Blood-drawing device for advancing catheters into indwelling catheters of vascular access devices.

Abstract

This invention relates to a blood-drawing device for advancing a catheter into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device. The blood-drawing device includes a guide having a housing, and a propulsion member movable relative to the housing to move the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the guide, and in the second position, in which a distal portion of the catheter is disposed outside the distal portion of the guide. One or more catheter support inserts are positioned between the propulsion member and the distal portion of the housing, wherein each of these catheter support inserts defines a channel for receiving and providing support to the catheter. Each catheter support insert includes a first end plate and a second end plate having an opening through which the catheter passes, and a flexible hinge member disposed between the first and second end plates, the flexible hinge member flexing to change the distance between the first and second end plates.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 644,545, filed May 9, 2024, entitled Blood Draw Device with Kink Prevention Catheter Support, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This utility model relates to a blood-drawing device for guiding a catheter into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device (VAD). Background Technology

[0004] Catheters are frequently used to administer fluids into and out of the body. In a variety of settings, including hospital and home care, patients receive fluids, medications, and blood products via vascular access devices (VADs), which consist of such catheters inserted into the patient's vascular system. For example, common VADs consist of a plastic catheter inserted into a patient's vein, with the length varying from a few centimeters when the VAD is a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) to several centimeters when the VAD is a central venous catheter (CVC).

[0005] Recent developments in the field of indwelling PIVC (Portable Intravascular Coagulation) have led to the emergence of techniques designed to facilitate blood collection using indwelling PIVCs and associated blood collection devices. The primary method of operation for these devices involves inserting a catheter, probe, fitting, or other instrument through the lumen of the PIVC using a guide, which is attached to a catheter adapter for catheter insertion. For example, the catheter adapter may include a needleless access connector through which the catheter can be introduced to provide access to the PIVC and into the patient's vascular system. Blood samples can then be collected using a syringe and / or a vacuum blood collection device without requiring additional needle pricks on the patient.

[0006] A typical blood collection device guide includes a housing, a catheter, and a propulsion member. The catheter is movable within the housing to extend out and advance into the indwelling PIVC. The propulsion member can be actuated by the operator relative to the housing. That is, the propulsion member can be moved distally by the operator to cause a corresponding movement of the catheter relative to the housing, allowing the catheter to be pushed out from the distal end of the housing and into the indwelling PIVC. However, during catheter deployment, particularly when the distal portion of the catheter reaches the curved area of ​​the PIVC (near where the PIVC enters the skin) and bends back and forth as it passes through the vein, the catheter is subjected to a column load, which can cause bending, kinking, and / or deformation. When the catheter bends, it may move in random directions, generating a sine wave that then flattens against the sidewall of the blood collection device housing as the force increases. Additional forces applied to the catheter by further movement of the propulsion member can cause the catheter to fold and collapse, i.e., "buckle."

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a blood-drawing device and its guide that advances the catheter into the PIVC while minimizing the possibility of catheter bending, kinking, or deformation. It is desirable that this anti-kinking feature be easily integrated into the blood-drawing device, enabling its mass production at low cost. Utility Model Content

[0008] This document provides a blood-drawing device for advancing a catheter into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device. The blood-drawing device includes: a guide including a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being connectable to the vascular access device, wherein the housing defines an internal volume configured to movably receive the catheter. The blood-drawing device further includes a propulsion member movably connected to the housing and configured to move relative to the housing to move the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the guide, and in a second position, in which the distal portion of the catheter is disposed outside the distal portion of the guide, such that at least a first portion of the catheter can be disposed within the indwelling catheter. The blood-drawing device further includes one or more catheter support inserts positioned within the internal volume and between the propulsion member and the distal portion of the housing, each of the one or more catheter support inserts defining a channel therein that receives the catheter to provide support for the catheter along its length extending between the propulsion member and the distal portion of the housing. Each of the one or more catheter support inserts includes: a first end plate and a second end plate, each having an opening through which the catheter passes; and a hinge member disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate and connecting the first end plate to the second end plate, the hinge member being flexible to change the distance between the first end plate and the second end plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hinge member includes a movable hinge integrally formed with the first end plate and the second end plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the movable hinge includes: a first leg including a first end and a second end; and a second leg including a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the first leg is connected to the first end plate, and the first end of the second leg is connected to the second end plate; and wherein the second end of the first leg and the second end of the second leg are connected together, wherein the first leg and the second leg form a V-shape when in a rest position.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the first leg and the second leg includes an opening through which the conduit is formed, and wherein the opening in the first leg, the opening in the second leg, the opening in the first endplate, and the opening in the second endplate together define the passage of the conduit support insert.

[0012] In some embodiments, for the corresponding catheter support insert closest to the propulsion member among the one or more catheter support inserts, when the catheter is moved from the first position to the second position, the propulsion member engages the catheter support insert during its movement, wherein the propulsion member engages the catheter support insert and moves the catheter support insert relative to the housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the propulsion member moves the conduit support insert relative to the housing, the hinge member flexes to change the conduit support insert from an extended state to a compressed state, thereby shortening the length of the conduit support insert.

[0014] In some embodiments, in this extended state, the length of the catheter support insert is 5 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the propulsion member includes: a first portion including an engagement portion movable along the top surface of the housing; and a second portion located at least partially within the internal volume and connected to the first portion via a slot formed in the top surface of the housing; wherein the second portion engages the conduit support insert as the propulsion member moves distally along the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the propulsion member includes a telescopic cylinder configured to slide distally into the internal volume of the housing, the telescopic cylinder including a fitting at its distal end that engages the conduit support insert when the telescopic cylinder moves distally into the housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, the one or more catheter support inserts include a plurality of catheter support inserts spaced apart along the length of the catheter between the propulsion member and the distal portion of the housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of catheter support inserts are equidistantly spaced along the length of the catheter.

[0019] In some embodiments, with the conduit in the second position, the propulsion member moves the plurality of conduit support inserts to the distal portion of the housing, wherein the plurality of conduit support inserts are in contact with each other in a stacked arrangement.

