Venous catheter device with probe assembly provided with integrated fluid flushing mechanism

Abstract

An intravenous catheter device can include or be configured to use a probe assembly having an integrated fluid flush mechanism. The probe assembly can be configured in a variety of ways to enable injection of a flush fluid through a fluid permeable structure of the probe as the probe is advanced distally from the catheter. In this manner, the fluid permeable structure can remain unobstructed. By extending the probe distally from the catheter, a blood sample can be collected.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 089,417, filed on October 8, 2020, entitled “Intravenous Catheter Device Having a Probe Assembly with an Integrated Fluid Flushing Mechanism,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Intravenous (IV) catheter devices are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, IV catheter devices can be used to infuse fluids (such as saline solutions, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition) into a patient. IV catheter devices can also be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0004] A common type of venous catheter device is the over-the-needle peripheral venous catheter (“PIVC”). As the name suggests, a over-the-needle catheter can be fitted onto a needle with a sharp distal end. The catheter and needle can be assembled such that, with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin, the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter. The catheter and needle are typically inserted into the patient's vascular system through the skin at a shallow angle. Once the catheter is positioned within the vascular system, it can become occluded, for example, when a thrombus forms around the distal opening of the catheter, or when the distal opening is positioned against the vessel wall.

[0005] When venous catheter devices are kept in a patient's vascular system, they are susceptible to blockage. Once a venous catheter device is blocked, it can no longer be used to infuse fluids or draw blood. In this case, the venous catheter device can be replaced. However, replacing venous catheter devices is a burden for the patient and increases costs. To address these issues, devices have been developed that can be inserted through the indwelling catheter of a venous catheter device to remove the blockage. For example, some devices employ a rigid tube that can be inserted through the catheter and extends distally beyond the distal opening of the catheter. By inserting the rigid tube in this way, such devices can obtain blood samples through the rigid tube even if the catheter is blocked. In other words, the rigid tube is used to physically pass through any blockage that may have formed in or around the distal opening of the catheter and to create a fluid path for collecting blood samples independent of the catheter.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that address any of the drawbacks described above or operate only in the environment described above. Rather, this background section is provided merely to illustrate an exemplary technical field in which some of the embodiments described herein can be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to a venous catheter device having a probe assembly with an integrated fluid flushing mechanism. The probe assembly can be configured in various ways to allow flushing fluid to be injected through a fluid-permeable structure of the probe as the probe is advanced distally from the catheter. In this way, the fluid-permeable structure remains open without forming any blockage. Blood samples can be collected by extending the probe distally from the catheter.

[0008] In some embodiments, the probe assembly may include a probe housing and a probe extending within the probe housing. The probe may have a fluid-permeable structure at its distal end. The probe assembly may also include a probe actuator configured to advance the probe from a proximal position to a distal position. The probe assembly may also include an integrated fluid flushing mechanism configured to allow flushing fluid to flow through the fluid-permeable structure when the probe is advanced to the distal position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the probe assembly may be configured to engage with a catheter adapter from which the catheter extends. In this case, as the probe is advanced to a distal position, the fluid-permeable structure may extend at least partially through the distal end of the catheter.

[0010] In some embodiments, the integrated fluid flushing mechanism may include a fluid container. In some embodiments, the fluid container may be compressed as the probe moves into a distal position. In some embodiments, the fluid container may be compressed between the probe actuator and the compression structure. In some embodiments, the fluid container may be a syringe. In some embodiments, the syringe may be located inside the probe housing or outside the probe housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the probe assembly may further include: a probe tube in which the probe extends; and a probe branch connecting the probe tube to a fluid container. In some embodiments, the fluid container may be formed within a probe actuator, and the probe assembly may further include a valve for retaining flushing fluid within the fluid container and a valve actuator for opening the valve when the probe moves into a distal position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the probe assembly may further include an extension tube fluidly coupled to the probe. In this case, the fluid container may include a portion of the extension tube, which is compressed by the probe housing as the probe moves into a distal position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the integrated fluid flushing mechanism may be a plug. In such embodiments, the plug may be coupled to a probe actuator or to a plunger.

