CATHETER SYSTEM HAVING PUSH BUTTON SAFETY DEVICE - Patent application

Abstract

The catheter system may include a catheter assembly and a needle assembly. The needle assembly may include a cover disposed over a push button. An inner surface of the cover may include a protrusion and the cover may be configured to slide proximally. In response to the cover sliding proximally, the protrusion may be configured to contact the push button and the push button may be configured to be depressed. The push button may include a living hinge. The housing may include a flange that contacts a proximal end of the push button to prevent the proximal end of the push button from being depressed. In response to bending of the living hinge, the push button may be configured to move distally relative to the flange and be depressed. In response to depression of the push button, the needle hub may move proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] A common type of catheter assembly includes an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As the name suggests, an over-the-needle PIVC may be mounted on an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. 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 may be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC such that the bevel of the needle points up and away from the patient's skin just prior to insertion into the skin. The PIVC and introducer needle are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vasculature.

[0002] To confirm proper placement of the introducer needle and / or PIVC within the vessel, the practitioner may confirm the presence of blood flashback in the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. Once introducer needle placement is confirmed, the practitioner may remove the introducer needle and leave the PIVC in place for future blood withdrawal or infusion.

[0003] In some instances, a catheter assembly, such as the BD INSYTE™ AUTOGUARD™ shielded IV catheter, may include a push button configured to retract the introducer needle after the PIVC has been placed in the vein. The push button may be accidentally or inadvertently activated before venipuncture is complete, such as during assembly, packaging, shipping, or removal from packaging.

[0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any shortcomings, nor does it operate exclusively in such environments. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access devices and associated methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to catheter systems including push button safety devices, as well as associated devices and methods. In some embodiments, the push button safety device may prevent accidental or inadvertent retraction of an introducer needle before venipuncture is complete.

[0006] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral intravenous catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle assembly, which may include a housing. In some embodiments, the housing may include a barrel. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include an introducer needle, which may include a sharp distal tip. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a spring disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a push button.

[0008] In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a cover disposed over the push button. In some embodiments, the push button safety may include the cover. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the cover may include a protrusion. In some embodiments, the cover may be configured to slide proximally. In some embodiments, in response to the cover sliding proximally, the protrusion may be configured to contact the push button to depress the push button. In some embodiments, in response to depression of the push button, the spring may be configured to expand proximally to move the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle proximally. In some embodiments, the push button may include a protrusion for engaging the catheter adapter to prevent depression of the push button when the catheter adapter is in proximity to the catheter adapter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cover may be U-shaped and configured to fit over the top of the needle assembly. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the cover may include a plurality of rails on opposing sides of the inner surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the housing may include a plurality of elongated guides on opposing sides of the housing that contact the rails. In some embodiments, the rails may be configured to slide along the elongated guides as the cover slides proximally. In some embodiments, each of the elongated guides may include a groove. In some embodiments, each of the elongated guides may include a flange.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the elongate guides may include a housing snap projection. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the cover may include a cover snap projection. In some embodiments, the housing snap projection may be proximal to the cover snap projection. In some embodiments, the cover snap projection may be configured to snap over the housing snap projection in response to the cover sliding proximally.

[0011] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the cover may include another rail. In some embodiments, the cover snap projection may extend from the another rail. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include multiple shafts disposed on opposite sides of the housing. In some embodiments, the cover may be configured to slide along the shafts.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover may include a plurality of openings on opposing sides of the cover. In some embodiments, the shafts may extend through the openings. In some embodiments, each of the shafts may include at least one step. In some embodiments, the at least one step may be configured to contact the cover to provide resistance to proximal movement of the cover.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cover may include a plurality of rings forming the opening. In some embodiments, a plurality of arms may extend proximally from the rings. In some embodiments, the top surface of the cover may be angled upwardly in the proximal direction. In some embodiments, the top surface may include a plurality of ribs extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system.

[0014] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral intravenous catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter.

[0015] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle assembly, which may include a housing. In some embodiments, the housing may include a barrel. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include an introducer needle, which may include a sharp distal tip. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a spring disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a push button.

