Catheter placement system

Abstract

A catheter placement system is disclosed. The catheter placement system includes a needle supported by a needle hub, a catheter defining a catheter lumen through a portion of which the needle extends, and a housing. The housing includes a main body, a catheter advancement assembly releasably engaged with the hub of the catheter, the catheter advancement assembly slidably engaged with the main body between a proximal position, an intermediate position, and a distal position, and a distal support slidably engaged with the main body between a retracted position and an extended position, the distal support including a nose defining a passage to receive a portion of the catheter therethrough.

Description

[0001] Priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 128,694, filed December 21, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to catheter placement systems. BACKGROUND

[0004] Traditional methods of placing elongated catheters, such as central venous catheters (CVCs), rapid insertion central catheters (RICCs), and the like, require repeated insertion and removal of multiple devices to and from the insertion site, and direct handling of placement tools, catheters, devices, and the like into the patient. Direct handling of these devices is often required during insertion to prevent kinking or twisting when axial force is applied. SUMMARY

[0005] Advanced catheter insertion systems have been developed that include a housing, a needle, a guide wire, a dilator, and / or a blood flash indicator configured to access the vasculature, confirm proper vascular access, dilate the insertion site, and place a catheter. Advantageously, such advanced catheter insertion systems can contain the above structures within a closed environment to enable “touchless” placement of the catheter and mitigate introduction of pathogens. However, these insertion systems can still leave a portion of the catheter unsupported during placement, causing the catheter to kink or twist when pushed axially into the insertion site.

[0006] Further, when accessing the vasculature to place a catheter, a longer needle length is required to accommodate a wider patient base. A longer needle length can access a deeper vein or penetrate deeper surface tissue. However, a longer needle provides a longer curved arm, i.e., a length of unsupported needle. A shorter needle curved arm, i.e., a shorter length of unsupported needle, is preferred because it provides the clinician with less bending, increased accuracy, and increased tactile feedback when accessing the vasculature. Since these advanced catheter insertion systems are provided with a “pre-loaded” needle, needle replacement is not feasible, and a completely different system must be provided to accommodate different patients, such as a child or an adult, or the clinician must support the needle by manipulating the needle itself as it enters the body, thereby risking infection. The embodiments disclosed herein relate to catheter placement systems with increased structural support devices to address the above issues.

[0007] Disclosed herein is a catheter placement system comprising a needle supported by a needle hub, a catheter defining a catheter lumen through which the needle extends through a portion of the catheter lumen, and a housing comprising a main body, a catheter advancement assembly releasably engaged with the hub of the catheter, the catheter advancement assembly slidably engaged with the main body between a proximal position, an intermediate position, and a distal position, and a distal support slidably engaged with the main body between a retracted position and an extended position, the distal support comprising a nose defining a passageway to receive the portion of the catheter therethrough.

[0008] In some embodiments, the distal support is configured to transition the catheter assembly from the proximal position to the intermediate position as the distal support transitions from the retracted position to the extended position. In some embodiments, the catheter advancement assembly is configured to transition the distal support from the retracted position to the extended position as the catheter advancement assembly transitions from the intermediate position to the distal position. In some embodiments, the catheter advancement assembly comprises an abutment and the main body comprises a cam surface, the abutment configured to engage the cam surface as the catheter advancement assembly transitions from the intermediate position to the distal position to laterally separate the first portion of the main body from the second portion of the main body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the nose comprises a door hingedly engaged with the nose and the door is rotatable to an open position to allow the portion of the catheter to exit the passageway. The distal support is configured to extend distally from the housing to maintain the nose within a predetermined distance from a needle tip. The predetermined distance is a needle flex arm length of 7 cm or less. In some embodiments, the catheter placement system further comprises a flashback indicator configured to receive a flow of blood from the needle lumen. In some embodiments, the catheter is a CVC catheter or a RICC catheter.