[0014] In some embodiments, a venous catheter device may include a catheter adapter and a probe assembly, the catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, the probe assembly being configured to be coupled to the catheter adapter. The probe assembly may include: a probe housing; a probe extending within the probe housing, the probe having a fluid-permeable structure at its distal end; a probe actuator configured to advance the probe from a proximal position to a distal position when the probe assembly is coupled to the catheter adapter, in which the fluid-permeable structure extends distally from the catheter; and an integrated fluid flushing mechanism configured to allow flushing fluid to flow through the fluid-permeable structure when the probe is advanced to the distal position.

[0015] In some embodiments of the venous catheter device, the integrated fluid flushing mechanism may be a fluid container. In some embodiments of the venous catheter device, the fluid container is compressed as the probe is advanced to a distal position. In some embodiments of the venous catheter device, the integrated fluid flushing mechanism may be a plug that allows flushing fluid to flow out from the probe housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, a method for accessing a vascular system may include: coupling a probe assembly to a catheter adapter having a catheter inserted into a patient's vascular system, the probe assembly including a probe housing, a probe extending within the probe housing, a probe actuator, and an integrated fluid flushing mechanism; and, in conjunction with sliding the probe actuator in a distal direction to extend the fluid-permeable structure from the catheter, activating the integrated fluid flushing mechanism to allow flushing fluid to flow through the fluid-permeable structure as the fluid-permeable structure of the probe is advanced distally from the catheter. In some embodiments, the method may further include obtaining a blood sample via the probe assembly as the fluid-permeable structure is advanced distally from the catheter.

[0017] It should be understood that the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the various embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with the aid of the accompanying drawings, and with additional specific content and details, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1A An example of a venous catheter device including a probe assembly according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0020] Figure 1B This shows what happens when the probe is not extended. Figure 1A probe components;

[0021] Figure 1C This shows what happens when the probe extends. Figure 1B probe components;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0023] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 Detailed cross-sectional view of the probe assembly;

[0024] Figures 3A-3F Indicate how to use Figure 2 An example of a probe component;

[0025] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0026] Figure 4A yes Figure 4 Detailed cross-sectional view of the probe assembly;

[0027] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0028] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0029] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0030] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0031] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0032] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0033] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0034] Figure 12It is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments; and

[0035] Figure 13 This is an example of a fluid container that can be used in a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In some embodiments, a venous catheter device may include a catheter adapter and one or more ports or connectors, with the catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, and the ports or connectors used to connect other devices to the catheter adapter. Such a device may be attached to the catheter adapter before, during, or after catheter insertion into a patient's vascular system, and may include needle assemblies, blood collection devices, infusion assemblies, any embodiments of the probe assemblies described herein, etc. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure should not be limited to any particular configuration of the venous catheter device or the specific example of the venous catheter device used herein.

[0037] Figure 1A-1C Examples of intravenous catheter devices 100 configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. The intravenous catheter device 100 includes a catheter adapter 110 from which a catheter 111 extends distally. Although not shown, a needle assembly may be frequently attached to the catheter adapter 110 and may be used to insert the catheter 111 into a patient's vascular system and subsequently detach it from the catheter adapter 110. The intravenous catheter device 110 also includes an adapter 114 connected to a side port 112 of the catheter adapter 110.

[0038] The intravenous catheter device 100 also includes a probe assembly 200 having a probe housing 210, which can accommodate the probe 230 at least when the probe 230 does not extend through the catheter 111. A connector 220 may be formed at the distal end of the probe housing 210 and can be used to connect the probe assembly 200 to the intravenous catheter device 100 (e.g., via a method such as...). Figure 1A (See adapter 114 shown). However, in other embodiments, the probe housing 210 may be integrated into another component of adapter 114 or catheter adapter 110. In other words, how the probe assembly is connected to the catheter adapter is not important to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0039] The probe assembly 200 may further include a probe actuator 240 that extends from the probe housing 210 and slides along a channel 211 formed in the probe housing 210. The probe actuator 240 allows a clinician to move the probe 230 relative to the catheter 111 by sliding the probe actuator 240 along the length of the probe housing 210 within the channel 211. As described in detail below, probe assemblies configured according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an integrated fluid flushing mechanism that allows fluid to pass through and / or be injected around the distal end of the probe 230 as the probe actuator 240 slides distally relative to the probe housing 210.

