Arterial catheter system

Abstract

An arterial catheter system may include a catheter assembly that may include a catheter hub and an arterial catheter. An arterial catheter system may include a needle assembly that may include a needle hub and an introducer needle. The arterial catheter system may include an extension tube coupled to the catheter assembly and a fluid pathway extending through the arterial catheter, the catheter hub, and the extension tube. A first fluid resistance within a portion of the fluid passage within the extension tube may be greater than a second fluid resistance within the fluid passage distal or proximal to the portion of the fluid passage. The extension tube may have a length L and an inner diameter D. The geometry factor Gf of the portion of the fluid pathway may be equal to L / D4 and may be selected to reduce hemolysis during blood drawing from the artery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices. In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to arterial catheter systems. Background Art

[0002] Catheters are commonly used to inject fluids into a patient's vasculature. For example, a catheter can be used to infuse saline solution, various medications, or total parenteral nutrition. A catheter can also be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0003] A catheter can include a peripheral intravenous ("IV") catheter over a needle. In such a case, the catheter can be mounted on a guide needle having a sharp distal end. The catheter and the guide needle can be assembled such that the distal end of the guide needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter, with the bevel of the needle facing upward away from the patient's skin surface. The catheter and the guide needle are typically inserted into the patient's vasculature through the skin at a small angle.

[0004] To verify the correct placement of the puncture needle and / or catheter in a blood vessel, a clinician typically confirms the presence of "backflow" of blood in the reflux chamber of the catheter assembly. Once the placement of the needle is confirmed, the clinician can temporarily occlude the flow in the vasculature and remove the needle, leaving the catheter in place for future blood draws or fluid infusions.

[0005] To draw blood from a patient or collect a blood sample, a blood collection container can be used. The blood collection container can include a syringe or a test tube having a rubber stopper at one end. In some cases, the blood collection container has had all or part of the air removed from the test tube, such that the pressure inside the blood collection container is lower than the ambient pressure. Such a blood collection container is commonly referred to as an internal vacuum or vacuum tube. A commonly used blood collection container is the VACUTAINER available from Becton Dickinson and Company. (注册商标) Blood collection tube.

[0006] The blood collection container can be coupled to the catheter. When the blood collection container is coupled to the catheter, the pressure in the vein is higher than the pressure in the blood collection container, which pushes the blood into the blood collection container, thereby filling the blood collection container with blood. As the blood collection container fills, the vacuum inside the blood collection container decreases until the pressure inside the blood collection container is equal to the pressure in the vein and the flow of blood stops.

[0007] Unfortunately, when blood is drawn into a blood collection container, red blood cells are subjected to high shear stress and are prone to hemolysis due to the high initial pressure difference between the vein and the blood collection container. Hemolysis can result in the rejection and discard of the blood sample. The high initial pressure difference can also cause the collapse of the distal end of the catheter, the collapse of the vein, or other complications that prevent or limit the filling of the blood collection container with blood. When the blood collection container is full, the pressure difference between the vein and the blood collection container decreases, and the filling of the blood collection tube with blood significantly slows down.

[0008] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or operate only in environments such as those described above. Instead, this background is provided only to illustrate an example technical field in which some implementations described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Utility Model

[0009] The present disclosure generally relates to arterial catheter systems, as well as related devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, an arterial catheter system may include a catheter assembly that may include a catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter hub may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include an arterial catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter may be shorter and / or more rigid than an intravenous catheter (e.g., a peripheral intravenous catheter).

[0010] In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system may include a needle assembly that may include a needle hub and a guide needle. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system may include an extension tube that is coupled to the catheter assembly and has a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system may include a fluid pathway that extends through the arterial catheter, the catheter hub, and the extension tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, a geometric factor G of a portion of the fluid pathway within the extension tube f may be equal to L / D 4 , where L is the length of the extension tube and D is the inner diameter of that portion of the fluid pathway within the extension tube. In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of the portion of the fluid pathway within the extension tube f may be defined such that the fluid resistance where In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of that portion of the fluid pathway f may be selected to reduce the maximum shear stress on the arterial blood drawn from the artery and thereby reduce the risk of hemolysis of the arterial blood.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fluid resistance may be a first fluid resistance. In some embodiments, the first fluid resistance of a portion of the fluid passageway within the extension tube may be greater than a second fluid resistance within the fluid passageway distal or proximal to that portion of the fluid passageway. In some embodiments, the second fluid resistance may be defined in a manner similar to the first fluid resistance.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first fluid resistance, which may be lower than the second fluid resistance, may facilitate a reduction in the flow rate of arterial blood within a portion of the fluid passageway of the extension tube, such that the maximum shear stress is reduced within the portion of the fluid passageway, and the risk of hemolysis of the arterial blood to be collected will be reduced. In these embodiments, the geometric factor G of that portion of the fluid passageway f of the extension tube with length L and inner diameter D may be selected to increase the first fluid resistance and reduce the flow rate within that portion of the fluid passageway, such that the risk of hemolysis is reduced, but the flow rate is still sufficient for blood collection.