[0010] Also disclosed is a method of placing a catheter within a vasculature of a patient comprising accessing the vasculature with a needle extending from a housing and comprising a portion of a catheter disposed annularly on the housing, sliding a catheter advancement assembly from a proximal position to an intermediate position to advance the portion of the catheter into the vasculature, actuating a distal support from a retracted position to an extended position, advancing the catheter advancement assembly from the intermediate position to a distal position, laterally separating a first portion of the housing from a second portion of the housing, and laterally disengaging the housing from the catheter.

[0011] In some embodiments, the catheter advancement assembly includes an abutment configured to engage a cam surface of the housing body when the catheter advancement assembly is transitioned from the intermediate position to the distal position to laterally separate the first portion of the housing from the second portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the distal support includes a nose that defines a channel and is slidably engaged with the catheter, the nose providing rigid columnar support for a portion of the catheter when the catheter advancement assembly is transitioned from the intermediate position to the distal position. In some embodiments, the nose includes a door hingedly coupled to the nose and configured to transition from a closed position to an open position to allow the catheter to exit the channel along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes withdrawing the needle proximally prior to advancing the catheter advancement assembly from the proximal position. In some embodiments, the catheter advancement assembly releasably engages a portion of the catheter in an interference fit, a press fit, or a snap fit engagement. In some embodiments, the method further includes extending the distal support distally from the housing to maintain the nose within a predetermined distance from the needle tip. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is a needle bend arm length of 7 cm or less. In some embodiments, the method further includes sliding the flashback indicator along the longitudinal axis to create a vacuum and draw blood flow through the needle lumen. In some embodiments, the catheter is a CVC catheter or a RICC catheter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] A more particular description of the disclosure will be presented by reference to specific embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope. The example embodiments of the disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail by using the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1A A perspective view of an exemplary catheter insertion system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0015] FIG. 1B A side view of an exemplary catheter insertion system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0016] FIG. 1C A plan view of an exemplary catheter insertion system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0017] FIG. 2A An exploded view of an exemplary catheter insertion system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0018] FIG. 2B An exploded view of a housing of an exemplary catheter insertion system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0019] FIGS. 3A-3J An exemplary method of use for a catheterization system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Before some particular embodiments are disclosed in more detail, it should be understood that the particular embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the particular embodiments disclosed herein can have features that are readily separable from the particular embodiments, and that the features can be optionally combined with or substituted for features of any of the many other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0021] With respect to the terms used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are used to describe some particular embodiments and are not limiting to the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a group of features or steps and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation. For example, “first,” “second,” and “third” features or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the particular embodiments including such features or steps need not necessarily be limited to the three features or steps. Labels of the form “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” etc., are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Alternatively, these terms are used to reflect relative locations, orientations, or directions. Singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0022] In the following description, the terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. As an example, “A, B or C” or “A, B and / or C” means “any of the following: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, A, B and C.” Only when a combination of elements, components, functions, steps or acts are inherently mutually exclusive is an exception to this definition presented.

[0023] The terms "proximal," "proximal portion," or "proximal portion" of a catheter, as disclosed herein, include the portion of the catheter intended to be close to the clinician when used with a patient. Similarly, the term "proximal length" of a catheter includes the length of the catheter intended to be close to the clinician when used with a patient. For example, the term "proximal end" of a catheter includes the tip of the catheter intended to be close to the clinician when used with a patient. A proximal portion, proximal portion, or proximal length of a catheter may include the proximal end of the catheter; however, a proximal portion, proximal portion, or proximal length of a catheter does not necessarily include the proximal end of the catheter. That is, unless the context otherwise suggests, a proximal portion, proximal portion, or proximal length of a catheter is not the distal portion or distal length of the catheter.