[0040] The probe assembly 200 may also include an inlet 250 connected to the proximal end of the probe housing 210 via an extension tube 251. The inlet port 250 may be used to connect a blood collection device, a fluid delivery device (e.g., a syringe), or other device to the probe assembly 200.

[0041] Figure 1B and 1C The probe assembly 200 is shown separately. Figure 1B In the middle position, the probe actuator 240 is in the closest position, so the distal end of the probe 230 is located within the distal end 213 of the probe housing 210. Conversely, in Figure 1C In the middle, the probe actuator 240 is in the most distal position, which causes the probe 230 to advance distally from the distal end 213, and corresponds to Figure 1A The position of probe 230 is shown. The length of probe 230 and / or the configuration of probe actuator 240 may cause the distal end of probe 230 to be positioned near (e.g., proximal, distal, or distal) the distal opening of catheter 111 (or the distal opening of catheters of any other venous catheter device to which probe assembly 200 is compatible). For example, Figure 1A One embodiment is shown in which the probe 230 extends through the distal opening of the conduit 111 when the probe actuator 240 is moved to the distal position.

[0042] refer to Figure 1CThe distal end of probe 230 may include or form a fluid-permeable structure 231. In the depicted example, the fluid-permeable structure 231 is in the form of a coil surrounding the straight portion of probe 230 (i.e., the uncoiled central portion) and allows blood or fluid to flow into catheter 111 between the straight and coiled portions. However, many other configurations of the fluid-permeable structure 231 may be employed. Therefore, the term "fluid-permeable structure" should be interpreted as the distal portion of the probe configured to allow fluid to flow into the catheter as the probe extends distally through the distal end of the catheter. Thus, probes with fluid-permeable structures will include wires with coils or other structures surrounding the wires to create a fluid path along the wires, tubes with one or more openings at and / or along their distal ends to allow fluid to flow into or out of a lumen, tubes with coils or other structures surrounding the coils or other structures to create a fluid path along the outside of the tube (possibly in addition to a fluid path in the lumen), etc.

[0043] A probe with a fluid-permeable structure can be used to remove obstructions that may have formed around the distal opening of a catheter and / or to reposition the catheter when the distal opening may be blocked by the vessel wall or other vascular system structures. For example, after catheter 111 has been inserted into a patient's vascular system, but before probe 230 is advanced through catheter 111, a thrombus may form around the opening of catheter 111 and prevent blood or fluid from flowing through it. In this case, probe actuator 240 can be moved to its most distal position to advance probe 230 distally through the distal opening of catheter 111, specifically the fluid-permeable structure 231. Advancement of probe 230 through the distal opening will remove any obstructions that may have formed. Furthermore, when probe 230 is located in and extends distally from the distal opening of catheter 111, the fluid-permeable structure 231 will allow blood to be collected or fluid to be injected.

[0044] Even if advancement of probe 230 from the distal opening of catheter 111 removes the blockage, there remains a risk that the blockage may form around the fluid-permeable structure 231 or otherwise impede fluid flow through it. For example, when probe 230 is advanced to the desired location, a thrombus may form around the fluid-permeable structure 231 before reaching the desired location. In this case, the purpose of probe 230 may have been thwarted.

[0045] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the probe assembly may be configured with an integrated fluid flushing mechanism that minimizes the possibility of blockage of the probe's fluid-permeable structure as the probe is advanced distally from the conduit. For example, the fluid flushing mechanism may be integrated into the probe assembly 200 and configured to inject fluid through the conduit 111 as the probe actuator 240 moves from the proximal position to the distal position. Figure 2-13 Several examples of fluid flushing mechanisms that can be integrated into probe assemblies according to embodiments of this disclosure are provided.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the probe assembly 200 including the integrated fluid flushing mechanism, and Figure 2A This is a detailed view of the proximal and distal portions of the probe assembly 200. Figure 2 and 2A In the image, probe actuator 240 and probe 230 are shown in the closest possible position, with the distal end of probe 230 retracted into the distal end 213 of probe housing 210. Figure 1A-1C On the contrary, Figure 2 and 2A In this embodiment, probe 230 is in the form of a tube and has a fluid-permeable structure 231 formed by a plurality of openings along the distal end of the tube. As described above, this is only one of many possible configurations of a probe with a fluid-permeable structure that can be used in embodiments of this disclosure.

