Concentric catheter and related systems and methods

Abstract

A catheter system can include an outer catheter adapter, an outer catheter having an outer catheter lumen extending therethrough, and an inner surface forming the outer catheter lumen. The catheter system can also include an inner catheter adapter, an inner catheter lumen extending through the inner catheter adapter, and an inner catheter extending distally from the inner catheter adapter such that the inner catheter is disposed within the outer catheter lumen and the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter are configured to move relative to the outer catheter and the outer catheter adapter between a proximal position and a distal position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In general, this application relates to medical devices. More specifically, this application relates to catheters for injecting fluid into a patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, this application relates to concentric catheters and related systems and methods. Background Technology

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

[0003] The catheter may include an on-needle peripheral venous (“IV”) catheter. In this case, the catheter may be mounted on a guide needle with a sharp distal end. The catheter and guide needle may be assembled such that the distal end of the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter, and the bevel of the needle faces upward 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 small 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 chamber of the catheter assembly. Once needle placement has been confirmed, the clinician can temporarily block flow in the vascular system and remove the needle, leaving the catheter in place for future blood draws or infusions.

[0005] Blood draws using a catheter can be difficult for several reasons, particularly 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 may become more prone to narrowing, collapse, kinking, blockage by debris (e.g., fibrin or platelet clots), and adhesion of the catheter tip to the vascular system. As a result, catheters used for infusion, blood draws, or aspiration can become damaged over time. Catheters are typically used to obtain blood samples during catheter placement, but are less frequently used for blood sample collection during the catheter's residence period. Therefore, when blood samples are needed, additional needle puncture is usually used 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 embodiments that address any shortcomings or operate solely in the environment described above. Rather, this background is provided merely as an example technical field to illustrate some of the embodiments described herein that can be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to vascular access systems and related apparatus and methods. In some embodiments, the catheter system can facilitate aspiration, blood draw, and infusion by opening a fluid path through the catheter system, while also reducing the risk of microbial entry and catheter system detachment from the patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an external catheter adapter, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an external catheter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, an external catheter lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends of the external catheter, and an inner surface forming the external catheter lumen. In some embodiments, the external catheter may extend distally from the distal end of the external catheter adapter, and the distal end of the external catheter may include a distal opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an inner catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner catheter lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends of the inner catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the inner and outer catheters may be concentric. In some embodiments, the inner catheter may extend distally from the distal end of the inner catheter adapter, and the inner catheter may be disposed within the lumen of the outer catheter. In some embodiments, the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter may be configured to move relative to the outer catheter and the outer catheter adapter between proximal and distal positions. In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter being in a distal position, the distal end of the inner catheter may be positioned distal to the distal end of the outer catheter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a gap disposed between the outer surface of the inner catheter and the inner surface of the outer catheter. In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter being in a distal position, the inner catheter may be disposed within a distal opening to restrict distal inflow into the gap. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the inner catheter from a distal position to a proximal position, the inner catheter may be disposed proximal to the distal opening and the gap may be in fluid communication with the distal opening.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inner catheter adapter may be slidable relative to the outer catheter adapter to move the inner catheter adapter and the inner catheter between a proximal position and a distal position. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an elbow joint that may include a distal end connected to the outer catheter adapter and a proximal end connected to the inner catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the elbow joint may be configured to be depressed to move the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter to a proximal position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the inner catheter and inner catheter adapter may be configured to move relative to the outer catheter and outer catheter adapter between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a plurality of perforations disposed within the outer or inner catheter. In some embodiments, the perforations may be blocked when the inner catheter is in the first position. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the inner catheter from the first position to the second position, the perforations may be unblocked to allow fluid to flow through the perforations into the lumen of the inner catheter.