[0024] The terms "distal," "distal portion," or "distal part" of a catheter, as disclosed herein, include the portion of the catheter intended to be close to or within the patient when used in a patient. Similarly, the term "distal length" of a catheter includes the length of the catheter intended to be close to or within the patient when used in a patient. For example, the term "distal end" of a catheter includes the tip of the catheter intended to be close to or within the patient when used in a patient. A distal portion, distal part, or distal length of a catheter may include the distal end of the catheter; however, a distal portion, distal part, or distal length of a catheter does not necessarily include the distal end of the catheter. That is, unless the context otherwise suggests, a distal portion, distal part, or distal length of a catheter is not the distal portion or distal length of the catheter.

[0025] To help describe the implementation scheme described in this article, such as FIG. 1A As shown, the longitudinal axis extends substantially parallel to the axial length of the conduit. The lateral axis extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the transverse axis extends perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral axes. The horizontal plane may be defined by the longitudinal and lateral axes, and the vertical plane may extend perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0026] FIGS. 1A-2A An exemplary catheter insertion system (“system”) 100 is shown, which generally includes a needle 110, a catheter 120, a housing 130, and a blood return indicator 150. Optionally, the insertion system 100 may also include one or more guidewires (not shown). The needle 110 may define a needle lumen 114 and is supported by a needle bushing 112 disposed at the proximal end of the needle. The needle 110 may be configured to extend through at least a portion of the lumen of the catheter 120. A distal tip 116 of the needle 110 may extend distal to the distal tip of the catheter 120 and may define a sharp end configured for skin puncture and vascular access.

[0027] Catheter 120 can be a central venous catheter (CVC), rapid- insert central catheter (RICC), or similar elongate catheter configured to provide access to a patient's vasculature. As shown, catheter 120 can be a RICC catheter 120 that includes an entry segment 162 defining a first diameter, an expansion segment 164, and a catheter body segment 166 including a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. FIG. 2A

[0028] Entry segment 162 can define a single lumen and can be formed of a material that is stiffer relative to the stiffness of catheter body segment 166. Catheter body segment 166 can define one or more lumens and can be formed of a material that is softer, more compliant, relative to entry segment 162. Expansion segment 164 can be formed of the same material as entry segment 162 or of a third material. The third material can have a stiffness that is stiffer relative to the material of catheter body segment 166. Expansion segment 164 can provide a tapered transition between the first diameter of entry segment 162 and the second diameter of catheter body segment 166. Entry segment 162 and expansion segment 164 can provide relatively more rigid mechanical properties and can be relatively more resistant to kinking or folding relative to catheter body segment 166 when axial forces are applied. Catheter body segment 166 can be relatively more compliant to facilitate passage through tortuous vasculature. In one embodiment, catheter 120 can also include a hub 168, a bifurcation 170, and / or one or more extension legs 172 each in communication with a lumen of catheter 120. In one embodiment, needle 110 can extend through an extension leg 172, through a lumen of catheter body segment 166, and through a lumen of entry segment 162 to extend distally of a distal tip of catheter 120.

[0029] Catheter insertion system 100 can also include a housing 130 configured to support needle 110 and catheter 120 as described in greater detail herein. Catheter insertion system 100 can also include a flashback indicator 150 in fluid communication with needle lumen 114. Flashback indicator 150 can include a container configured to receive a flow of blood therein. The container can be formed of a transparent material to allow a user to observe the color and pulsatile flow disposed therein. In one embodiment, the flashback indicator can include a vacutainer configured to maintain a vacuum therein to facilitate drawing a flow of blood proximally through needle lumen 114 and into the vacutainer.

[0030] ​In one embodiment, the flashback indicator 150 can include a syringe barrel 154 and a plunger 156 that is slidably engaged with the syringe barrel and configured to create a vacuum to draw blood proximally through the needle lumen 114 and into the syringe barrel 154. In one embodiment, the plunger 156 can be fixedly engaged with the housing 130 to prevent any longitudinal movement relative to the housing. The plunger 156 can be engaged with the housing 130 using an interference fit, a snap fit, a press fit engagement, an adhesive, a weld, a bond, or the like. The syringe barrel 154 can be supported by a barrel cradle 158. The barrel 154 and cradle 158 assembly can be slidable relative to the plunger 156 and housing 130 assembly and configured such that sliding the barrel 154 and cradle 158 assembly proximally can create a vacuum within the barrel 154. In one embodiment, the barrel cradle 158 can be formed of a transparent material.

