Catheter system

Abstract

A catheter system includes a catheter assembly having a catheter hub and a catheter. The catheter system includes a barrel, a clip and a hub disposed within the barrel, an introducer needle secured within the hub, and a catheter hub slide extending through a slot of the barrel and configured to slide along the slot from a proximal position of the catheter hub slide to a distally advanced position. The catheter system includes an introducer wire configured to advance distally through an introducer needle. The catheter system includes a guidewire slide extending through the slot and configured to slide along the slot from a guidewire slide proximal position to a guidewire slide distal position to advance the guidewire. When the guidewire slide is in the guidewire slide proximal position, the catheter hub slide may be prevented from sliding along the slot. According to the technical scheme, a compact and ergonomic device can be easily achieved, and no negative influence is generated on the use of the catheter system by a clinician.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and particularly to a catheter system having a guide wire and a spring-loaded needle retraction device. Background Art

[0002] Catheters are commonly used in various infusion therapies. For example, catheters can be used to infuse fluids into patients, such as saline solutions, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition. Catheters can also be used to draw blood from patients.

[0003] One common type of catheter device includes a catheter on a needle. As the name implies, a catheter on a needle can be mounted on a guide needle having a sharp distal end. The catheter assembly can include a catheter hub, from which the catheter extends distally, and the guide needle extends through the catheter. 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 away from the patient's skin. The catheter and the guide needle are typically inserted through the skin at a small angle into the patient's vasculature.

[0004] 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 exemplary technical field in which some of the embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to vascular access devices, systems, and methods. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a catheter system having a guide wire and a spring-loaded needle retraction device, and related devices and methods.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present application, the present application relates to a catheter system, wherein the catheter system includes:

[0007] A catheter assembly, including:

[0008] A catheter hub, the catheter hub including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub; and

[0009] A catheter, the catheter including a distal end and extending from the distal end of the catheter hub;

[0010] A barrel, the barrel including a distal end, a proximal end, a slot, and a flexible arm;

[0011] A clip disposed within the barrel;

[0012] A needle hub disposed within the barrel;

[0013] A guide needle, the guide needle including a sharp distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is fixed within the needle hub;

[0014] A spring coupled to the needle hub;

[0015] A catheter hub slider extending through the slot, wherein the catheter hub slider includes an arm extending distally;

[0016] A guide wire including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to advance distally through the guide needle; and

[0017] A guide wire slider extending through the slot and including an elongate arm,

[0018] wherein the catheter system is configured to move from a first position to a second position, wherein when the catheter system is in the first position:

[0019] The guide wire slider is disposed in a proximal position of the guide wire slider and is configured to slide along the slot from the proximal position of the guide wire slider to a distal position to advance the guide wire;

[0020] The catheter hub slider is disposed in a proximal position of the catheter hub slider;

[0021] The clip couples the catheter hub to the barrel to fix the catheter hub relative to the barrel;

[0022] The distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider is coupled to the catheter hub to prevent the catheter hub slider from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter hub;

[0023] The guide needle extends through the catheter; and

[0024] The flexible arm contacts the needle hub to hold the spring in a compressed position;

[0025] wherein when the catheter system is in the second position:

[0026] The guide wire slider is disposed in the distal position such that the guide wire advances beyond the distal end of the catheter;

[0027] The catheter hub slider is disposed in a proximal position of the catheter hub slider;

[0028] The distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider is coupled to the catheter hub to prevent the catheter hub slider from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter hub;

[0029] The guide needle extends through the catheter; and

[0030] The flexible arm contacts the needle hub to hold the spring in the compressed position,

[0031] wherein, in response to movement of the catheter system from the first position to the second position, the elongate arm of the guidewire slider contacts the clip to disengage the clip from the catheter hub, and wherein in response to the clip being disengaged from the catheter hub, the catheter hub slider is configured to slide from a proximal position of the catheter hub slider to a distally advanced position, and wherein in response to sliding the catheter hub slider from the proximal position of the catheter hub slider to the distally advanced position, the catheter hub can be configured to advance distally.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present application, the present application relates to a catheter system, wherein the catheter system comprises:

[0033] A catheter assembly, comprising:

[0034] A catheter hub, the catheter hub comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub; and

[0035] A catheter, the catheter comprising a distal tip and extending from the distal end of the catheter hub;

[0036] A barrel, the barrel comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a slot;

[0037] A clip disposed within the barrel;

