Instrument transport device

Abstract

This utility model relates to a device delivery device. A device delivery device for advancing a device into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device includes a guide housing, the guide housing including a housing connector located at a distal end of the guide housing, and an actuator movably coupled to the guide housing to move the device between a first position, in which the device is disposed within the housing, and in a second position, in which a distal portion of the device is configured to extend distally beyond the guide housing. A locking member of the delivery device secures the guide housing to the vascular access device. The locking member includes a locking member connector that mates with the housing connector and is positioned around the housing connector such that the housing connector is positioned within the locking member connector. The locking member also includes a blunt sleeve, a pair of arms configured to engage with the vascular access device, and a fluid seal positioned within the lumen of the locking member.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 643,494, filed May 7, 2024, entitled “Instrument Delivery Device for Extended Instrument Advancement into an Indwelling Catheter,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This utility model relates to an instrument delivery device for introducing instruments such as catheters, guidewires or probes into the indwelling catheter of a vascular access device. Background Technology

[0004] Vascular access devices (VADs) are used in the medical field to connect to a patient's peripheral vascular system for intravenous infusion and / or blood draw purposes. Common types of VADs include peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), central venous catheters (CVCs), and midline catheters. VADs can be left in place for short periods (days), medium periods (weeks), or long periods (months to years).

[0005] Device delivery devices are typically used with a VAD (Vacuum Indwelling Drainage Device) to deliver devices into the VAD's indwelling intravenous (IV) catheter, whereby the device delivery device advances the device beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter. The primary method of operation for these devices is by inserting the catheter, probe, tube, or other device through the lumen of the indwelling catheter using a guide, wherein the guide is attached to a catheter adapter for catheter insertion. For example, the catheter adapter may include a needleless access connector through which a device can be introduced to provide access to the indwelling catheter and into the patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, the introduced device (i.e., probe) can be used to sense bodily parameters (e.g., blood properties, temperature, oxygenation, etc.). In other embodiments, the introduced device (i.e., catheter) can be used for fluid transfer, such as injecting fluid into a patient or collecting blood samples using a syringe and / or vacuum blood collection tube without requiring additional needle insertion.

[0006] The guide of a device delivery device typically includes a housing, an instrument, and a propulsion member or actuator that moves within the housing to extend out of the housing and advance into an indwelling catheter; the propulsion member or actuator can be actuated by the operator relative to the housing. That is, the operator can move the actuator distally to cause a corresponding movement of the instrument relative to the housing, allowing the instrument to be pushed out from the distal end of the housing and advanced into the indwelling catheter. However, in some instances, it has been recognized that the device delivery device may not be able to extend the instrument into / through the indwelling catheter the required distance. That is, some catheters (e.g., central venous catheters (CVCs) and integrated midline guidewire (MIG) catheters) may extend further / deeper into the blood vessel, and may require extending the instrument 30 to 35 millimeters beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter (e.g., to prevent thrombosis), thus recognizing that current device delivery device designs may not always meet this requirement. While lengthening the guide's housing would allow for a corresponding increase in the length of the device within the housing, thereby extending the reach into the indwelling catheter, the increased housing length may affect the guide's usability, making it more difficult to manipulate.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an instrument delivery device and its guide for advancing an instrument into an indwelling catheter, wherein the guide is configured to extend the instrument from the guide by an increased length. This achieves the extension of the instrument from the guide a longer distance without increasing the length of the guide, thereby keeping the guide at an acceptable size that allows for easy use. Utility Model Content

[0008] This document provides a device delivery device for advancing a device into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device. The device delivery device includes a guide having a guide housing comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a housing connector. The guide housing defines an internal volume configured to movably receive a catheter. The device delivery device also includes an actuator movably coupled to the guide housing and configured to move relative to the guide housing to move a device between a first position, in which the device is disposed within the guide housing, and in a second position, in which the distal portion of the device is positioned beyond the distal portion of the guide housing, such that at least a first portion of the device can be disposed within the indwelling catheter. The device delivery device also includes a locking member configured to secure the guide housing to the vascular access device. The locking element includes a locking element connector configured to mate with a housing connector of a guide housing to secure the locking element to the guide housing. The locking element connector is configured to be positioned at least partially around the housing connector such that the housing connector is positioned within the locking element connector. The locking element also includes: a blunt cannula extending distally from the locking element connector and configured to engage with a access connector of a vascular access device; a pair of arms configured to engage with the access connector; and a fluid seal positioned within a lumen of the locking element extending through the locking element connector and the blunt cannula.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fluid seal is positioned within the cavity, adjacent to the distal end of the locking connector, and is located on the distal side of the housing connector when the housing connector mates with the locking connector.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fluid seal is positioned within a portion of the inner cavity that extends through a blunt sleeve.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fluid seal is positioned at the proximal end of the lumen extending through the blunt sleeve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the locking connector includes a U-shaped snap-fit ​​engagement member that engages with the housing connector on opposite sides of the housing connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the actuator includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being positioned within an internal volume of the guide housing, and the first portion extending through a slot formed in the guide housing and extending to the top surface of the guide housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the actuator is capable of being pushed to the distal end of the guide housing such that a portion of the second part is positioned in the housing connector to place the instrument in a second position.

