Optical fiber sensor

Abstract

A system to detect a location of an introducer can include an introducer that can include a distal tip and a lumen. The system can also include an optical fiber that can be disposed within the lumen of the introducer and that can include a first end, a second end, and a U-shaped portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The U-shaped portion can be at least proximate to the distal tip. Further, the system can include a light emitter that can be coupled with the first end of the optical fiber and a light receiver that can be coupled with the second end of the optical fiber. Further, the system can include an electronic processor. The electronic processor can be coupled with the light receiver and configured to detect a decrease in an intensity of light received at the light receiver.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Chinese Patent Application No. 201780027110.9, filed March 17, 2017, entitled "Fiber Optic Sensor," which is a national stage application of International Application No. PCT / US2017 / 022937. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic sensors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and related methods of detecting the position of a cannula and / or catheter using a fiber optic sensor. Detecting the position of a cannula and / or catheter using a fiber optic sensor can be useful when inserting a cannula and / or catheter into a patient's blood vessel, such as a vein. Detecting the position of a cannula and / or catheter using a fiber optic sensor can also be useful for continuously monitoring the position of a cannula and / or catheter within a blood vessel. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the medical field, placing a cannula at a desired destination location on a patient's body is a difficult task for a clinician. For example, it can be difficult to place a cannula at an appropriate location in a vein for infusion and / or blood collection. A clinician can want to advance a cannula far enough to contact blood or cerebrospinal fluid, but not so far as to cause damage to the vein vessel wall, spinal cord, or spinal dura. Thus, it is important for a clinician to know when a cannula is located within a vein.

[0004] In some cases, to verify proper placement of a cannula of a catheter device in a vein, a clinician generally confirms the presence of blood "flashback" to a flashback chamber associated with, for example, a catheter device. Flashback generally requires a small amount of blood to appear within the catheter device, which a clinician confirms.

[0005] However, the time it takes for flashback to appear in a flashback chamber is highly dependent on the gauge size of the cannula and the patient's venous blood pressure. For a typical 24G cannula in a child with low venous blood pressure, flashback can take 5 seconds or more to appear, which is not a very useful indication.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for devices, systems, and methods that provide an instantaneous indication of the position of the distal tip of a cannula that is independent of gauge size and patient condition. Furthermore, it is desirable for such devices to provide a continuous indication of the position of the cannula. Such devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic sensors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and related methods of detecting a position of a cannula and / or catheter using a fiber optic sensor. Detecting the position of a cannula and / or catheter using a fiber optic sensor can be useful when inserting a cannula and / or catheter into a blood vessel, such as a vein, of a patient. Detecting the position of a cannula and / or catheter using a fiber optic sensor can also be useful for continuously monitoring the position of the cannula and / or catheter within the blood vessel.

[0008] In some embodiments, a system for detecting a position of a cannula can include a cannula that can include a distal tip, an elongated tubular shaft, and a lumen formed by the elongated tubular shaft. In some embodiments, the system can include a fiber optic sensor disposed within the lumen of the cannula (which can be referred to as a "fiber optic" in the present disclosure). In some embodiments, the fiber optic can include a first end, a second end, and a U-shaped portion disposed between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion can be disposed at least proximate to the distal tip. In some embodiments, the system can include a light emitter coupled to the first end of the fiber optic. In some embodiments, the system can include a light receiver coupled to the second end of the fiber optic. In some embodiments, the light receiver can be configured to convert light into an electrical signal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system can further include an electronic processor that can be coupled to the light receiver and can receive the electrical signal. In some embodiments, the electronic processor can be configured to detect a change in an intensity of light received at the light receiver based on the electrical signal. In particular, in some embodiments, the electronic processor can be configured to detect a decrease in the intensity of light received at the light receiver based on the electrical signal.

