Catheter system for facilitating visual observation of blood flashback

Abstract

The catheter system can be a catheter assembly that can include a catheter adapter and a catheter. The catheter system can also include a needle assembly that can include a needle hub and a guide needle. A proximal end of the guide needle can be secured within the needle hub and a distal end of the guide needle can extend beyond a distal end of the catheter. The catheter system can include a vent plug. A distal end of the vent plug can include a male luer adapter that can include a cannula and a collar surrounding the cannula. The cannula can include a lumen to receive blood flowing proximally through the guide needle. A proximal end of the lumen can be formed by a wall extending across the cannula and disposed within the needle hub. The cannula can be inserted into a proximal end of the needle hub.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a catheter system, and more particularly to a catheter system that facilitates visual observation of blood flashbacks. Background Technology

[0002] Catheters are commonly used in a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters can be used to deliver fluids such as routine saline solutions, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition solutions into a patient. Catheters can also be used to aspirate blood from a patient.

[0003] A common type of catheter is the over-the-needle peripheral venous catheter (“PIVC”). As the name suggests, the over-the-needle PIVC can be fitted onto a guide needle with a sharp distal tip. The PIVC and guide needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the guide needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC, with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. The PIVC 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 peripheral intravenous catheter in a blood vessel, the user typically confirms the presence of a flashback of blood within the catheter system, including the peripheral intravenous catheter. The user observes the flashback to confirm the guide needle is in place within the vascular system. Once needle placement is confirmed, the user can temporarily occlude blood flow in the vascular system and remove the guide needle, leaving the peripheral intravenous catheter in place for future blood draws and / or fluid infusions. The peripheral intravenous catheter assembly can be coupled to an extension kit that allows infusion or blood draw devices to be connected from a position removed from the peripheral intravenous catheter insertion point.

[0005] 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

[0006] This disclosure generally relates to vascular access systems and related devices and methods. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter system may further include a needle assembly, which may include a needle hub. In some embodiments, the needle hub may include a distal end and a proximal end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a guide needle, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the guide needle may be secured within the needle hub. In some embodiments, the distal end of the guide needle is pointed and may extend beyond the distal end of the catheter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a vent plug, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the vent plug may include a convex Luer adapter, which may include a cannula and a collar surrounding the cannula.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cannula may include a lumen for receiving blood flowing proximally through the guide needle. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the lumen may be formed by a wall extending across the cannula and disposed within the needle hub. In some embodiments, the cannula may be inserted into the proximal end of the needle hub.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the lumen may extend distal to the proximal end of the guide needle. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the cannula may be semi-circular, creating a gap above the guide needle oriented to facilitate visual observation by the user of blood flowing from the proximal end of the guide needle. In some embodiments, the wall may include a venting membrane that allows air to pass through but not blood.

[0012] In some embodiments, in response to the user inserting a guide needle into the patient's vascular system, blood can flow proximally through the guide needle and into the lumen. In some embodiments, in response to the proximal flow of blood through the guide needle, air can move proximally through a ventilation membrane and / or exit the catheter system via another suitable path. In some embodiments, the catheter system allows for visual observation of the blood by the user. In some embodiments, in response to the user's visual observation of the blood, the user can remove the needle assembly from the catheter assembly, which can remain positioned within the vascular system for future blood aspiration and / or fluid infusion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the conduit system may include a cap coupled to the proximal end of the vent plug. In some embodiments, the wall may be spaced apart from the proximal end of the cap. In some embodiments, the vent plug may include an annular channel extending from the wall to the proximal end of the cap. In some embodiments, the cap may include another convex Luer adapter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the other convex Luer adapter may include another cannula and another collar surrounding the other cannula. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the cap may include another cannula.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thickness of the needle hub allows for visual observation of blood that has flowed from the proximal end of the guide needle. In some embodiments, the needle hub may include an annular wall.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top portion of the annular wall may include a recess to reduce the thickness of the top portion of the annular wall. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the cannula is semi-annular, creating a gap above the guide needle oriented to facilitate visual observation by the user of blood flowing from the proximal end of the guide needle.