[0014] In some embodiments, the extension tube may be a first extension tube, and the arterial catheter system may include a second extension tube in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. In some embodiments, the fluid resistance within the second extension tube may be the second fluid resistance. In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of the first extension tube f may be different from the geometric factor G of the second extension tube f . In some embodiments, blood may be collected through the first extension tube, and the geometric factor G of the first extension tube f may be greater than a specific portion of the fluid passageway through which the blood to be collected does not flow. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system may include a blood pressure monitoring port between the first extension tube and the second extension tube and / or a blood collection port at the proximal end of the first extension tube, the proximal end being proximal to the second extension tube.

[0015] In some embodiments, the extension tube may include no more than one lumen extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the catheter hub may include a side port disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube may be integral with the side port. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system may include an adapter integral with the proximal end of the extension tube. In some embodiments, the adapter may include a blood collection port, which may include a female Luer interface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second extension tube may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system may include a distal adapter and a proximal adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter hub may include a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the distal end of the second extension tube may be integral with the side port. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the second extension tube may be integrated into the distal adapter. In some embodiments, the distal end of the first extension tube may be coupled to the distal adapter. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first extension tube may be coupled to the proximal adapter. In some embodiments, the distal adapter may include a blood pressure monitoring port. In some embodiments, the proximal adapter may include a blood collection port. In some embodiments, the second extension tube may include no more than one lumen extending therethrough.

[0017] In some embodiments, the distal end of the second extension tube may be integral with the side port. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system may include a distal adapter integrated with the proximal end of the second extension tube and the distal end of the first extension tube. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system may include a proximal adapter integral with the proximal end of the first extension tube. In some embodiments, the first extension tube may include a helical shape. In some embodiments, the proximal adapter may include a blood collection port.

[0018] In some embodiments, the distal end of the first extension tube may be integral with the side port. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first extension tube may be integrated into the distal adapter. In some embodiments, the distal end of the second extension tube may be coupled to the distal adapter. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the second extension tube may be coupled to the proximal adapter. In some embodiments, the first extension tube may be shorter than the second extension tube. In some embodiments, the distal adapter may include a blood collection port.

[0019] In some embodiments, a method of blood collection may include inserting an arterial catheter of an arterial catheter system into an artery of a patient. In some embodiments, the method of blood collection may include collecting arterial blood in a blood collection device coupled to the catheter assembly, whereby arterial blood flows through that portion of the fluid pathway and into the blood collection device. In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include a vacuum tube. In some embodiments, collecting arterial blood in a blood collection device coupled to the catheter assembly may include inserting a secondary catheter through the distal adapter, the first extension tube, the arterial catheter, and into the artery.

[0020] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an arterial catheter system may include coupling a catheter assembly to a needle assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter hub and an arterial catheter extending distally from the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the manufacturing method may include coupling an extension tube to the catheter assembly such that the extension tube is in fluid communication with the catheter assembly and a fluid passageway extends through the arterial catheter, the catheter hub, and the extension tube.

[0021] In some embodiments, the manufacturing method may include selecting a length L of the extension tube and an inner diameter D of the extension tube such that a first fluid resistance within a portion of the fluid passageway is greater than a second fluid resistance within the fluid passageway that is distal or proximal to that portion of the fluid passageway. In some embodiments, a geometric factor G of the portion of the fluid passageway within the extension tube f equals L / D 4 .