[0010] In some embodiments, a decrease in the intensity of light can occur in response to contact of the fiber optic with blood when the cannula is inserted into a blood vessel. For example, the light emitter can emit light, which can be transmitted from the first end to the second end of the fiber optic. The intensity of light received at the light receiver can be monitored by the electronic processor. As the cannula enters the blood vessel, blood within the blood vessel can travel to the distal tip of the cannula and contact the fiber optic, which can result in an increased loss of light from the fiber optic due to refraction. In more detail, prior to the fiber optic contacting the blood, the fiber optic can contact air or another medium that can have a lower index of refraction than the blood. Prior to the fiber optic contacting the blood, total internal reflection or increased internal reflection can occur as light is transmitted through the fiber optic. Because the index of refraction of the blood can be higher than the index of refraction of air and closer to the index of refraction of the fiber optic than the index of refraction of air, more light can be lost from the fiber optic due to refraction when the blood contacts the fiber optic, and the fiber optic can become less efficient. Thus, less light can return to the light detector than without the blood.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical fiber can be configured to contact blood when the cannula is inserted into the blood vessel. In particular, in some embodiments, the U-shaped portion of the optical fiber can be configured to contact blood first before the rest of the optical fiber when the cannula is inserted into the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the optical fiber can contact air before the cannula is inserted into the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the blood can surround or submerge the optical fiber when the cannula is inserted into the blood vessel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion can be disposed at least proximal to the distal tip of the cannula. In some embodiments, a distal-most portion of the U-shaped portion can be disposed proximal to a beveled edge of the distal tip, such that the likelihood that the beveled edge is fully inserted into the blood vessel can be increased when a decrease in intensity of light is detected and / or the optical fiber is protected when the cannula is inserted through the patient's skin, fat, tissue, etc.

[0013] In some embodiments, the optical fiber can be a homogenous optical fiber. In these and other embodiments, the optical fiber can be unclad so as to facilitate the escape of light from the optical fiber in an axial direction, which can facilitate the measurement of a decrease in intensity of light when the optical fiber is exposed to blood.

[0014] In some embodiments, the optical fiber can be planar. In more detail, in some embodiments, the U-shaped portion, the first end, and the second end can be disposed within the same plane. In some embodiments, the first end and the second end can be parallel to each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion of the optical fiber can be the most sensitive section of the optical fiber for detecting contact with blood. In some embodiments, the first end and the second end can be twisted relative to each other. For example, the first end and the second end can be twisted once, twice, three times, or more relative to each other to form a helical shape. By forming a helical shape, the length of the sensitive section of the optical fiber can be increased beyond the U-shaped portion. The U-shaped portion and / or the helical shape can cause an increased or continuous loss of light when blood contacts the U-shaped portion and / or the helical shape, thereby providing an improved or continuous indication of the location of the cannula in the vein. If the distal tip of the cannula comes out of the vein, blood flow within the cannula will stop and light will no longer be lost. Thus, the U-shaped portion and / or the helical shape of the optical fiber can provide an improved or continuous indication of the orientation or location of the cannula tip. The first end and / or the second end can be bent and / or twisted in any number of ways, which can serve to increase the surface area of the optical fiber that contacts blood.

[0016] In some embodiments, the system can include an alarm. In some embodiments, the electronic processor can be configured to activate an alarm, which can include an audible sound, a flashing light, and the like. In some embodiments, the electronic processor can activate the alarm in response to the electronic processor detecting a decrease in the intensity of light received at the light receiver. In some embodiments, the alarm can be reusable. In some embodiments, the optical fiber can be disposable and configured to separate from the alarm and / or a monitoring unit including the alarm at the optical connector. The optical connector can be disposed in any number of locations. In some embodiments, the optical connector can be disposed at a proximal end of a catheter device including a cannula.