[0015] In some embodiments, a first portion of the actuator includes an engagement member, and wherein a plurality of ribs are included on the top surface of the guide housing, the plurality of ribs selectively engaging with the underside of the engagement member for pushing the actuator along the guide housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs extend along the top surface of the guide housing to the distal end of the guide housing.

[0017] Another device delivery device is provided for advancing a device into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device. The device delivery device includes a guide with a guide housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a housing connector. The guide housing defines an internal volume configured to movably receive a device. The device delivery device also includes an actuator movably coupled to the guide housing and configured to move relative to the guide housing to move the device between a first position, in which the device is disposed within the guide housing, and in a second position, in which the distal portion of the device is positioned beyond the distal portion of the guide housing, such that at least a portion of the device can be disposed within the indwelling catheter. The actuator further includes: a first portion including an engagement member movable along the top surface of the guide housing; and a second portion at least partially located within the internal volume and connected to the first portion through a groove formed on the top surface of the guide housing; wherein the engagement member of the first portion is a cantilever engagement member extending distally beyond the second portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second portion includes a cylindrical extension that protrudes proximally from the first portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, with the device in the first position, the actuator is positioned such that the cylindrical extension extends through an opening in the proximal portion of the guide housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device further includes an extension tube connected to the proximal end of the cylindrical extension, the extension tube moving with the actuator as the actuator moves relative to the guide housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, with the device in the second position, a portion of the cantilever engagement member extends above the housing connector.

[0022] In some embodiments, the top surface of the guide includes a plurality of ribs that selectively engage with lugs on the underside of the engagement member for pushing the actuator along the guide, and wherein the plurality of ribs extend along the top surface of the guide to the distal end of the guide.

[0023] In some embodiments, the device delivery device further includes a locking element configured to connect the guide to a vascular access device. The locking element includes: a locking element connector configured to engage with a housing connector of the guide to secure the locking element to the guide; a blunt sleeve extending distally from the locking element connector and configured to engage with a access connector of the vascular access device; and a pair of arms positioned on opposite sides of the locking element connector and the blunt sleeve and configured to engage with the access connector.

[0024] In some embodiments, when the device is in the second position, the cantilever engagement member of the first portion extends over a portion of the pair of arms of the locking member.

[0025] Another device delivery device is provided for advancing a device into an indwelling catheter of a vascular access device. The device delivery device includes a guide having a guide housing that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a housing connector. The guide housing defines an internal volume configured to movably receive the device. The device delivery device also includes a locking element configured to secure the guide to the vascular access device. The locking element includes: a locking element connector configured to mate with a housing connector of the guide housing to secure the locking element to the guide housing; a blunt sleeve extending distally from the locking element connector and configured to engage with a access connector of the vascular access device; and a pair of arms positioned on opposite sides of the locking element connector and the blunt sleeve, each arm including a first end and a second end, the first end configured to engage with the access connector, the second end being user-actuable to selectively engage and disengage the first end with the access connector. The blunt sleeve includes an extension sleeve configured to extend distally beyond the first end of the pair of arms by 30% or more to engage with the access connector. The device delivery device also includes an actuator movably coupled to the guide housing and configured to move relative to the guide housing to move the device between a first position and a second position, in which the device is disposed within the guide housing and a locking element, and in the second position, in which a distal portion of the device is positioned beyond the distal portion of the guide housing, such that at least a portion of the device can be disposed within the indwelling catheter.

[0026] In some embodiments, the blunt sleeve has a sidewall defining an inner cavity therethrough, and wherein the thickness of the sidewall is 0.5 mm or greater.

[0027] In some embodiments, when the instrument is in the first position, the distal end of the instrument is positioned within the lumen of the blunt sleeve. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a device delivery apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the instrument delivery device shown;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the instrument delivery device;

[0031] Figure 4 Is included Figure 1 A perspective view of the first component of the guide housing in an instrument delivery device;

[0032] Figure 5 Is included Figure 1 A perspective view of the second component of the guide housing in the instrument delivery device;

[0033] Figure 6 It is by... 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 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a front perspective view of the guide housing.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the guide along line 8-8;

[0036] Figure 9 Is included Figure 1 Rear-view perspective view of the locking element in the instrument delivery device;

[0037] Figure 10 Is included Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the conduit, extension tube, and actuator in the instrument delivery device;

[0038] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the actuator shown;

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 10Side view of the actuator shown;

[0040] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 The instrument delivery device is shown in a side view of the first configuration, which shows the positioning of the actuator and the catheter support.

[0041] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 The instrument delivery device is shown in a side view of the second configuration, which shows the positioning of the actuator and the catheter support.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a top view of an instrument delivery device according to another aspect of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 An exploded view of the instrument delivery device;

[0044] Figure 17 Based on this disclosure Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the instrument delivery device taken along line 17-17;

[0045] Figure 18 This is based on another aspect of this disclosure. Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the instrument delivery device taken along line 17-17;

[0046] Figure 19 This is a top view of an instrument delivery device according to another aspect of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 20 Is included Figure 19 A top view of the locking element and its blunt sleeve in the instrument delivery device. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments intended for carrying out the present 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 the present invention.

[0049] As used in this specification, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the direction closer to and further away from the user who places the device in contact with the patient, respectively. Thus, for example, the end of the device that first contacts the patient's body would be the distal end, while the opposite end of the device (e.g., the end of the device that is manipulated by the user) would be the proximal end of the device.