[0022] It should be understood that the foregoing summary description and the following detailed description are both exemplary and explanatory and are not limitations of the claimed utility model. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the various embodiments may be combined with each other, or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the utility model unless so stated. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional features and details by using the drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary arterial catheter system according to some embodiments, showing an exemplary adapter;

[0025] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of an arterial catheter system according to some embodiments, showing an exemplary needle assembly removed;

[0026] Figure 1C is an exemplary extension tube according to some embodiments along Figure 1A a cross-sectional view taken along line 1C-1C;

[0027] Figure 2 is a top perspective view above the arterial catheter system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments, showing another exemplary adapter;

[0028] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of an arterial catheter system according to some embodiments, showing two exemplary extension tubes;

[0029] Figure 4Is a top perspective view of an arterial catheter system according to some embodiments, showing an exemplary helical or coiled extension tube;

[0030] Figure 5 Is a top perspective view of an arterial catheter system according to some embodiments, showing two exemplary extension tubes of different lengths, and the needle assembly is removed;

[0031] Figure 6 Is a top perspective view of an arterial catheter system according to some embodiments, showing two exemplary extension tubes of different lengths and an exemplary secondary catheter. Detailed Description

[0032] Now referring to FIGS. 1-2, according to some embodiments, an arterial catheter system 10 is shown. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 can be configured to reduce the maximum shear stress on the arterial blood drawn into the arterial catheter system 10 from an artery, and thereby reduce the risk of arterial blood hemolysis, thus providing an improved blood sample. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 can include a catheter assembly 12, which can include a catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the catheter hub 14 can include a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 12 can include an arterial catheter 20 extending from the distal end 16 of the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter 20 can be shorter and / or stiffer than an intravenous catheter, such as a peripheral intravenous catheter.

[0033] In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 can include a needle assembly 22, which can include a needle hub 24 and a guide needle 26. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 can include an extension tube 28, which is coupled to the catheter assembly 12 and has a distal end 30 and a proximal end 32. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 can include a fluid passage 34, which extends at least through the arterial catheter 20, the catheter hub 14, and the extension tube 28.

[0034] In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of the portion 36 of the fluid passage 34 located within the extension tube 28 f can be equal to L / D 4 , where L is the length of the extension tube 28 and D is the inner diameter of the portion of the fluid passage 34 located within the extension tube 28. In these embodiments, the portion 36 of the fluid passage 34 can be cylindrical along the entire length L, and the inner diameter D can be constant along the length L. According to some embodiments, the length L corresponds to the entire length of the extension tube 28 or the length from a to b. In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of the portion 36 of the fluid passage 34 within the extension tube 28 f can be defined such that the fluid resistance where In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of the portion 36 of the fluid passage 34f can be selected to reduce the maximum shear stress on the arterial blood withdrawn from the artery, thereby reducing the risk of arterial blood hemolysis.

[0035] In some embodiments, the arterial catheter 20 can be a 20G arterial catheter. In these embodiments, the length L and the inner diameter D can be selected such that the geometric factor G of the portion of the fluid passageway within the extension tube 28 f is 3.41E+06 (1 / in 3 ) or higher. In some embodiments, the length L and the inner diameter D of the 20G arterial catheter can be selected such that the geometric factor G of the portion 36 of the fluid passageway 34 within the extension tube 28 f is 3.41E+06 (1 / in 3 ) + / - 10%.

[0036] In some embodiments, the arterial catheter 20 can be an 18G arterial catheter. In these embodiments, the length L and the inner diameter D can be selected such that the geometric factor G of the portion of the fluid passageway within the extension tube 28 f is 2.88E+06 (1 / in 3 ) or higher. In some embodiments, the length L and the inner diameter D of the 18G arterial catheter can be selected such that the geometric factor G of the portion 36 of the fluid passageway 34 within the extension tube 28 f is 2.88E+06 (1 / in 3 ) + / - 10%.

[0037] In some embodiments, the arterial catheter 20 can be a 22G arterial catheter. In these embodiments, the length L and the inner diameter D can be selected such that the geometric factor G of the portion of the fluid passageway within the extension tube 28 f is 1.05E+07 (1 / in 3 ) or higher. In some embodiments, the length L and the inner diameter D of the 22G arterial catheter can be selected such that the geometric factor G of the portion 36 of the fluid passageway 34 within the extension tube 28 f is 1.05E+07 (1 / in 3 ) + / - 10%.