[0031] In one embodiment, the flashback indicator 150 can be fluidly coupled with the needle lumen 114 by a flexible tube 152 or the like. Advantageously, the flexible tube 152 can allow the syringe barrel to be slid proximally relative to the needle hub 140. Advantageously, by reversing the operation of the syringe flashback indicator 150, the syringe barrel 154 can be slid proximally to create a vacuum and reduce the length of the fluid path between the flashback indicator 150 and the needle tip 116. Further, the action of the syringe barrel 154 and plunger 156 still allows the clinician to utilize the tactile and visual feedback provided via the syringe-based blood flashback system. Advantageously, moving the syringe barrel 154 proximally moves the barrel 154 away from the distal end of the insertion device 100, providing a clearer line of sight at the insertion site and allowing for manipulation of operations such as a guidewire advancement assembly, a catheter advancement assembly, articulating housing portions, or the like.

[0032] In use, a clinician can access the vasculature by inserting the needle tip 116 and the distal portion of the access segment 162 into the vasculature. Blood flow can flow proximally through the needle lumen 114 to the blood return indicator 150. The color and pulsatile flow can be observed to confirm proper vessel access. In the event of improper vessel access, the access segment 162 can be withdrawn and the insertion site closed by applying pressure due to the relatively small diameter of the access segment 162. In the event of proper vessel access, the catheter 120 can optionally be advanced over the guidewire until the dilating segment 164 enters the insertion site and dilates the insertion site to the second diameter of the catheter body segment 166. The catheter body segment 166 can then be advanced until the distal portion of the catheter is at a target location within the vasculature. Further details of RICC catheters and related insertion systems and methods can be found in U.S. Patent No. 10,376,675; U.S. Patent Publications US2019 / 0255294, US2021 / 0069471, US2021 / 0085927, US2021 / 0113809, US2021 / 0113810, US2021 / 0121661, US2021 / 0121667, US2021 / 0228843, US2021 / 0322729, US2021 / 0330941, US2021 / 0330942, and US2021 / 0361915, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application.

[0033] FIG. 2B Further details of the housing 130 are shown, which generally includes a body 132, a distal support 134, a catheter advancement assembly 136, and a blood return indicator 150. The housing 130 can include the body 132 having a needle interface 140 disposed at the proximal end and configured to provide fluid communication between the needle lumen 114 and the blood return indicator 150 through the aperture 118 disposed in the wall of the needle 110. The distal support 134 can be slidably engaged with the body 132 along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position FIG. 3D ) and an extended position FIG. 3E ). The distal support 134 can include a handle 178 configured to allow a user to grasp the distal support 134 and transition the distal support 134 between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0034] The distal support 134 may also include a nose 180 disposed distally and defining a channel 182 extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a portion of the catheter 120 passing through the channel 182. The catheter 120 may slidably engage with the channel 182. Thus, the distal support 134 engages the catheter 120 and provides rigid columnar support for the catheter 120 to prevent buckling or kinking of the catheter 120 when longitudinal axial forces are applied. Furthermore, as described in more detail herein, the distal support 134 may extend distally to support a portion of the catheter 120 that has been advanced from the housing 130. This provides columnar support for the catheter 120 while preventing the user from having to access the portion of the catheter 120 intended to enter the patient's body.

[0035] In a similar manner, the distal support 134 can also provide rigid support for a portion of the needle 110. As described herein, while a longer needle may be advantageous for accommodating a wider patient base, entering deeper veins, or penetrating deeper surface tissues, a shorter bending arm (x) ( FIG. 1A Preferably, it provides improved accuracy and improved tactile feedback. Typically, a curved arm (x) of 7 cm or less is preferred; however, larger or smaller lengths may be considered depending on the material or construction of the needle 110. Therefore, if the needle tip 116 extends beyond the predetermined curved arm length (x) from the housing 130, the user can extend the distal support 134 to provide ridged support for the needle 110 within the predetermined curved arm length (x) from the needle tip 116.