[0050] Spatial or directional terms (such as “left,” “right,” “inside,” “outside,” “above,” and “below”) should not be considered limiting, as various alternative orientations can be used in this invention.

[0051] In the following description, for descriptive purposes, the terms “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and their derivatives shall be used in relation to the orientation of the present invention as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention may take various alternative variations unless explicitly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary aspects of the present invention.

[0052] The terms “first” and “second” are not intended to refer to any particular order or sequence, but rather to different conditions, properties or elements.

[0053] As used herein, “at least one of…” is synonymous with “one or more of…”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes: one or more of A alone; one or more of B alone; one or more of C alone; one or more of A and one or more of B; one or more of A and one or more of C; one or more of B and one or more of C; one or more of A, B, and C.

[0054] This utility model relates to an instrument delivery device and its guide for advancing an instrument into an indwelling catheter, wherein the guide is configured to extend the instrument beyond the guide by an increased length. This achieves the advancement of the instrument a greater distance beyond the guide without increasing its length, thereby keeping the guide at an acceptable size that allows for easy use.

[0055] Figures 1 to 15 An instrument delivery device 200 and its components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The instrument delivery device 200 may have any suitable shape, size or configuration, and may be coupled, for example, to a device including an indwelling catheter via locking elements and / or adapters. Figures 1 to 15(Not shown in the image) Vascular access device. As described further in detail herein, a user can convert the device delivery device 200 from a first configuration to a second configuration to advance the device through an existing, placed, and / or indwelling catheter (i.e., when the device delivery device 200 is coupled to the catheter) such that at least an end portion of the device is positioned distally relative to the indwelling catheter. The user can manipulate the device delivery device 200 to position the distal surface of the device at a predetermined and / or desired distance beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter (e.g., 30 mm to 35 mm beyond the distal end, as a non-limiting example).

[0056] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the device delivery device 200 includes a guide 210, a locking element 240, a device 260, an extension tube 265, and an actuator 270. The device 260 can be any of a variety of devices suitable for insertion into a patient's vascular system, such as catheters, guidewires, or probes. Therefore, although for simplicity, the device 260 is referred to hereinafter as "tube 260" (i.e., flexible polyimide tube / catheter), it will be appreciated that, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the device 260 can take the form of any of the aforementioned devices.

[0057] Guide 210 can have any suitable shape, size, or construction. For example, in some embodiments, guide 210 can be an elongated member with a generally circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the shape of guide 210 and / or one or more features or surface finishes of at least the outer surface of guide 210 can be arranged to improve the ergonomics of instrument delivery device 200, which in some instances allows a user to operate (i.e., use with one hand) instrument delivery device 200.

[0058] like Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the guide 210 of the instrument delivery device 200 includes a guide housing 218 having a first housing member 220 and a second housing member 230, which are coupled to form the guide 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 225. As described in further detail herein, 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 extension tube 265.

[0059] 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 notch 234 configured to selectively receive a portion of the extension tube 265.

[0060] 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. In some embodiments, the set of ribs 236 may include 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.

[0061] The size and shape of each rib in Part 238 are larger than the size and shape of each rib in Part 1237.

[0062] As described in further detail herein, a portion of actuator 270 is configured to push along the top surface 235 forming the set of ribs 236 when the user moves actuator 270 relative to guide housing 218, which in turn causes actuator 270 (and the tube 260 coupled to the actuator) to vibrate. In some instances, this vibration may, for example, facilitate the advancement of tube 260 through a portion of instrument delivery device 200, a portion of indwelling catheter, and / or a portion of vascular system. In some instances, the larger ribs of the second portion 238 may generate a larger amount of vibration when actuator 270 moves along the top surface 235 (as described above). In some instances, the larger ribs of the second portion 238 may cause an increase in force that would otherwise be sufficient to move a portion of actuator 270 along the top surface 235.

[0063] like Figures 6 to 8As shown, the first housing member 220 is configured to connect to the second housing member 230 to jointly form the guide housing 218. In some embodiments, forming the guide 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). In some instances, this can reduce the likelihood of the tube 260 twisting, bending, and / or deforming during use of the instrument delivery device 200. In some embodiments, forming the guide housing 218 from the first housing member 220 and the second housing member 230 can allow at least the inner surface 223 of the first housing member 220 to form a tortuous shape, which would otherwise be challenging when manufacturing the guide housing 218 from a single workpiece.

[0064] The first housing member 220 and the second housing member 230 together form the proximal portion 211 and the distal portion 212 of the guide housing 218, and together define the internal volume 213 of the guide housing 218. Figure 6 As shown, the proximal portion 211 of the guide housing 218 defines an opening 217. Specifically, the opening 217 is formed and / or defined by a notch 226 in the first housing member 220 and a notch 234 in the second housing member 230. As described in further detail herein, the opening 217 is configured to receive a portion of the actuator 270 and / or the extension tube 265, depending on the positioning of the actuator 270.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the distal portion 212 of the guide housing 218 includes a housing connector 216, and / or otherwise forms the housing 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 housing connector 216 at the distal portion 212 of the guide housing 218. The housing connector 216 can have any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing connector 216 forms a set of inward-facing threads that can form a threaded engagement with an associated threaded portion of the locking member 240, as described in further detail herein. In other embodiments, the housing connector 216 may include openings that receive snap-fit ​​features formed on the locking member 240.