[0038] In some embodiments, the arterial catheter 20 can be a 24G arterial catheter. In these embodiments, the length L and the inner diameter D can be selected such that the geometric factor G of the portion of the fluid passageway within the extension tube 28 f is 3.20E+07 (1 / in 3 ) or higher. In some embodiments, the length L and the inner diameter D of the 24G arterial catheter can be selected such that the geometric factor G of the portion 36 of the fluid passageway 34 within the extension tube 28 f is 3.20E+07 (1 / in3 ) + / - 10%.

[0039] In some embodiments, the fluid resistance can be a first fluid resistance. In some embodiments, the first fluid resistance of portion 36 of fluid passageway 34 within extension tube 28 can be greater than a second fluid resistance within fluid passageway 34 distal to portion 36 of fluid passageway 34. For example, the first fluid resistance can be greater than a specific fluid resistance within lumen 38 of catheter hub 14, through which arterial blood can travel before reaching extension tube 28 and adapter 40, which can be coupled to a blood collection device for blood collection.

[0040] Blood cells are subject to shear stress as they flow through the fluid passageway. The maximum shear stress is along the wall of the fluid passageway, or wall shear stress. Wall shear stress on blood cells is considered to be a major source of mechanical damage to blood cells. For a cylindrical fluid passageway, wall shear stress is typically expressed as:

[0041]

[0042] where ΔP is the pressure drop along a path of length L and inner radius r. k is the contraction index.

[0043] To fill a collection tube of a certain volume V at a flow rate Q, the time required can be simply evaluated by:

[0044]

[0045] where μ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid. Hemolysis is generally related to wall shear stress and the time that blood cells are exposed to wall shear stress. From the literature, it is widely believed that the hemolysis index can be approximated as a function of:

[0046] HI (%) = A * t α * τ β

[0047] where A, α, and β are coefficients.

[0048] In principle, the hemolysis index is related to the pressure gradient and the characteristic dimension of the cross-section:

[0049]

[0050] Fluid flow in a particular extension tube having a cylindrical fluid passageway can be analyzed using the Poiseuille equation:

[0051]

[0052] where ΔP is the change in the pressure gradient across the length of the extension tube, D and L are the inner diameter and length, respectively, of the cylindrical fluid passage through a particular extension tube, μ is the viscosity of the fluid, and is the fluid resistance. A particular extension tube may include or correspond to extension tube 28. Since μ is the viscosity of the fluid and not part of the extension tube geometry, the geometric factor G f is defined such that R f (the fluid resistance) is where

[0053] In some embodiments, extension tube 28 may have multiple sections having lengths (L1, L2, L3) and inner diameters (D1, D2, D3), and the geometric factor is:

[0054]

[0055] In some embodiments, extension tube 28 may have an inner diameter that varies along the length of the extension tube, and the geometric factor is:

[0056]

[0057] In some embodiments, extension tube 28 may have a non-circular cross-section. In such cases, the geometric factor can be determined by measuring the flow rate (Q) of a fluid with a known viscosity (μ) at a given pressure (ΔP):

[0058]

[0059] In some embodiments, a first fluid resistance that is lower than a second fluid resistance can promote a reduction in the flow rate of arterial blood within portion 36 of fluid passage 34 within extension tube 28 such that the maximum shear stress is reduced within portion 36 of fluid passage 34 and there is a reduced risk of hemolysis of the arterial blood to be collected. In these embodiments, the length L and inner diameter D of extension tube 28 for which the geometric factor G f of portion 36 of fluid passage 34 can be selected to increase the first fluid resistance and reduce the flow rate within portion 36 of the fluid passage such that the risk of hemolysis is reduced, but the flow rate is still sufficient for blood collection.

[0060] In some embodiments, the extension tube 28 may include no more than one lumen 42 extending therethrough. In these embodiments, a single lumen is sufficient for the extension tube 28 in the arterial catheter system 10, since arterial catheters are rarely used for infusions, and an extension tube with a high fluid resistance for infusions would significantly reduce the infusion rate. In some embodiments, the extension tube 28 may include more than one lumen. In some embodiments, the catheter hub 14 may include a side port 44 disposed between the distal end 16 and the proximal end 18 of the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the distal end 30 of the extension tube 28 may be coupled to or integral with the side port 44. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 may include an adapter 40 that is coupled to or integral with the proximal end 32 of the extension tube 28. In some embodiments, the adapter 40 may include a blood collection port 48, which may include a female Luer interface. In some embodiments, a blood collection device may be coupled to the blood collection port 48. In some embodiments, the blood collection device may be coupled to the blood collection port 48 via a needleless access connector disposed between the blood collection device and the blood collection port 48 and / or directly couple the two.