[0017] The cannula can include any cannula that can be used with the optical fiber described in the present disclosure, including but not limited to hypodermic needles such as intravenous catheter (IV) introducer needles, peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) introducer needles, epidural introducer needles, spinal needles, and the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the optical fiber can detect a decrease in light received at the light receiver in response to the optical fiber coming into contact with a medium other than blood, such as cerebrospinal fluid. The medium can have a refractive index similar to that of blood and / or a refractive index between that of air and that of the optical fiber.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system can include a catheter system, which can include a catheter device. The catheter system can include any catheter device. Exemplary catheter devices can include both straight intravenous catheter devices and ported intravenous catheter devices, such as the AUTOGUARD® TM protected catheter devices, integrated peripheral intravenous catheter devices, winged catheter devices, catheter devices with safety mechanisms, catheter devices with needle shields, blood collection devices, IV access devices, such as the BD NEXIVA® TM closed intravenous (IV) catheter systems, and the like.

[0019] In some embodiments, the catheter device can include a catheter adapter having a catheter. In some embodiments, the cannula of the catheter device can include an introducer needle. In some embodiments, the optical fiber can be disposed within the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the catheter device can include a needle hub, which can be coupled to a proximal end of the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the needle hub can be coupled to the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the first and second ends of the optical fiber can extend through at least a portion of the catheter device.

[0020] In some embodiments, an optical fiber can be disposed within the catheter such that the optical fiber is in contact with blood when the catheter is inserted into a patient's blood vessel. In some cases, because the distal tip of the catheter can be proximal to the distal tip of the introducer needle when the introducer needle is inserted into a patient's blood vessel, the catheter can still be outside of the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the catheter can be extruded over the optical fiber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] In order that the above-recited and other features and advantages of the present application can be readily understood, a more particular description of the cannula capture mechanism briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the application and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the application will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail by the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of an example portion of an optical fiber disposed within an example cannula in accordance with some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical fiber in accordance with some embodiments of Figure 1A in contact with blood;

[0024] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another optical fiber disposed within a cannula in accordance with some embodiments of Figure 1A ;

[0025] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another optical fiber disposed within a cannula in accordance with some embodiments of Figure 1A ;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of an example system for detecting cannula position in accordance with some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example cannula device that can be included in a system in accordance with some embodiments of Figure 3 ;

[0028] Figure 5 is a side view of the optical fiber of FIG. 1 disposed within a wall of a catheter in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0029] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an example method for detecting cannula position in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The presently preferred embodiments of the application will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. It will readily be appreciated that the components of the present application, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the application as claimed. Figures 1A to 6 The detailed description set forth below of embodiments of the cannula positioning device, cannula positioning system, and related methods represented is not intended to limit the scope of the present application, but merely represents some embodiments of the present application.

[0031] The present application generally relates to fiber optic sensors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and related methods for detecting cannula and / or catheter position using fiber optic sensors. Detection of the position of the distal tip of a cannula and / or catheter can enable a clinician to properly position the distal tip of the cannula in a medical procedure such as intravenous infusion, blood draw, spinal tap, or epidural procedure.

[0032] Figures 1A-1B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fiber optic 10 disposed within a cannula 12 in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cannula can include a distal tip 14, an elongated tubular shaft 16, and a lumen 18 formed by the elongated tubular shaft 16. In some embodiments, the fiber optic 10 can be disposed within the lumen 18 of the cannula 12. In some embodiments, the fiber optic 10 can include a first end 20, a second end 22, and a U-shaped portion 24 disposed between the first end 20 and the second end 22. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion 24 can be disposed at least proximate to the distal tip 14. In some embodiments, the first end 20 of the fiber optic 10 can be coupled to a light emitter (not shown in Figures 1A-1B In some embodiments, the second end 22 of the fiber optic 10 can be coupled to a light receiver (not shown in Figures 1A-1B It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that, in some embodiments, the first end 20 can be coupled to a light receiver and the second end 22 can be coupled to a light emitter.