[0038] A needle hub disposed within the barrel;

[0039] A guide needle, the guide needle comprising a sharp distal tip and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is fixed within the needle hub;

[0040] A catheter hub slider, the catheter hub slider extending through the slot and configured to slide along the slot from a proximal position of the catheter hub slider to a distally advanced position;

[0041] A guidewire comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to advance distally through the guide needle; and

[0042] A guidewire slider, the guidewire slider extending through the slot and configured to slide along the slot from a proximal position of the guidewire slider to a distal position to advance the guidewire, wherein when the guidewire slider is in the proximal position of the guidewire slider, the catheter hub slider is prevented from sliding along the slot from the proximal position of the catheter hub slider to the distally advanced position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter hub that may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter that may include a distal tip. In some embodiments, the catheter may extend from the distal end of the catheter hub.

[0044] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a barrel that may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a flexible arm. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a clip disposed within the barrel. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle hub disposed within the barrel. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a guide needle that may include a sharp distal tip and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the guide needle may be fixed within the needle hub. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a spring coupled to the needle hub.

[0045] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter hub slider extending through the slot. In some embodiments, the catheter hub slider may include an arm extending distally. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a guide wire that may include a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the first end may be configured to advance distally through the guide needle. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a guide wire slider extending through the slot.

[0046] In some embodiments, the catheter system can be configured to move from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the first position, the guide wire slider can be disposed in the proximal position of the guide wire slider and configured to slide along the slot from the proximal position of the guide wire slider to the distal position to advance the guide wire. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the first position, the catheter hub slider can be disposed in the proximal position of the catheter hub slider. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the first position, the clip can couple the catheter hub to the barrel to fix the catheter hub relative to the barrel. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the first position, the distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider can be coupled to the catheter hub to prevent the catheter hub slider from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter hub. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the first position, the introducer needle can extend through the catheter. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the first position, the flexible arm can contact the needle hub to hold the spring in the compressed position.

[0047] In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the second position, the guide wire slider can be disposed in the distal position such that the guide wire advances beyond the distal end of the catheter. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the second position, the catheter hub slider can be disposed in the proximal position of the catheter hub slider. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the second position, the distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider can be coupled to the catheter hub to prevent the catheter hub slider from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter hub. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the second position, the introducer needle can extend through the catheter. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the second position, the flexible arm can contact the needle hub to hold the spring in the compressed position.

[0048] In some embodiments, in response to movement of the catheter system from the first position to the second position, the elongate arm of the guide wire slider can contact the clip to disengage the clip from the catheter hub. In some embodiments, in response to the clip disengaging from the catheter hub, the catheter hub slider can be configured to slide from the proximal position of the catheter hub slider to a distally advanced position. In some embodiments, in response to sliding the catheter hub slider from the proximal position of the catheter hub slider to a distally advanced position, the catheter hub can be configured to advance distally.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second end of the guide wire may be fixed within the barrel. In some embodiments, the guide wire slider may include an arcuate slot therethrough. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the first position, the guide wire may be disposed in the arcuate slot in a double-throw configuration such that there is a 2:1 advancement ratio between the first end of the guide wire and the guide wire slider. In some embodiments, the arcuate slot may be horizontally oriented within the barrel. In some embodiments, the barrel may include a proximal inner bevel. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the catheter system from the first position to the second position, the guide wire slider may be lifted within the barrel by the proximal inner bevel such that the guide wire is removed from the arcuate slot.

[0050] In some embodiments, the catheter hub may include a slot. In some embodiments, the barrel may include a distal inner bevel. In some embodiments, the catheter system may be configured to move from the second position to a third position. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the third position, the guide wire slider may be disposed in the distal position such that the guide wire advances beyond the distal end of the catheter. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the third position, the catheter hub slider may be disposed in the distally advanced position. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the third position, the introducer needle may extend through the catheter. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the third position, the flexible arm may contact the needle hub to hold the spring in the compressed position.

[0051] In some embodiments, in response to movement of the catheter system from the second position to the third position, the distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider may contact the distal inner bevel of the barrel to lift the distally extending arm from the slot of the catheter hub, thereby disengaging the catheter hub slider from the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the catheter hub may include the slot.