[0061] As Figure 2 shown, in some embodiments, the adapter 40 may include a Y-connector that may include a blood collection port 49 configured to be coupled to a blood collection device and / or a blood pressure monitoring port 50 configured to be coupled to an arterial pressure monitor. In some embodiments, the blood collection port 49 and / or the blood pressure monitoring port 50 may include a female Luer interface. In some embodiments, a needleless connector 51 may be coupled to the blood collection port 49 and / or the blood collection device may be coupled to the needleless connector 51. In some embodiments, the blood collection device may be coupled to the blood collection port 49 via the needleless connector 51 disposed between the blood collection device and the blood collection port 49 and / or directly couple the two. In some embodiments, an arterial pressure monitor may be coupled to the blood pressure monitoring port 50.

[0062] In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include or correspond to a blood collection container. In some embodiments, the blood collection container may include a syringe, a vacuum blood collection tube (or vacuum tube), a small sample collection device, or any other container configured to collect blood from a patient via a pressure differential. In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include a Luer lock access device, such as a VACUTAINER available from Becton, Dickinson and Company (注册商标) LUER-LOK (商标)Access device. In some embodiments, a luer lock access device may include a blood collection tube holder, which is further described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 075,420, filed on October 20, 2020, titled "BLOOD COLLECTION SYSTEM WITH USER-ADJUSTED PRESSURE MANAGEMENT AND RELATED METHODS", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include an instrument delivery device configured to deliver a second catheter through a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device may be further described in the following patents: U.S. Patent No. 11,969,247, entitled "EXTENSION HOUSING A PROBE OR INTRAVENOUS CATHETER," issued April 30, 2024; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 388,650, entitled "INSTRUMENT DELIVERY DEVICE HAVING A ROTARY ELEMENT," filed April 18, 2019; U.S. Patent No. 11,173,277, entitled "MULTI-DIAMETER CATHETER AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS," issued November 16, 2021; U.S. Patent Application No. 11,406,795, entitled "DELIVERY DEVICE FOR A VASCULAR ACCESS INSTRUMENT," filed August 9, 2022; U.S. Patent No. 11,337,628, entitled "SYRINGE-BASED DELIVERY DEVICE FOR A VASCULAR ACCESS INSTRUMENT," issued May 24, 2022; U.S. Patent No. 11,547,832, entitled "CATHETER DELIVERY DEVICE AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS," issued January 10, 2023; and U.S. Patent No. 11,504,503, entitled "VASCULAR ACCESS INSTRUMENT HAVING A FLUID PERMEABLE STRUCTURE AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS," issued November 22, 2022, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] Now refer to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the extension tube 28 can be a first extension tube, and the arterial catheter system 10 can include a second extension tube 54 that is in fluid communication with the fluid passage 34. In some embodiments, the fluid resistance within the second extension tube 54 can be a second fluid resistance. In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of the first extension tube f can be different from the geometric factor G of the second extension tube 54 f . In some embodiments, the first fluid resistance of the portion 36 of the fluid passage 34 that is within the extension tube 28 (e.g., see Figure 1B ) can be lower than the second fluid resistance.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first extension tube and / or the second extension tube 54 can be flexible, which can facilitate the use of the arterial catheter system 10. In other embodiments, the first extension tube and / or the second extension tube 54 can be rigid or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, the first extension tube and / or the second extension tube 54 can be made of plastic. In some embodiments, any suitable first lumen can replace the first extension tube and / or any suitable second lumen can replace the second extension tube 54.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second extension tube 54 can include a distal end 56 and a proximal end 58. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 can include a distal adapter 60 and a proximal adapter 62. In some embodiments, the catheter hub 14 can include a side port 44 disposed between the distal end 16 and the proximal end 18 of the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the distal end 56 of the second extension tube 54 can be coupled to or integral with the side port 44. In some embodiments, the proximal end 58 of the second extension tube 54 can be coupled to or integrated into the distal adapter 60. In some embodiments, the distal end 30 of the first extension tube can be coupled to the distal adapter 60. In some embodiments, the proximal end 32 of the first extension tube can be coupled to the proximal adapter 62. In some embodiments, the distal adapter 60 can include a blood pressure monitoring port 63.