[0012] In some embodiments, perforations may be located within the external catheter, and the catheter system may include a plurality of other perforations located within the internal catheter. In some embodiments, the internal catheter and internal catheter adapter may be configured to rotate relative to the external catheter and external catheter adapter between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the perforations and other perforations may be aligned in response to the internal catheter and internal catheter adapter being in the second position. In some embodiments, the perforations and other perforations may be misaligned in response to the internal catheter and internal catheter adapter being in the first position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the inner catheter and inner catheter adapter may be configured to slide relative to the outer catheter and outer catheter adapter between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter being in the second position, the inner catheter may extend through a distal opening of the outer catheter. In some embodiments, a perforation may be provided within the distal end of the inner catheter. In these and other embodiments, in response to movement of the inner catheter from the first position to the second position, a perforation may be provided distal to the distal opening of the outer catheter.

[0014] In some embodiments, a perforation may be located within the external catheter, and other perforations may be located within the internal catheter. In these and other embodiments, the perforations and other perforations may be aligned in response to the internal catheter and internal catheter adapter being in a second position, and may be misaligned in response to the internal catheter and internal catheter adapter being in a first position. In some embodiments, the perforation may be located within the distal end of the external catheter or within the proximal end of the external catheter.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inner catheter and inner catheter adapter may be configured to slide relative to the outer catheter and outer catheter adapter between a first position and a second position. In these and other embodiments, a perforation may be provided within the outer catheter, and in response to movement of the inner catheter between the first and second positions, the distal end of the inner catheter may move to the distal side of the perforation.

[0016] In some embodiments, the catheter may include multiple perforations within the wall. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a tube disposed within the catheter. In some embodiments, the tube may include a distal end and may be configured to move between a proximal position and a distal position. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the tube between the proximal and distal positions, the distal end of the tube may move to the distal side of the perforations of the catheter.

[0017] In some embodiments, the distal end of the tube may include a sharp edge. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the tube may be connected to a guidewire. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an external catheter, and the catheter may be an internal catheter disposed within the external catheter. In these and other embodiments, the tube may be disposed within the lumen of the internal catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an elbow joint that may include a distal end of an elbow joint connected to a catheter adapter and a proximal end of an elbow joint connected to the tube. In some embodiments, the elbow joint may be configured to be depressed to move the tube to a proximal position.

[0018] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are not intended to limit the invention as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that these embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be used, and structural changes may be made (unless so claimed) without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Example embodiments will be described and illustrated with further specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view of an example catheter system according to some embodiments, showing an example internal catheter and an example internal catheter adapter in an example distal position;

[0021] Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system according to some embodiments, showing the inner catheter and inner catheter adapter in an example proximal position;

[0022] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter system according to some embodiments, showing the inner catheter and inner catheter adapter in a proximal position, as well as an example outer catheter;

[0023] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter system according to some embodiments, showing the inner catheter and inner catheter adapter in a distal position;

[0024] Figure 3This is a top perspective view of a catheter system according to some embodiments, showing an example elbow joint;

[0025] Figure 4A This is a top perspective view of an internal catheter and an example internal catheter adapter in a distal position according to some embodiments, showing an example perforation;

[0026] Figure 4B According to some embodiments, in the proximal position Figure 4A Upper perspective view of the internal catheter and internal catheter adapter, showing the internal catheter in the distal position;

[0027] Figure 4C This is a top perspective view of the internal catheter and internal catheter adapter in a distal position according to some embodiments, showing other example perforations;

[0028] Figure 4D According to some embodiments, in the proximal position Figure 4C A three-dimensional view of the upper part of the internal catheter and its adapter;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a conduit system according to some embodiments, showing an example thread;

[0030] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter system according to some embodiments, showing an example tube in a proximal position;

[0031] Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a conduit system according to some embodiments, showing the tube in a distal position; while

[0032] Figure 6C This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a conduit system according to some embodiments, showing a tube having one or more slots. Detailed Implementation

[0033] As used in this disclosure, the term "distal" refers to a direction that is farther from the clinician who will set the device to contact the patient and closer to the patient. As used in this disclosure, the term "proximal" refers to a direction that is closer to the clinician who will set the device to contact the patient and farther from the patient.