[0017] It should be understood that, as requested, the foregoing overview and the following detailed description are illustrative and exemplary of the invention, and not restrictive. It should be understood that various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that various embodiments 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 restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Example embodiments will be described and illustrated with additional features and details using the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a prior art conduit system according to some embodiments;

[0020] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an example conduit system as seen from above, based on some implementation methods;

[0021] Figure 2B It is based on some implementation methods Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the conduit system;

[0022] Figure 2C It is based on some implementation methods Figure 2A The conduit system along Figure 2A A transverse sectional view along line 2C-2C; and

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view taken from above an example needle holder according to some implementation methods. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The term "proximal" refers to the part of the structure closer to the user, while the term "distal" refers to the part further away from the user. Now refer to... Figure 1 This image shows a portion of a prior art catheter system 10. The prior art catheter system 10 includes a catheter assembly 12. The catheter assembly 12 includes a catheter adapter 14. The catheter adapter 14 includes a proximal end 16. The prior art catheter system 10 also includes a needle assembly 18, which may include a needle hub 20. The needle assembly 18 includes a guide needle 22. The guide needle 22 includes a proximal end 24 secured within the needle hub 20.

[0025] The prior art catheter system 10 includes a vent plug 26, which includes a distal end 28 and a proximal end 30. The distal end 28 of the vent plug 26 includes a convex Luer adapter, which includes a cannula 32 and a collar 34 surrounding the cannula 32. The cannula 32 may include a lumen 36 for receiving blood flowing proximally through the guide needle 22. The proximal end of the lumen 36 is formed by a wall 37 disposed outside the needle hub 20. In some embodiments, the cannula 32 is inserted into the proximal end 38 of the needle hub 20.

[0026] Now refer to Figure 2A-2B In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may include a catheter assembly 42, which may include a catheter adapter 44. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 44 may include a distal end 46 and a proximal end 48. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 44 may include a port disposed between the distal end 46 and the proximal end 48. In some embodiments, this port may be closed with a cap 45, for example, as... Figure 2A As shown.

[0027] In some embodiments, catheter assembly 42 may include a catheter 50 extending distally from the distal end 46 of catheter adapter 44. In some embodiments, catheter 50 may include a distal end 52 and a proximal end. In some embodiments, catheter 50 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter. In some embodiments, catheter system 40 may include a BD VENFLON available from Becton, Dickinson & Company, Franklin Lake, New Jersey. 商标 Pro Safety catheter system or other suitable catheter system.

[0028] In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may further include a needle assembly 56, which may include a needle hub 58. In some embodiments, the needle hub 58 may include a distal end 60 and a proximal end 62. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 56 may include a guide needle 64, which may include a distal end 66 and a proximal end 68. In some embodiments, the proximal end 68 of the guide needle 64 may be fixed within the needle hub 58. In some embodiments, the distal end 66 of the guide needle 64 is sharp and may extend beyond the distal end 52 of the catheter 50. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the guide needle 64 may be less than the wall thickness of the guide needle 22 in the prior art catheter system 10, which facilitates rapid proximal blood flow through the guide needle 64 and visual observation within the lumen 78.

[0029] In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may include a vent plug 72, which may include a distal end 74 and a proximal end 76. In some embodiments, the distal end 74 of the vent plug 72 may include a convex Luer adapter, which may include a cannula 77 and a collar 79 surrounding the cannula 77. In some embodiments, the cannula 77 may include a lumen 78 for receiving blood flowing proximally through the guide needle 64. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the lumen 78 may be formed by a wall 80 extending across the cannula 77 and disposed within the needle hub 58. In some embodiments, the cannula 77 may be inserted into the proximal end 62 of the needle hub 58.