[0020] In some embodiments, the length of the stacked arrangement of the plurality of catheter support inserts is between 11.0 mm and 12.0 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the housing includes an inner surface having one or more raised protrusions formed thereon, wherein a respective raised protrusion of the one or more raised protrusions is configured to engage a respective catheter support insert of the one or more catheter support inserts to hold the catheter support insert in place within the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, when the propulsion member moves the conduit from the first position to the second position, the conduit support insert is pushed past the raised protrusion as the propulsion member engages and moves the conduit support insert.

[0023] Another blood-drawing device is provided for advancing a catheter into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device. The blood-drawing device includes: a guide including a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being connectable to the vascular access device, and wherein the housing defines an internal volume configured to movably receive the catheter. The blood-drawing device further includes a propulsion member movably connected to the housing and configured to move relative to the housing to move the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the guide, and in a second position, in which the distal portion of the catheter is disposed outside the distal portion of the guide, such that at least a first portion of the catheter can be disposed within the indwelling catheter. The blood-drawing device further includes a plurality of catheter support inserts positioned within the internal volume between the propulsion member and the distal portion of the housing, the plurality of catheter support inserts being spaced apart along the length of the catheter, wherein each of the plurality of catheter support inserts defines a passage therethrough for receiving the catheter. When the propulsion member moves distally relative to the housing to move the conduit from the first position to the second position, the propulsion member pushes the plurality of conduit support inserts to the distal portion, wherein the plurality of conduit support inserts are positioned in a stacked arrangement.

[0024] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of catheter support inserts includes a compressible member that transitions from an extended state to a compressed state when a distal force is applied to the compressible member.

[0025] In some embodiments, when the plurality of catheter support inserts are positioned in a stacked arrangement, all of the plurality of catheter support inserts are in contact with each other and are in the compressed state.

[0026] In some embodiments, the length of the stacked arrangement of the plurality of catheter support inserts is between 11.0 mm and 12.0 mm.

[0027] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of catheter support inserts includes: a first end plate and a second end plate, each having an opening through which the catheter passes; and a movable hinge disposed between and connecting the first and second end plates, the movable hinge being actuable to change the catheter support insert from an extended state to a compressed state. The movable hinge includes a first leg and a second leg joined together, each of the first and second legs including an opening formed therein through which the catheter passes, wherein the opening in the first leg, the opening in the second leg, the opening in the first end plate, and the opening in the second end plate collectively define the passage of the catheter support insert. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a blood-drawing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the blood-drawing device shown;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a blood-drawing device;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the first component of the housing included in the blood-drawing device;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the second component of the guide housing included in the blood-drawing device;

[0033] Figure 6 To pass Figure 4 The first component shown is connected to Figure 5 Rear perspective view of the guide housing formed by the second component shown;

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows a front perspective view of the guide housing.

[0035] Figure 8 For the guide along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 8-8 in the diagram;

[0036] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A rear-view perspective view of the locking mechanism included in the blood-drawing device;

[0037] Figure 10 for Figure 1An exploded perspective view of the catheters, auxiliary catheters, and propulsion components included in the blood-drawing device;

[0038] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A three-dimensional view of the propulsion component shown;

[0039] Figure 12 Along the blood drawing device Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line 12-12 in the diagram;

[0040] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the catheter support insert included in the blood drawing device;

[0041] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A side view of the conduit support in its extended state;

[0042] Figure 15 for Figure 13 A side view of the conduit support in a compressed state;

[0043] Figure 16 for Figure 1 The blood-drawing device is in a side cross-sectional view of the first configuration, showing the positioning of the propulsion member and the catheter support insert;

[0044] Figure 17 for Figure 1 The blood-drawing device is positioned in the middle, showing the positioning of the propulsion component and the catheter support insert;

[0045] Figure 18 for Figure 1 The blood-drawing device is shown in a side cross-sectional view of the second configuration, illustrating the positioning of the propulsion member and the catheter support insert; and

[0046] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of a blood-drawing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to produce and use the described embodiments intended for implementing this invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all of these modifications, variations, equivalents, and substitutions are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0048] As used in this specification, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the directions closer to and further away from the user who will bring the device into contact with the patient, respectively. Thus, for example, the end of the device that first contacts the patient's body will be the distal end, while the opposite end of the device (e.g., the end of the device manipulated by the user) will be the proximal end of the device.

[0049] Spatial or directional terms, such as “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “up,” “down,” etc., should not be considered as limitations, as this utility model can adopt various alternative orientations.

[0050] In the following description, for descriptive purposes, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and their derivatives shall be used in connection with the present invention as oriented as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that alternative variations may be employed with the present invention unless explicitly stated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary aspects of the present invention.

[0051] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., do not refer to any specific order or sequence, but rather to different conditions, characteristics, or elements.

[0052] This utility model relates to a blood-drawing device for performing venous incision via a peripheral venous line or catheter, wherein the blood-drawing device is operable to advance a flexible tube or catheter into a peripheral venous line, and then draw blood or administer medication to the patient.

[0053] Figures 1 to 18 A blood transfer device 200 (i.e., a blood collection device) and its components according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The blood collection device 200 can have any suitable shape, size, or configuration, and can be coupled to a PIVC (PIVC) for example via a locking element and / or an adapter. Figures 1 to 18(Not shown in the image). As described further in detail herein, a user can switch the blood-drawing device 200 from a first configuration to a second configuration to advance a catheter through an existing, positioned, and / or indwelling peripheral venous catheter (PIVC) (i.e., when the blood-drawing device 200 is coupled to the PIVC), such that at least one end portion of the catheter is positioned distally relative to the PIVC. Furthermore, where the peripheral venous lines each have a shape, size, and / or configuration that can vary based on, for example, the manufacturer of the PIVC and / or its intended use, the blood-drawing device 200 can be arranged to allow coupling of the blood-drawing device 200 to a PIVC with any suitable configuration, and subsequently advance at least a portion of the catheter through the PIVC. Additionally, the blood-drawing device 200 can be manipulated by the user to position the distal surface of the catheter at a predetermined and / or desired distance beyond the distal surface of the PIVC, positioned within a portion of the vein receiving substantially unobstructed blood flow.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the blood-drawing device 200 includes a guide 210, a locking member 240, a catheter 260, an auxiliary catheter 265, a propulsion member 270, and one or more catheter support inserts 280. The guide 210 can have any suitable shape, size, or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the guide 210 can be an elongated member having a generally circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the guide 210 and / or one or more features or surface finishes of at least one outer surface of the guide 210 can be configured to increase the ergonomics of the blood-drawing device 200, which in some cases allows a user to operate the blood-drawing device 200 with one hand (i.e., single-handed use).