[0047] The probe actuator 240 includes an actuator body 241 located within a probe housing 210. A proximal end of the probe 230 is coupled to the actuator body 241. A distal end of an extension tube 251 is also coupled to the actuator body 241 and is in fluid communication with the proximal end of the probe 230. A fluid container 260 is located around the probe 230, adjacent to the distal side of the actuator body 241. In some embodiments, the fluid container 260 may be coupled to the actuator body 241. A portion of the probe 230 within the fluid container 260 (or a portion that may be coupled to the fluid container 260) may include an opening 232 that allows fluid within the fluid container 260 to flow into the probe 230 when the fluid container 260 is compressed. In some embodiments, the fluid container 260 may also be filled with fluid through the opening 232. However, in other embodiments, the fluid container 260 may be pre-filled or may be filled via another opening (e.g., via the extension tube 251). In some embodiments, the fluid container 260 may be in the form of a bellows, such as... Figure 13 As shown. In some embodiments, an air-permeable membrane 270 may be positioned around the probe 230 to allow air to escape from the actuator body 241 when the fluid container 260 is filled. The membrane 270 can provide sufficient back pressure to cause the fluid container 260 to expand, as described below. In some embodiments, a diaphragm or valve (not shown) may be located within the probe 230 to facilitate filling the fluid container 260.

[0048] A compression structure 222 is formed within the probe housing 210, facing distally 213. The compression structure 222 can be configured to compress the fluid container 260 when the probe actuator 240 moves toward its distalst position. Figure 2 and 2AIn the illustrated embodiment, the compression structure 222 is in the form of an outwardly inclined surface. Therefore, as the probe actuator 240 moves distally, the fluid container 260 is inserted between these outwardly inclined surfaces and compressed between the outwardly inclined surfaces and the actuator body 241. As the fluid container 260 is compressed, the fluid contained within it is discharged through the opening 232, enters the cavity of the probe 230, and ultimately exits through the fluid-permeable structure 231.

[0049] Figures 3A-3E Examples of how to use the probe component 200 are provided. Figure 3A In this design, probe assembly 200 is shown in a pre-use state, wherein cap 223 may be located above the distal end 213 of probe housing 210, cap 252 may be located above inlet 250, and fluid container 260 may be empty. In some embodiments, probe assembly 200 may be packaged for distribution in a pre-use state. Figure 3A A syringe 300 containing a flushing fluid (e.g., saline) is also depicted. Therefore, Figure 3A This could indicate that the clinician has inserted (or intends to insert) the catheter 111 into the patient's vascular system, but has not yet connected the probe assembly 200 to the catheter adapter 110.

[0050] Go to Figure 3B Assume the clinician has removed cap 252 from inlet port 250 and attached syringe 300 to inlet port 250 to inject flushing fluid into extension tube 251. In this example, assume the clinician did not remove cap 223 from distal end 213 of probe housing 210 before injecting flushing fluid. However, cap 223 may be removed at this stage. In any case, when the clinician injects flushing fluid from syringe 300, flushing fluid flows into probe 230 and out through opening 232, thereby filling fluid container 260 with flushing fluid. Flushing fluid can also flow distally through probe 230, thereby filling probe 230. Although not shown, probe assembly 200 may be configured to vent air from inside probe 230 to allow flushing fluid to completely fill probe 230. Therefore, Figure 3B This can represent the steps for starting the probe component 200.

[0051] Go to Figure 3C Assume the clinician has removed syringe 300 from inlet port 250 and connected blood collection device 310. Also assume the clinician has removed cap 223 from distal end 213 of probe housing 210 in preparation for connecting probe housing 200 to catheter adapter 110. Figure 3C This further indicates that catheter 111 has been inserted into the patient's vascular system 350.

[0052] Go to Figure 3D Assuming the clinician has already connected the probe assembly 200 to the catheter adapter 110 via adapter 114 and has begun sliding the probe actuator 240 in the distal direction, the fluid container 260 appears to approach the compression structure 222 as the probe 230 approaches or begins to extend distally from the catheter 111. With the blood collection device 310 connected to the access port 250, flushing fluid will be retained within the probe 230 at this step of the process.

