Introducer needle with flashback notch and related devices - Patents.com

Abstract

The intravenous (IV) catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter and a catheter extending from a distal end of the catheter adapter. The intravenous (IV) catheter assembly may include an introducer needle. The elongate shaft may include a flashback notch, the flashback notch may include a distal end and a proximal end. The flashback notch may include a smooth tapered edge extending from the distal end in a direction increasing the depth of the flashback notch. The smooth tapered edge may extend along at least half of the entire length of the flashback notch between the distal end and the proximal end. In an orthogonal side view projection of the intravenous catheter assembly, all of the tangents of the smooth tapered edge may be at an angle of 30° or less with respect to a longitudinal axis of the introducer needle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Generally, the present disclosure relates to vascular access devices. More particularly, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to intravenous (IV) catheter assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] A common type of catheter assembly includes an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As the name suggests, an over-the-needle PIVC can be fitted over an introducer needle that has a sharpened distal end. The catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, a PIVC extending distally from the catheter adapter, and an introducer needle extending through the PIVC. The PIVC and introducer needle can be assembled such that the distal end of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the PIVC, with the bevel of the needle pointing away from the patient's skin just prior to insertion into the skin. Typically, the PIVC and introducer needle are inserted through the skin at a shallow angle into the patient's vasculature.

[0003] To confirm proper placement of the introducer needle and / or PIVC within the vessel, the clinician may confirm the presence of blood flashback in the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. In some cases, blood may enter the introducer needle and reach the flashback chamber where the blood is visible to the clinician through the flashback notch of the introducer needle. Once the observation of blood confirms placement of the introducer needle, the clinician may remove the introducer needle and leave the PIVC in place within the vessel for future blood withdrawal or infusion.

[0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve the shortcomings or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to describe one example technology area in which some embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Generally, the present disclosure relates to a vascular access device. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an intravenous (IV) catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter, and an inner wall forming the lumen. In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly may include a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral IV catheter, a midline catheter, or a peripherally inserted central catheter.

[0006] In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly may include an introducer needle including a sharpened distal end and an elongated shaft extending from the sharpened distal end. In some embodiments, the introducer needle may be movable between a ready position in which the sharpened distal end is distal to the distal end of the catheter and a retracted position proximal to the ready position. In some embodiments, the elongated shaft may include a flashback notch. In some embodiments, the flashback notch may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the flashback notch may include a smooth tapered edge extending from the distal end in a direction that increases the depth of the flashback notch. In some embodiments, the smooth tapered edge may extend along at least half of the entire length of the flashback notch between the distal end and the proximal end.

[0007] In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly may include a needle guard slidably attached to the introducer needle. In some embodiments, a portion of the needle guard may contact an inner wall of the catheter adapter when the introducer needle is in the armed position to retain the needle guard within the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, as the introducer needle moves from the armed position to the retracted position, a portion of the needle guard may disengage from the inner wall to block the sharp distal end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the width of the flashback notch may increase from the distal end to the proximal end to form a teardrop shape. In some embodiments, the flashback notch may include a step extending from the proximal end of the flashback notch. In some embodiments, the step may be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the smooth tapered edge may extend adjacent to the step. In some embodiments, the flashback notch may have an elliptical shape. In some embodiments, in an orthogonal side view projection of the IV catheter assembly, all of the tangents to the smooth tapered edges may be at an angle of 30° or less to the longitudinal axis of the introducer needle. In these and other embodiments, in an orthogonal side view projection of the IV catheter assembly, all of the tangents to the smooth tapered edges may be at an angle of 10° or more to the longitudinal axis of the introducer needle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the introducer needle may further include a needle feature disposed on the elongate shaft. In some embodiments, the needle feature may include a first recess and a second recess opposite the first recess. In some embodiments, the first recess may be aligned with the flashback notch. In some embodiments, the needle feature may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion opposite the first protrusion. In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be disposed between the first recess and the second recess.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first recess is located at the top of the introducer needle and the second recess is located at the bottom of the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the first and second recesses may be located on opposing sides of the introducer needle. In some embodiments, in response to moving the introducer needle from the ready position to the retracted position, the elongate shaft may cease applying force to a portion thereof to release the portion from the inner wall to block the sharp distal end.