[0016] In some embodiments, the push button safety may include a push button configured to be depressed after distal movement of the push button. More specifically, in some embodiments, the push button may include a living hinge. In some embodiments, the housing may include a flange that contacts a proximal end of the push button to prevent the proximal end of the push button from being depressed. In some embodiments, in response to bending of the living hinge, the proximal end of the push button may be configured to move distally relative to the flange, and the push button may be configured to be depressed. In some embodiments, in response to depression of the push button, the spring may be configured to expand proximally to move the needle hub proximally within the barrel and retract the introducer needle proximally.

[0017] In some embodiments, the push button may include a protrusion for engaging the catheter adapter to prevent movement of the push button when the catheter adapter is adjacent the distal end of the barrel. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the button that is proximal to the living hinge may include a plurality of grip features. In some embodiments, the flange may be proximate to a cavity in the housing. In some embodiments, the push button may be configured to be forced into the cavity in response to bending of the living hinge, and movement of the proximal end of the push button is distal to the flange. In some embodiments, the distal end of the push button may be proximate to the housing when the flange contacts the proximal end of the push button.

[0018] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the invention as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangement and instrumentality illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless so claimed. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] Example embodiments are described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0020] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a prior art catheter system according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter system showing an exemplary cover, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of a distal end of an exemplary housing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1B according to some embodiments. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E is a side view of the catheter system of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1F is a top view of the catheter system of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1H] FIG. 1H is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 1B showing an example of a push button before it is pressed, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1I] FIG. 1I is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 1B showing the push button after it has been depressed, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1J] FIG. 1J is a top perspective view of an exemplary push button according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of another catheter system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the distal end of the catheter system of FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is an enlarged top perspective view of an exemplary guide, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a bottom perspective view of the cover according to some embodiments. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a close-up side view of another example rail, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a top perspective view of the catheter system of FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of another exemplary catheter system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of a cover according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C]FIG. 3C is a side view of the cover of FIG. 3B according to some embodiments. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of an exemplary arm, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a top perspective view of an exemplary shaft, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3F] FIG. 3F is a side view of the catheter system of FIG. 3A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3G] FIG. 3G is a top view of the catheter system of FIG. 3G, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of another catheter system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top view of the catheter system of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is another cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 4A showing an exemplary push button in a proximal position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E is another cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 4A showing an exemplary push button in a distal position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4F is a side view of the catheter system of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] 1A, there is shown a prior art catheter system 10. The prior art catheter system 10 includes a catheter assembly 12 coupled to a needle assembly 14. The catheter assembly 12 includes a catheter 16 extending distally from a distal end of a catheter adapter 18. The needle assembly 14 includes an introducer needle 20 that extends through the catheter 16 to facilitate insertion of the catheter 16 through a patient's vein.

[0022] The needle assembly 14 includes a push button 22 configured to retract the introducer needle 20 into the barrel 24 of the needle assembly 14 when the push button 22 is pressed or depressed. Some examples of catheter systems that may include the push button 22 are the BD INSYTE™ AUTOGUARD™ Shielded IV Catheter, BD INSYTE™ AUTOGUARD™ BC Shielded IV Catheter, and the AcuCath ACE™ Intravascular Catheter available from Becton Dickinson, Inc., Franklin Lakes, NJ. Another example of a catheter system that may include the push button 22 is the SUPERCATH™ 5 Safety IV Catheter available from ICU Medical, Inc., San Clemente, CA. The push button 22 and retraction of the introducer needle 20 aids in reducing needlestick injuries. Unfortunately, in some cases, the push button 22 may be accidentally or inadvertently activated by a user prior to completion of venipuncture, for example, due to mishandling or during assembly, packaging, shipping, or removal from packaging.

[0023] 1B-1I, in some embodiments, the catheter system 30 may reduce or eliminate accidental actuation of the push button by restricting access to the push button. In some embodiments, the catheter system 30 may include a catheter assembly 32, which may include a catheter adapter 34. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 34 may include a distal end 36, a proximal end 38, and a catheter adapter lumen 40 extending through the distal end 36 of the catheter adapter 34 and the proximal end 38 of the catheter adapter 34. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 32 may include a catheter 42 extending from the distal end 36 of the catheter adapter 34. In some embodiments, the catheter 42 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter.