[0052] In some embodiments, the distally advanced position of the catheter hub slider is a partially distally advanced position. In some embodiments, the catheter system may be configured to move from the third position to the fourth position. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the fourth position, the guidewire slider is disposed in the distal position such that the guidewire advances beyond the distal end of the catheter. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the fourth position, the catheter hub slider may be disposed in the fully distally advanced position. In some embodiments, in response to the movement of the catheter system from the third position to the fourth position, the catheter hub slider may be pushed out on the flexible arm such that the flexible arm is disengaged from contact with the needle hub, and the spring expands to move the needle hub proximally and retract the introducer needle into the barrel.

[0053] In some embodiments, the flexible arm may include fins that taper inwardly in the distal direction. In some embodiments, in response to the movement of the catheter system from the third position to the fourth position, the catheter hub slider may be pushed out on the fins such that the flexible arm is disengaged from contact with the needle hub, and the spring expands to move the needle hub proximally and retract the introducer needle into the barrel.

[0054] In some embodiments, the flexible arm is a first flexible arm. In some embodiments, the barrel may include a second flexible arm proximal to the first flexible arm. In some embodiments, the second flexible arm may include second fins that taper inwardly in the proximal direction. In some embodiments, in response to the spring expanding to move the needle hub proximally, the second flexible arm may be biased outwardly to allow the needle hub to pass through the second fins and then snap inwardly to restrict the needle hub proximal to the second fins. In some embodiments, when the catheter system is between the first position and the second position, the guidewire slider is configured to move back and forth or distally and proximally.

[0055] In some embodiments, when the catheter system is in the first position, the guide wire slider may be on top of the catheter hub slider. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the catheter hub slider may include tabs to prevent the guide wire slider from sliding proximally past the tabs. In some embodiments, the distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider may include a hook and / or an inwardly projecting ridge proximal to the hook. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the catheter system from the second position to the third position, the distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider may contact a distal inner bevel on the inner surface of the barrel to lift the hook out of the slot of the catheter hub, thereby disengaging the catheter hub slider from the catheter hub, wherein when the hook is lifted out of the slot, the inwardly projecting ridge remains in contact with the proximal end of the catheter hub such that the catheter hub slider is configured to push the catheter hub in the distal direction.

[0056] In some embodiments, when the guide wire slider is in the proximal position of the guide wire slider, the catheter hub slider may be prevented from sliding along the slot from the proximal position of the catheter hub slider to the distally advancing position. In some embodiments, the spring may be configured to extend and retract the introducer needle into the barrel only after the catheter hub slider advances the catheter hub distally and disengages from the catheter hub.

[0057] The technical solution of the present application helps to achieve a compact and ergonomic device without negatively affecting the clinician's use of the catheter system.

[0058] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and do not limit the present invention as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention, unless so claimed. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting. Description of the Drawings

[0059] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional features and details by making use of the drawings, wherein:

[0060] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the upper part of an exemplary catheter system in an exemplary first position according to some embodiments;

[0061] Figure 1B is of a catheter system according to some embodiments along Figure 1ACross-sectional view along line 1B-1B;

[0062] Figure 1C For a catheter system according to some embodiments, a cross-sectional view along Figure 1A line 1C-1C;

[0063] Figure 1D Another cross-sectional view of a catheter system according to some embodiments;

[0064] Figure 2A Upper perspective view of a catheter system in an exemplary second position according to some embodiments;

[0065] Figure 2B Upper perspective view of a catheter system in a second position according to some embodiments, illustrating an exemplary clip disengaged from an exemplary catheter seat;

[0066] Figure 2C Partial cross-sectional view of a catheter system in a second position, illustrating an exemplary guide wire slider being lifted by an exemplary proximal inner bevel within an exemplary barrel such that an exemplary guide wire can be removed from an exemplary arcuate slot;

[0067] Figure 2D Partial cross-sectional view of a catheter system in a second position according to some embodiments, illustrating an exemplary needle hub being locked in place by exemplary fins;

[0068] Figure 2E For a catheter system according to some embodiments, a cross-sectional view along Figure 2A line 2E-2E;

[0069] Figure 2F For a catheter system according to some embodiments, a cross-sectional view along Figure 2A line 2F-2F;

[0070] Figure 2G Partial cross-sectional view of a catheter system and an exemplary catheter seat slider configured to push and pull an exemplary catheter seat moving from the second position to an exemplary third position according to some embodiments;

[0071] Figure 3A Top view of a catheter system in the third position according to some embodiments;

[0072] Figure 3B For a catheter system according to some embodiments, a cross-sectional view along Figure 3A line 3B-3B;