[0033] In some embodiments, when the distal tip 14 of the cannula 12 is inserted into a blood vessel, the intensity of light received at the light receiver in response to contact of the fiber optic 10 with blood or another medium decreases. For example, the light emitter can emit light, which can be transmitted from the first end 20 to the second end 22 of the fiber optic. The intensity of light received at the light receiver can be monitored by an electronic processor (not shown in Figures 1A-1B In some embodiments, when the distal tip 14 of the cannula 12 enters a blood vessel, blood within the blood vessel can flow into the distal tip 14 and contact the fiber optic 10, which can result in an increase in loss of light from the fiber optic 10 due to refraction. In more detail, as Figure 1AAs shown in FIG. 1, prior to the optical fiber 10 contacting the blood, the optical fiber 10 can contact air or another medium inside the cannula 12 that can have a lower refractive index than the blood. Prior to the optical fiber 10 contacting the blood, total internal reflection or increased internal reflection can occur because light is transmitted through the optical fiber. Because the refractive index of the blood can be higher than the refractive index of air and closer to the refractive index of the optical fiber 10 than the refractive index of air, when the blood contacts the optical fiber 10, as shown in FIG. 2, less light can be reflected back to the light detector 16. Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 3, because of the refraction, more light can be lost from the optical fiber 10 and the optical fiber 10 can become less efficient. Thus, less light can be returned to the light detector 16 than without the blood.

[0034] In some embodiments, the optical fiber 10 can be configured to contact the blood when the cannula 12 is inserted into the blood vessel. In particular, in some embodiments, the U-shaped portion 24 of the optical fiber can be configured to contact the blood first when the cannula 12 is inserted into the blood vessel. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the optical fiber 10 can contact air prior to the cannula 12 being inserted into the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the blood can surround or immerse the optical fiber 10 when the cannula 12 is inserted into the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion 24 can be disposed at least proximate to the distal tip 14 of the cannula 12. In some embodiments, a distal-most portion of the U-shaped portion 24 can be disposed proximate to the beveled edge 26 of the distal tip 14 so as to increase the likelihood that the beveled edge 26 is fully inserted into the blood vessel when a decrease in the intensity of the light is detected and / or to protect the optical fiber as the cannula 12 is inserted through the patient's skin, fat, tissue, etc.

[0035] In some embodiments, the optical fiber 10 can be a homogenous optical fiber. In these and other embodiments, the optical fiber 10 can be unclad so as to allow light to escape from the optical fiber 10 in an axial direction, which can facilitate measuring a decrease in the intensity of the light when the optical fiber 10 is exposed to the blood.

[0036] In some embodiments, the optical fiber 10 can be planar, as shown in FIG. 4. In more detail, in some embodiments, the U-shaped portion 24, the first end 20, and the second end 22 can be disposed in the same plane. In some embodiments, the first end 20 and the second end 22 can be parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 5. Figures 1A-1B Figures 1A-1B In more detail, in some embodiments, the first end 20 and the second end 22 can be twisted relative to each other once, twice, three times, or more to form a helical shape.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the first end 20 and the second end 22 can be twisted relative to each other once to form a helical shape. Figures 2A-2B Figure 2A FIG. 6 shows the first end 20 and the second end 22 twisted once relative to each other to form a helical shape. Figure 2B ​​The first end 20 and the second end 22 are shown twisted twice relative to each other to form a helical shape. The helical shape of the optical fiber 10 can increase the length and surface area of the sensitive section of the optical fiber 10 that contacts blood, which can result in increased loss or continuous loss of light as it is transmitted through the optical fiber 10 in contact with the blood as the blood flows in a proximal direction within the cannula 12. Thus, the helical shape can provide an improved or continuous indication of the orientation or position of the cannula 12.

[0038] For example, the intensity of light received by the light receiver can be lost when the medium in contact with the optical fiber 10 changes from a first medium, such as air, to a second medium, such as blood. The area of contact between the optical fiber 10 and the second medium can be increased due to the helical shape, and the loss of intensity of light can occur along this area of contact. If the first and second mediums have similar indices of refraction, the movement from the first medium to the second medium can be more easily detected when the optical fiber includes a helical shape. The first end 20 and / or the second end 22 can be bent and / or twisted in any number of ways for increasing the surface area of the optical fiber 10 that contacts blood.