[0024] In some embodiments, the catheter system 30 may include a needle assembly 44, which may include a housing 46. In some embodiments, the housing 46 may include a barrel 48. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 44 may include an introducer needle 50, which may include a sharpened distal tip 52 and a proximal end 54. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 44 may include a needle hub 56 coupled to the introducer needle 50 and movably disposed within the barrel 48, which may shield the user from the introducer needle 50 and / or blood following retraction of the introducer needle 50 into the barrel 48. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 44 may include a spring 58 disposed within the housing 46. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 44 may include a push button 60.

[0025] In some embodiments, the push button 60 may operate similarly to the activation latch described in U.S. Patent No. 5,501,675, filed Dec. 27, 1994, entitled "Safety Catheter Assembly with Safety Stop Push Button," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the push button 60 may operate in a different manner to shield a particular introducer needle. In some embodiments, the spring 58 may be disposed around the introducer needle 50, and the spring 58 may extend between the needle hub 56 and the distal end of the barrel 48. In some embodiments, the push button 60 may extend into the barrel 48 via a cavity or slot formed in the barrel 48 adjacent the distal end of the barrel 48. In some embodiments, the push button 60 may include an opening 64 configured to allow the introducer needle 50 and the needle hub 56 to pass through the push button 60. In some embodiments, the opening 64 may be keyhole shaped. In some embodiments, the push button 60 may include a protrusion 66, which may extend toward the distal end of the catheter 42 and the catheter assembly 32.

[0026] In some embodiments, when the push button 60 is in the unactuated position "up," a smaller portion of the opening 64 may communicate with the lumen 68 of the barrel 48. In some embodiments, in this position, the smaller portion of the opening 64 may engage the needle hub 56 to hold the needle hub 56 adjacent the distal end of the barrel 48 against the force of the spring 58. In some embodiments, the needle hub 56 may include a distal flare such that a middle portion of the needle hub 56 has a smaller diameter than the distal flare. In some embodiments, the needle hub 56 may include an hourglass shape. In some embodiments, the distal flare and / or the hourglass shape may facilitate engagement between the smaller portion of the opening 64 and the needle hub 56. In some embodiments, the protrusion 66 may be disposed inside the catheter adapter 34 when the push button 60 is in the unactuated position. Thus, in some embodiments, the protrusion 66 may prevent the push button 60 from being pressed or moved "down" to the actuated position when the catheter 42 is still positioned on the introducer needle 50 with the catheter adapter 34 adjacent the distal end of the housing 46.

[0027] In some embodiments, protrusion 66 may include a length of about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the length of protrusion 66 should be long enough to allow protrusion 66 to engage catheter adapter 34 when catheter adapter 34 is adjacent the distal end of housing 46. However, in some embodiments, protrusion 66 should not be so long as to interfere with the use of catheter 42 and introducer needle 50.

[0028] In some embodiments, when the catheter 42 is moved away from the introducer needle 50 such that the catheter adapter 34 is not adjacent to the distal end of the housing 46, the push button 60 may be moved "down" because the catheter adapter 34 no longer impedes the movement of the protrusion 66. In some embodiments, in this position, a larger portion of the opening 64 may no longer engage the needle hub 56. In some embodiments, the larger portion of the opening 64 should be larger than the maximum diameter of the needle hub 56. In some embodiments, the spring 58 may thus bias the needle hub 56 against the proximal end of the barrel 48 to withdraw the sharp distal tip 52 of the introducer needle 50 into the barrel 48.

[0029] In some embodiments, the protrusion 66 of the push button 60 may also be angled. This configuration allows a user to actuate the push button 60 by firmly depressing the push button 60. In some embodiments, this downward force will transmit some axial force to the catheter adapter 34 because the protrusion 66 is wedge shaped. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 34 will then be advanced distally to provide a way to depress the push button 60. In some embodiments, the wedge should be at an angle of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter 34.

[0030] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 44 may include a cover 70 disposed over the push button 60 and configured to slide relative to the housing 46. In some embodiments, the cover 70 may be disposed over any suitable push button configured to proximally retract the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the cover 70 may be configured to slide between a first position in which the cover 70 is on top of the push button 60 and a second position in which the cover 70 is offset from the push button 60 to allow a user to access the push button 60 to depress the push button 60. In some embodiments, the first position may be distal to the second position, which may facilitate proximal movement of the cover 70 by one finger of the user, such as an index finger. In some embodiments, the cover 70 may be configured to slide by applying a linear force in the longitudinal direction or along the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 30. In some embodiments, this may reduce the risk of inadvertent sliding of the cover 70, since a linear force is configured to slide the cover 70 as opposed to a normal force.