[0034] Now for reference Figures 1A-1BIn some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include an external catheter adapter 12, which may include a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include an external catheter 18, which may include a distal end 20, a proximal end 22, an external catheter lumen 24 extending through the distal end 20 and the proximal end 22 of the external catheter 18, and an inner surface 25 forming the external catheter lumen 24. In some embodiments, the external catheter 18 may extend distally from the distal end 14 of the external catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the distal end 20 of the external catheter may include a distal opening 26.

[0035] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may further include an inner catheter adapter 28. In some embodiments, the inner catheter adapter 28 may include a distal end 30, a proximal end 32, and an inner catheter lumen 34 extending through the distal end 30 and the proximal end 32 of the inner catheter adapter 28. In some embodiments, an inner catheter 36 may extend distally from the distal end 30 of the inner catheter adapter 28. In some embodiments, the inner catheter 36 may be disposed within the outer catheter lumen 24. In some embodiments, the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 may be configured to be in a proximal position relative to the outer catheter 18 and the outer catheter adapter 12 (e.g., at...). Figure 1A (shown in) and distal locations (e.g. in) Figure 1B (as shown in the middle) move between.

[0036] In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 being in a proximal position (e.g., as Figure 1A As shown in the diagram), the distal end 38 of the inner catheter 36 may be disposed distal to the distal end 20 of the outer catheter 18. In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 being in a distal position (e.g., as shown in the diagram), the distal end 38 of the inner catheter 36 may be disposed distal to the distal end 20 of the outer catheter 18. Figure 1B As shown in the diagram, the distal end 38 of the inner catheter 36 can be arranged further away from the distal end 20 of the outer catheter 18 than in the proximal position.

[0037] In some embodiments, the external catheter 18 may be connected to the external catheter adapter 12 via an interference fit, bushing, adhesive, or another suitable technology or device. In some embodiments, the internal catheter 36 may be connected to the internal catheter adapter 28 via an interference fit, bushing, adhesive, or another suitable technology or device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the inner catheter adapter 28 may be slidable relative to the outer catheter adapter 12 to allow the inner catheter adapter 28 and the inner catheter 36 to move between proximal and distal positions. In some embodiments, when the inner catheter 36 is moved, the outer catheter 18 may remain stationary within the patient's vascular system and therefore will not disengage from the vascular system in response to the movement of the inner catheter 36.

[0039] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include an elbow joint 42 to facilitate movement or sliding of the inner catheter adapter 28 relative to the outer catheter adapter 12, and thus movement or sliding of the inner catheter 36 relative to the outer catheter 18. In some embodiments, the elbow joint 42 may also reduce the risk of bacterial contamination by allowing the user to contact the elbow joint 42 rather than a specific catheter adapter to move the inner catheter 36 within the vascular system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the elbow joint 42 may include a distal end 44 connected to the external catheter adapter 12 and a proximal end 46 connected to the internal catheter adapter 28. In some embodiments, the elbow joint 42 may be configured to be depressed to move the internal catheter 36 and the internal catheter adapter 28 to a proximal position. In some embodiments, the elbow joint 42 may be able to move from a first position (e.g., in) Figure 1A (as shown in the image) is pressed down to the second position (e.g., in the image). Figure 1B (as shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, the elbow joint 42 may be more angled in the first position than in the second position. In some embodiments, the elbow joint 42 may be substantially straight in the second position. In some embodiments, in response to the elbow no longer being depressed, the elbow joint 42 may remain in the second position, or the elbow joint 42 may return to the first position, which may move the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 to the distal position.

[0041] In some embodiments, the toggle joint 42 may be made of a flexible polymer or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the toggle joint 42 may be configured to fold at a groove or crease between the distal end 44 and the proximal end 46. In some embodiments, the toggle joint 42 may be resilient. In some embodiments, the flexible polymer or other suitable material may facilitate folding at the groove. In some embodiments, the toggle joint 42 may be integrally formed as a single unit. In other embodiments, the toggle joint 42 may include mutually separable portions that may be connected together by one or more hinges.