[0055] like Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the guide 210 of the blood collection device 200 includes a housing 218 having a first housing member 220 and a second housing member 230, which are coupled together to form the housing 218. The first housing member 220 includes a proximal portion 221, a distal portion 222, and an inner surface 223. The inner surface 223 has a first portion 224 and a second portion 225, wherein in one embodiment, the second portion 225 is a flange. The proximal portion 221 of the first housing member 220, more specifically, the proximal sidewall of the first housing member 220 defines a notch 226 configured to selectively receive a portion of an auxiliary catheter 265, as described in further detail herein.

[0056] The second housing member 230 has a proximal portion 231, a distal portion 232, an inner surface 233, and a top surface 235. As described above with reference to the first housing member 220, the proximal portion 231 of the second housing member 230, and more specifically, the proximal sidewall of the second housing member 230, defines a recess 234 configured to selectively receive a portion of the auxiliary conduit 265.

[0057] The top surface 235 of the second housing member 230 includes a set of ribs 236 distributed along the length of the second housing member 230, wherein each rib 236 extends along the width of the second housing member 230. The ribs 236 formed by the top surface 235 of the second housing member 230 can have any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, a set of ribs 236 includes a first portion 237 having a first size and shape, and a second portion 238 having a second size and shape different from the first size and shape. The size and shape of each rib in the second portion 238 are larger than the size and shape of each rib in the first portion 237.

[0058] As described further in detail herein, a portion of the propulsion member 270 is configured such that when a user moves the propulsion member 270 relative to the housing 218 (which in turn causes the propulsion member 270 (and the associated catheter 260) to vibrate), this portion propels along a top surface 235 forming a set of ribs 236. In some cases, this vibration can, for example, facilitate the propulsion of the catheter 260 through a portion of the blood-drawing device 200, a portion of the PIVC, and / or a portion of the vascular system. In some cases, a larger dimension of the ribs in the second portion 238 can cause a greater amount of vibration as the propulsion member 270 moves along the top surface 235 (as described above). In some cases, a larger dimension of the ribs in the second portion 238 can cause an increase in force that would otherwise be sufficient to move a portion of the propulsion member 270 along the top surface 235.

[0059] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the first housing member 220 is configured to engage with the second housing member 230 to jointly form the housing 218. In some embodiments, forming the housing 218 from the first housing member 220 and the second housing member 230 can reduce undesirable variations in the shape and / or dimensions of the inner surfaces 223 and 233 during manufacturing (e.g., due to draft angles and / or manufacturing tolerances), which in some cases can reduce the likelihood of the catheter 260 kinking, bending, and / or deforming during use of the blood-drawing device 200. In some embodiments, forming the housing 218 from the first housing member 220 and the second housing member 230 can at least allow the inner surface 223 of the first housing member 220 to form a tortuous shape, which would otherwise pose a challenge when manufacturing the housing 218 from a single workpiece.

[0060] The first housing member 220 and the second housing member 230 together form the proximal portion 211 and the distal portion 212 of the housing 218, and together define the internal volume 213 of the housing 218. Figure 6 As shown, the proximal portion 211 of the housing 218 defines an opening 217. Specifically, the opening 217 is formed and / or defined by a notch 226 of the first housing member 220 and a notch 234 of the second housing member 230. The arrangement of the proximal portion 211 is such that the portion of the opening 217 defined by the notch 226 of the first housing member 220 has a first size and / or shape, and the portion of the opening 217 defined by the notch 234 of the second housing member 230 has a second size and / or shape smaller than the first size and / or shape. In other words, a portion of the opening 217 is constricted, squeezed, blocked, and / or otherwise reduced. As described in further detail herein, the opening 217 is configured to receive a portion of an auxiliary conduit 265, which can move within the opening 217 from the larger portion of the opening 217 to the reduced portion of the opening 217 (e.g., the portion formed by the notch 234 of the second housing member 230) to block, squeeze, and / or clamp the auxiliary conduit 265.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the distal portion 212 of housing 218 includes and / or otherwise forms a connector 216. In other words, the distal portion 222 of the first housing member 220 and the distal portion 232 of the second housing member 230 together form the connector 216 at the distal portion 212 of housing 218. The connector 216 can have any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in this embodiment, the connector 216 forms a set of threads that can form a threaded connection with an associated threaded portion of the locking member 240, as described in further detail herein. Although in Figure 7 Not shown, but the distal portion 211 of housing 218 may include a seal (not shown) and / or may be configured to receive a seal (not shown) that can selectively seal and / or fluidly isolate the internal volume 213 of housing 218 (at least from the open portion of connector 216). In use, the seal can be switched from a sealed or closed configuration to an open configuration to allow, for example, a portion of conduit 260 to pass through it. In some embodiments, the seal may contact the outer surface of conduit 260 to define a seal therebetween that is operable to limit and / or substantially prevent fluid backflow between the outer surface of the sleeve and the seal.

[0062] The inner surface 223 of the first housing member 220 and the inner surface 233 of the second housing member 230 together define the internal volume 213 of the housing 218. For example... Figure 8As shown, the arrangement of inner surfaces 223 and 233 causes the internal volume 213 to have and / or define a tortuous cross-sectional shape. For example, the internal volume 213 may have a substantially S-shaped or at least partially S-shaped cross-sectional shape. More specifically, the inner surface 223 of the first housing member 220 includes and / or forms ridges, protrusions, flanges, projections, and / or walls configured to separate a first portion 224 of the inner surface 223 from a second portion 225 of the inner surface 223. Thus, the tortuous cross-sectional shape of the internal volume 213 forms and / or defines a first portion 214 and a second portion 215 of the internal volume 213. In this way, the first portion 214 of the internal volume 213 is spaced apart from, but not fluidly isolated from, the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213. In other words, the first portion 214 of the internal volume 213 defines an axis parallel to and offset from the axis defined by the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213.