[0066] In some embodiments, the distal portion 212 of the guide housing 218 may include and / or may be configured to receive a seal 227 (see [link]). Figure 13 and Figure 14The seal 227 can selectively seal and / or isolate the internal volume 213 of the guide housing 218 (at least from the opening portion of the housing connector 216). In use, the seal 227 can be converted from a sealed or closed configuration to an open configuration to allow, for example, a portion of the tube 260 to pass through the seal. In some embodiments, the seal 227 may contact the outer surface of the tube 260 to define therebetween a seal operable to limit and / or substantially prevent fluid backflow between the outer surface of the sleeve and the seal 227. The seal 227 may be placed within the housing connector 216 (e.g., by mounting in a recess formed in the housing connector 216) and may be held in place therebetween when the locking member 240 is engaged with the housing connector 216 (e.g., by threaded engagement or snap-fit).

[0067] 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 guide housing 218. For example... Figure 8 As 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 generally S-shaped cross-sectional shape or at least a partially S-shaped cross-sectional shape. More specifically, the inner surface 223 of the first housing member 220 includes and / or forms ridges, lugs, flanges, protrusions, 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 that is parallel to and deviates from the axis defined by the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213.

[0068] like Figure 8As shown, a first portion 214 of the internal volume 213 extends through the wall of the guide housing 218. Similarly, the guide housing 218 defines (e.g., defined jointly by a first housing member 220 and a second housing member 230) slots, channels, tracks, and / or openings 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 (at least in the circumferential direction) is entirely defined and / or enclosed by the guide housing 218. The tortuous cross-sectional shape of the internal volume 213 prevents the second portion 215 from being viewed (e.g., out of sight) through the slot (in fluid communication with the first portion 214 of the internal volume 213), which in turn limits and / or substantially prevents contamination of the tube 260 disposed therein.

[0069] In this embodiment, the second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 is substantially aligned with, for example, a portion of the opening 217 and a portion of the opening defined by the housing 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 240 is coupled to the housing connector 216 of the guide 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 actuator 270 and a portion of the tube 260. Therefore, actuator 270 can be moved relative to guide housing 218 to move tube 260 between a first position and a second position, in which tube 260 is fully disposed within the second portion 215 of internal volume 213, and in the second position, at least a portion of tube 260 extends outside the second portion 215 of internal volume 213 and extends distally toward guide housing 218, as described in further detail herein.

[0070] The locking member 240 of the device delivery 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 guide housing 218 and is configured to connect the guide 210 to a vascular access device including an indwelling catheter (i.e., an adapter that connects to any suitable intermediate device or vascular access device coupled to an indwelling catheter). Figure 9As shown, the locking member 240 has a locking member 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 locking member connector 241 and the blunt sleeve 242. The locking member connector 241 is configured to engage the locking member 240 to a housing connector 216 of the guide housing 218. Specifically, in this embodiment, the locking member connector 241 includes and / or forms one or more protrusions configured to selectively engage threads defined and / or formed by the housing connector 216 of the guide housing 218, thereby forming a threaded connection.

[0071] A blunt sleeve 242 extends from the locking connector 241 and is disposed between the first arm 243 and the second arm 250. The blunt sleeve 242 can have any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the blunt sleeve 242 can have a length sufficient to extend through at least a portion of the PIVC, or through the adapter and at least partially into or through the PIVC. Furthermore, the blunt sleeve 242 can have an inner diameter (the diameter of the surface at least partially defining the cavity 255) that is similar to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of a portion of the tube 260. Therefore, when the instrument delivery device 200 switches between a first configuration and a second configuration, the cavity 255 of the locking member 240 can receive a portion of the tube 260.

[0072] As described above, at least a portion of tube 260 and at least a portion of extension tube 265 are movably disposed within a second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 defined by guide housing 218. Figure 10 As shown, tube 260 has a proximal portion 261 and a distal portion 262, and defines an inner cavity 263. The proximal portion 261 of tube 260 is coupled to a second portion 275 of actuator 270. In this way, actuator 270 can be moved relative to guide housing 218 to move tube 260 between a first position and a second position, in which tube 260 is disposed within guide housing 218 (e.g., the entire tube 260 is disposed within guide housing 218 or within guide housing 218 and locking member 240); and in the second position, when locking member 240 is coupled to PIVC, the distal portion of tube 260 is at least partially disposed distal to locking member 240 and / or PIVC (not shown), as described further in 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 inner cavity 263.

[0073] The extension tube 265 has a proximal portion 266 and a distal portion 267, and defines an inner lumen 268. For example... Figure 10As shown, the proximal portion 266 of the extension tube 265 is coupled to and / or otherwise includes the connector 269. The connector 269 is configured to physically and fluidly connect the extension tube 265 to any suitable device, such as a fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, vacuum container holder (e.g., with or configured to connect to a sheathed needle), and / or pump, etc. The distal portion 267 of the extension tube 265 may be at least partially disposed within a second portion 215 of the internal volume 213 defined by the guide housing 218 and coupled to a second portion 275 of the actuator 270. In this way, when the connector 269 is coupled to a fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, vacuum container, pump, etc., the extension tube 265 establishes fluid communication between the reservoir, source, pump, etc. and the tube 260.