[0042] In some embodiments, the inner catheter adapter 28 may be disposed within or on top of the outer catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the outer catheter 18 may be larger than the outer diameter of the inner catheter 36, such that the outer catheter 18 may receive the inner catheter 36 therein.

[0043] In some embodiments, one or more sealing elements 48 (e.g., O-rings) may be arranged between the external catheter adapter 12 and the internal catheter adapter 28 to seal the fluid path between the external catheter adapter 12 and the internal catheter adapter 28. In some embodiments, the sealing element 48 may include silicone, rubber, elastomer, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the lumen of the internal catheter adapter 28 may include a diaphragm 49 to prevent blood from flowing through the proximal end 32 of the internal catheter adapter 28.

[0044] Now for reference Figures 2A-2B According to some embodiments, a distal end 20 of the external catheter 18 and a distal end 38 of the internal catheter 36 are shown. In some embodiments, the internal catheter adapter 28 may be movable relative to the external catheter adapter 12 in a proximal direction to retract the internal catheter 36, or may be movable relative to the external catheter adapter 12 in a distal direction to advance the internal catheter 36. In some embodiments, as referenced... Figures 1A-1B The described elbow joint 42 (see...) Figures 1A-1B This can be used to move the internal catheter 36. In some embodiments, such as as referenced Figure 5 The described spiral regulator or other suitable mechanism can be used to move the internal catheter 36.

[0045] In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 being in a proximal position (e.g., as Figure 2A As shown in the diagram), the distal end 38 of the inner catheter 36 may be positioned proximal to the distal opening 26 of the outer catheter 18. In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 being in a distal position (e.g., as shown in the diagram), Figure 2B As shown in the diagram, the distal end 38 of the inner catheter 36 can be disposed distal to the distal opening 26 of the outer catheter 18.

[0046] In some embodiments, a gap 50 may be provided between the outer surface of the inner catheter 36 and the inner surface of the outer catheter 18. In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 being in a distal and / or proximal position, the gap 50 may be in fluid communication with the distal opening 26 of the outer catheter 18, such that in response to the insertion of the outer catheter 18 into a vein, blood may flow through the distal opening 26 of the outer catheter 18 and into the gap 50. In some embodiments, the gap 50 may be annular.

[0047] In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 being in a distal position, the inner catheter 36 may be disposed within the distal opening 26 and partially or completely restrict flow into the distal gap 50. According to some embodiments, the distal position is... Figure 2B The image is shown in the figure. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the inner catheter 36 from a distal position to a proximal position, the inner catheter 36 may be positioned proximal to the distal opening 26 and the gap 50 may be in fluid communication with the distal opening 26. According to some embodiments, the proximal position is... Figure 2A It is shown in the middle.

[0048] In some embodiments, the inner catheter 36 and / or the outer catheter 18 may include one or more perforations or holes that facilitate fluid inflow or outflow. In some embodiments, the distal end of the inner catheter 36 may be closed to prevent occlusion. In some embodiments, the distal end of the inner catheter 36 may be rounded and / or lubricated to reduce the possibility of venous injury.

[0049] In some embodiments, contact between the distal opening 26 and the inner catheter 36 between treatments can reduce the risk of clots or thrombi entering the gap 50. In some embodiments, the inner catheter 36 can be moved to a proximal position for blood collection and / or infusion. In some embodiments, the inner catheter 36 can be moved proximal to a proximal position relative to the outer catheter 18, which can facilitate aspiration, blood collection, and infusion by ensuring an open fluid pathway, while also reducing the risk of displacement of the outer catheter 18, microbial contamination, or other complications.

[0050] Now for reference Figure 3 According to some embodiments, a catheter system 10 is shown. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle hub 52 that can be removably connected to an external catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, a guide needle 53 may be connected to the needle hub 52 and may extend through the external catheter 18 and the internal catheter 36. In some embodiments, the external catheter adapter 12 may include a wing 54.