[0073] Figure 3C For a catheter system according to some embodiments, a cross-sectional view along Figure 3ACross-sectional view of line 3C - 3C;

[0074] Figure 4A Top view of a catheter system in an exemplary fourth position according to some embodiments;

[0075] Figure 4B For a catheter system according to some embodiments along Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of line 4B - 4B;

[0076] Figure 4C For a catheter system according to some embodiments along Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of line 4C - 4C;

[0077] Figure 4D Upper perspective view of a catheter system moving from the third position to the fourth position and a catheter seat slider that is pushed on the flexible arm to disengage the flexible arm from contact with the needle seat; and

[0078] Figure 4E Partial cross-sectional view of a catheter system according to some embodiments, wherein a needle seat locked in the proximal end of the barrel is illustrated. Detailed Description

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 1 - 2, in some embodiments, a catheter system 10 may include a catheter seat 12, the catheter seat 12 may include a distal end 14, a proximal end 16, and a lumen 18 that extends through the distal end 14 of the catheter seat 12 and the proximal end 16 of the catheter seat 12. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter 20, the catheter 20 may include a distal tip 22. In some embodiments, the catheter 20 may extend from the distal end 14 of the catheter seat 12. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include an arterial catheter system, a peripheral venous catheter system, a midline catheter system, a peripherally inserted central catheter system, or any suitable catheter system.

[0080] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a barrel 24, the barrel 24 may include a distal end 26, a proximal end 28, and a slot 30. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle seat 32 disposed within the barrel 24. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a guide needle 34, the guide needle 34 may include a sharp distal tip 36 and a proximal end 38. In some embodiments, the proximal end 38 of the guide needle 34 may be fixed within the needle seat 32.

[0081] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter hub slider 40 that extends through the slot 30 and is configured to move along the slot 30. In some embodiments, the catheter hub slider 40 may include a distally extending arm 42 that is configured to couple to the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a guide wire 44 that may include a first end 46 and a second end 48. In some embodiments, the first end 46 may be configured to advance distally through the introducer needle 34. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a guide wire slider 50 that extends through the slot 30 and is configured to move along the slot 30.

[0082] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be configured to move from a first position, such as illustrated in Figures 1A - 1D to a second position, such as illustrated in Figures 2A - 2E In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the first position, the guide wire slider 50 may be disposed in a guide wire slider proximal position and is configured to slide along the slot 30 from the guide wire slider proximal position to a distal position to advance the guide wire 44. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is between the first position and the second position, the guide wire slider 50 may be configured to move back and forth to change the position of the first end 46 of the guide wire 44 relative to the catheter 20.

[0083] In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the first position, the catheter hub slider 40 may be disposed in a catheter hub slider proximal position. In some embodiments, when the guide wire slider 50 is in the guide wire slider proximal position, the catheter hub slider 40 may be prevented from sliding along the slot 30. More specifically, in some embodiments, when the guide wire slider 50 is in the guide wire slider proximal position, the catheter hub slider 40 may be prevented from sliding from the catheter hub slider proximal position to a distally advancing position. Thus, in some embodiments, the catheter hub 12 is prevented from advancing distally until after the guide wire 44 has advanced distally.

[0084] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a clamp 52. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the first position, the clamp 52 may couple the catheter hub 12 to the barrel 24 to fix the catheter hub 12 relative to the barrel 24. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the first position, the distally extending arm 42 of the catheter hub slider 40 may be coupled to the catheter hub 12 to prevent the catheter hub slider 40 from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the first position, the guide needle 34 may extend through the catheter 20. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be ready for insertion into a patient's blood vessel in the first position.

[0085] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a spring 54 that may be coupled to the needle hub 32. In some embodiments, the spring 54 may serve as a passive safety mechanism to facilitate retraction of the guide needle 34 into the barrel 24, as will be explained in further detail later. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a flexible arm 55. In some embodiments, the barrel 24 may include a flexible arm 55. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the first position, the flexible arm 55 may contact the needle hub 32 to hold the spring 54 in a compressed position. In some embodiments, the flexible arm 55 may include fins 56 that taper inward in the distal direction. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the first position, the fins 56 may contact the needle hub 32 to hold the spring 54 in a compressed position.