[0011] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise stated in the claims. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0012] Example embodiments are described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art catheter assembly showing a prior art introducer needle in a ready position. [Figure 1B] 1 is a side view of an introducer needle of a prior art catheter assembly shown housed within a needle guard. FIG. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a needle guard of a prior art catheter assembly. [Figure 1D] FIG. 2 is another top perspective view of a needle guard of a prior art catheter assembly. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary introducer needle. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a side view of the introducer needle of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a side view of the introducer needle of FIG. 2A retracted proximally against the prior art needle guard. [Figure 3A] FIG. 13 is a top view of an introducer needle according to some embodiments, illustrating an example flashback notch having a teardrop shape. [Figure 3B] FIG. 13 is a side view of an introducer needle according to some embodiments, illustrating a flashback notch having a teardrop shape. [Figure 3C] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an introducer needle according to some embodiments. [Figure 3D] 1 is an orthogonal side view projection close-up of an IV catheter assembly having a teardrop shape, according to some embodiments; [Figure 4A] FIG. 13 is a top view of an introducer needle illustrating a flashback notch having an elliptical shape according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 is a side view of an introducer needle according to some embodiments, illustrating a flashback notch having an elliptical shape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] 1A-1D, a prior art catheter assembly 10 includes a needle hub 12 including an axial opening that securely receives the proximal end of an introducer needle 16 having a sharpened tip 18. As is conventional, the needle hub 12 is hollow and includes a flash chamber 22. Also as is conventional, the introducer needle 16 is received within a catheter 24, the proximal end of which is concentrically secured within the distal end of a catheter adapter 26. The catheter adapter 26 terminates at its proximal end in a luer fitting 32 adapted to receive a tubing set for administering intravenous fluids to a patient in a known manner.

[0015] In the ready position of the catheter assembly shown in FIG. 1A, the distal end of the needle hub 12 is snugly received in the proximal end of the catheter adapter 26, the introducer needle 16 extends distally beyond the catheter adapter 26 and the catheter 24, and the sharp tip 18 of the introducer needle 16 extends beyond the tapered distal end of the catheter 24.

[0016] In use, the sharp end 18 of the introducer needle 16 and the catheter 24 are inserted into a patient's vein. The clinician then manually inserts the catheter 24 further into the vein and withdraws the introducer needle 16 by manually grasping and moving the proximal end of the needle hub 12. The luer fitting 32 of the catheter adapter 26 is then attached to a source of fluid to be administered intravenously to the patient.

[0017] As the introducer needle 16 is withdrawn from the patient, the needle guard 120 disposed within the hub chamber 36 automatically engages into a retracted position, and the needle guard 40 blocks access to the sharp tip 18, preventing further distal movement of the sharp tip 18 and thus preventing accidental contact with the sharp tip 18 by the clinician. The needle guards 120 each include a first arm 122 and a second arm 124 that are hingedly connected at their proximal ends to an end of a rear wall 126. The distal ends of the arms 122, 124 each include a curved projection 128 that extends to a distal end wall 130, which in turn terminates in a lip 132. The rear wall 126 includes an opening 134, and each of the arms 122, 124 includes a narrow portion 142 that extends between a distal wide portion 140 and a proximal wide portion 144. Lateral clamping edges 146 are defined in distal wide portion 140 .

[0018] When the needle guard 120 is in its ready position, the curved projections 128 of each arm 122, 124 are received in annular grooves or rings 136 formed in the inner wall of the catheter adapter 26. The catheter adapter 26 is removably fitted to the distal end of the needle hub 12. An introducer needle 16 having a sharp tip 18 at its distal end is received within a catheter 24 secured to the distal end of the catheter adapter 26. The proximal end of the introducer needle 16 passes through an opening 134 in the rear wall 126. The introducer needle 16 includes a crimp 138 that is small enough to allow the introducer needle 16 to move axially along the catheter 24, but has a width greater than the opening 134 for reasons described below.

[0019] 1A, the shaft of the introducer needle 16 passes through the needle guard 120 and, through engagement with lip 132, exerts a radially outward force on the resilient arms 122, 124, urging the curved projections 128 of each arm into annular grooves 136 and holding the needle guard 120 in a fixed position within the inner wall of the catheter adapter 26. The shaft of the introducer needle 16 passing through the needle guard 120 frictionally engages the inner edges of the narrowed portions 142 of the arms 122, 124, further holding the needle in its ready position.