[0053] Go to Figure 3E Assuming the clinician has slid the probe actuator 240 fully to its distal position, causing the fluid container 260 to be compressed between the compression structure 222 and the actuator body 241, the compression of the fluid container 260 increases the fluid pressure within the probe 230. This causes flushing fluid to begin flowing out through the fluid-permeable structure 231 and into the patient's vascular system 350 (and potentially into catheter 111 if a portion of the fluid-permeable structure 231 is within it). The volume of the fluid container 260 allows a sufficient amount of flushing fluid to flow through the fluid-permeable structure 231 to prevent blockage around the fluid-permeable structure 231 when the probe 230 is fully advanced into the patient's vascular system 350, or to remove any existing blockage.

[0054] Finally, turn to Figure 3F After the flushing fluid has been injected through the fluid-permeable structure 231 to clear any potential blockages, the vacuum tube 320 can be connected to the blood collection device 310 to collect a blood sample. In this case, blood can flow through the fluid-permeable structure 231 into the probe 230, then into the extension tube 251, and finally into the vacuum tube 320. When the blood sample is collected, any flushing fluid that may remain within the probe 230 can be drawn into the waste tube, kept outside the fluid path by a one-way valve, or isolated from the blood sample using any other suitable technique.

[0055] Figure 4 and Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the probe assembly 200 with an integrated fluid flushing mechanism is provided. In these figures, the fluid container 260 is positioned adjacent to the compression structure 222 (or, in the illustrated embodiment, between outwardly sloping surfaces). The opening 232 may also be positioned toward the distal end of the probe 230 such that it is located within or otherwise fluidly connected to the fluid container 260. In this case, the actuator body 241 may have a similar configuration and perform similar functions as described above. Specifically, when the probe actuator 240 is moved to its most distal position, the actuator body 241 may contact and compress the fluid container 260 between the compression structures 222.

[0056] When probe 260 has no internal cavity, it can also be used Figure 2-4A The configuration described herein. For example, the probe may be located inside the catheter, and flushing fluid may flow inside the catheter along the outside of the probe 260.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly 200 with an integrated fluid flushing mechanism in another configuration. Unlike the embodiments described above, Figure 5 An embodiment is shown where the probe housing 210 is filled with flushing fluid instead of using a fluid container 260. This is also illustrated when the probe 230 has no lumen (e.g., when the probe 230 is a guidewire, such as...). Figure 1A-1C As shown), such embodiments may be primarily useful. However, when probe 230 has a lumen (e.g., when probe 230 is as shown), Figure 2 and 2A (As shown in the configuration) Such an embodiment can also be used.

[0058] exist Figure 5 In this design, the probe actuator 240 includes an actuator body 241 connected to the proximal end of the probe 230, and a plug 242 located near the actuator body 241. As the probe 230 extends distally from the conduit 111, the plug 242 extends through the interior of the probe housing 210 and serves to expel flushing fluid contained therein through the distal end 213 of the probe housing 210. In other words, distal movement of the probe actuator 240 causes both the actuator housing 241 (and therefore the probe 230) and the plug 242 to move distally.

[0059] Figure 6 Explanation Figure 5 A variation of the configuration shown. Figure 6 In this configuration, the plug 242 is not connected to the probe actuator 240, but is part of a plunger extending proximally from the actuator housing 210. Therefore, distal movement of the probe actuator 240 will cause the probe 230 to advance distally, but the flushing fluid contained in the probe housing 210 will be ejected in response to the plug 242 being pushed by the plunger alone.

[0060] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6In this embodiment, probe assembly 200 is not shown as including extension tube 251 or inlet 250. However, in these embodiments, extension tube 251 can be connected to the interior of probe housing 210 at any suitable location and in any suitable manner. For example, extension tube 251 can be inserted through probe housing 210 at or towards the proximal, middle, or distal end of probe housing 210, thereby establishing fluid communication with the interior of probe housing 210. In this case, once probe 230 has been extended through conduit 111, extension tube 251 and inlet port 250 can be used to inject flushing fluid into probe housing 210 and / or obtain a blood sample.