[0074] The actuator 270 of the instrument delivery device 200 is coupled to the tube 260 and is movable along the length of the guide housing 218 to allow the instrument delivery device 200 to switch between its first configuration and its second configuration, in which the tube 260 is in a first position and in the second configuration, the tube 260 is in a second position. The actuator 270 may have any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the size and shape of the actuator 270 may be associated with and / or at least partially based on the size and / or shape of the guide housing 218.

[0075] Now for reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The structure of actuator 270 is shown in more detail. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, actuator 270 includes a first portion 271, a second portion 275, and a wall 277 extending between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion 271 of actuator 270 is at least partially disposed in the first portion 214 of the internal volume 213 defined by guide housing 218. Figure 8 Inside, the second part 275 of the actuator 270 is disposed in the second part 215 of the internal volume 213. Figure 8As described above, the first portion 271 of the actuator 270 includes an engagement member 272. The actuator 270 is arranged such that the engagement member 272 is disposed outside the guide housing 218, while the remainder of the first portion 271 is located within the first portion 214 of the internal volume 213 defined by the guide housing 218. Thus, the engagement member 272 can be engaged and / or manipulated by a user (e.g., by the user's finger or thumb) to move the actuator 270 relative to the guide housing 218. In some embodiments, the engagement member 272 may include a set of ridges and / or any suitable surface roughness, which may, for example, improve the ergonomics of the actuator 270 and / or the instrument delivery device 200.

[0076] The engaging member 272 includes a lug 273 disposed at or near the proximal portion of the engaging member 272. The lug 273 can be any suitable lug, guide, ridge, bump, projection, ball handle, roller, slider, etc., extending from the surface of the engaging member 272. The lug 273 is configured to selectively engage the top surface 235 of the second housing member 230 of the guide housing 218. More specifically, the lug 273 contacts ribs 236 formed by the second housing member 230, and as the actuator 270 moves along the length of the guide housing 218, the lug 273 moves along the respective successive ribs, wherein the interaction between the lug 273 and the ribs 236 causes the actuator 270 to vibrate.

[0077] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the actuator 270 is configured such that the first portion 271 and the second portion 275 include sections extending distally and proximally relative to each other, to increase the overall length and reach of the actuator 270. Specifically, the engaging member 272 of the first portion 271 extends distally relative to the second portion 275 and the wall 277, such that the engaging member 272 is formed as a cantilever engaging member, while the second portion 275 extends proximally relative to the first portion 271 and the wall 277 to form a proximally pointing cylindrical extension 280 on the actuator 270. With the actuator 270 configured in this way, the range of motion of the tube 260 is increased—that is, the length of the tube 260 extending from the guide 210 in the second position is increased, as described below regarding Figure 13 and Figure 14 As explained in more detail.

[0078] Now for reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 This illustrates the variation of the instrument delivery device 200 between a first configuration and a second configuration. The instrument delivery device 200 can be in the first configuration before use and can be taken from the first configuration by a user (e.g., a doctor, physician, nurse, technician, and / or phlebotomist). Figure 13 ) Transform to the second construction ( Figure 14 This allows at least the distal portion 262 of the tube 260 to be positioned distally relative to the guide housing 218 (e.g., within or distal to the PIVC).

[0079] When the tube 260 is positioned in the first position within the guide housing 218, the instrument delivery device 200 is in... Figure 13 The first configuration. In some embodiments, when the tube 260 is in the first position, the entire tube 260 is substantially disposed within the guide housing 218. In this embodiment, the guide housing 218 may include a seal 227, etc. (as described above), which can substantially seal the distal portion 212 of the guide housing 218 to isolate the tube 260 within the internal volume 213. In other embodiments, when the tube 260 is in the first position, the tube 260 is disposed within the guide housing 218 and the locking member 240.

[0080] like Figure 13 As shown, in the first configuration of the instrument delivery device 200, the actuator 270 is positioned toward the proximal portion 211 of the guide 210. With the actuator 270 positioned toward the proximal portion 211 of the guide 210, an extension 280 of the second portion 275 (which extends proximally relative to the first portion 271 and the wall 277) is positioned such that the extension protrudes through an opening 217 formed in the proximal portion 211 of the guide housing 218, thereby connecting the extension tube 265 to the second portion 275 outside the guide housing 218. The proximal portion 261 of the tube 260 is connected to the second portion 275 of the actuator 270 located inside the guide housing 218, the tube 260 extending through the internal volume 213 of the guide 210, wherein the distal portion 262 of the tube 260 is received in the cavity of the housing connector 216 and / or the cavity 255 of the locking member 240.