[0063] like Figure 8 As shown, a first portion 214 of the internal volume 213 extends through the wall of the housing 218. Similarly, the housing 218 defines (e.g., defined jointly by a first housing member 220 and a second housing member 230) slots, channels, tracks, openings, and / or the like that are in fluid communication with the first portion 214 of the internal volume 213. Conversely, a second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 is completely defined and / or closed by the housing 218 (at least in the circumferential direction). The tortuous cross-sectional shape of the internal volume 213 prevents the second portion 215 from being seen (e.g., out of sight) through the slots (in fluid communication with the first portion 214 of the internal volume 213), which in turn limits and / or substantially prevents contamination of the conduit 260 disposed therein.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 is substantially aligned with a portion of the opening 217 and a portion of the opening defined by the connector 216. Furthermore, the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 is configured to be substantially aligned with the locking member 240 when the locking member is engaged with the connector 216 of the housing 218. In other words, the axis defined by the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 is substantially coaxial with the axis defined by a portion of the locking member 240, as described in further detail herein. In this way, the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 can movably receive, for example, a portion of the propulsion member 270 and a portion of the conduit 260. Thus, the propulsion member 270 can be moved relative to the housing 218 to move the conduit 260 between a first position in which the conduit 260 is fully disposed within the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213, and in the second position in which at least a portion of the conduit 260 extends outside the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 and away from the housing 218, as described in further detail herein.

[0065] The locking member 240 of the blood drawing device 200 can have any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. As described above, the locking member 240 is configured to be physically and fluidly coupled to the housing 218 and is configured to couple the guide 210 to the PIVC and / or to any suitable intermediate device or adapter coupled to the PIVC. Figure 9 As shown, the locking member 240 has a connector 241, a blunt sleeve 242, a first arm 243, and a second arm 250. Furthermore, the locking member 240 defines an inner cavity 255 extending through the connector 241 and the blunt sleeve 242. The connector 241 is configured to engage the locking member 240 with a connector 216 of the housing 218. Specifically, in this embodiment, the connector 241 includes and / or forms one or more protrusions configured to selectively engage threads defined and / or formed by the connector 216 of the housing 218, thereby forming a threaded connection.

[0066] A blunt sleeve 242 extends from the connector 241 and is disposed between the first arm 243 and the second arm 250. The blunt sleeve 242 may have any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the blunt sleeve 242 may have a length sufficient to extend through at least a portion of the PIVC or through the adapter and at least partially enter or pass through the PIVC. Furthermore, the blunt sleeve 242 may have an inner diameter similar to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of a portion of the catheter 260 (the diameter of the surface defining at least partially the lumen 255). Thus, when the blood-drawing device 200 switches between a first configuration and a second configuration, the lumen 255 of the locking member 240 can receive a portion of the catheter 260.

[0067] As described above, at least a portion of the conduit 260 and at least a portion of the auxiliary conduit 265 are movably disposed within a second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 defined by the housing 218. Figure 10 As shown, the conduit 260 has a proximal portion 261 and a distal portion 262 and defines an inner lumen 263. The proximal portion 261 of the conduit 260 is coupled to a second portion 275 of the propulsion member 270. In this way, the propulsion member 270 can be moved relative to the housing 218 to move the conduit 260 between a first position in which the conduit 260 is disposed within the housing 218 (e.g., the entire conduit 260 is disposed within the housing 218 or within the housing 218 and the locking member 240), and in the second position, when the locking member 240 is coupled to the PIVC, the distal portion of the conduit 260 is at least partially disposed distal to the locking member 240 and / or the PIVC (not shown), as described in further detail herein. The distal portion 262 can have any suitable shape, size and / or configuration and can define at least one opening in fluid communication with the inner lumen 263.

[0068] The auxiliary conduit 265 has a proximal portion 266 and a distal portion 267 and defines an inner lumen 268. A portion of the auxiliary conduit 265 is disposed within and extends through an opening 217 of the housing 218 (e.g., defined by a notch 223 of the first housing member 220 and a notch 233 of the second housing member 230). Thus, the proximal portion 266 is at least partially disposed outside the housing 218, and the distal portion 267 is at least partially disposed within a second portion 215 of the inner volume 213 defined by the housing 218. As described above, the auxiliary conduit 265 can move within the opening 217 between a first position and a second position to selectively clamp a portion of the auxiliary conduit 265, squeeze a portion of the auxiliary conduit 265, kink a portion of the auxiliary conduit 265, bend a portion of the auxiliary conduit 265, and / or otherwise deform a portion of the auxiliary conduit 265, thereby blocking, squeezing, kinking, closing, or sealing the lumen 268 of the auxiliary conduit 265. For example, the first position may be associated with and / or aligned with a first portion of the opening 217, the circumference and / or diameter of which is larger than the circumference and / or diameter of a second portion of the opening 217 associated with and / or aligned with the second position. Therefore, the user can manipulate the auxiliary conduit 265 to close the lumen 268 of the auxiliary conduit 265, thereby restricting, constraining, and / or substantially preventing fluid from passing through it.

[0069] like Figure 10As shown, the proximal portion 266 of the auxiliary conduit 265 is coupled to and / or includes the connector 269. The connector 269 is configured to physically and fluidly connect the auxiliary conduit 265 to any suitable device, such as a fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, vacuum container holder (e.g., a vacuum container holder having a sheathed needle or configured to connect to a sheathed needle), pump, etc. The distal portion 267 of the auxiliary conduit 265 is at least partially disposed within a second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 defined by the housing 218 and is coupled to a second portion 275 of the propulsion member 270. In some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit 265 may have a larger diameter than the conduit 260, such that when the conduit 260 and the auxiliary conduit 265 are coupled to the second portion 275 of the propulsion member 270, the proximal portion 261 of the conduit 260 is at least partially disposed within the lumen 268 defined by the auxiliary conduit 265. In some embodiments, this arrangement can, for example, reduce and / or substantially prevent leakage associated with fluid flow between catheter 260 and auxiliary catheter 265. In some embodiments, this arrangement can also limit, reduce, and / or substantially prevent hemolysis of a volume of blood when it flows through catheter 260 and auxiliary catheter 265. In this way, when connector 269 is connected to a fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, vacuum container, pump, etc., auxiliary catheter 265 establishes fluid communication between the reservoir, source, pump, etc., and catheter 260.

[0070] The propulsion member 270 of the blood-drawing device 200 is coupled to the catheter 260 and is movable along the length of the housing 218 to allow the blood-drawing device 200 to switch between its first configuration (in which the catheter 260 is in a first position) and its second configuration (in which the catheter 260 is in a second position). The propulsion member 270 may have any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the propulsion member 270 may have a size and shape associated with and / or at least partially based on the size and / or shape of the housing 218.