[0036] In one embodiment, the nose 180 may include one or more doors 138 hingedly connected to the distal support 134. In one embodiment, as... FIG. 3I As shown, door 138 can rotate between a closed position and an open position through an arc that extends through a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, as... FIG. 3H As shown, door 138 can rotate laterally between a closed position and an open position via an arc extending through a horizontal plane. In the closed position, door 138 prevents this portion of conduit 120 from exiting the channel 182. In the open position, door 138 allows this portion of conduit 120 to enter into or exit the channel 182.

[0037] In one embodiment, the catheter advancement assembly 136 can be positioned proximally along the longitudinal axis ( FIG. 3C ), middle position ( FIG. 3D ) and distal position ( FIG. 3EThe catheter advancement assembly 136 can releasably engage a portion of the catheter 120. For example, the catheter advancement assembly 136 can releasably retain the catheter hub 168 in an interference fit, a press fit, or a snap fit engagement. However, it should be appreciated that other mechanisms to releasably engage the catheter 120 can also be contemplated. Further, it should be appreciated that the catheter advancement assembly 136 can engage other portions of the catheter 120, such as the catheter body segment 166, the bifurcated portion 170, combinations thereof, and the like. Sliding the catheter advancement assembly 136 between the proximal position, the intermediate position, and the distal position can advance the catheter 120 along the longitudinal axis.

[0038] FIGS. 3A-3J An exemplary method of use for the catheter insertion system 100 is shown. As shown, a user can grasp the housing 130 and advance the needle tip 116 through the patient's skin surface 80 to create the insertion site 90 and into the patient's vasculature below the insertion site. As described herein, the needle tip 116 can extend a predetermined distance (x) from the housing 130. This predetermined distance (x), i.e., the needle bend arm, will be within a tolerance to provide support for the needle 110, but prevent bending or breaking of the needle 110 when force is applied. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance (x) is equal to or less than 7 cm, however, greater or lesser values can also be contemplated. As will be appreciated, the predetermined distance (x) can vary depending on the structure and material of the needle 110. FIG. 3A

[0039] As shown, a user can actuate the barrel carriage 158 to slide the syringe barrel 154 in a proximal direction relative to the housing body 132. As the barrel 154 slides proximally, the plunger 156 coupled to the housing body 132 remains stationary relative to the housing 130, creating a vacuum within the syringe barrel 154. The vacuum draws blood flow proximally through the needle lumen 114, through the needle aperture 118, through the needle hub 140, through the flexible tube 152, and into the syringe barrel 154. As mentioned herein, the syringe barrel 154 and optional barrel carriage 158 can be formed of a transparent material to facilitate observation of the blood flow color and pulsatile flow. FIG. 3B

[0040] As shown, once the access vessel has been confirmed, the needle hub 112 can be withdrawn proximally to withdraw the tip 116 proximally of the distal tip of the catheter 120. In one embodiment, the needle 110 can be further withdrawn, for example, such that the needle tip 116 is adjacent to one of the access segment 162, the dilator segment 164, the catheter body segment 166, the hub 168, the bifurcated portion 170, or withdrawn completely from the catheter 120. FIG. 3C

[0041] As shown, a user can grasp the housing 130 and advance the needle tip 116 through the patient's skin surface 80 to create the insertion site 90 and into the patient's vasculature below the insertion site. As described herein, the needle tip 116 can extend a predetermined distance (x) from the housing 130. This predetermined distance (x), i.e., the needle bend arm, will be within a tolerance to provide support for the needle 110, but prevent bending or breaking of the needle 110 when force is applied. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance (x) is equal to or less than 7 cm, however, greater or lesser values can also be contemplated. As will be appreciated, the predetermined distance (x) can vary depending on the structure and material of the needle 110. FIG. 3D ​​​As shown, the user can then slide the catheter advancement assembly 136 and the catheter 120 coupled to the catheter advancement assembly from a proximal position to a central position to advance the catheter 120 into the insertion site 90. As the dilation section 164 is pushed into the insertion site 90, the insertion site 90 is dilated to a second diameter of the catheter body section 166. It should be noted that the catheter body section 166 may include two or more lumens, each lumen communicating with an opening disposed in the sidewall of the catheter body section 166 adjacent to the dilation section 164.