[0051] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include an extension tube 56, which may include a distal end connected to and in fluid communication with an inner catheter adapter 28 and an inner catheter lumen 34. In some embodiments, an adapter 58 may be connected to a proximal end of the extension tube 56. In some embodiments, a fluid infusion device may be connected to the adapter 58 to deliver fluid to a patient via an inner catheter 36 inserted in a vein. In some embodiments, a blood collection device may be connected to the adapter 58 to draw blood from a patient via an inner catheter 36 inserted in a vein. In some embodiments, the extension tube 56 may extend through a slot in an outer catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may not include the extension tube 56.

[0052] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be ventilated to observe blood flashback and facilitate proximal blood flow. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be ventilated in any suitable manner. For example, during insertion of the external catheter 18 into the patient, the vent plug 60 may be connected to the adapter 58. In some embodiments, the vent plug 60 may be permeable to air but impermeable to blood. In some embodiments, the internal catheter 36, the internal catheter adapter 28, the extension tube 56, the adapter 58, and the vent plug 60 may be in fluid communication.

[0053] Now for reference Figures 4A-4B In some embodiments, the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 may be configured to be in a first position relative to the outer catheter 18 and the outer catheter adapter 12 (e.g., at...). Figure 4A (shown in) and second position (e.g. in) Figure 4B The movement is between (as shown in the image). In some embodiments, the first position and the second position may correspond to the distal position and the proximal position, respectively. In some embodiments, as referenced... Figures 1A-1B The described elbow joint 42 (see...) Figures 1A-1B This can be used to move the internal catheter 36. In some embodiments, such as as referenced Figure 5 The described spiral regulator or other suitable mechanism can be used to move the internal catheter 36.

[0054] In some embodiments, one or more perforations 62 may be provided within the outer conduit 18. In some embodiments, the perforation 62 may be provided within the distal end 14 of the outer conduit 18. In some embodiments, the perforation 62 may be configured to be blocked by the inner conduit 36 ​​when the inner conduit 36 ​​is in a first position. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the inner conduit 36 ​​from the first position to a second position, the perforation 62 may be unblocked to allow fluid to flow through the perforation 62 into the inner conduit lumen 34.

[0055] In some embodiments, the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 may be configured to slide relative to the outer catheter 18 and the outer catheter adapter 12 between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 may be configured to slide relative to the outer catheter 18 and the outer catheter adapter 12 along an axis 63 aligned with the outer catheter 18 (e.g., see...). Figure 3 )slide.

[0056] In some embodiments, one or more additional perforations 64 may be provided within the inner catheter 36. In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 being in a second position, the perforations 62 and other perforations 64 may be aligned. In some embodiments, the additional perforations 64 may be moved distally or proximally to align with other perforations. Additionally or alternatively, the additional perforations may be rotated to align with other perforations.

[0057] In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter 36 and the inner catheter adapter 28 being in a first position, the perforations 62 and other perforations 64 may be misaligned. In some embodiments, alignment of the perforations 62 and other perforations 64 may increase the flow of fluid through the inner catheter lumen 34, and misalignment of the perforations 62 and other perforations 64 may prevent thrombi or other obstructions from entering the inner catheter lumen 34. In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the inner catheter 36 may be slightly smaller than the inner periphery of the outer catheter 18, such that the inner catheter 36 can move relative to the outer catheter 18 and / or fluid will not leak between the inner catheter 36 and the outer catheter 18. In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the inner catheter 36 may contact the inner periphery of the outer catheter 18 along all or a portion of its outer periphery.

[0058] Now for reference Figures 4C-4D In some embodiments, in response to the inner catheter 36 being in a second position, the inner catheter 36 may extend through the distal opening 26 of the outer catheter 18. In some embodiments, the distal end 38 of the inner catheter 36 may be open or closed. In some embodiments, a perforation 62 may be provided within the distal end 38 of the inner catheter 36, and in response to movement of the inner catheter 36 from a first position to a second position, the perforation 62 may be provided distal to the distal opening 26 of the outer catheter 18. In these embodiments, the perforation 62 may facilitate fluid flow through the perforation and into the lumen 34 of the inner catheter, while no perforation is included within the outer catheter 18.