[0071] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the propulsion member 270 includes a first portion 271, a second portion 275, and a wall 277 extending between the first portion and the second portion. As described above, the first portion 271 of the propulsion member 270 is at least partially disposed within a first portion 214 of the internal volume 213 defined by the housing 218, and the second portion 275 of the propulsion member 270 is disposed within a second portion 215 of the internal volume 213. The first portion 271 of the propulsion member 270 includes an engaging member 272. The propulsion member 270 is arranged such that the engaging member 272 is disposed outside the housing 218, while the remaining portion of the first portion 271 is located within the first portion 214 of the internal volume 213 defined by the housing 218. Thus, the engaging member 272 can be engaged and / or manipulated by a user (e.g., using the user's finger or thumb) to move the propulsion member 270 relative to the housing 218. In some embodiments, the engagement member 272 may include a set of ridges and / or any suitable surface finish, which may, for example, increase the ergonomics of the propulsion member 270 and / or the blood-drawing device 200.

[0072] The engaging member 272 includes a protrusion 273 disposed at or near the proximal portion of the engaging member 272. The protrusion 273 can be any suitable protrusion, track, ridge, bulge, projection, knob, roller, slider, etc., extending from the surface of the engaging member 272. The protrusion 273 is configured to selectively engage the top surface 235 of the second housing member 230 of the housing 218. More specifically, as the propulsion member 270 moves along the length of the housing 218, the protrusion 273 contacts ribs 236 formed by the second housing member 230 and moves along each successive rib, wherein the interaction between the protrusion 273 and the ribs 236 causes vibration of the propulsion member 270.

[0073] like Figure 3 and Figure 10 As shown, one or more catheter support inserts 280 (or more generally referred to as "support inserts") of guide 210 are positioned along the length between the proximal and distal ends of catheter 260. Figure 3 As shown, four support inserts 280 are positioned along the length of the catheter 260. However, it should be understood that fewer or more support inserts 280 may be provided in the guide, including only a single support insert 280 positioned on the catheter 260, or two, three, five or more support inserts 280 may be positioned along the length of the catheter 260. In the case of multiple support inserts 280, these support inserts 280 may be equidistantly spaced along the catheter 260.

[0074] The support inserts 280 of the guide 210 are positioned within the housing 218 (i.e., within the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213) between the propulsion member 270 and the distal end 212 of the guide 210. The conduit 260 passes through the channel of each support insert 280 to reduce the unsupported length of the conduit 260, thereby effectively increasing the resistance that the conduit 260 can withstand before bending or kinking. That is, the force required to bend / kink the conduit 260 is inversely proportional to the square of its effective length. Therefore, as the effective length of the conduit 260 increases, the force required to bend / kink the conduit 260 decreases, making the conduit easier to bend / kink. The support insert 280 supports the conduit 260, thereby shortening the effective length of the conduit 260, increasing the force required to bend / kink the conduit 260, and reducing the tendency of the conduit 260 to bend / kink—that is, the support insert 280 divides the unsupported length of the conduit 260 into smaller portions that are more resistant to bending, kinking, flexing, and / or deformation.

[0075] For reference Figures 13 to 15 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a support insert 280 is shown in further detail. The support insert 280 may be formed as a single, integrally formed component, typically including a first end plate 282, a second end plate 284, and a hinge member 286 disposed between the first end plate 282 and the second end plate 284 and connecting the first end plate 282 to the second end plate 284. In some embodiments, as a non-limiting example, the support insert 280 may be formed of an easily manufactured moldable material, wherein the support insert 280 is formed of an injection-moldable polymeric material.

[0076] The cross-sectional shapes of the first end plate 282 and the second end plate 284 are at least partially based on the cross-sectional shape of the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 defined by the guide 210, for example, a cross-sectional shape that is at least partially circular. In this way, when the support insert 280 moves relative to the guide 210, the inner surface 223 of the first housing member 220 ( Figure 4 ) and the inner surface 233 of the second housing component 230 Figure 5 This can support and / or guide the support insert 280, as explained in further detail below. Each of the first end plate 282 and the second end plate 284 includes an opening 288 formed therethrough (e.g., at its center point). The opening 288 is sized and shaped to allow the catheter 260 to pass freely through it, while being contained therein to prevent excessive movement of the catheter 260 within the opening 288.

[0077] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a hinge member 286 connecting the first end plate 282 to the second end plate 284 is configured as a movable hinge (hereinafter referred to as "movable hinge 286"), which is integrally formed with the first end plate 282 and the second end plate 284. The movable hinge 286 is formed by a first leg 290 and a second leg 292 connected together, wherein the first leg 290 has a first end 290a and a second end 290b, and the second leg 292 has a first end 292a and a second end 292b. The first end 290a of the first leg 290 is connected to the first end plate 282, the first end 292a of the second leg 292 is connected to the second end plate 284, and the second end 290b of the first leg 290 and the second end 292b of the second leg 292 are connected together. The first leg 290 and the second leg 292 of the movable hinge 286 can form a V-shape when in a rest position, and the movable hinge 286 is configured to flex in response to a force applied to the conduit support insert. That is, when a compressive force (e.g., the thrust exerted by the actuation member 270 as it moves distally along the housing 218) is applied to the conduit support insert 280, the movable hinge 286 is actuated, and the movable hinge 286 can flex from its initial V-shape ( Figure 14 Transform / flex the leg into a shape where the first leg 290 and the second leg 292 are parallel (or substantially parallel) to each other, until the first leg 290 and the second leg 292 can be aligned with each other. Figure 15 With the movable hinge 286 flexing in this way, the support insert 280 changes from an "extended state" to a "compressed state," thereby reducing the distance between the first end plate 282 and the second end plate 284, and shortening the overall length of the catheter support insert 280. In some embodiments, the length of the catheter support insert 280 can be reduced from approximately 5.0 mm in its extended state to approximately 2.0 mm in its compressed state.