[0081] To transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, the user engages the engagement member 272 of the first portion 271 of the actuator 270 to move the actuator 270 relative to the guide housing 218, which in turn moves the tube 260 from the first position (e.g., disposed within the guide housing 218) toward the second position. In this way, the tube 260 moves through the internal volume 213 and the cavity 255 of the locking member 240, such that at least the distal portion 262 of the tube 260 is disposed outside and distal to the locking member 240. In some instances, the tube 260 is considered to be in the second position when the actuator 270 is in the most distal position, wherein the distal portion 262 of the tube 260 is thus positioned at the desired location relative to the distal portion of the indwelling catheter. In some instances, for example, when tube 260 is in the second position, the distal end 262 of tube 260 may extend beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter by a predetermined distance (e.g., located distal to the distal end of the indwelling catheter), such that the distal end 262 of tube 260 is positioned within the vein at a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter (e.g., a location within the vein where there is essentially no debris (e.g., fibrin / clots) that would otherwise surround the distal portion of the indwelling catheter).

[0082] like Figure 14 As shown, in the second configuration of the instrument delivery device 200, the actuator 270 is located at the farthest position along the guide housing 218 (i.e., at the distal portion 212 of the guide housing 218). To achieve translation of the actuator 270 to this position, a set of ribs 236 provided on the guide housing 218 extends to (or nearly extends to) the distal portion 212 of the guide housing 218. In the second configuration of the instrument delivery device 200, the cantilever portion of the engagement member 272 is positioned such that at least a portion of the cantilever engagement member 272 extends above or hangs above the housing connector 216 and passes through a portion of the first arm 243 and the second arm 250 of the locking member 240. By pushing the actuator 270 to its furthest position along the guide housing 218 in this manner, and with the actuator 270 having the cantilever engagement member 272 as described above, the forward reach of the actuator 270 is increased—so that the amount / length by which the distal portion 262 of the tube 260 can be positioned outside and distal to the locking member 240 (and beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter) can be maximized.

[0083] When tube 260 is in the second position (e.g., when instrument delivery device 200 is in such a position) Figure 14In the second configuration shown, the user can establish fluid communication between the patient's vascular system and the tube 260. With the tube 260 in fluid communication with the vascular system, the device delivery device 200 can draw a certain amount of blood from a vein, at least in part, by positioning the distal end of the tube 260 at a predetermined and / or desired distance beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter. In some instances, 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 actuator 270 in a proximal direction, for example, moving the actuator 270 back to its proximal position so that the tube 260 returns to the first position.

[0084] Now for reference Figures 15 to 17 An additional embodiment of the instrument delivery device 282 according to another aspect of this disclosure is shown. The structure of the instrument delivery device 282 is similar to... Figures 1 to 14 The structure of the instrument delivery device 200 is similar, therefore the same parts are similar. Figures 1 to 14 The components are numbered.

[0085] As explained in further detail below, the instrument delivery device 282 is configured to extend / maximize the reach of the instrument delivery device 282 (i.e., the amount by which an instrument (e.g., tube 260) can be advanced distally) without altering the overall length of the guide 210. However, the instrument delivery device 282 does not have the actuator 270 configured with a cantilevered engagement member 272 and an extension member 280 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 11 and Figure 12 Instead of increasing its range of motion and correspondingly increasing the advance length of the tube 260, the instrument delivery device 282 reconfigures the engagement between the guide housing 218 and the locking member 240 to increase the advance length of the tube 260.

[0086] exist Figures 15 to 17 In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 282 is reconfigured to create additional space at the distal portion 212 of the guide housing 218 to allow for further actuation of the actuator 270. Specifically, the housing connector 284 of the guide housing 218 and the locking connector 286 of the locking member 240 are configured such that the housing connector 284 is at least partially positioned within the locking connector 286 (rather than as...). Figures 1 to 14 The housing connector 284 receives / surrounds the locking connector 286), wherein the internal area / volume of the housing connector 284 remains open so that it can receive the second part 275 of the actuator 270 therein.

[0087] like Figures 15 to 17As shown, the locking member connector 286 of the locking member 240 is configured to be positioned around the housing connector 284 of the guide housing, wherein the inner diameter of the locking member connector 286 is larger than the outer diameter of the housing connector 284. The locking member connector 286 may at least partially surround / encircle the housing connector 284. According to one embodiment, the locking member connector 286 may be configured as a circular member surrounding the housing connector 284, wherein the locking member connector 286 includes a pair of radially inwardly pointing protrusions 288 located on opposite sides thereof, the pair of protrusions 288 being capable of snap-fitting with an opening 290 in the housing connector 284—that is, a U-shaped snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0088] Using the locking connector 286 constructed as described above, the locking connector 286 is able to accommodate a fluid flow blocking seal 227 therein (instead of positioning the seal 227 within the proximal end of the housing connector 284, as...). Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown). That is to say, as Figure 17 As shown, the seal 227 is installed within an internal volume (i.e., cavity 255) defined by the locking connector 286, wherein the seal 227 is positioned toward the distal end of the locking connector 286—where the locking connector 286 transitions into the blunt sleeve 242. The seal 227 may be located within a recess formed in the locking connector 286, and the seal 227 may be held in place when the housing connector 284 engages with the locking connector 286 (e.g., by snap-fit ​​engagement).

[0089] With the seal 227 positioned at the distal end of the locking connector 286, the internal volume of the locking connector 286 remains open to receive the housing connector 284 therein, which in turn also remains open (i.e., without the positioning seal 227) to receive a portion (second portion 275) of the actuator 270 therein. With the instrument delivery device 282 in the second configuration and the actuator 270 fully pushed to the distal portion 212 of the guide housing 218, at least some of the second portion 275 of the actuator 270 can enter the interior of the housing connector 284. With the actuator 270 positioned in this way, the forward reach of the actuator 270 is increased—maximizing the amount / length by which the distal portion 262 of the tube 260 can be positioned outside and distal to the locking member 240 (and beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter).

