B As best seen in some embodiments, the plunger body 210b may include a third channel 215, a second discharge member 212, and possibly a hydrophilic membrane 214 positioned within the third channel 215. In some embodiments, when the infusion device 200 is in the closed position, the third channel 215 may extend from the blood chamber 211c through the outer surface of the plunger body 210b at a point aligned with the second discharge member 226. Thus, in some embodiments, in response to the placement of the catheter in the patient's vascular system, blood may flow toward the infusion device 200 as air is expelled through the third channel 215 and the second discharge member 226.

[0053] In some embodiments, the blood chamber 211c can be used to collect blood and form an area from which blood can be drawn. For example, Figure 4C As shown, the needle 400 of the blood collection kit (not shown) has been inserted into the plunger channel 221 and through the diaphragm 216, such that its tip is positioned within the blood chamber 211c. In some embodiments, a blood sample can be obtained in response to the needle 400 being in this position. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic membrane 214 can act as an air barrier in the same manner as described above to prevent air from entering the blood chamber 211c from the external environment due to any vacuum that may be generated by the blood collection kit during blood aspiration.

[0054] In some embodiments, after a blood sample is collected, or, in the absence of a blood sample, after the perfusion device 200 has perfused both sides of the catheter system, the perfusion device 200 can be transitioned to a position as described above. Figure 4D In the open position shown. In this open position, the infuser 200 can function in the same manner as described above.

[0055] In some embodiments, particularly due to its construction, the first discharge member 225 and the second discharge member 212 can be isolated from the fluid path (i.e., isolated from the main channel 213a) when the infuser 200 is in the open position. This allows the infuser 200 to support power injection. Specifically, in some embodiments, the interface between the plunger body 210b and the sidewall of the plunger channel 221 forms a seal that isolates these discharge members from the fluid path for power injection, which would otherwise be damaged during power injection. Furthermore, in some embodiments, because the main channel 213a runs straight through the plunger body 210b and is aligned with the distal channel 222 and the proximal channel 223, the fluid path through the infuser 200 can be straight, thereby reducing or eliminating any pressure drop through the infuser 200.

[0056] All examples and conditional language cited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to the art, and should be interpreted as not being limited to such specifically enumerated 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 thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An infusion device for an intravenous catheter system, comprising: The body forms a plunger channel and has a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end forming a distal channel connected to the plunger channel, the proximal end forming a proximal channel connected to the plunger channel, and the body further having a discharge channel extending from the plunger channel through an outer surface of the body; as well as A plunger having a plunger body inserted into a plunger channel and sliding within the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position, the plunger body having a first channel and a second channel; When the plunger is in the closed position, the first channel connects the proximal channel to the discharge channel, thereby discharging air contained in the extension tube connected to the proximal end through the discharge channel, and the second channel is aligned with the distal channel, thereby discharging air contained in the extension tube connected to the distal end through the second channel. When the plunger is in the open position, the first channel connects the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the infuser.

2. The infusion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first channel includes a main channel extending through the plunger body and a branch channel extending from the main channel through the proximal outer surface of the plunger body.

3. The infusion device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the plunger is in the closed position, the branch channel is aligned with the proximal channel and the main channel is aligned with the discharge channel.

4. The infusion device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the plunger is in the open position, the main channel is aligned with both the proximal channel and the distal channel.

5. The infusion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second channel includes a horizontal channel extending through the distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through the bottom outer surface of the plunger body.

6. The infusion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the plunger is in the closed position, the horizontal channel is aligned with the distal channel.

7. The infusion device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first discharge component positioned in the discharge channel; as well as The second discharge component is positioned in the second channel.

8. The infusion device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first discharge component and the second discharge component are each hydrophobic membranes, and the infusion device further includes: A hydrophilic membrane is positioned in the second channel distal to the second discharge member.

9. The infusion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plunger further includes an actuating member connected to the plunger body.

10. The infusion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body further includes a second discharge channel extending from the plunger channel through the outer surface of the body, the second channel forming a blood chamber, and the plunger body further includes a third channel extending from the blood chamber through the outer surface of the plunger body; When the plunger is in the closed position, the third channel is aligned with the second discharge channel so that air contained in the extension tube connected to the distal end is discharged through the second channel, the third channel, and the second discharge channel.