[0086] In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the first position, the guidewire slider 50 may be on top of the catheter hub slider 40. In some embodiments, assuming the catheter hub slider 40 cannot slide or move along the slot 30 before the guidewire slider 50 moves, the guidewire slider 50 on top of the catheter hub slider 40 may contribute to a compact, ergonomic device without negatively affecting a clinician's use of the catheter hub slider 40. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the catheter hub slider 40 may include a tab 58 to prevent the guidewire slider 50 from sliding proximally past the tab 58.

[0087] In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the second position, the guidewire slider 50 may be disposed in a distal position such that the guidewire 44 may advance beyond the distal end 22 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, the first end 46 of the guidewire 44 may be disposed within the guide needle 34 in the first position and may exit the sharp distal end 36 of the guide needle 34 in response to movement of the catheter system 10 from the first position to the second position.

[0088] In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the second position, the catheter hub slider 40 may be disposed in the proximal position of the catheter hub slider. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the second position, the distally extending arm 42 of the catheter hub slider 40 may be coupled to the catheter hub 12 to prevent the catheter hub slider 40 from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the second position, the introducer needle 34 may extend through the catheter 20. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the second position, the fin 56 may contact the needle hub 32 to hold the spring in the compressed position.

[0089] In some embodiments, in response to movement of the catheter system 10 from the first position to the second position, the elongate arm 57 of the guidewire slider 50 may contact the clip 52 to disengage the clip 52 from the catheter hub 12. For example, as Figure 2B illustrated, in some embodiments, the clip 52 may include a V-shaped clip having a pawl 59 inserted into a slot 64 of the catheter hub 12 in the first position. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 moves from the first position to the second position and the guidewire slider 50 advances distally, the elongate arm 57 may compress the V-shaped clip, thereby removing the pawl 59 from the slot 64. In some embodiments, in response to the clip 52 being disengaged from the catheter hub 12, the catheter hub slider 40 may be configured to slide from the proximal position of the catheter hub slider to the advancing distally position. In some embodiments, in response to the catheter hub slider 40 sliding from the proximal position of the catheter hub slider to the advancing distally position, the catheter hub 12 may be configured to advance distally.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second end 48 of the guidewire 44 may be fixed within the barrel 24. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 50 may include an arcuate slot 60 therethrough to facilitate movement of the guidewire 44 therethrough in a double-throw configuration. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the first position, the guidewire 44 may be disposed in the arcuate slot 60 in a double-throw configuration such that there is a 2:1 advancement ratio between the first end 46 of the guidewire 44 and the guidewire slider 50. In some embodiments, the barrel 24 may include a proximal inner bevel 62. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the catheter system 10 from the first position to the second position, the guidewire slider 50 may be lifted within the barrel 24 by the proximal inner bevel 62 such that the guidewire 44 is removed from the arcuate slot 60, for example, as Figure 2CIllustrated by the examples shown. In some embodiments, the arcuate slot 60 may be horizontally oriented within the barrel, which can facilitate removal of the guide wire 44 from the arcuate slot 60 by gravity when a portion of the guide wire slider 50 containing the arcuate slot 60 is lifted in response to contact with the proximal inner bevel 62. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is between the first position and the second position, the guide wire slider 50 may be configured to move back and forth between a proximal position and a distal position of the guide wire slider. In some embodiments, after the guide wire slider 50 has moved to the distal position, the guide wire 44 may no longer be retracted relative to the introducer needle 34 because the guide wire 44 has disengaged from the arcuate slot 60.

[0091] Now referring to Figures 3A - 3C , in some embodiments, the barrel 24 may include a distal inner bevel 66. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be configured to move from the second position to, for example, Figures 3A - 3C the third position illustrated by the examples shown. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 20 is in the third position, the guide wire slider 50 may be disposed in the distal position such that the guide wire 44 advances beyond the distal end 22 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the third position, the catheter hub slider 40 may be disposed in a distally advanced position. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the third position, the introducer needle 34 may extend through the catheter 20. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the third position, the flexible arm 55 and / or the fin 56 may contact the needle hub 32 to hold the spring 54 in a compressed position. Thus, in some embodiments, retraction or proximal withdrawal of the introducer needle 34 may be prevented before the guide wire 44 and the catheter hub 12 advance distally.

[0092] In some embodiments, in response to movement of the catheter system 10 from the first position to the second position, the distally extending arm 42 of the catheter hub slider 40 may contact the distal inner bevel 66 of the barrel 24 to lift the distally extending arm 42 from the slot 64 of the catheter hub 12, thereby disengaging the catheter hub slider 40 from the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the proximal end 16 of the catheter hub 12 may include a slot 64.