[0090] In another embodiment of the instrument delivery device 282, and as Figure 18As shown, instead of being positioned at the distal end of the locking connector 286, the seal 227 can be positioned within a portion of the lumen 255 defined by the blunt sleeve 242, for example, within the lumen 255 towards the proximal end of the blunt sleeve 242. With the seal 227 positioned within the lumen 255 of the blunt sleeve 242, the internal volume of the locking connector 286 remains open to receive the housing connector 284 therein, wherein the housing connector 284 also remains open (i.e., without the positioning seal 227) to receive the second portion 275 of the actuator 270 therein when the instrument delivery device 282 is in the second configuration. Thus, again, with the actuator 270 positioned in this way, the forward reach of the actuator 270 is increased—maximizing the amount / length by which the distal portion 262 of the tube 260 can be positioned outside and distally (and beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter) of the locking connector 240.

[0091] Now for reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 This illustrates yet another embodiment of the instrument delivery device 292 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. Again, the structure of the instrument delivery device 292 is similar to... Figures 1 to 14 The instrument delivery device 200, and Figures 15 to 18 The structure of the instrument delivery device 282 is similar, therefore the same components are similar. Figures 1 to 14 The components in it are labeled.

[0092] As explained in further detail below, the instrument delivery device 292 is again configured to extend / maximize the reach of the instrument delivery device 292 (i.e., the amount by which the instrument (e.g., tube 260) can be advanced distally) without changing the overall length of the guide 210. However, instead of configuring the actuator 270 with cantilevered engagement member 272 and extension member 280 and / or reconfiguring the locking member connector 286 and housing connector 284 to increase the advance length of the tube 260, the instrument delivery device 292 reconfigures the blunt sleeve of the locking member 240 to increase the advance length of the tube 260.

[0093] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, with Figures 1 to 14 as well as Figures 15 to 18Compared to the blunt sleeve 242 provided in the device delivery device, the length of the blunt sleeve 294 of the locking member 240 is increased. The blunt sleeve 294 is lengthened such that it extends far beyond the distal ends of the first arm 243 and the second arm 250 of the locking member 240. In some embodiments, the blunt sleeve 294 is configured such that its length extends distally beyond the distal ends of the first arm 243 and the second arm 250 by 30% or more to engage with a access connector (not shown) of a vascular access device. To enable such lengthening of the blunt sleeve 294, the sidewall 296 of the blunt sleeve 294 is configured such that the thickness of the sidewall is maintained at 0.5 mm or greater, so that the blunt sleeve 294 maintains sufficient strength to prevent it from breaking or bending.

[0094] With the increased length of the blunt sleeve 294 as described above, this can increase the length of the tube 260 included in the device delivery device 292. That is, as previously stated, in the first configuration, the tube 260 is fully positioned within the guide housing 218 or within the guide housing 218 and the locking member 240 (i.e., the lumen 255 of the locking member 240). With the increased length of the blunt sleeve 294, a longer tube 260 can be accommodated within the guide housing 218 and the locking member 240, because the tube 260 can be positioned within the extended blunt sleeve 294 in the first position. Therefore, the “starting position” of the tube 260 is closer to the vascular access device (and its indwelling catheter), and the extendable length of the tube 260 increases by the same amount. When actuator 270 is subsequently actuated distally to convert instrument delivery device 292 to the second configuration, the amount / length of the distal portion 262 of tube 260 that can be arranged outside and distally (and beyond the distal end of indwelling catheter) of locking member 240 is thus increased.

[0095] Advantageously, embodiments of this disclosure therefore provide a device delivery device and its guide, which is used to advance a device into an indwelling catheter when the guide is configured to extend the device beyond the guide by an increased length. This achieves the ability to advance the device a greater distance from the guide without increasing the length of the guide, thereby keeping the guide at an acceptable size that allows for easy use. The guide allows the device to be advanced into and through catheters (e.g., CVC or MIG catheters) that are inserted further / deeper into the blood vessel, and allows the device to extend a greater distance beyond the distal end of the indwelling catheter (e.g., 30 mm to 35 mm) (e.g., to prevent thrombosis).

[0096] Although this disclosure has been described in detail based on embodiments or aspects currently considered to be most practical and preferred for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that such detail 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. An instrument delivery device for advancing an instrument into a retention catheter of a vascular access device, the instrument delivery device comprising: The instrument delivery device includes: A guide having a guide housing including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a housing connector, the guide housing defining an internal volume configured to movably receive the device; An actuator, movably coupled to the guide housing and configured to move relative to the guide housing to move the instrument between a first position and a second position, in the first position the instrument is disposed within the guide housing, and in the second position a distal portion of the instrument is positioned extending beyond the distal portion of the guide housing, such that at least a portion of the instrument can be disposed within the indwelling catheter; and Locking member, configured to secure the guide housing to the vascular access device, the locking member comprising: A locking element connector configured to mate with a housing connector of the guide housing to secure the locking element to the guide housing, the locking element connector being configured to be positioned at least partially around the housing connector such that the housing connector is positioned within the locking element connector; A blunt sleeve extends distally from the locking connector and is configured to engage with the access connector of the vascular access device. A pair of arms, the pair of arms being configured to engage with the access connector; and A fluid seal is positioned within the inner cavity of the locking member, the inner cavity of the locking member extending through the locking member connector and the blunt sleeve.