[0067] In some embodiments, the proximal adapter 62 can include a blood collection port. In some embodiments, the blood collection port and / or the blood pressure monitoring port 63 can include a female Luer interface. In some embodiments, the first extension tube can be proximal to the second extension tube 54, and the blood collection port can be disposed at the proximal end 32 of the first extension tube.

[0068] In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 can include a blood pressure monitoring port 63 between a first extension tube and a second extension tube 54, both of which can be coupled to or integral with the distal adapter 60. Thus, in some embodiments, arterial blood for pressure testing can pass through the second extension tube 54 instead of the first extension tube to provide an accurate arterial blood pressure reading.

[0069] Now referring to Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the distal end 56 of the second extension tube 54 can be coupled to or integral with the side port 44. In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 can include a distal adapter 64 that is coupled to or integral with the proximal end 58 of the second extension tube 54 and the distal end 30 of the first extension tube (corresponding to extension tube 28). In some embodiments, the arterial catheter system 10 can include a proximal adapter 66 that is coupled to or integral with the proximal end 32 of the first extension tube. In some embodiments, the first extension tube can include a helical shape, which can facilitate a compact device for easy use by a clinician. In some embodiments, the distal adapter 64 can include a blood pressure monitoring port 65. In some embodiments, the proximal adapter 66 can include a blood collection port 67. In some embodiments, the blood collection port 67 and / or the blood pressure monitoring port 65 can include a female Luer interface.

[0070] Now referring to Figure 5 , in some embodiments, the distal end 16 of the first extension tube (corresponding to extension tube 28) can be coupled to or integral with the side port 44. In some embodiments, the proximal end 18 of the first extension tube can be coupled to or integral with the distal adapter 68. In some embodiments, the distal end 56 of the second extension tube 54 can be coupled to the distal adapter 68. In some embodiments, the proximal end 58 of the second extension tube 54 can be coupled to the proximal adapter 70. In some embodiments, the first extension tube can be shorter than the second extension tube 54. In some embodiments, the distal adapter 68 can include a blood collection port 71 and / or the proximal adapter 70 can include a blood pressure monitoring port. In some embodiments, the blood collection port 71 and / or the blood pressure monitoring port can include a female Luer interface. In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of the first extension tube f can be higher than the geometric factor G of the second extension tube 54 f , because the first extension tube can be used for blood collection.

[0071] Now referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the distal end 16 of the first extension tube (corresponding to extension tube 28) may be coupled to or integrated with the distal adapter 68. In some embodiments, the proximal end 18 of the first extension tube may be coupled to or integrated with the proximal adapter 70. In some embodiments, the distal end 56 of the second extension tube 54 may be coupled to the side port 44. In some embodiments, the proximal end 58 of the second extension tube 54 may be coupled to the distal adapter 68. In some embodiments, the second extension tube 54 may be shorter than the first extension tube. In some embodiments, the proximal adapter 70 may include a blood collection port. In some embodiments, a third extension tube 74 may extend from the distal adapter 68. The blood pressure monitoring port 76 and / or the needleless connector 51 may be provided at the proximal end of the third extension tube 74. In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of the first extension tube f and the geometric factor G of the second extension tube 54 f may be higher than the geometric factor G of the third extension tube 74 f , because the first extension tube and the second extension tube 54 may be used for blood collection.

[0072] Now referring to FIGS. 1 to Figure 6 , in some embodiments, a blood collection method may include inserting the arterial catheter 20 of the arterial catheter system 10 into a patient's artery. In some embodiments, the blood collection method may include collecting arterial blood in a blood collection device that may be coupled to the catheter assembly 12, whereby arterial blood flows through a portion 36 of the fluid passageway 34 (e.g., see Figure 1B ) and into the blood collection device. In some embodiments, the blood collection device may include a vacuum tube. Referring to Figures 5-6 , in some embodiments, collecting arterial blood in a blood collection device coupled to the catheter assembly 12 may include inserting a secondary catheter through the distal adapter 68, the first extension tube, the arterial catheter 20, and into the artery. In some embodiments, the distal adapter 68 may provide a proximal port access to the arterial catheter system 10, which may allow for a shorter length of the secondary catheter or other blood collection device inserted through the catheter assembly 12.