[0042] When the catheter advancement assembly 136 is advanced to the intermediate position ( FIG. 3D When ), the distal support 134 can be removed from the housing body 132. FIG. 3E The catheter advance assembly 136 can be advanced to the intermediate position while the distal support 134 is advanced to the extended position. Advantageously, the simultaneous advancement of the catheter advance assembly 136 and the distal support 134 allows the nose 180 to provide rigid support for the catheter 120 as the catheter 120 is advanced. In one embodiment, with the distal support 134 in the extended position, the catheter advance assembly 136 can slide distally from the intermediate position (… FIG. 3D Advance to the far side position ( FIG. 3E Advantageously, the catheter advancement assembly 136 and the distal support 134 can be selectively advanced by the user to advance the catheter 120 and provide support for the catheter 120 to prevent bending or kinking, without having to directly contact the part of the catheter 120 that is to enter the patient's body.

[0043] In one embodiment, system 100 may include one or more gears, levers, or similar mechanisms to provide mechanical advantages between longitudinal movement of one or both of the distal support 134 and the catheter advancement assembly 136 and the resulting movement of one or both of the nose 180 and the catheter 120. For example, as FIGS. 3C-3E As shown, a 1:1 mechanical advantage is illustrated, where a single unit of longitudinal distance input by the user results in a single unit of longitudinal distance output; that is, a 1 cm movement of the distal support handle 178 results in a 1 cm movement of the nose 180. Similarly, a 1 cm movement of the catheter advancement assembly 136 results in a 1 cm movement of the catheter 120. In one embodiment, the system 100 can provide a 1:>1 mechanical advantage, where a 1 cm movement of the distal support handle 178 results in a >1 cm movement of the nose 180. Similarly, a 1 cm movement of the catheter advancement assembly 136 results in a >1 cm movement of the catheter 120.

[0044] FIGS. 3F-3G A close-up detail of the lower side view of system 100 is shown. In one embodiment, such as FIGS. 3F-3GAs shown, the conduit advancement assembly 136 may include an abutting surface 174 configured to engage the cam surface 176 of the housing body 132. When the conduit advancement assembly 136 is in its intermediate position ( FIG. 3F When the housing body 132 is moved to the distal position, the adjacent surface 174 can engage the cam surface 176 to laterally separate two or more portions 132A, 132B of the housing body 132. Separating the housing portions 132A, 132B provides a longitudinal opening to allow the housing body 132 to disengage from the conduit 120 in the lateral direction, as described in more detail herein. FIG. 3G A lower view of system 100 is shown, with the conduit advancement assembly 136 in the distal position and the distal support 134 in the extended position.

[0045] like FIGS. 3H-3J As shown, with the distal support 134 in the extended position and the catheter advancement assembly 136 in the distal position, the catheter 120 is placed within the vascular system, with the catheter bushing 168 arranged adjacent to the insertion site 90. Advantageously, the user can place the catheter 120 in this way without having to directly contact the catheter 120 distal to the catheter bushing 168. Once the catheter 120 is placed, the gate 138 of the nasal fitting 180 can be rotated to the open position to allow the nasal fitting 180 to disengage from the catheter 120. FIG. 3H , FIG. 3I In one implementation scheme, such as FIG. 3H As shown, system 100 may include a first door 138A and a second door 138, each door configured to rotate relative to housing 130. In one embodiment, door 138 passes through a longitudinal axis, through a vertical plane, a horizontal plane, or is angled relative to it. In one embodiment, as... FIG. 3I As shown, the first door 138A is rotatable relative to the second door 138B, which remains stationary relative to the housing 130. In one embodiment, the door 138 is rotatable via an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, for example, a lateral vertical plane. These and other numbers, orientations, or configurations of the doors 138 are contemplated to fall within the scope of the invention. FIG. 3J As shown, the housing 130 can then be disengaged laterally and upward from the catheter 120, leaving the catheter 120 positioned within the patient's vascular system. Advantageously, the catheter placement system 100 can place the catheter 120 while maintaining axial support to prevent buckling and preventing the user from accessing any part of the catheter.