2. The device delivery apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The fluid seal is positioned within the cavity, adjacent to the distal end of the locking connector, and is located on the distal side of the housing connector when the housing connector mates with the locking connector.

3. The device delivery apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The fluid seal is positioned within a portion of the inner cavity that extends through the blunt sleeve.

4. The device delivery apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The fluid seal is positioned at the proximal end of the inner cavity extending through the blunt sleeve.

5. The device delivery apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The locking connector includes a U-shaped snap-fit ​​component that engages with the housing connector on opposite sides of the housing connector.

6. The device delivery apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The actuator includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being positioned within the internal volume of the guide housing, and the first portion extending through a slot formed in the guide housing and extending to the top surface of the guide housing.

7. The device delivery apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The actuator is capable of being pushed to the distal end of the guide housing, such that a portion of the second part is positioned in the housing connector to place the device in the second position.

8. The device delivery apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The first portion of the actuator includes an engagement member, and wherein the top surface of the guide housing includes a plurality of ribs that selectively engage with the underside of the engagement member for pushing the actuator along the guide housing.

9. The device delivery apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The plurality of ribs extend along the top surface of the guide housing to the distal end of the guide housing.

10. An instrument delivery device for advancing an instrument into a retention catheter of a vascular access device, comprising: The instrument delivery device includes: Guide, the guide including a guide housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a housing connector, the guide housing defining an internal volume configured to movably receive the instrument; and An actuator movably coupled to the guide housing and configured to move relative to the guide housing to move the instrument between a first position and a second position, in the first position the instrument is disposed within the guide housing, and in the second position the distal portion of the instrument is positioned beyond the distal portion of the guide housing such that at least a portion of the instrument can be disposed within the indwelling catheter. The actuator includes: A first part, comprising a connecting member movable along the top surface of the guide housing; and The second part is at least partially located within the internal volume and is connected to the first part through a groove formed on the top surface of the guide housing; Wherein, the connecting member of the first part is a cantilever connecting member, which extends distally beyond the second part.

11. The device delivery apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The second portion includes a cylindrical extension that protrudes proximally from the first portion.

12. The device delivery apparatus of claim 11, wherein, With the device in the first position, the actuator is positioned such that the cylindrical extension extends through an opening in the proximal portion of the guide housing.

13. The device delivery apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The instrument delivery device further includes an extension tube connected to the proximal end of the cylindrical extension, wherein the extension tube moves with the actuator as the actuator moves relative to the guide housing.

14. The device delivery apparatus of claim 10, wherein, With the device in the second position, a portion of the cantilever engagement member extends above the housing connector.

15. The device delivery apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The top surface of the guide includes a plurality of ribs that selectively engage with a lug on the underside of the engagement member for pushing the actuator along the guide, wherein the plurality of ribs extend along the top surface of the guide to the distal end of the guide.

16. The device delivery apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The device delivery device further includes a locking element configured to connect the guide to the vascular access device, the locking element comprising: A locking element connector configured to mate with the housing connector of the guide to secure the locking element to the guide; A blunt sleeve, extending distally from the locking connector and configured to engage with the access connector of the vascular access device; and A pair of arms, positioned on opposite sides of the locking connector and the blunt sleeve, and configured to engage with the access connector.

17. The instrument conveying device according to claim 16, characterized in that, With the device in the second position, the cantilever engagement member of the first portion extends over a portion of the pair of arms of the locking member.

18. A medical device conveying apparatus, characterized in that, The device delivery device is used to advance the device into the indwelling catheter of the vascular access device, and the device delivery device includes: A guide includes a guide housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a housing connector, the guide housing defining an internal volume configured to movably receive the device; Locking member, configured to secure the guide to the vascular access device, the locking member comprising: A locking element connector, the locking element connector being configured to mate with the housing connector of the guide housing to secure the locking element to the guide housing; A blunt sleeve, extending distally from the locking connector and configured to engage with the access connector of the vascular access device; and A pair of arms, positioned on opposite sides of the locking connector and the blunt sleeve, each of the arms including a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to engage with the access connector, and the second end being user-actuable to selectively engage and disengage the first end with the access connector. The blunt sleeve includes an extension sleeve configured such that the blunt sleeve extends distally beyond the first end of the pair of arms by 30% or more to engage with the access connector; and An actuator movably coupled to the guide housing and configured to move relative to the guide housing to move the instrument between a first position and a second position, in the first position the instrument is disposed within the guide housing and the locking member, and in the second position the distal portion of the instrument is positioned beyond the distal portion of the guide housing such that at least a portion of the instrument can be disposed within the indwelling catheter.

19. The instrument conveying device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The blunt sleeve has a sidewall that defines an inner cavity therethrough, and wherein the thickness of the sidewall is 0.5 mm or greater.

20. The instrument conveying device according to claim 18, characterized in that, When the instrument is in the first position, the distal end of the instrument is positioned within the inner cavity of the blunt sleeve.

Images