[0031] In some embodiments, the inner surface 74 of the cover 70 may include a protrusion 72. In some embodiments, the cover 70 may be configured to slide proximally. In some embodiments, the protrusion 66 may be configured to contact and depress or actuate the push button 60 in response to the cover 70 sliding proximally. In some embodiments, the protrusion 66 may be configured to contact and depress the push button 60 when the catheter adapter 34 is spaced from the housing 46 (such that the protrusion 66 enables depression of the push button 60). In some embodiments, the push button 60 may not include a protrusion, and the protrusion 66 may be configured to contact and depress the push button 60 when the catheter adapter 34 is spaced from or proximal to the housing 46.

[0032] In some embodiments, the push button 60 may be depressed when the protrusion 72 contacts the push button 60 and / or when the catheter adapter 34 is spaced from the housing 46 (such that the protrusion 66 allows for depression of the push button 60). In some embodiments, in response to depression of the push button 60, the spring 58 may be configured to expand proximally to move the needle hub 56 proximally within the barrel 48 and retract the introducer needle 50 proximally. In some embodiments, the push button 60 may include a protrusion 66 for engaging the catheter adapter 34 to prevent the push button 60 from being depressed when the catheter adapter 34 is proximal to the housing 46, such as when it is contacting or fully seated in the housing 46.

[0033] In some embodiments, the cover 70 may be U-shaped and configured to fit over the top of the needle assembly 44. In some embodiments, the inner surface 74 of the cover 70 may include a number of rails 76 on opposing sides of the inner surface 74 of the cover 70. In some embodiments, the outer surface 78 of the housing 46 may include a number of elongated guides 80 on opposing sides of the housing 46 that contact the rails 76. In some embodiments, the rails 76 may be configured to slide along the elongated guides 80 as the cover 70 is slid proximally.

[0034] 1B-1C, in some embodiments, each of the elongate guides 80 may include a groove or slot, which may be generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the catheter system 30. In some embodiments, the rail 76 may be configured to insert into and slide along the elongate guide 80. In some embodiments, the elongate guide 80 may include a distal end 81 and a proximal end 85.

[0035] 2A-2E, a catheter system 83 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the catheter system 83 may be similar or identical to the catheter system 30 of FIGS. 1B-1I in one or more components and / or operation. In some embodiments, each of the elongated guides 80 may include a flange or elongated protrusion, which may be generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 30. In some embodiments, at least one of the elongated guides 80 may include a housing snap protrusion 84. In some embodiments, the inner surface 74 of the cover 70 may include a cover snap protrusion 86. In some embodiments, the housing snap protrusion 84 may be proximal to the cover snap protrusion 86. In some embodiments, the cover snap protrusion 86 may be configured to snap into contact with and over the housing snap protrusion 84 in response to the cover 70 sliding proximally, thereby facilitating the fixation of the cover 70 in a first position over the push button 60 until purposefully moved by a user.

[0036] In some embodiments, the inner surface 74 of the cover 70 may include another rail 88. In some embodiments, the cover snap projection 86 may extend from the other rail 88. In some embodiments, the elongated guide 80, which is a flange or elongated projection, may be disposed between the other rail 88 and the rail 76. In some embodiments, the elongated guide 80 may contact the other rail 88 and the rail 76 to facilitate smooth sliding of the cover 70 through the space between the other rail 88 and the rail 76. In some embodiments, the inner surface 74 may include the cover snap projection 86 and another similar cover snap projection opposite the cover snap projection 86. In some embodiments, the other similar cover snap projection may extend from another rail similar to the other rail 88, but opposite, and spaced apart from the rail 76a (see, e.g., FIG. 2D), which may contact the particular elongated guide 80.

[0037] 3A-3G, a catheter system 89 according to some embodiments is illustrated. In some embodiments, the catheter system 89 may be similar or identical in one or more components and / or operation to the catheter system 30 of FIGS. 1B-1I and / or the catheter system 83 of FIGS. 2A-2E. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 44 may include multiple shafts 90, such as a first shaft and a second shaft disposed on opposite sides of the housing 46. In some embodiments, the shafts 90 may be cylindrical or other suitable shape configured to facilitate sliding of the cover 70 along the shafts 90. In some embodiments, the cover 70 may be configured to slide along the shafts 90. In some embodiments, the cover 70 may include multiple openings 91 on opposite sides of the cover 70. In some embodiments, the shafts 90 may extend through the openings 91.