[0073] Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, in some embodiments, a method of manufacturing the arterial catheter system 10 may include coupling the catheter assembly 12 to the needle assembly 22. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 12 may include a catheter hub 14 and an arterial catheter 20 extending distally from the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the manufacturing method may include coupling the extension tube 28 to the catheter assembly 12 such that the extension tube 28 is in fluid communication with the catheter assembly 12 and the fluid passageway 34 extends through the arterial catheter 20, the catheter hub 14, and the extension tube 28.

[0074] In some embodiments, the manufacturing method may include selecting the length L of the extension tube 28 and the inner diameter D of the extension tube 28 such that a first fluid resistance within a portion of the fluid passage 34 is greater than a second fluid resistance within the fluid passage either distal or proximal to that portion of the fluid passage. In some embodiments, the geometric factor G of the portion of the fluid passage within the extension tube f is equal to L / D 4 .

[0075] All of the examples and conditional language recited herein are for the purpose of illustration to assist the reader in understanding the present utility model and the concepts contributed by its inventors to advance the art, and are to be construed as not being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An arterial duct system, characterized in that, The arterial catheter system includes: A catheter assembly, the catheter assembly including: A catheter hub, the catheter hub including a distal end and a proximal end; An arterial catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter hub; A needle assembly, the needle assembly including: A needle hub; A guide needle; An extension tube coupled to the catheter assembly and having a distal end and a proximal end; and A fluid passage extending through the arterial catheter, the catheter hub, and the extension tube, wherein a first fluid resistance in a portion of the fluid passage within the extension tube is greater than a second fluid resistance in the fluid passage distal or proximal to the portion of the fluid passage.

2. The arterial duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension tube is a first extension tube, wherein the arterial catheter system includes a second extension tube in fluid communication with the fluid passageway, wherein a geometric factor G of the portion of the fluid passageway within the first extension tube f is different from a geometric factor G of another portion of the fluid passageway within the second extension tube f , wherein the first extension tube is proximal to the second extension tube, and a blood collection port is disposed at a proximal end of the first extension tube.

3. The arterial duct system according to claim 1, wherein The extension tube includes no more than one lumen extending therethrough.

4. The arterial catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The catheter hub further includes a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub, wherein the distal end of the extension tube is integral with the side port, and the arterial catheter system further includes an adapter integral with the proximal end of the extension tube, wherein the adapter includes a blood collection port, and wherein the blood collection port includes a female Luer connector.

5. The arterial duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension tube is a first extension tube, wherein the arterial catheter system further includes a second extension tube having a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the arterial catheter system further includes a distal adapter and a proximal adapter, and wherein the catheter hub further includes a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub, and wherein the distal end of the second extension tube is integral with the side port, and wherein the proximal end of the second extension tube is integrated into the distal adapter, and wherein the distal end of the first extension tube is coupled to the distal adapter, and wherein the proximal end of the first extension tube is coupled to the proximal adapter.

6. The arterial duct system according to claim 5, wherein, The distal adapter includes a blood pressure monitoring port, and wherein the proximal adapter includes a blood collection port.

7. The arterial catheter system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first extension tube includes no more than one lumen extending therethrough, and wherein the second extension tube includes no more than one lumen extending therethrough.

8. The arterial catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension tube is a first extension tube, wherein the arterial catheter system includes a second extension tube having a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the catheter hub further includes a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub, and wherein the distal end of the second extension tube is integral with the side port, and wherein the arterial catheter system further includes a distal adapter integral with the proximal end of the second extension tube and the distal end of the first extension tube, and wherein the arterial catheter system further includes a proximal adapter integral with the proximal end of the first extension tube, and wherein the first extension tube includes a helical shape, and wherein the proximal adapter includes a blood collection port.

9. The arterial duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension tube is a first extension tube. The arterial catheter system further includes a second extension tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The arterial catheter system further includes a distal adapter and a proximal adapter. The catheter hub further includes a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub. The distal end of the first extension tube is integral with the side port. The proximal end of the first extension tube is integrated into the distal adapter. The distal end of the second extension tube is coupled to the distal adapter. The proximal end of the second extension tube is coupled to the proximal adapter. The first extension tube is shorter than the second extension tube. The distal adapter includes a blood collection port.

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