[0030] In some embodiments, the length of the lumen 78 aligned with the longitudinal axis of the guide needle 64 may be less than the length of the lumen 36 of the needle hub 20 in the prior art catheter system 10. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the depth of the lumen 78 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide needle 64 may be less than the depth of the lumen 36 of the needle hub 20 in the prior art catheter system 10. Therefore, in some embodiments, blood flowing from the patient through the guide needle 64 can be seen more quickly in the catheter system 40.

[0031] In some embodiments, the portion 82 of the cannula 77 distal to the wall 80 may be semi-circular, creating a gap 84 oriented above the guide needle 64 to facilitate visual observation by the user of blood flowing from the proximal end 68 of the guide needle 64. In some embodiments, the portion 82 of the cannula 77 may be positioned abutting against the bottom of the catheter system 40 and the vent plug 72. As used in this disclosure, the top of a particular structure may face away from the patient's skin, while the bottom of the particular structure may face the patient's skin. In some embodiments, the portion 82 of the cannula 77 may extend distal to the proximal end 68 of the guide needle 64.

[0032] In some embodiments, wall 80 may include a venting membrane 86 that allows air to pass through but not blood. In some embodiments, in response to a user inserting guide needle 64 into a patient's vascular system, blood may flow proximally through guide needle 64 and into lumen 78. In some embodiments, in response to blood flowing proximally through guide needle 64 and cap 88 being removed, air may move proximally through venting membrane 86 and flow out from catheter system 40. In some embodiments, catheter system 40 may facilitate visual observation of blood by the user. In some embodiments, in response to the user visually observing blood, the user can remove needle assembly 56 from catheter assembly 42, which may remain positioned within the vascular system for future blood aspiration and / or fluid infusion.

[0033] In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may include a cap 88 coupled to the proximal end 76 of the vent plug 72. In some embodiments, the wall 80 may be spaced apart from the proximal end 90 of the cap 88. In some embodiments, the vent plug 72 may include an annular channel 92 extending from the wall 80 to the proximal end 90 of the cap 88. In some embodiments, the cap 88 may include another convex Luer adapter. In some embodiments, the other convex Luer adapter may include and surround another cannula 94. In some embodiments, the proximal end 90 of the cap 88 may include the other cannula 94.

[0034] In some embodiments, the thickness of the needle hub 58 allows for visual observation of blood that has flowed from the proximal end of the guide needle 64. In some embodiments, the thickness of the needle hub 58 may be less than the thickness of the needle hub 20 in the prior art catheter system 10.

[0035] Now refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the needle hub 58 may include an annular wall 98. In some embodiments, the top portion of the annular wall 98 may include a recess 100 to reduce the thickness of the top portion of the annular wall 98, which may help the user visually observe blood flowing out of the proximal end 68 of the guide needle 64. In some embodiments, the recess 100 may include a cut-off or thinned portion or groove in the annular wall 98, allowing the user to see the blood within the needle assembly 56 through the annular wall 98. The recess 100 is not an opening, so blood cannot flow through the recess 100. In some embodiments, the needle hub 58 may include a pusher 102 that may be generally aligned with the recess 100.