[0039] The cannula 12 can include any cannula that can be used with the optical fiber 10 described in the present disclosure, including but not limited to hypodermic needles such as intravenous (IV) introducer needles, peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) introducer needles, epidural introducer needles, spinal needles, and the like.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the system 28 can include an optical fiber sensor device 29. In some embodiments, the optical fiber sensor device 29 can include the cannula 12 and / or the optical fiber 10. The optical fiber sensor device 29 can be equivalent to any number of devices that include the optical fiber 10. In some embodiments, the optical fiber sensor device 29 can include a catheter device, as is discussed in relation to the catheter device 100 of FIG. 1. Figure 4 As will be discussed further. In some embodiments, the system 28 can include a light emitter 30 that can be coupled with the first end 20 of the optical fiber 10. In some embodiments, the system 28 can include a light receiver 32 that can be coupled with the second end 22 of the optical fiber 10. In some embodiments, the light receiver 32 can be configured to convert light into an electrical signal.

[0041] In some embodiments, system 28 can also include an electronic processor 34 that can be coupled to light receiver 32. In some embodiments, electronic processor 34 can be configured to receive electrical signals from light receiver 32 and monitor the intensity of light received at light receiver 32. In some embodiments, electronic processor 34 can be configured to detect changes in the intensity of light received at light receiver 32 based on the electrical signals. In particular, in some embodiments, electronic processor 34 can be configured to detect a decrease in the intensity of light received at light receiver 32 that can occur, for example, in response to contact of optical fiber 10 with blood.

[0042] In some embodiments, system 28 can include an alarm 36. In some embodiments, electronic processor 34 can be configured to activate alarm 36, which can produce an audible sound, flashing light, or the like. In some embodiments, electronic processor 34 can activate the alarm in response to electronic processor 34 detecting a decrease in the intensity of light received at light receiver 32. In some embodiments, alarm 36 can be configured to emit a sound in response to detecting a decrease in the intensity of light received at light receiver 32.

[0043] In some embodiments, alarm 36 can be reusable. In some embodiments, monitoring unit 38 can include one or more of the following: light emitter 30, light receiver 32, electronic processor 34, and alarm 36. In some embodiments, one or more of the following elements can be selectively coupled to optical fiber 10: light emitter 30, light receiver 32, electronic processor 34, alarm 36, and monitoring unit 38. In some embodiments, optical connector 40 can selectively couple optical fiber 10 to one or more of the elements. Thus, one or more of the elements can be decoupled from optical fiber 10 via optical connector 40, and optical fiber 10, cannula 12, and / or optical fiber sensor device 29 can be discarded while the one or more elements can be reused. In some embodiments, first end 20 and second end 22 can be coupled to a proximal end of optical connector 40, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, light emitter 30 can be coupled to first end 20 via optical connector 40 and / or light receiver 32 can be coupled to second end 22 via optical connector 40. Figure 3 In some embodiments, light emitter 30 can be coupled to first end 20 via optical connector 40 and / or light receiver 32 can be coupled to second end 22 via optical connector 40.

[0044] Optical connector 40 can be provided in any number of locations. In some embodiments, optical connector 40 can be provided at a proximal end of optical fiber sensor device 29, including cannula 12. In these and other embodiments, optical connector 40 can be provided within optical fiber sensor device 29. In some embodiments, optical connector 40 can be omitted, and optical fiber sensor device 29 can be directly coupled to monitoring unit.

[0045] Referring now to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the fiber optic sensor device 29 can comprise or be equivalent to a catheter device 42, in Figure 4 One example of a catheter device is shown in TM The exemplary catheter device can include both straight intravenous catheter devices and ported intravenous catheter devices, such as the AUTOGUARD TM CATH® closed intravenous (IV) catheter system, and the like.