[0038] In some embodiments, each of the shafts 90 may include at least one step 92, which may include an annular ring. In some embodiments, the at least one step 92 may be configured to contact the cover 70 to provide resistance to proximal movement of the cover 70. In some embodiments, the cover 70 may include a plurality of rings 94 forming the opening 91. In some embodiments, a plurality of arms 96 may extend proximally from the rings 94. In some embodiments, the at least one step 92 may contact the arms 96 during sliding of the cover 70 proximally to increase friction or resistance between the arms 96 and the shafts 90. In these and other embodiments, the arms 96 may be configured to bias outwardly past the at least one step 92 in response to a linear force applied by a user.

[0039] In some embodiments, the shaft 90 may include a first step 92a and a second step 92b proximal to the first step 92a, which may provide a dual step snap-engagement mechanism. More specifically, in some embodiments, the arm 96 may be configured to snap onto the first step 92a when the cover 70 is in the first position to provide for securing the cover 70 in the first position. In some embodiments, in response to a linear force, the cover 70 may slide proximally to a second position where the arm 96 may snap onto the second step 92b. In these and other embodiments, the arm 96 may include a protrusion or hook shape to facilitate snapping onto at least one step 92.

[0040] In some embodiments, the top surface 98 of the cover 70 may be angled upwardly in the proximal direction, which may facilitate placing a user's fingers on the top surface 98 to slide the cover 70 from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, the top surface 98 may include a number of ribs 100 that extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 30. In some embodiments, the ribs 100 may facilitate gripping by the user's fingers. In some embodiments, the cover 70 may be actuated or slid using one finger or two fingers.

[0041] 4A-4F, a catheter system 102 is illustrated according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 102 may include or correspond in one or more components and / or operation to one or more of the catheter system 89 of FIGS. 3A-3G, the catheter system 30 of FIGS. 1B-1I, and the catheter system 83 of FIGS. 2A-2E.

[0042] In some embodiments, the push button 60 may include a living hinge 61. In some embodiments, the push button 60 may be one piece monolithically formed as a single unit. In some embodiments, the housing 46 may include a flange 104 that contacts or interferes with the proximal end 106 of the push button 60 to prevent the proximal end 106 of the push button 60 from being depressed. In some embodiments, the proximal end 106 of the push button 60 may be configured to move distally relative to the flange 104 in response to a user bending the living hinge 61, such as by bringing the proximal end 106 of the push button 60 closer to a distal end 112 of the push button 60.

[0043] In some embodiments, the push button 60 having a proximal end 106 displaced distally relative to the flange may be configured to be depressed when the catheter adapter 34 is spaced apart from the housing 46 (with the protrusion 66 allowing depression of the push button 60). In some embodiments, the push button 60 may not include a protrusion, and the push button 60 displaced distally relative to the flange may be configured to be depressed when the catheter adapter 34 is spaced apart from or proximal to the housing 46. In some embodiments, in response to depression of the push button 60, the spring 58 may be configured to expand proximally to displace the needle hub 56 proximally within the barrel 48 and retract the introducer needle 50 proximally.

[0044] In some embodiments, the shape of the push button 60 may allow a user to push the push button 60 forward (distal) and then downward (towards the patient as the catheter system 102 is inserted into the patient). In some embodiments, the shape of the push button 60 may allow a user to simultaneously push the push button 60 forward and downward. In some embodiments, the proximal end 106 of the push button 60, proximal to the living hinge 61, may include a number of grip features 108, which may facilitate movement of the push button 60, such as by a user's index finger. In some embodiments, the grip features 108 may extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 102.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flange 104 may be adjacent to a cavity 110 in the housing 46. In some embodiments, the push button 60 may be configured to depress into the cavity 110 when the proximal end 106 of the push button 60 is moved distally relative to the flange 104 and / or when the catheter adapter 34 is moved away from the housing 46. In some embodiments, the distal end 112 of the push button 60 may be adjacent to the housing 46 when the flange 104 contacts the proximal end 106 of the push button 60, which may prevent blood from leaking from the housing 46 when the introducer needle 50 is retracted into the housing 46. In these embodiments, the distal end 112 of the push button 60 may contact the housing 46 or may be slightly spaced from the housing 46.