[0020] As the introducer needle 16 is retracted axially and proximally within the catheter adapter 26 and moves past the lip 132 of the needle guard, the arms 122, 124 of the needle guard 120 are suddenly released from the previously acting radial force, causing the distal end walls 130 of the needle guard to be released from their seating in the annular groove 136 and pivot inwardly into the catheter adapter 26 until they overlap each other at a distal location forward of the needle tip, as shown in Figures 1C-1D, thereby forming a barrier against inadvertent contact with and distal movement of the sharp tip 18. At the same time, the clamping edge 146 of the needle guard 120 is forced toward the sharp tip 18, limiting further axial movement of the introducer needle 16.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1B, after needle retraction, the needle guard 120 and the introducer needle 16 clamped thereto can be removed from the catheter adapter 26 as a unitary assembly and safely discarded. As shown in Figure 1B, if an attempt is made to withdraw the introducer needle 16 further proximally out of the needle guard 120, either intentionally or inadvertently, the crimp 138 on the shaft will contact the rear wall 126 because the width of the crimp 138 is greater than the width of the opening 134. At this point, the rear wall 126 will prevent further axial movement of the introducer needle 16 out of the needle guard 120.

[0022] 2A-2C, in some embodiments, the introducer needle 147 may include a flashback notch 148 that may be distal to the feature 149. The needle feature 149 may include an annular protrusion. In some embodiments, when the introducer needle 147 is used with the needle guard 120 of the prior art catheter assembly 10, the needle guard 120 may become trapped in the flashback notch 148. More specifically, in some embodiments, as the introducer needle 147 is retracted axially and proximally within the catheter adapter 26, the distal end wall 130 and / or the lip 132 may contact the flashback notch 148, causing capture or snagging by the flashback notch 148. This may prevent smooth retraction of the introducer needle 147 and / or premature detachment of the needle guard 120 from the catheter adapter. An example of the needle guard 120 being captured in the flashback notch 148 is shown in FIG. 2C. In some embodiments, the needle guard 120 may become trapped due to the steepness 150 proximate the distal end of the flashback notch 148.

[0023] 3A-3D, an IV catheter assembly 200 is illustrated according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly 200 may be similar or identical to the prior art catheter assembly 10 in one or more components and / or operation. In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly 200 may include any suitable catheter assembly including an introducer needle with a flashback notch, such as, for example, the BD INSTAFLASH™ Needle Technology available from Becton, Dickinson & Company (Franklin Lake, New Jersey). In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly 200 may be similar to the BD SAF-T-INTIMA™ closed IV catheter system or the BD NEXIVA™ closed IV catheter system in one or more components and / or operation.

[0024] In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly 200 may include a catheter adapter 202 that may include a distal end 204, a proximal end 206, a lumen 208 extending through the distal end 204 of the catheter adapter 202 and the proximal end 206 of the catheter adapter 202, and an inner wall 210 that forms the lumen 208. In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly 200 may include a catheter 212 extending from the distal end 204 of the catheter adapter 202. In some embodiments, the catheter 212 may include a peripheral IV catheter, a midline catheter, or a peripherally inserted central catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter 212 may be hollow and tubular.

[0025] In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly 200 may include an introducer needle 214. The introducer needle may include a sharpened distal tip 216 and an elongated shaft 218 extending from the sharpened distal tip 216. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 214 may extend distally from a needle hub 215 coupled to the catheter adapter 202. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 214 may be movable between a ready position, in which the sharpened distal tip 216 is distal to the distal end of the catheter 212, and a retracted position proximal to the ready position. In some embodiments, when the introducer needle 214 is in the ready position, the IV catheter assembly 200 may be configured and ready for insertion into a patient.