[0078] According to some embodiments, each of the first leg 290 and the second leg 292 includes an opening 294 formed therein through which the conduit 260 passes. Similar to the openings 288 in the first end plate 282 and the second end plate 284, the openings 294 in the first leg 290 and the second leg 292 are sized and shaped to allow the conduit 260 to pass freely through them, while being contained therein to prevent excessive movement of the conduit 260 within the openings 294. The openings 294 are formed in appropriate positions in the legs 290, 292 such that they are aligned with each other and aligned with the openings 288 in the first end plate 282 and the second end plate 284.

[0079] The arrangement of the openings 288 formed in the first end plate 282 and the second end plate 284, and the legs 290 and 292 of the movable hinge 286, together define the channel 296 of the conduit support insert 280 through which the conduit 260 passes. The conduit 260 can be supported by the conduit support insert 280 along its length extending through the channel 296, thereby reducing the unsupported length of the conduit 260 and effectively increasing the resistance that the conduit 260 can withstand before bending. That is, the bending force of the conduit 260 is inversely proportional to the square of its effective length. Therefore, as the effective length of the conduit 260 increases, the bending force required to bend the conduit 260 decreases, making the conduit easier to bend. The catheter support insert 280 supports the catheter 260, thereby shortening the effective length of the catheter 260, increasing the force required to bend the catheter 260, and reducing the tendency of the catheter 260 to bend—that is, the catheter support insert 280 divides the unsupported length of the catheter 260 into two smaller parts that are more resistant to bending, kinking, flexing and / or deformation.

[0080] For reference Figures 16 to 18 The diagram illustrates the variation of the blood-drawing device 200 from a first configuration to a second configuration, and also shows an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. The blood-drawing device 200 can be in the first configuration before use and can be drawn from the first configuration by a user (e.g., physician, internist, nurse, technician, venipuncturist, etc.). Figure 16 ) to intermediate configuration ( Figure 17 ), and eventually transitioned to the second configuration ( Figure 18 This allows at least the distal portion 262 of the catheter 260 to be positioned distally relative to the housing 218 (e.g., within or distal to the indwelling PIVC).

[0081] When the catheter 260 is positioned in the first position within the housing 218, the blood drawing device 200 is in... Figure 16 The first configuration. In some embodiments, when the conduit 260 is in the first position, substantially the entire conduit 260 is disposed within the housing 218. In such an embodiment, the housing 218 may include a seal (as described above) that can substantially seal the distal portion 212 of the housing 218 to isolate the conduit 260 within a second portion 215 of the internal volume 213. In other embodiments, when the conduit 260 is in the first position, the conduit 260 is disposed within the housing 218 and the locking member 240.

[0082] With the blood-drawing device 200 in the first configuration, the propulsion member 270 is positioned toward the proximal portion 211 of the guide 210. The proximal portion 261 of the catheter 260 is coupled to the second portion 275 of the propulsion member 270, and the catheter 260 extends through the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 of the guide 210 and through the catheter support insert 280 (e.g., Figures 16 to 18 The channel 296 of each of the four support inserts 280 shown, wherein the distal portion 262 of the conduit 260 is received in the lumen of the connector 216 and / or the lumen 255 of the locking member 240.

[0083] With the blood-drawing device 200 in its first configuration, the catheter support insert 280 is positioned in its initial pre-use position, for example, equidistantly spaced along the unsupported portions of the catheter 260 (extending from the second portion 275 of the advance member 270 to the distal portion 212 of the guide 210). In some embodiments, the catheter support insert 280 is held in this pre-use position by a raised protrusion 298 formed on the inner surface of the guide housing (i.e., the inner surface 223 of the first housing member 220). The raised protrusion 298 protrudes inward from the inner surface 223 of the housing 218 and may be formed thereon at a location corresponding to the pre-use position of the catheter support insert 280. The raised protrusion 298 can engage one of the end discs 282, 284 of each catheter support insert 280, wherein the catheter support insert 280 is ideally positioned such that the corresponding raised protrusion 298 is positioned between the first end disc 282 and the second end disc 284 of the catheter support insert 280, such that both proximal and distal movement of the catheter support insert 280 is restricted by the raised protrusion 298.

[0084] To transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, the user engages the engagement member 272 of the first portion 271 of the propulsion member 270, causing the propulsion member 270 to move relative to the housing 218, thereby moving the conduit 260 from the first position (e.g., disposed within the housing 218) to the second position. In this manner, the conduit 260 moves through the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213, the channel 296 of the conduit support insert 280, and the cavity 255 of the locking member 240, such that at least the distal portion 262 of the conduit 260 is disposed outside and distal to the locking member 240.

[0085] After the propulsion component 270 has partially moved in the distal direction, the blood-drawing device 200 is considered to be in the position as Figure 17The intermediate configuration is shown. With the blood-drawing device 200 in the intermediate configuration, the propulsion member 270 contacts the nearest catheter support insert 280a. As the propulsion member 270 is further advanced in the distal direction, it pushes the nearest catheter support insert 280a in the distal direction. According to various aspects of this disclosure, the pushing of the catheter support insert 280a by the propulsion member 270 is sufficient to force the catheter support insert 280a past a raised protrusion 298 on the housing 218, which holds the catheter support insert 280a in its pre-use position.

[0086] As the propulsion member 270 pushes the nearest conduit support insert 280a, it also applies pressure to the conduit support insert 280a, causing it to (at least partially) change from its extended state to its compressed state. That is, the pressure applied to the conduit support insert 280a by the propulsion member 270 causes the movable hinge 286 to collapse, thus bringing the first end plate 282 and the second end plate 284 closer together.

[0087] With the blood collection device 200 maintained in the intermediate configuration, the continued advancement of the propulsion member 270 in the distal direction causes the nearest catheter support insert 280a to eventually contact the next catheter support insert 280b located on the catheter 260. As the nearest catheter support insert 280a contacts the next catheter support insert 280b and the propulsion member 270 continues to advance, the propulsion member 270 and the catheter support insert 280a push the next catheter support insert 280b in the distal direction (through its engagement with the raised protrusion 298). Similarly, as the next catheter support insert 280b is being advanced, the next catheter support insert 280b (at least partially) changes from its extended state to its compressed state.