[0093] In some embodiments, the distally extending arm 42 of the catheter hub slider 40 may include a hook 68 and / or an inwardly projecting ridge 70 proximal to the hook 68. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the catheter system 10 from the second position to the third position, the distally extending arm 42 of the catheter hub slider 40 may contact the distal inner bevel 66 on the inner surface of the barrel 24 to lift the hook 68 out of the slot 64 of the catheter hub 12, thereby disengaging the catheter hub slider 40 from the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, when the hook 68 is lifted out of the slot 64, the inwardly projecting ridge 70 may remain in contact with the proximal end 16 of the catheter hub 12 such that the catheter hub slider 40 is still configured to push the catheter hub 12 in the distal direction.

[0094] Now referring Figures 4A - 4E , in some embodiments, the distally advanced position of the catheter hub slider 40 is a partially distally advanced position. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be configured to move from the third position to, for example, Figures 4A - 4D the fourth position illustrated in. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the fourth position, the guidewire slider 50 is disposed in the distal position such that the guidewire 44 advances beyond the distal tip 22 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the fourth position, the catheter hub slider 40 may be disposed in the fully distally advanced position. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the catheter system 10 from the third position to the fourth position, the catheter hub slider 40 may be pushed out on the flexible arm 55 such that the flexible arm 55 and / or the fin 56 are disengaged from contact with the needle hub 32 and the spring 54 extends to move the needle hub 32 proximally and retract the guide needle 34 into the barrel 24.

[0095] In some embodiments, the spring 54 may be configured to extend and retract the guide needle 34 into the barrel 24 only after the catheter hub slider 40 advances the catheter hub 12 distally and disengages from the catheter hub 12, thereby preventing premature retraction of the guide needle 34. In some embodiments, the flexible arm 55 is a first flexible arm. In some embodiments, the barrel 24 may include a second flexible arm 72 proximal to the first flexible arm. In some embodiments, the second flexible arm 72 may include a second fin 74 that is tapered inwardly in the proximal direction. In some embodiments, in response to the spring 54 extending to move the needle hub 32 proximally, the second flexible arm 72 may be biased outwardly to allow the needle hub 32 to pass through the second fin 74 and then snap inwardly to confine the needle hub 32 proximal to the second fin 74, such as illustrated in Figure 4E .

[0096] All examples and conditional language cited herein are for illustrative purposes only, to assist the reader in understanding the present utility model and the concepts contributed by the inventor to promote the art, and should not be construed as being limited to these specifically cited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A catheter system, characterized in that, The catheter system includes: A catheter assembly, comprising: A catheter hub, the catheter hub including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub; and A catheter, the catheter including a distal tip and extending from the distal end of the catheter hub; A barrel, the barrel including a distal end, a proximal end, a slot, and flexible arms; A clamp disposed within the barrel; A needle hub disposed within the barrel; A guidewire needle, the guidewire needle including a sharp distal tip and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the guidewire needle is fixed within the needle hub; A spring coupled to the needle hub; A catheter hub slider extending through the slot, wherein the catheter hub slider includes an arm extending distally; A guidewire including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to advance distally through the guidewire needle; and A guidewire slider extending through the slot and including an elongate arm, wherein the catheter system is configured to move from a first position to a second position, wherein when the catheter system is in the first position: The guidewire slider is disposed in a proximal position of the guidewire slider and is configured to slide along the slot from the proximal position of the guidewire slider to a distal position to advance the guidewire; The catheter hub slider is disposed in a proximal position of the catheter hub slider; The clamp couples the catheter hub to the barrel to fix the catheter hub relative to the barrel; The distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider is coupled to the catheter hub to prevent the catheter hub slider from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter hub; The guidewire needle extends through the catheter; and The flexible arms contact the needle hub to hold the spring in a compressed position; wherein when the catheter system is in the second position: The guidewire slider is disposed in the distal position such that the guidewire advances beyond the distal tip of the catheter; The catheter hub slider is disposed in a proximal position of the catheter hub slider; The distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider is coupled to the catheter hub to prevent the catheter hub slider from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter hub; The guidewire needle extends through the catheter; and The flexible arms contact the needle hub to hold the spring in the compressed position, wherein in response to the movement of the catheter system from the first position to the second position, the elongate arm of the guidewire slider contacts the clamp to disengage the clamp from the catheter hub, wherein in response to the clamp being disengaged from the catheter hub, the catheter hub slider is configured to slide from the proximal position of the catheter hub slider to a distally advancing position, and wherein in response to the catheter hub slider sliding from the proximal position of the catheter hub slider to the distally advancing position, the catheter hub can be configured to advance distally.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, The second end of the guide wire is fixed within the barrel, wherein the guide wire slider includes an arcuate slot therethrough, and wherein when the catheter system is in the first position, the guide wire is disposed in the arcuate slot in a double-throw configuration such that there is a 2:1 advancement ratio between the first end of the guide wire and the guide wire slider.