[0046] In some embodiments, the catheter device 42 can include a catheter adapter 44 having a catheter 46. In some embodiments, the cannula 12 of the catheter device 42 can include a guide needle. In some embodiments, the catheter device 42 can include a needle hub 48 that can be coupled to the proximal end 50 of the cannula 12. In some embodiments, the needle hub 48 can be coupled to the catheter adapter 44. In some embodiments, the first end 20 and the second end 22 of the fiber optic 10 can extend through all or a portion of the catheter device 42, as shown in Figure 4

[0047] In some cases, because the catheter 46 can be proximate to the distal tip 14 of the cannula 12 when the cannula 12 is inserted into the blood vessel of the patient, the catheter 46 can still be outside of the blood vessel when the cannula 12 is within the blood vessel. Referring now to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the fiber optic 10 can be disposed within the outer wall of the catheter 46 such that the fiber optic 10 contacts blood when the catheter 46 is inserted into the blood vessel of the patient. Thus, the fiber optic 10 can improve the location detection of the catheter 46.

[0048] The fiber optic 10 can be disposed within the outer wall of the catheter 46 in any number of ways. For example, the fiber optic 10 can be inserted, molded, or co-extruded into the catheter 46. In some embodiments, the fiber optic 10 can extend to the distal tip of the catheter 46 and / or can be planar, as shown in Figure 5 In some embodiments, the fiber optic 10 can extend to the distal edge of the catheter 46.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fiber optic 10 can be disposed within the inner wall of the catheter 46 or another portion of the catheter device 42 Figure 5 ​The optical fiber 10 can be disposed within the inner wall in any number of ways. For example, the optical fiber 10 can be inserted, molded, or co-extruded into the inner wall. In some embodiments, the cannula 12 can include a notch feature that can define an opening in the elongated shaft 16 (not shown). In some embodiments, the notch feature can be configured to allow blood to flow between the distal tip 14 and the notch feature. In some embodiments, the blood can then flow out of the notch feature and into a portion of the catheter device, such as into the body of the catheter 46 and / or the catheter adapter 44, where the blood can contact the optical fiber 10 disposed within the inner wall. Figure 5

[0050] Figure 5 The optical fiber 10 shown in FIG. 1 can include or be equivalent to the optical fiber 10 described in previous figures. For example, in some embodiments, the first end 20 and the second end 22 of the optical fiber 10 can be twisted relative to one another.

[0051] Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary method 100 of detecting a position of the cannula 12 and / or the catheter 46 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. The method 100 can begin at block 102, where a cannula 12 and / or a catheter 46 is provided. In some embodiments, the cannula 12 can include a distal tip 14, an elongated tubular shaft 16, and a lumen 18 formed by the elongated tubular shaft 16. Block 102 is followed by block 104.

[0052] At block 104, an optical fiber 10 can be provided. The optical fiber 10 can be disposed within the lumen 18 of the cannula 12, the outer wall of the catheter 46, and / or the inner wall of the catheter 46. In some embodiments, the optical fiber can include a first end 20, a second end 22, and a U-shaped portion 24 disposed between the first end 20 and the second end 22. In some embodiments, the optical fiber 10 can be disposed at least proximate to the distal tip 14. Block 104 is followed by block 106.

[0053] At block 106, a light emitter 30 can be provided. Block 106 is followed by block 108.

[0054] At block 108, a light receiver 32 can be provided. In some embodiments, the light receiver 32 can be coupled with the second end 22 of the optical fiber 10. In some embodiments, the light receiver 32 can be configured to convert light into an electrical signal. Block 108 is followed by block 110.

[0055] At block 110, an electronic processor 34 can be provided. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 34 can be coupled with the light receiver 32. Block 110 is followed by block 112.