[0026] In some embodiments, the elongate shaft 218 may include a flashback notch 220. In some embodiments, the flashback notch 220 may include a distal end 222 and a proximal end 224. In some embodiments, the flashback notch 220 may include a blunt tapered edge 226 that extends from the distal end 222 in a direction that increases the depth of the flashback notch 220. In some embodiments, the blunt tapered edge 226 may be formed by cutting the flashback notch 220 from the elongate shaft 218. In some embodiments, the distal end 222 may correspond to a distal-most surface of the flashback notch 220 and the proximal end 224 may correspond to a proximal-most surface of the flashback notch 220. In some embodiments, the distal end 222 may correspond to a distal-most surface of the blunt tapered edge 226. In some embodiments, the distal end 222 and the proximal end 224 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the introducer needle 214.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3B and 3D, in some embodiments, the proximal end of the blunt tapered edge 226 may be located at the deepest point 227 of the flashback notch 220. In some embodiments, the depth of the flashback notch 220 may increase proximally from the distal end 222 along the entirety of the blunt tapered edge 226. As shown in Figure 3B (and similarly in Figure 4B), in some embodiments, the blunt tapered edge 226 may extend along at least half of the entire length of the flashback notch 220 between the distal end 222 and the proximal end 224. This may provide a gradual proximal slope from the distal end 222 to reduce the risk of a particular needle guard (e.g., needle guard 120) becoming trapped in the flashback notch 220 during proximal retraction of the introducer needle 214 after insertion of the catheter 212 into a patient's vein.

[0028] In some embodiments, a blunt tapered edge 226 extending along at least half of the length of the flashback notch 220 can reduce the force required to retract the introducer needle 214 proximally to overcome the flashback notch 220. As shown in FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the width of the flashback notch 220 can increase from the distal end 222 to the proximal end 224 to form a teardrop shape. In some embodiments, when the flashback notch 220 has a blunt tapered edge 226, the teardrop shape can facilitate the flashback notch 220 having a shortened or acceptable length without compromising blood flashback through the flashback notch 220.

[0029] In some embodiments, the IV catheter assembly 200 may include a needle guard 228 that is slidably attached to the introducer needle 214. In some embodiments, the needle guard 228 may be similar or identical to the prior art needle guard 120 in one or more components and / or operation. In some embodiments, the needle guard 228 may include any suitable needle guard. Some examples of suitable needle guards may be disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,972,313, entitled "SPRING CLIP SAFETY IV CATHETER," filed November 22, 2006, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, when the introducer needle 214 is in the ready position, a portion of the needle guard 228 may contact the inner wall 210 of the catheter adapter 202, which may include one or more grooves, to retain the needle guard 228 within the catheter adapter 202. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the introducer needle 214 from the ready position to the retracted position, a portion of the needle guard 228 may be released from the inner wall to block the sharpened distal end 216.

[0030] In some embodiments, the flashback notch 220 may include a step 230 extending from the proximal end 224 of the flashback notch 220. In some embodiments, the step 230 may be transverse to the longitudinal axis 232 of the introducer needle 214. As shown in FIG. 3D, in some embodiments, the smooth tapered edge 226 may extend adjacent to the step 230. In other embodiments, the smooth tapered edge 226 may extend up to the step 230. In some embodiments, the step 230 transverse to the longitudinal axis 232 may allow the smooth tapered edge 226 to be longer while keeping the length of the flashback notch 220 the same. As shown in FIG. 3D, the step 230 may be disposed at an angle a equal to 90° to the longitudinal axis 232.

[0031] In some embodiments, in an orthogonal side view projection of the IV catheter assembly, such as in FIG. 3D , all of the tangents of the blunt tapered edge 226 may be at an angle of 30° or less relative to the longitudinal axis 232 of the introducer needle 214. This may reduce the risk of a particular needle guard becoming trapped in the flashback notch 220 during proximal retraction of the introducer needle 214 after insertion of the catheter 212 into a patient's vein. FIG. 3D shows one exemplary tangent 231 of the blunt tapered edge 226 disposed at an angle b relative to the longitudinal axis 232, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, all of the tangents of the blunt tapered edge 226 may be at an angle of 60° or less, 50° or less, 40° or less, 30° or less, or 20° or less relative to the longitudinal axis 232 to reduce the risk of a particular needle guard becoming trapped in the flashback notch 220 during retraction. It is understood that the angle of the blunt tapered edge 226 relative to the longitudinal axis 232 is greater than 0°. In some embodiments, in an orthogonal side view projection of the IV catheter assembly, all of the tangents of the blunt tapered edge 226 may be at an angle between 10° and 30° relative to the longitudinal axis 232, which can reduce the risk of the needle guard being caught in the blunt tapered edge 226 while at the same time facilitating the flow of flush blood.