[0046] While certain specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while the specific embodiments have been disclosed in some detail to provide a thorough understanding thereof, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations and / or modifications of these specific embodiments can and can be made without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein. Thus, while a certain degree of particularity has been used to illustrate the concepts provided herein, the scope of the concepts provided herein is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed.

Claims

1. A catheter placement system, characterized in that, include: The needle is supported by a needle bushing; A catheter that defines a lumen through which the needle extends; and Housing, the housing comprising: main body; A catheter advancement assembly releasably engages with the bushing of the catheter, and the catheter advancement assembly slidably engages with the body between a proximal position, an intermediate position, and a distal position; and A distal support member, slidably engaged with the body between a retracted position and an extended position, the distal support member including a nose portion disposed distally and defining a channel for receiving a portion of the catheter passing through the channel, wherein the catheter is slidably engaged with the channel. The catheter advancement assembly is configured to change from the proximal position to the intermediate position when the distal support changes from the retracted position to the extended position.

2. The catheter placement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conduit advancement assembly includes an abutment, and the body includes a cam surface, the abutment being configured to engage the cam surface when the conduit advancement assembly is transitioned from the intermediate position to the distal position, such that a first portion of the body is laterally separated from a second portion of the body.

3. The catheter placement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nose includes a door that is hinged to the nose and rotatable to an open position to allow the portion of the catheter to exit the channel.

4. The catheter placement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distal support is configured to extend distally from the housing to keep the nose within a predetermined distance from the tip of the needle.

5. The catheter placement system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The predetermined distance is 7 cm or less the length of the bent arm of the needle.

6. The catheter placement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a blood return indicator configured to receive blood flow from the lumen of the needle.

7. The catheter placement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The catheter is a CVC catheter or a RICC catheter.

8. A catheter placement system, characterized in that, include: The needle is supported by a needle bushing; A catheter that defines a lumen through which the needle extends; and Housing, the housing comprising: main body; A catheter advancement assembly releasably engages with the bushing of the catheter, and the catheter advancement assembly slidably engages with the body between a proximal position, an intermediate position, and a distal position; and A distal support member, slidably engaged with the body between a retracted position and an extended position, the distal support member including a nose portion disposed distally and defining a channel for receiving a portion of the catheter passing through the channel, wherein the catheter is slidably engaged with the channel. The distal support is configured to change from the retracted position to the extended position when the conduit advancement assembly changes from the intermediate position to the distal position.

9. The catheter placement system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The conduit advancement assembly includes an abutment, and the body includes a cam surface, the abutment being configured to engage the cam surface when the conduit advancement assembly is transitioned from the intermediate position to the distal position, such that a first portion of the body is laterally separated from a second portion of the body.

10. The catheter placement system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The nose includes a door that is hinged to the nose and rotatable to an open position to allow the portion of the catheter to exit the channel.

11. The catheter placement system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The distal support is configured to extend distally from the housing to keep the nose within a predetermined distance from the tip of the needle.

12. The catheter placement system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The predetermined distance is 7 cm or less the length of the bent arm of the needle.

13. The catheter placement system according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a blood return indicator configured to receive blood flow from the lumen of the needle.

14. The catheter placement system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The catheter is a CVC catheter or a RICC catheter.

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