[0059] In some embodiments, as referenced Figures 1A-1B The described elbow joint 42 (see...) Figures 1A-1B This can be used to move the internal catheter 36. In some embodiments, such as as referenced Figure 5 The described spiral regulator or other suitable mechanism can be used to move the internal catheter 36.

[0060] Now for reference Figure 5In some embodiments, the inner catheter 36 can be rotated relative to the outer catheter 18 in a user-controlled manner. For example, the catheter system 10 may include a helical adjuster 66. In some embodiments, the helical adjuster 66 may include a thread 70, which may correspond to other threads 72. In some embodiments, the thread 70 may be provided on the outer surface and / or distal end 30 of the inner catheter adapter 28. In some embodiments, other threads 72 may be provided on the inner surface of the outer catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the inner catheter adapter 28 may be connected to the outer catheter adapter 12 via the thread 70 and other threads 72.

[0061] In some embodiments, the inner catheter adapter 28 and the inner catheter 36 can be rotated about an axis 63, which can be aligned with the outer catheter 18 between a first position and a second position. More specifically, the inner catheter adapter 28 can be tightened or loosened relative to the outer catheter adapter 12 from the first position to the second position and / or from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the outer catheter adapter 12 can remain stationary within the patient's vascular system when the inner catheter 36 moves, and therefore will not disengage from the vascular system in response to movement of the inner catheter 36.

[0062] Now for reference Figures 6A-6C In some embodiments, tube 80 may be disposed within outer catheter 18. In some embodiments, tube 80 may correspond to inner catheter 36. In other embodiments, tube 80 may be connected to guidewire 82, which may be used to advance tube 80 distally and / or retract tube 80 proximally.

[0063] In some embodiments, the external conduit 18 may include a perforation 62 through the wall of the external conduit 18. In some embodiments, in response to the tube 80 being in a proximal position (e.g., at...), Figure 6A (shown in) and distal locations (e.g. in) Figure 6B (shown in the middle) can move between, and the distal end 84 of the tube 80 can contact the perforation 62 and / or move to the distal side of the perforation 62.

[0064] In some embodiments, a thrombus, clot, or blockage may obstruct one or more perforations 62. In some embodiments, the distal end 84 of the tube 80 may cut or puncture the thrombus, clot, or blockage to clear the perforation 104 and facilitate fluid flow. In some embodiments, the distal end 84 of the tube 80 may include a sharp edge 86. In some embodiments, the sharp edge 86 may be annular. In some embodiments, the sharp edge 86 may include metal, ceramic, high-density polyethylene, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the sharp edge 86 may clear the perforation by axial movement of the tube between proximal and distal positions (which may be performed by a user).

[0065] like Figure 6C As shown, in some embodiments, the tube 80 may include one or more slots 92 extending from the distal end 84 of the tube 80. In some embodiments, the slots 92 may include sharp edges 94, which may facilitate clearing of the perforation 62 in response to rotation of the tube 80 and guidewire 82 about axis 63 (which can be performed by a user). In some embodiments, the width of each slot 92 may be greater than or equal to the width of the perforation 62.