[0032] In some embodiments, a blunt tapered edge 226 at the distal end 222 that includes a tangent that is about 30° (such as between 25° and 30°, or between 30° and 35°) to the longitudinal axis 232 may improve smooth retraction of the needle guard 228 onto the introducer needle 214 than a blunt tapered edge 226 that includes a tangent that is more than 30° to the longitudinal axis 232. In some embodiments, if the blunt tapered edge 226 at the distal end 222 includes a tangent that is less than about 10° to the longitudinal axis 232, the flashback notch 220 may not be deep enough to facilitate flow of flushed blood therethrough for visualization.

[0033] In some embodiments, a flashback notch 220 can be at the top of the introducer needle 214 to facilitate visualization of the flash blood exiting therefrom. The top of the introducer needle 214 can be directly between the patient and the clinician. In these embodiments, the flashback notch 220 can be aligned on the same side as the bevel of the sharp distal end 216 of the introducer needle 214.

[0034] In some embodiments, the introducer needle 214 may further include a needle feature 240 disposed on the elongate shaft 218. The needle feature 240 may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the needle feature 240 may include a first recess 242a and a second recess 242b opposite the first recess 242a. In some embodiments, the first recess 242a may be aligned with the flashback notch 220. In some embodiments, the needle feature 240 may include a first protrusion 244a and a second protrusion 244b opposite the first protrusion 244a. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 244a and the second protrusion 244b may be disposed between the first recess 242a and the second recess 242b.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first recess 242a may be disposed at the top of the introducer needle 214. The first recess 242a may be configured to contact the needle guard 228 as the introducer needle 214 is retracted proximally relative to the needle guard 228. In some embodiments, the second recess 242b may be disposed at the bottom of the introducer needle 214. Similarly, the second recess 242b may be configured to contact the needle guard 228 as the introducer needle 214 is retracted proximally relative to the needle guard 228. Thus, in some embodiments, the first recess 242a and / or the second recess 242b may reduce a risk of the needle guard 228 being caught in the needle feature 240.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 244a and the second protrusion 244b may be disposed on opposing sides of the introducer needle 214. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle 214 may pass through an opening in the rear wall of the needle guard 228, but interference of the first protrusion 244a and / or the second protrusion 244b with an opening that may have a smaller diameter than the needle feature 240 may prevent the introducer needle 214 from passing completely through the needle guard 228. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the introducer needle 214 from the ready position to the retracted position, the elongate shaft 218 may cease applying force to a portion thereof, releasing the portion from the inner wall of the catheter adapter 202 to block the sharpened distal end 216.

[0037] 4A-4B, in some embodiments, the flashback notch 246 may have an elliptical shape. In some embodiments, the flashback notch 246 may be similar or identical to the flashback notch 220 in one or more components and / or operation. In some embodiments, when the flashback notch 246 has a blunt tapered edge 226, the elliptical shape may facilitate the flashback notch 246 having a shortened or acceptable length without compromising blood flashback through the flashback notch 220. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the blunt tapered edge 226 extending along at least half of the entire length of the flashback notch 220 may reduce the force required to retract the introducer needle 214 proximally and overcome the flashback notch 220. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the blunt tapered edge 226 may extend along approximately half of the entire length of the flashback notch 220. In some embodiments, in an orthogonal side view projection of the IV catheter assembly, such as in FIG. 4B, all of the tangents to the smoothly tapered edge 226 may be at angles of 30° or less, which may provide the advantages discussed above.

[0038] All examples and conditional statements incorporated herein are intended for educational purposes to assist the reader in understanding the concepts contributed by the inventors and in further developing the present invention and technology, and are not to be construed as being limited to the specifically described examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. An intravenous catheter assembly including a catheter adapter, a catheter, an introducer needle, and a needle guard: the catheter adapter includes a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter, and an inner wall forming the lumen; a catheter extending from a distal end of the catheter adapter; the introducer needle includes a sharp distal end and an elongate shaft extending from the sharp distal end, the introducer needle being movable between a ready position in which the sharp distal end is distal to the distal end of the catheter and a retracted position proximal to the ready position, the elongate shaft including a flashback notch, the flashback notch including a distal end and a proximal end, the flashback notch including a smooth tapered edge extending from the distal end in a direction increasing a depth of the flashback notch, the smooth tapered edge extending along at least half of the entire length of the flashback notch between the distal end and the proximal end; and The needle guard is slidably attached to the introducer needle such that when the introducer needle is in the ready position, a portion of the needle guard contacts an inner wall of the catheter adapter to retain the needle guard within the catheter adapter, and upon movement of the introducer needle from the ready position to the retracted position, a portion of the needle guard is released from the inner wall to block the sharp distal end.