11. The infusion device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second channel includes a horizontal channel extending through the distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through the bottom outer surface of the plunger body, the blood chamber being formed between the horizontal channel and the vertical channel, and the infusion device further includes: A diaphragm positioned in the vertical channel between the blood chamber and the bottom outer surface.

12. The infusion device according to claim 10, further comprising: A first discharge component positioned in the discharge channel; as well as The second discharge component is positioned in the third channel.

13. The infusion device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first discharge component and the second discharge component are both hydrophobic membranes, and the infuser further includes: A hydrophilic membrane is positioned in the third channel between the second discharge member and the blood chamber.

14. An intravenous catheter system, comprising: A catheter assembly having a catheter adapter and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; An extension tube, which is fluidly connected to the conduit adapter; A passage port located at the proximal end of the extension tube; as well as An infusion device, connected in series to the extension tubing such that a distal portion of the extension tubing is positioned between the infusion device and the catheter adapter, and a proximal portion of the extension tubing is positioned between the infusion device and the access port, the infusion device comprising: A body forming a plunger channel and having a distal end connected to a distal portion of the extension tube, the distal end forming a distal channel connected to the plunger channel; the body also having a proximal end connected to a proximal portion of the extension tube, the proximal end forming a proximal channel connected to the plunger channel; the body further having a discharge channel extending from the plunger channel through an outer surface of the body; and A plunger having a plunger body inserted into a plunger channel and sliding within the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position, the plunger body having a first channel and a second channel; When the plunger is in the closed position, the first channel connects the proximal channel to the discharge channel, thereby discharging air contained in the proximal portion of the extension tube through the discharge channel, and the second channel is aligned with the distal channel, thereby discharging air contained in the distal portion of the extension tube through the second channel. When the plunger is in the open position, the first channel connects the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the infuser.

15. The intravenous catheter system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first channel includes a main channel extending through the plunger body and a branch channel extending from the main channel through the proximal outer surface of the plunger body; When the plunger is in the closed position, the branch channel is aligned with the proximal channel and the main channel is aligned with the discharge channel; When the plunger is in the open position, the main channel is aligned with both the proximal channel and the distal channel.

16. The intravenous catheter system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second channel includes a horizontal channel extending through the distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through the bottom outer surface of the plunger body.

17. The intravenous catheter system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The body further includes a second discharge channel extending from the plunger channel through the outer surface of the body, the second channel forming a blood chamber, and the plunger body further includes a third channel extending from the blood chamber through the outer surface of the plunger body; When the plunger is in the closed position, the third channel is aligned with the second discharge channel so that air contained in the distal portion of the extension tube is discharged through the second channel, the third channel, and the second discharge channel.

18. The intravenous catheter system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The infusion device includes: A diaphragm is positioned in the second channel between the blood chamber and the bottom outer surface of the plunger body.

19. The intravenous catheter system of claim 14, further comprising: A first discharge member discharges air contained in the proximal portion of the extension tube; A second discharge member discharges air contained in the distal portion of the extension tube; as well as A hydrophilic membrane is positioned distal to the second discharge member.

20. An infusion device for an intravenous catheter system, comprising: The body forms a plunger channel and has a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end forming a distal channel connected to the plunger channel, the proximal end forming a proximal channel connected to the plunger channel, and the body further having a discharge channel extending from the plunger channel through an outer surface of the body; as well as A plunger having a plunger body, the plunger body being inserted into the plunger channel and sliding within the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position, the plunger body having a first channel and a second channel, the first channel including a main channel and a branch channel; When the plunger is in the closed position, the branch channel is aligned with the proximal channel and the main channel is aligned with the discharge channel, thereby discharging air contained in the extension tube connected to the proximal end through the discharge channel, and the second channel is aligned with the distal channel, thereby discharging air contained in the extension tube connected to the distal end through the second channel. When the plunger is in the open position, the main channel connects the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the infuser.

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