[0036] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for illustrative purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the invention and the inventive conceptions 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 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 catheter system, comprising: The catheter assembly includes: A catheter adapter, the catheter adapter including a distal end and a proximal end; The catheter extends distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and The needle assembly includes: A needle hub, comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the needle hub includes an annular wall and a recess disposed within a top portion of the annular wall, wherein the recess includes a bottom wall extending from the distal end of the recess to the proximal end of the recess, wherein blood within the needle hub is visible through the bottom wall, wherein the outer diameter of the annular wall along the bottom wall from the distal end of the recess to the proximal end of the recess is uniform along its entire length and is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular wall immediately adjacent to the distal and proximal ends of the recess, wherein the inner surface of the annular wall at the recess is configured to contact blood flashback, and wherein the recess and the annular wall immediately adjacent to the distal and proximal ends of the recess are monolithically formed as a single unit; A guide needle, the guide needle including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is fixed within the needle hub, and wherein the distal end of the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter; and A vent plug, comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the vent plug includes a convex Luer adapter, wherein the convex Luer adapter includes a cannula and a collar surrounding the cannula, wherein the cannula includes a lumen for receiving blood flashback flowing proximally through the guide needle, wherein the proximal end of the lumen is formed by a wall extending across the cannula and disposed within the needle hub, wherein the cannula is inserted into the proximal end of the needle hub, wherein a portion of the wall includes a venting membrane; wherein the venting membrane is configured to allow air but not blood to pass through. The cannula portion is located distal to the wall, and the cannula portion is semi-circular, creating a gap above the guide needle oriented to facilitate visual observation of blood flowing from the proximal end of the guide needle. The cannula portion extends distal to the proximal end of the guide needle, and the recess and the gap are configured to allow the user to see the blood within the needle assembly through the annular wall and the cannula.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom portion of the cavity extends to the distal side of the proximal end of the guide needle.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, The catheter system also includes a cap connected to the proximal end of the vent plug, wherein the wall is spaced apart from the proximal end of the cap.

4. The catheter system according to claim 3, wherein, The vent plug includes an annular channel extending from the wall to the distal end of the cap.

5. The catheter system according to claim 4, wherein, The cap includes another convex Luer adapter, wherein the other convex Luer adapter includes another cannula and another loop surrounding the other cannula, wherein the proximal end of the cap includes the other cannula.

6. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the needle hub allows for visual observation of blood that has left the proximal end of the guide needle.

7. A catheter system, comprising: The catheter assembly includes: A catheter adapter, the catheter adapter including a distal end and a proximal end; The catheter extends distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and The needle assembly includes: A needle hub includes a distal end, a proximal end, an annular wall, and a recess disposed within a top portion of the annular wall. The recess includes a bottom wall extending from the distal end of the recess to the proximal end of the recess. Blood within the needle hub is visible through the bottom wall. The outer diameter of the annular wall along the bottom wall from the distal end of the recess to the proximal end of the recess is uniform along its entire length and is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular wall immediately adjacent to the distal and proximal ends of the recess. The inner surface of the annular wall at the recess is configured to contact blood flashback. The recess and the annular wall immediately adjacent to the distal and proximal ends of the recess are monolithically formed as a single unit. A guide needle, the guide needle including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is fixed within the needle hub, and wherein the distal end of the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter; and A vent plug, comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the vent plug includes a convex Luer adapter inserted into the proximal end of the needle hub, wherein the convex Luer adapter includes a cannula and a collar surrounding the cannula. The cannula includes a lumen for receiving blood flowing proximally through the guide needle, wherein the proximal end of the lumen is formed by a wall extending across the cannula and disposed within the needle hub, and wherein the cannula is inserted into the proximal end of the needle hub. The cannula portion is located distal to the wall, and the cannula portion is semi-circular, creating a gap above the guide needle oriented to facilitate visual observation of blood flowing from the proximal end of the guide needle. The cannula portion extends distal to the proximal end of the guide needle, and the recess and the gap are configured to allow the user to see the blood within the needle assembly through the annular wall and the cannula.

8. The catheter system according to claim 7, wherein, The bottom portion of the cavity extends to the distal side of the proximal end of the guide needle.

9. The catheter system according to claim 7, wherein, The catheter system also includes a cap connected to the proximal end of the vent plug, wherein the wall is spaced apart from the proximal end of the cap.

10. The catheter system according to claim 9, wherein, The vent plug includes an annular channel extending from the wall to the distal end of the cap.

11. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein, The cap includes another convex Luer adapter, wherein the other convex Luer adapter includes another cannula and another loop surrounding the other cannula, wherein the proximal end of the cap includes the other cannula.

12. The catheter system according to claim 7, wherein, The catheters include peripheral venous catheters.

13. The catheter system according to claim 7, wherein, The recess is located on the top of the needle hub, such that the recess faces away from the patient's skin to facilitate visual observation of the blood flowing from the proximal end of the guide needle.

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