[0046] All examples and conditional language incorporated herein are intended for educational purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further develop the art, and are not to be construed as being limited to such specifically incorporated 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 therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. The catheter system 1. A catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and through the proximal end of the catheter adapter; and a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; a catheter assembly comprising:

1. A needle assembly comprising: A housing having a barrel; an introducer needle with a sharp distal tip; a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel; A spring disposed within the housing; Push buttons, and a cover disposed over the push button, an inner surface of the cover including a protrusion, the cover configured to slide proximally, the protrusion configured to contact the push button in response to the cover sliding proximally, the push button configured to be depressed in response to the protrusion contacting the push button, and in response to depression of the push button, the spring configured to expand proximally to move the needle hub proximally within the barrel and retract the introducer needle proximally; a needle assembly comprising: A catheter system comprising:

2. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the cover is U-shaped and configured to fit over the top of the needle assembly.

3. 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the cover comprises a plurality of rails on opposing sides of the inner surface of the cover, and the outer surface of the housing comprises a plurality of elongated guides contacting the plurality of rails on opposing sides of the housing, and the plurality of rails are configured to slide along the plurality of elongated guides as the cover slides proximally.

4. The catheter system of claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of elongate guides comprises a groove.

5. The catheter system of claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of elongate guides includes a flange.

6. 6. The catheter system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of elongated guides comprises a housing snap projection, and the inner surface of the cover further comprises a cover snap projection, the housing snap projection being at a proximal end of the cover snap projection, and the cover snap projection being configured to snap over the housing snap projection in response to the cover sliding proximally.

7. The catheter system of claim 6 , wherein the inner surface of the cover includes a further rail, and the cover snap projection extends from the further rail.

8. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the needle assembly further comprises a plurality of shafts disposed on opposite sides of the housing, the cover being configured to slide along the plurality of shafts.

9. The catheter system of claim 8 , wherein the cover includes a plurality of openings on opposite sides of the cover, the plurality of shafts extending through the plurality of openings.

10. The catheter system of claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of shafts includes at least one step.

11. The catheter system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one shoulder is configured to contact the cover to provide resistance to proximal movement of the cover.

12. The catheter system of claim 9 , wherein the cover comprises a plurality of rings that define the plurality of openings, the cover further comprising a plurality of arms extending proximally from the plurality of rings.

13. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the cover is angled upwardly in the proximal direction.

14. The catheter system of claim 13 , wherein the top surface comprises a plurality of ribs extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system.

15. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the push button includes a protrusion for engaging with the catheter adapter to prevent depression of the push button when the catheter adapter is in close proximity to the catheter adapter.

16. The catheter system 1. A catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and through the proximal end of the catheter adapter; a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; a catheter assembly comprising:

1. A needle assembly comprising: A housing having a barrel; an introducer needle with a sharp distal tip; a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel; A spring disposed within the housing; and a push button with a living hinge, the housing further comprising a flange contacting a proximal end of the push button to prevent the proximal end of the push button from being depressed, the push button configured to move distally relative to the flange in response to bending of the living hinge, the push button configured to be depressed in response to the push button moving distally relative to the flange, and the spring configured to expand proximally in response to depression of the push button to move the needle hub proximally within the barrel and retract the introducer needle proximally; a needle assembly comprising: A catheter system comprising:

17. 17. The catheter system of claim 16, wherein the push button includes a protrusion for engagement with the catheter adapter to prevent movement of the push button when the catheter adapter is adjacent the distal end of the barrel.

18. The catheter system of claim 16, wherein the proximal end of the button proximal to the living hinge comprises a plurality of gripping features.

19. 17. The catheter system of claim 16, wherein the flange is adjacent to a cavity in the housing, the push button is configured to depress into the cavity in response to bending of the living hinge, and movement of the proximal end of the push button is distal relative to the flange.

20. The catheter system of claim 16, wherein a distal end of the push button may be proximate the housing when the flange is in contact with the proximal end of the push button.

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