[0088] As the propulsion member 270 continues to advance and the blood-drawing device 200 continues to transition from the intermediate configuration to the second configuration, the process described for the advancement and compression of the catheter support inserts 280a and 280b is repeated for all additional catheter support inserts included in the guide 210 (i.e., the third catheter support insert 280c and the fourth catheter support insert 280d in the illustrated embodiment). The advancement of the propulsion member 270 and the catheter support inserts 280a to 280d continues until the propulsion member 270 and the catheter support inserts 280a to 280d move to the furthest position within the housing 218, at which point the blood-drawing device 200 is considered to be in the position as shown in the illustration. Figure 18The second configuration is shown. In this position, the actuating member 270 has pushed the catheter support inserts 280a to 280d to the distal portion 212 of the housing 218, wherein the plurality of catheter support inserts 280a to 280d are all in their compressed state and in contact with each other in a stacked arrangement. In some embodiments, as a non-limiting example, the length of the stacked arrangement of the four catheter support inserts 280a to 280d is between 11.0 mm and 12.0 mm.

[0089] With the blood-drawing device 200 in the second configuration, the advance member 270 and the catheter support inserts 280a to 280d move to their most distal positions within the housing 218, thereby moving the catheter 260 to its second position, in which the distal portion 262 of the catheter is positioned relative to the distal portion of the PIVC. In some cases, for example, when the catheter 260 is in the second position, the distal portion 262 of the catheter 260 may be substantially flush with the distal end of the PIVC. In other cases, the distal portion 262 of the catheter 260 may extend beyond a predetermined distance from the distal end of the PIVC (e.g., away from the distal end of the PIVC), such that the distal portion 262 of the catheter 260 is positioned within the vein at a predetermined distance beyond the distal surface of the catheter 260 (e.g., where there is substantially no debris (e.g., fibrin / clots) within the vein that would otherwise surround the distal portion of the PIVC).

[0090] With catheter 260 in the second position, the user can establish fluid communication between catheter 260 and a fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, etc. With catheter 260 in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and / or fluid source, the blood-drawing device 200 can then aspirate a volume of blood from the vein, at least in part, based on positioning the distal surface of catheter 260 at a predetermined and / or desired distance beyond the distal surface of the PIVC. In some cases, once the desired amount of blood has been collected and / or once the desired amount of medication has been delivered to the patient, the user can move the propulsion member 270 proximally, for example, moving propulsion member 270 back to its proximal position, thereby moving catheter 260 back to the first position.

[0091] It should be recognized that the aspects of this disclosure are not limited to Figures 1 to 18 The specific blood-drawing device 200 shown and described, and other blood-drawing devices with suitable configurations may also incorporate aspects of this invention. Reference now is made to... Figure 19This illustration shows a blood-drawing device 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The blood-drawing device 300 includes a housing 302 having a proximal end 304 and a distal end 306, and a propulsion member 308 slidably received within the housing 302 (i.e., within an internal volume 310 of the housing 302). In the illustrated embodiment, the propulsion member 308 is configured as a telescopic cylinder telescoping with respect to the housing 302, such that the propulsion member 308 can be fully or almost fully slidably received within the internal volume 310 of the housing 302. The propulsion member 308 also includes a proximal end 312 and a distal end 314, and in a non-limiting embodiment, the propulsion member 308 may have a variable diameter along its length. As an example, the diameter of the distal end 314 of the propulsion member 308 may be larger than the other portions of the propulsion member 308, such that when the propulsion member 308 is retracted, one or more features on the housing 302 may interact with the enlarged portion of the propulsion member 308 to prevent the propulsion member 308 from being completely pulled out of the housing 302.

[0092] The blood-drawing device 300 also includes a catheter 316 having a proximal end 318 and a distal end 320. The catheter 316 is received within an internal volume 310 of the housing 302 and can be advanced and / or retracted relative to the housing 302 by displacement of the advance member 308 relative to the housing 302. In some embodiments, the catheter 316 may be connected to the advance member 308 via a fitting 322 disposed at the distal end 314 of the advance member 308, such that displacement of the advance member 308 relative to the housing 302 causes a corresponding displacement of the catheter 316. In a non-limiting embodiment, the catheter 316 can be advanced from a first position to a second position, in which the distal end 320 of the catheter 316 is located within the housing 302, and in the second position, the distal end 320 of the catheter 316 is positioned distal to the housing 302 (and also distal to the catheter 316), as described above with respect to the blood-drawing device 200 and its operation.

[0093] The blood-drawing device also includes a coupling device 324, which can be connected to... Figures 1 to 18The coupling device (i.e., locking member 240) shown and described in the blood-drawing device is the same. That is, the coupling device 324 is configured as locking member 324, which includes a blunt sleeve 326 and a locking arm 328 for coupling to the access connector of the PIVC, wherein the blunt sleeve 326 and the locking arm 328 form three contact points with the access connector. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments of the blood-drawing device 300 may include another type of coupling device 324 for securing the blood-drawing device 300 to the access connector, including Luer connectors, clips, blunt plastic sleeves, blunt metal sleeves, hybrid Luer (e.g., with sleeves) friction fits, etc. According to aspects of this disclosure, an auxiliary catheter (not shown) can pass through a telescopic cylinder of the propulsion member 308, wherein the auxiliary catheter provides a fluid connection between the catheter 316 and a connector 330 disposed at the proximal portion of the auxiliary catheter, wherein the connector 330 is configured to mate with a collection device (not shown).

[0094] As described in detail above, the blood collection device 300 may include one or more catheter support inserts 280 configured to provide support along the length of the catheter 316, thereby effectively increasing the resistance that the catheter 316 can withstand before bending or kinking. As previously described, each of these catheter support inserts 280 includes a first end plate 282, a second end plate 284, and a movable hinge 286, wherein openings 288, 294 are formed in the arms 290, 292 of the end plates 282, 284 and the movable hinge 286 to define a channel 296 through which the catheter 316 passes, thereby being supported by the support insert 280. As the push member 308 moves distally through the housing 302, the support insert 280 can be pushed into the housing 302, wherein when the push member 308 is fully pushed into the housing 302, the support insert 280 compresses and moves to a stacked arrangement at the distal end 306 of the housing 302.

[0095] Advantageously, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a blood-drawing device that advances a catheter into a PIVC while minimizing the possibility of catheter bending, kinking, or deformation. The blood-drawing device includes a guide housing having one or more catheter support inserts located therein and along the length of the catheter, with the catheter passing through a channel in each of these support inserts to reduce the unsupported length of the catheter. With the catheter supported by one or more catheter support inserts at one or more locations within the guide housing, the unsupported length of the catheter is divided into smaller segments, thereby shortening the effective length of the catheter and effectively increasing the resistance the catheter can withstand before bending or kinking.