[0066] All examples and conditional language listed herein are for pedagogical purposes to help the reader understand the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to expand the technology, and are to be interpreted as not being limited to such specifically listed examples and conditions. While 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. A catheter system (10), the catheter system comprising: External catheter adapter (12), the external catheter adapter including a distal end (14) and a proximal end (16); An external catheter (18) includes a distal end (20), a proximal end (22), an external catheter lumen (24) extending through the distal end (20) and the proximal end (22) of the external catheter (18), and an inner surface (25) forming the external catheter lumen (24), wherein the external catheter (18) extends distally from the distal end (14) of the external catheter adapter (12), wherein the distal end (20) of the external catheter (18) includes a distal opening (26). An internal catheter adapter (28) disposed within the external catheter adapter (12), the internal catheter adapter (28) including a distal end (30), a proximal end (32), and an internal catheter lumen (34) extending through the distal end (30) and the proximal end (32) of the internal catheter adapter (28); and An inner catheter (36) extending distally from the distal end (30) of the inner catheter adapter (28), wherein the inner catheter (36) is disposed within the lumen of the outer catheter (24), wherein the inner catheter (36) and the inner catheter adapter (28) are configured to move relative to the outer catheter (18) and the outer catheter adapter (12) between proximal and distal positions, wherein the inner catheter adapter (28) is slidable relative to the outer catheter adapter (12) to move the inner catheter adapter (28) and the inner catheter (36) between the proximal and distal positions. as well as Elbow connector (42), the elbow connector including a distal end (44) connected to the external catheter adapter (12) and a proximal end (46) connected to the internal catheter adapter (28), the elbow connector (42) being configured to allow the internal catheter (36) and the internal catheter adapter (28) to reciprocate between the proximal position and the distal position; The elbow joint (42) is configured to be pressed down to move the inner catheter (36) and the inner catheter adapter (28) to a proximal position.

2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein, in response to the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter being in the distal position, the distal end of the inner catheter is disposed distal to the distal end of the outer catheter.

3. The catheter system of claim 1, further comprising a gap disposed between the outer surface of the inner catheter and the inner surface of the outer catheter, wherein, in response to the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter being in the distal position, the inner catheter is disposed within the distal opening to restrict flow distally into the gap, wherein, in response to movement of the inner catheter from the distal position to the proximal position, the inner catheter is disposed proximal to the distal opening and the gap is in fluid communication with the distal opening.

4. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein in response to the elbow joint (42) no longer being depressed, the inner catheter (36) and the inner catheter adapter (28) move to the distal position.

5. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the inner catheter lumen of the inner catheter adapter (28) includes a diaphragm (49) to prevent blood from flowing through the proximal end (32) of the inner catheter adapter (28).

6. The catheter system of claim 5, wherein the elbow joint (42) is resilient and integrally formed into a single unit from a flexible polymer, and the elbow joint (42) is configured to fold at a groove or fold between the distal end (44) and the proximal end (46) of the elbow joint (42).

7. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the inner catheter includes a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner catheter lumen extending through the inner catheter, the catheter system further comprising a plurality of perforations disposed within the outer catheter or the inner catheter, wherein the plurality of perforations are blocked when the inner catheter is in a first position, wherein in response to movement of the inner catheter from the first position to a second position, the plurality of perforations are unblocked to allow fluid to flow through the plurality of perforations into the inner catheter lumen of the inner catheter.

8. The catheter system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of perforations are disposed within the outer catheter, and the catheter system further comprises another set of plurality of perforations disposed within the inner catheter.

9. The catheter system of claim 7, wherein the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter are configured to slide relative to the outer catheter and the outer catheter adapter between the first position and the second position.

10. The catheter system of claim 9, wherein in response to the inner catheter being in the second position, the inner catheter extends through the distal opening of the outer catheter.

11. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of perforations are disposed within the distal end of the inner catheter, wherein in response to movement of the inner catheter from the first position to the second position, the plurality of perforations are disposed distal to the distal opening of the outer catheter.

12. The catheter system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of perforations are disposed within the outer catheter, the catheter system further comprising another set of plurality of perforations disposed within the inner catheter, wherein the plurality of perforations and the other set of plurality of perforations are aligned in response to the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter being in the second position, wherein the plurality of perforations and the other set of plurality of perforations are misaligned in response to the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter being in the first position.

13. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of perforations are located within the distal end of the external catheter or within the proximal end of the external catheter.

14. The catheter system of claim 7, wherein the inner catheter and the inner catheter adapter are configured to slide relative to the outer catheter and the outer catheter adapter between the first position and the second position, wherein the plurality of perforations are disposed within the outer catheter.

15. The catheter system of claim 14, wherein in response to movement of the inner catheter between the first position and the second position, the distal end of the inner catheter moves to the proximal side of the plurality of perforations.

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