[0056] At block 112, an intensity of light received at the light receiver can be detected.​

[0057] While illustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks can be separated into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or omitted as desired by the implementation. In some embodiments, the method 100 can include additional blocks. For example, in some embodiments, the method 100 can include inserting the cannula 12 into a blood vessel and detecting a decrease in the intensity of light received at the light receiver 32, which can be in response to the optical fiber 10 contacting blood in the blood vessel. As another example, in some embodiments, the method 100 can include causing the alarm 36 to emit a sound in response to detecting a decrease in the intensity of light received at the light receiver 32.

[0058] In addition to the previously described embodiments of the optical fiber 10, the optical fiber 10 can be modified in any suitable manner that enables it to fulfill its intended purpose. Also, the optical fiber 10 can be used in any suitable method. Further, in addition to the previously described embodiments of the system 28, the system 28 can be modified in any suitable manner that enables it to fulfill its intended purpose. As a non-limiting example, the system 28 can not include the alarm 36. Also, in addition to the previously described embodiments of the catheter device 42, the catheter device 42 can be modified in any suitable manner that enables it to fulfill its intended purpose.

[0059] The application can take other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments and examples are merely illustrative of the application and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the application. The description is intended to cover all possible forms of the application as can come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A catheter system comprising: a catheter adapter having a catheter forming a single lumen, the catheter having a distal taper; and a needle hub from which a guide needle extends, wherein the guide needle (12) comprises a distal tip (14), an elongate tubular shaft (16), an internal lumen (18) formed by the elongate tubular shaft (16), and a notch feature, wherein the distal tip (14) comprises a beveled edge configured for blood to travel into the distal tip, wherein the needle hub is coupled to the catheter adapter such that the guide needle is positioned within and extends through the single lumen, thereby positioning the distal tip of the guide needle distally beyond the distal end of the catheter; wherein the catheter comprises an optical fiber (10) for detecting a position of the catheter, wherein the optical fiber (10) comprises a first end (20), a second end (22), a U-shaped portion (24) disposed between the first and second ends (22), and a helical portion formed by twisting the first and second ends relative to one another, wherein the U-shaped portion and the helical portion are molded or co-extruded within an outer wall and an inner wall of the catheter such that the optical fiber is configured to contact blood on the exterior of the catheter when the catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, and to contact blood flowing into the distal tip of the guide needle, and in turn out through the notch feature and into the catheter, wherein the U-shaped portion extends to but does not exceed the distal taper of the catheter.

2. The catheter system of claim 1, further comprising: a light emitter coupled to the first end (20) of the optical fiber (10); a light receiver coupled to the second end (22) of the optical fiber (10), wherein the light receiver is configured to convert light into an electrical signal; and an electronic processor coupled to the light receiver, wherein the electronic processor is configured to detect a decrease in intensity of light received at the light receiver based on the electrical signal when the distal end of the catheter is inserted into a vein of a patient after the distal tip of the guide needle has been inserted into the vein of the patient.

3. The catheter system of claim 2, wherein, The decrease in intensity of the light occurs in response to the optical fiber contacting blood.

4. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein, The optical fiber (10) is a homogenous optical fiber.

5. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein, The first end (20) and the second end (22) are twisted relative to one another at least twice to form the helical portion.

6. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein, The U-shaped portion (24) of the optical fiber (10) is configured to contact air prior to insertion of the guide needle (12) into a blood vessel.

7. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein, A distal-most portion of the U-shaped portion (24) is disposed proximal to a bevel of the beveled edge of the guide needle (12).

8. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein, The U-shaped portion, the first end, and the second end do not include a cladding.

9. The catheter system of claim 2, wherein, The catheter system further comprises an alarm, wherein the alarm is configured to emit a sound in response to detecting the decrease in intensity of light received at the light receiver.

10. The catheter system of claim 9, wherein, The catheter system includes a catheter device including the guide needle, the alarm being reusable, wherein the optical fiber is disposable and configured to be separated from the alarm at an optical connector disposed at a proximal end of the catheter device.

11. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein, The first end (20) and the second end (22) are twisted at least three times relative to each other to form the helical portion.

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