3. The catheter system according to claim 2, wherein The arcuate slot is horizontally oriented within the barrel.

4. The catheter system according to claim 2, wherein The barrel includes a proximal inner bevel, and wherein in response to movement of the catheter system from the first position to the second position, the guide wire slider is lifted within the barrel by the proximal inner bevel such that the guide wire is removed from the arcuate slot.

5. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The catheter hub includes a slot, and wherein the barrel further includes a distal inner bevel, and wherein the catheter system is configured to move from the second position to a third position, and wherein when the catheter system is in the third position: The guide wire slider is disposed in the distal position such that the guide wire advances beyond the distal end of the catheter; The catheter hub slider is disposed in the distally advancing position; The introducer needle extends through the catheter; and The flexible arm contacts the needle hub to hold the spring in the compressed position, wherein in response to movement of the catheter system from the second position to the third position, the distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider contacts the distal inner bevel of the barrel to lift the distally extending arm from the slot of the catheter hub, thereby disengaging the catheter hub slider from the catheter hub.

6. The catheter system according to claim 5, wherein, The barrel further includes a distal inner bevel, and wherein the distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider includes a hook and an inwardly directed projection proximal to the hook, and wherein in response to movement of the catheter system from the second position to the third position, the distally extending arm of the catheter hub slider contacts the distal inner bevel on the inner surface of the barrel to lift the hook from the slot of the catheter hub, thereby disengaging the catheter hub slider from the catheter hub, and wherein when the hook is lifted from the slot, the inwardly directed projection remains in contact with the proximal end of the catheter hub such that the catheter hub slider is configured to push the catheter hub in the distal direction.

7. The catheter system according to claim 5, wherein, The proximal end of the catheter hub includes a slot, and wherein the distally advancing position of the catheter hub slider is a partially distally advancing position, and wherein the catheter system is configured to move from the third position to a fourth position, and wherein when the catheter system is in the fourth position: The guide wire slider is disposed in the distal position such that the guide wire advances beyond the distal end of the catheter; and The catheter hub slider is disposed in the fully distally advancing position, wherein in response to movement of the catheter system from the third position to the fourth position, the catheter hub slider is pushed out on the flexible arm such that the flexible arm is disengaged from contact with the needle hub, and the spring expands to move the needle hub proximally and retract the introducer needle into the barrel.

8. The catheter system according to claim 7, wherein, The flexible arm includes fins that taper inwardly in the distal direction, wherein in response to movement of the catheter system from the third position to the fourth position, the catheter seat slider is pushed out on the fins such that the flexible arm is disengaged from contact with the needle seat, and the spring extends to move the needle seat proximally and retract the guide needle into the barrel.

9. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein The flexible arm is a first flexible arm, wherein the barrel includes a second flexible arm that is proximal to the first flexible arm and includes second fins that taper inwardly in the proximal direction, wherein in response to the spring extending to move the needle seat proximally, the second flexible arm is biased outwardly to permit the needle seat to pass through the second fins and then snap inwardly to confine the needle seat proximal to the second fins.

10. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, When the catheter system is between the first position and the second position, the guide wire slider is configured to move back and forth.

11. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein, When the catheter system is in the first position, the guide wire slider is on top of the catheter seat slider.

12. The catheter system according to claim 11, wherein, The proximal end of the catheter seat slider includes a tab to prevent the guide wire slider from sliding proximally past the tab.