1. An intravenous catheter assembly comprising:

2. 2. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the width of the flashback notch increases from the distal end to the proximal end to form a teardrop shape.

3. 3. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 2, wherein the flashback notch includes a step extending from a proximal end of the flashback notch, the step being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the introducer needle.

4. 4. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 3, wherein a smooth tapered edge extends adjacent the step.

5. 2. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the flashback notch has an elliptical shape.

6. 2. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein in an orthogonal side projection of the intravenous catheter assembly, all of the tangents of the smooth tapered edges are at angles of 30° or less relative to the longitudinal axis of the introducer needle.

7. 2. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the introducer needle further comprises a needle feature disposed on the elongate shaft, the needle feature comprising a first recess and a second recess opposite the first recess, the first recess being aligned with the flashback notch.

8. 8. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 7, wherein the needle feature includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion opposite the first protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion being disposed between the first recess and the second recess.

9. 9. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 8, wherein a first recess is located at the top of the introducer needle, a second recess is located at the bottom of the introducer needle, and a first protrusion and a second protrusion are located on opposite sides of the introducer needle.

10. 2. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein upon movement of the introducer needle from the ready position to the retracted position, the elongate shaft ceases applying force to said portion, releasing said portion from the inner wall to block the sharp distal end.

11. An intravenous catheter assembly including a catheter adapter, a catheter, an introducer needle, and a needle guard, the catheter adapter includes a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter, and an inner wall forming the lumen; a catheter extending from a distal end of the catheter adapter; the introducer needle includes a sharpened distal end and an elongated shaft extending from the sharpened distal end, the introducer needle being movable between a ready position in which the sharpened distal end is distal to the distal end of the catheter and a retracted position proximal to the ready position, the elongated shaft including a flashback notch, the flashback notch including a distal end and a proximal end, the flashback notch including a blunt tapered edge extending from the distal end in a direction of increasing depth of the flashback notch, all of the tangents to the blunt tapered edge being at an angle of 30° or less relative to a longitudinal axis of the introducer needle in an orthogonal side view projection of the intravenous catheter assembly; and The needle guard is slidably attached to the introducer needle such that when the introducer needle is in the ready position, a portion of the needle guard contacts an inner wall of the catheter adapter to retain the needle guard within the catheter adapter, and upon movement of the introducer needle from the ready position to the retracted position, a portion of the needle guard is released from the inner wall to block the sharp distal end.

1. An intravenous catheter assembly comprising:

12. 12. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 11, wherein the width of the flashback notch increases from the distal end to the proximal end to form a teardrop shape.

13. 13. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 12, wherein the flashback notch includes a step extending from a proximal end of the flashback notch, the step being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the introducer needle.

14. 14. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 13, wherein a smooth tapered edge extends adjacent the step.

15. 12. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 11, wherein the flashback notch has an elliptical shape.

16. 12. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 11, wherein the introducer needle further comprises a needle feature disposed on the elongate shaft, the needle feature comprising a first recess and a second recess opposite the first recess, the first recess being aligned with the flashback notch.

17. 17. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 16, wherein the needle feature includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion opposite the first protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion being disposed between the first recess and the second recess.

18. 18. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 17, wherein a first recess is located at the top of the introducer needle, a second recess is located at the bottom of the introducer needle, and a first protrusion and a second protrusion are located on opposite sides of the introducer needle.

19. 12. The intravenous catheter assembly of claim 11, wherein a blunt tapered edge extends along at least half of the length of the flashback notch between the distal end and the proximal end.

20. An introducer needle comprising a sharp distal end and an elongated shaft extending from the sharp distal end, the elongated shaft including a flashback notch, the flashback notch including a distal end and a proximal end, the flashback notch including a smooth tapered edge extending from the distal end in a direction of increasing depth of the flashback notch, the width of the flashback notch increasing from the distal end to the proximal end to form a teardrop shape.

Images