[0061] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly 200 with an integrated fluid flushing mechanism in another configuration. As shown, the actuator body 241 itself can form a fluid container 260 that does not require a compressible fluid container 260. In this case, a valve (or seal) 261 can be located within the fluid container 260 and can be oriented distally. The valve 261 can serve to retain flushing fluid within the fluid container 260. The probe housing 210 may also include a valve actuator 262 positioned toward the distal end 213 of the probe housing 210 and toward the proximal end and aligned with the valve 261. When the probe actuator 240 moves distally, the valve 261 can be pressed against the valve actuator 262, which can puncture the valve 261 or otherwise create an opening through the valve 261, which in turn causes flushing fluid in the fluid container 260 to begin flowing through the probe 230 and out through the fluid-permeable structure 231.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly 200 with an integrated fluid flushing mechanism in another configuration. In this configuration, the fluid container 260 is in the form of a syringe, fluidly connected to the actuator body 241, and thus to the probe 230 and the extension tube 251. The plunger of this syringe also faces distally. Therefore, when the probe actuator 240 moves distally, the plunger of the fluid container 260 contacts the distal sidewall of the probe housing 210, thereby injecting flushing fluid contained in the fluid container 260 through the probe 230 and flowing out through the fluid-permeable structure 231.

[0063] Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly 200 with an integrated flushing mechanism in another configuration. In this configuration, the probe housing 210 is configured to house the probe actuator 240 when it is in the form of a dual-tube plunger, and to house the probe tube 900a and the probe tube branch 900b. The probe 230 is located within and slides along the probe tube 900a. The probe branch 900b forms a fluid path between the probe tube 900a and the fluid container 260. In this configuration, the fluid container 260 is located on the distal wall of the probe housing 210.

[0064] The actuator body 241 is divided into a first portion 241a and a second portion 241b. The first portion 241a includes a channel 241a1 configured to receive a probe tube 900a, thereby allowing the first portion 241a to slide along the probe tube 900a, thereby advancing the probe 230 in a distal direction within the probe tube 900a. An extension tube 251 may extend into the first portion 241a and may be in fluid communication with the probe 230.

[0065] The second portion 241b is aligned with the fluid container 260. Therefore, when the probe actuator 240 moves distally to advance the probe 230 distally from the conduit 111, the second portion 241b can contact and compress the fluid container 260. Compression of the fluid container 260 causes the flushing fluid contained therein to flow through the probe branch 900b and into the probe tube 900a. Depending on the configuration of the probe 230, this flushing fluid may flow into or around the probe 230, thereby allowing the flushing fluid to pass through the fluid-permeable structure 231 as the flushing fluid extends distally from the conduit 111. In some embodiments, a valve 901 (e.g., a one-way valve) may be positioned in the probe tuning branch 900b to retain the flushing fluid within the fluid container 260 until it is compressed and to prevent fluid (e.g., blood) from flowing back into the fluid container 260.

[0066] Figure 10 Explanation Figure 9 A variation of the configuration shown. In this variation, the fluid container 260 is in the form of a syringe with a plunger compressed by the second portion 241b. In such an embodiment, the valve 901 may or may not be used because the syringe can adequately retain the flushing fluid until the plunger is compressed, and once the plunger is compressed, the fluid pressure within the probe tube 900a may be insufficient to push the plunger proximally.

[0067] Figure 11This is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly 200 with an integrated flushing mechanism in another configuration. In this configuration, the fluid container 260 is also in the form of a syringe, but it is located outside the probe housing 210. In some embodiments, the fluid container 260 may be pre-attached to the probe actuator 240, or it may be attached by a clinician before use. Thus, the actuator body 241 extends outward from the probe housing 210 and provides a fluid path to the probe 230. The probe housing 210 also includes an extension 1100 located at the distal end of the fluid container 260, but aligned with the fluid container 260, or more specifically, aligned with the plunger. Therefore, when the probe actuator 240 slides distally, the plunger of the fluid container 260 can be pressed against the extension 1100, resulting in flushing fluid from the fluid container 260 being injected into the probe 230 and flowing out through the fluid-permeable structure 231. Optionally, the syringe may be connected to an inlet port (e.g., similar to...). Figure 1A The inlet port 250 shown is used for flushing during or after the advancement of probe 230 before blood is drawn.