13. A catheter system, characterized in that, The catheter system includes: A catheter assembly including: A catheter seat that includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter seat and the proximal end of the catheter seat; and A catheter that includes a distal tip and extends from the distal end of the catheter seat; A barrel that includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot; A clip disposed within the barrel; A needle seat disposed within the barrel; A guide needle that includes a sharp distal tip and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is fixed within the needle seat; A catheter seat slider that extends through the slot and is configured to slide along the slot from a proximal catheter seat slider position to a distally advanced position; A guide wire including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to advance distally through the guide needle; and A guide wire slider that extends through the slot and is configured to slide along the slot from a proximal guide wire slider position to a distal position to advance the guide wire, wherein when the guide wire slider is in the proximal guide wire slider position, the catheter seat slider is prevented from sliding along the slot from the proximal catheter seat slider position to the distally advanced position.

14. The catheter system according to claim 13, wherein The catheter assembly further includes a spring coupled to the needle seat, wherein the barrel further includes a flexible arm, wherein when the catheter system is in the first position, the flexible arm contacts the needle seat to hold the spring in a compressed position, wherein the spring is configured to extend and retract the guide needle into the barrel only after the catheter seat slider advances the catheter seat distally and disengages from the catheter seat.

15. The catheter system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The catheter seat slider includes an arm extending distally, wherein the catheter system is configured to move from the first position to the second position, and when the catheter system is in the first position: The guide wire slider is disposed in the proximal position of the guide wire slider; The catheter seat slider is disposed in the proximal position of the catheter seat slider; The clip couples the catheter seat to the barrel to fix the catheter seat relative to the barrel; The distally extending arm of the catheter seat slider is coupled to the catheter seat to prevent the catheter seat slider from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter seat; and The introducer needle extends through the catheter; wherein when the catheter system is in the second position, The guide wire slider is disposed in the distal position such that the guide wire advances beyond the distal end of the catheter; The catheter seat slider is disposed in the proximal position of the catheter seat slider; The distally extending arm of the catheter seat slider is coupled to the catheter seat to prevent the catheter seat slider from moving distally and proximally relative to the catheter seat; The introducer needle extends through the catheter; and The flexible arm contacts the needle seat to hold the spring in the compressed position, wherein, in response to the movement of the catheter system from the first position to the second position, the distally extending arm of the guide wire slider contacts the clip to disengage the clip from the catheter seat, and in response to the clip disengaging from the catheter seat, the catheter seat slider is configured to slide from the proximal position of the catheter seat slider to the distally advanced position, and in response to the catheter seat slider sliding from the proximal position of the catheter seat slider to the distally advanced position, the catheter seat can be configured to advance distally.

16. The catheter system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second end of the guide wire is fixed within the barrel, wherein the guide wire slider includes an arcuate slot therethrough, and when the catheter system is in the first position, the guide wire is disposed in the arcuate slot in a double-throw configuration such that there is a 2:1 advancement ratio between the first end of the guide wire and the guide wire slider.

17. The catheter system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The arcuate slot is horizontally oriented within the barrel.

18. The catheter system according to claim 16, wherein The barrel includes a proximal inner bevel, and in response to the movement of the catheter system from the first position to the second position, the guide wire slider is lifted within the barrel by the proximal inner bevel such that the guide wire is removed from the arcuate slot.

19. The catheter system according to claim 15, wherein, The catheter seat slider includes an arm extending distally, wherein the catheter seat includes a slot, and the barrel further includes a distal inner bevel, and the catheter system is configured to move from the second position to the third position, and when the catheter system is in the third position: The guide wire slider is disposed in the distal position such that the guide wire advances beyond the distal end of the catheter; The catheter seat slider is disposed in the distally advanced position; The introducer needle extends through the catheter; and The flexible arm contacts the needle seat to hold the spring in the compressed position, wherein, in response to movement of the catheter system from the second position to the third position, the distally extending arm of the catheter seat slider contacts the distal inner bevel of the barrel to lift the distally extending arm from the slot of the catheter seat, thereby disengaging the catheter seat slider from the catheter seat.

20. The catheter system according to claim 19, wherein, The proximal end of the catheter seat includes a slot, wherein the distally advanced position of the catheter seat slider is a partially distally advanced position, wherein the catheter system is configured to move from the third position to a fourth position, wherein when the catheter system is in the fourth position: The guidewire slider is disposed in the distal position such that the guidewire advances beyond the distal end of the catheter; and The catheter seat slider is disposed in the fully distally advanced position, wherein, in response to movement of the catheter system from the third position to the fourth position, the catheter seat slider is pushed out on the flexible arm such that the flexible arm is disengaged from contact with the needle seat, and the spring extends to move the needle seat proximally and retract the guide needle into the barrel.

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