[0096] Although this disclosure has been described in detail based on embodiments or aspects currently considered most practical and preferred for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that such detailed description is for that purpose only, and this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A blood-drawing device for advancing a catheter into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device, characterized in that, The blood-drawing device includes: A guide device comprising a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion is connectable to the vascular access device, and wherein the housing defines an internal volume configured to movably receive the catheter. A propulsion member, movably coupled to the housing and configured to move relative to the housing to move the catheter between a first position and a second position, in the first position the catheter is disposed within the guide, and in the second position a distal portion of the catheter is disposed outside the distal portion of the guide, such that at least a first portion of the catheter can be disposed within the indwelling catheter; and One or more catheter support inserts are positioned within the internal volume and between the propulsion member and the distal portion of the housing, each of the one or more catheter support inserts defining a channel therein that receives the catheter to provide support for the length of the catheter extending between the propulsion member and the distal portion of the housing; Each of the one or more catheter support inserts includes: A first end plate and a second end plate, each having an opening including the passage of the conduit; and A hinge component is disposed between a first end plate and a second end plate and connects the first end plate to the second end plate. The hinge component is flexible to change the distance between the first end plate and the second end plate.

2. The blood draw device of claim 1, wherein, The hinge component includes a movable hinge integrally formed with the first end plate and the second end plate.

3. The blood-drawing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable hinge includes: Including the first leg at the first end and the second end; and The second leg includes the first end and the second end; Wherein, the first end of the first leg is connected to the first end plate, and the first end of the second leg is connected to the second end plate; and The second end of the first leg and the second end of the second leg are connected together, and the first leg and the second leg form a V-shape when in a stationary position.

4. The blood-drawing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the first leg and the second leg includes an opening through which the catheter is formed, and wherein the opening in the first leg, the opening in the second leg, the opening in the first end plate, and the opening in the second end plate together define the passage of the catheter support insert.

5. The blood-drawing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, For the corresponding catheter support insert closest to the propulsion member among the one or more catheter support inserts, when the catheter is moved from the first position to the second position, the propulsion member engages the catheter support insert during its movement, wherein the propulsion member engages the catheter support insert and moves the catheter support insert relative to the housing.

6. The blood-drawing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the propulsion member moves the conduit support insert relative to the housing, the hinge member flexes to change the conduit support insert from an extended state to a compressed state, thereby shortening the length of the conduit support insert.

7. The blood-drawing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the extended state, the length of the catheter support insert is 5 mm.

8. The blood-drawing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The propulsion component includes: The first part includes an engagement portion movable along the top surface of the housing; and The second part is located at least partially within the internal volume and is connected to the first part by a slot formed in the top surface of the housing; When the propulsion member moves distally along the housing, the second portion engages the conduit support insert.

9. The blood-drawing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The propulsion component includes a telescopic cylinder configured to slide distally into the internal volume of the housing. The telescopic cylinder includes a fitting at its distal end that engages the conduit support insert when the telescopic cylinder moves distally into the housing.

10. The blood-drawing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more catheter support inserts include a plurality of catheter support inserts spaced apart along the length of the catheter between the propulsion member and the distal portion of the housing.

11. The blood-drawing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The plurality of catheter support inserts are equidistantly spaced along the length of the catheter.

12. The blood-drawing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, With the conduit in the second position, the propulsion member moves the plurality of conduit support inserts to the distal portion of the housing, wherein the plurality of conduit support inserts are in contact with each other in a stacked arrangement.

13. The blood-drawing device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The length of the stacked arrangement of the plurality of catheter support inserts is between 11.0 mm and 12.0 mm.

14. The blood-drawing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes an inner surface having one or more raised protrusions formed thereon, wherein a respective raised protrusion of the one or more raised protrusions is configured to engage a respective catheter support insert of the one or more catheter support inserts to hold the catheter support insert in a proper position within the housing.

15. The blood-drawing device according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the propulsion member moves the catheter from the first position to the second position, the catheter support insert is pushed past the raised protrusion as the propulsion member engages and moves the catheter support insert.

16. A blood-drawing device for advancing a catheter into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device, characterized in that, The blood-drawing device includes: A guide device comprising a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion is connectable to the vascular access device, and wherein the housing defines an internal volume configured to movably receive the catheter. A propulsion member, movably coupled to the housing and configured to move relative to the housing to move the catheter between a first position and a second position, in the first position the catheter is disposed within the guide, and in the second position a distal portion of the catheter is disposed outside the distal portion of the guide, such that at least a first portion of the catheter can be disposed within the indwelling catheter; and A plurality of catheter support inserts are positioned within the internal volume between the propulsion member and the distal portion of the housing, the plurality of catheter support inserts being spaced apart along the length of the catheter, wherein each of the plurality of catheter support inserts defines a passage therethrough for receiving the catheter. Wherein, when the propulsion member moves distally relative to the housing to move the conduit from the first position to the second position, the propulsion member pushes the plurality of conduit support inserts to the distal portion of the housing, wherein the plurality of conduit support inserts are positioned in a stacked arrangement.

17. The blood-drawing device according to claim 16, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of catheter support inserts includes a compressible member that changes from an extended state to a compressed state when a distal force is applied to the compressible member.

18. The blood-drawing device according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the plurality of catheter support inserts are positioned in a stacked arrangement, all of the plurality of catheter support inserts are in contact with each other and are in the compressed state.

19. The blood-drawing device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The length of the stacked arrangement of the plurality of catheter support inserts is between 11.0 mm and 12.0 mm.

20. The blood-drawing device according to claim 16, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of catheter support inserts includes: A first end plate and a second end plate, each having an opening including the passage of the conduit; and A movable hinge is disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate and connects the first end plate to the second end plate. The movable hinge is actuable to change the conduit support insert from an extended state to a compressed state. The movable hinge includes a first leg and a second leg connected together, wherein each of the first leg and the second leg includes an opening formed therein through which the conduit passes, and wherein the opening in the first leg, the opening in the second leg, the opening in the first end plate, and the opening in the second end plate together define the channel of the conduit support insert.

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