[0068] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly 200 with an integrated flushing mechanism in another configuration. In this configuration, a fluid container 260 is formed by a portion of an extension tube 251, which is configured to compress or otherwise be compressed (e.g., by manual compression) when it enters the probe housing 210. In the configuration shown, the extension tube 251 can be pulled into the probe housing 210 as the probe actuator 240 slides distally. When the portion of the extension tube 251 forming the fluid container 260 enters the probe housing 210, it can be compressed, thereby injecting fluid therein into the probe 230 and out through the fluid-permeable structure 231. The position of the fluid container 260 relative to the probe housing 210 can be configured such that fluid is injected through the fluid-permeable structure 231 as it extends from the conduit 111.

[0069] In summary, the probe assembly may include an integrated fluid flushing mechanism configured in various ways to inject flushing fluid as the probe is advanced distally through the catheter and into the patient's vascular system. The probe of the probe assembly may include a fluid-permeable structure over which the flushing fluid flows. The flushing fluid can prevent the formation of blockages and / or remove any blockages that may have already formed around the fluid-permeable structure. In this way, the fluid-permeable structure of the probe will be able to perform its intended function of providing an unobstructed fluid path into or out of the catheter, including where the catheter may have been placed in the patient's vascular system for an extended period.

[0070] All examples and conditional language listed herein are for illustrative purposes, to aid the reader in understanding the concepts of this disclosure and those contributed by the inventors to advance the art, and are not to be construed as being limited to these specifically listed examples and conditions. Although embodiments of this disclosure 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 this disclosure.

Claims

1. A probe assembly, the probe assembly comprising: Probe housing; A probe extending within the probe housing, the probe having a fluid-permeable structure at its distal end; A probe actuator configured to advance the probe from a proximal position to a distal position; and Integrated fluid container The portion of the probe within the integrated fluid container includes an opening, and The integrated fluid container is configured to contain flushing fluid and, as the integrated fluid container moves distally relative to the probe housing and the probe advances to the distal position, the flushing fluid flows from the integrated fluid container into the probe through the opening and through the fluid-permeable structure.

2. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The probe assembly is configured to be coupled to a catheter adapter from which the catheter extends, and wherein, when the probe is advanced to the distal position, the fluid-permeable structure extends at least partially through the distal end of the catheter.

3. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The integrated fluid container is compressed as the probe moves into the distal position.

4. The probe assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The integrated fluid container is compressed between the probe actuator and the compression structure.

5. The probe assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The probe assembly also includes: Probe tube, wherein the probe extends within the probe tube; and A probe branch tube connects the probe tube to the integrated fluid container.

6. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The integrated fluid container is formed within the probe actuator, and the probe assembly further includes: A valve that keeps the flushing fluid within the integrated fluid container; and A valve actuator that opens the valve when the probe moves into the distal position.

7. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The probe assembly also includes: An extension tube, which is fluidly connected to the probe; The integrated fluid container includes a portion of the extension tube, which is compressed by the probe housing as the probe moves into the distal position.

8. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The probe assembly also includes: An extension tube, which is fluidly connected to the probe.

9. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The probe may include a guide wire or a tube.

10. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The probe assembly further includes a compression structure positioned within the probe housing such that the integrated fluid container is compressed against the compression structure to discharge flushing fluid from the integrated fluid container.

11. The probe assembly of claim 10, wherein, The compression structure includes an outwardly inclined surface positioned such that the integrated fluid container is inserted into and compressed against the outwardly inclined surface to discharge flushing fluid from the integrated fluid container.

12. A venous catheter device, the venous catheter device comprising: A catheter adapter from which a catheter extends distally; as well as A probe assembly configured to be coupled to the catheter adapter, the probe assembly comprising: Probe housing; A probe extending within the probe housing, the probe having a fluid-permeable structure at its distal end; A probe actuator, configured to advance the probe from a proximal position to a distal position when the probe assembly is coupled to the catheter adapter, wherein the fluid-permeable structure extends distally from the catheter in the distal position; and Integrated fluid container The portion of the probe within the integrated fluid container includes an opening, and The integrated fluid container is configured to contain flushing fluid and, as the integrated fluid container moves distally relative to the probe housing and the probe advances to the distal position, the flushing fluid flows from the integrated fluid container into the probe through the opening and through the fluid-permeable structure.

13. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 12, wherein, The integrated fluid container is compressed as the probe is advanced to the distal position.

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