Vascular access device having phosphorescent properties

Abstract

The catheter assembly (10) may include a catheter hub (12) that may include a distal end (14), a proximal end (16), a lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends, and a side port (18) disposed between the distal and proximal ends. The catheter assembly may also include a catheter (20) extending distally from the catheter hub, an extension set (22) coupled to the catheter hub, a catheter hub stabilizer (36) coupled to the catheter hub, a needle hub (24) coupled to the proximal end of the catheter hub, and an introducer needle (26) coupled to the needle hub and extending through the catheter. One or more of the extension set, catheter hub, or catheter hub stabilizer may be phosphorescent. The instrument advancement (44) device or syringe (56) may include one or more phosphorescent features.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] background A common type of catheter assembly includes the over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As the name suggests, the over-the-needle PIVC may be mounted on an introducer needle with a sharp distal tip. The catheter assembly may include a catheter hub, a PIVC extending distally from the catheter hub, 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 with the bevel of the needle facing up and away from the patient's skin just prior to insertion into the skin. The PIVC and introducer needle are typically inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vein. [Background technology]

[0002] To confirm proper placement of the introducer needle and / or PIVC within the blood vessel, the practitioner may observe the presence of a flashback of blood within the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. In some cases, blood may enter the introducer needle and exit the introducer needle's flashback notch into the flashback chamber where it becomes visible to the practitioner. Once introducer needle placement is confirmed by observation of blood, the practitioner may remove the introducer needle and leave the PIVC in place within the blood vessel for future blood withdrawals or infusions.

[0003] To draw blood or administer fluids through a PIVC, practitioners may turn on the lights in the patient's room, disturbing or waking the patient. This exposure to light can alter the body's secretion of melatonin, making it difficult for patients to get back to sleep after being woken up. Disrupting a patient's sleep cycle can impair their recovery, as the sleep cycle is essential for healing.

[0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages, nor does it operate exclusively in the environments described above. 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] The present disclosure generally relates to a vascular access device having one or more phosphorescent features. In some embodiments, the vascular access device may include a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter hub, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end, and a side port disposed between the distal end and the proximal end.

[0006] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a septum configured to be disposed within a lumen of the catheter hub to prevent leakage of fluid from the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter extending distally from the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"), a peripherally inserted central catheter ("PICC"), a midline catheter, an arterial catheter, a central venous catheter ("CVC"), or other suitable catheter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include an extension set coupled to the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter hub stabilizer coupled to the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a needle hub coupled to a proximal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include an introducer needle coupled to the needle hub and extending through the catheter. In some embodiments, the extension set, the catheter hub, or the catheter hub stabilizer may be phosphorescent.

[0008] In some embodiments, the extension set may extend proximally from the side port and may include an extension tube and a luer adapter disposed on the proximal end of the extension tube. In some embodiments, the luer adapter may be luminous. In some embodiments, the extension set may extend proximally from the side port and may include an extension tube and a clamp disposed on the extension tube. In some embodiments, the clamp is luminous. In some embodiments, the luer adapter and the clamp may be luminous.

[0009] In some embodiments, the extension set may extend proximally from the side port. In some embodiments, the extension set may include an extension tube and a luer adapter disposed at a proximal end of the extension tube, and the extension set may further include another extension tube extending from the side port and coupled to another luer adapter. In some embodiments, the extension tube may extend from another luer adapter. In some embodiments, the other luer adapter may be phosphorescent.

[0010] In some embodiments, the distal end of the catheter hub may be luminous. In some embodiments, the catheter stabilization device may be luminous. In some embodiments, the catheter stabilization device may include wings extending outwardly from the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the wings may be luminous. In some embodiments, the catheter stabilization device may include a platform selectively coupled to the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the platform may be luminous.

[0011] In some embodiments, the vascular access device may include an instrument advancement device, which may be configured to advance an instrument distally through the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device may include a housing, which may include a slot. In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device may include an advancement tab disposed in the slot. In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device may include an instrument disposed within the housing and coupled to the advancement tab. In some embodiments, the instrument may include a guidewire or a catheter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device may include a distal connector configured to couple to a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the instrument may include a guidewire or a catheter. In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device may include a support feature disposed within the housing and configured to reduce buckling of the instrument. In some embodiments, the support feature, advancement tab, or distal connector may be phosphorescent. In some embodiments, the advancement tab may be phosphorescent. In some embodiments, the distal connector may be phosphorescent. In some embodiments, the support feature may be phosphorescent.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vascular access device may include a syringe configured to be coupled to the catheter assembly to aspirate blood and / or flush the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the syringe may include a barrel, which may include a distal end configured to couple to the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the syringe may include a plunger configured to be depressed into the barrel. In some embodiments, the syringe may include a light-storing feature, which may include a light-storing material molded into the barrel, or a sticker on the barrel with light-storing text indicating a volume. In some embodiments, the light-storing feature may include a sticker, and the light-storing text may include a number of numbers.

[0014] 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 structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless so claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] Example embodiments will be described and elaborated upon with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter assembly illustrating an exemplary light-storing extension set, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary stabilization device configured to selectively couple to a catheter hub, illustrating another exemplary set of light-storing extensions, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a catheter assembly showing an exemplary light-accumulating stabilizer and an exemplary light-accumulating catheter hub, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a stabilization device configured to selectively couple to a catheter hub, showing an exemplary light-storing platform, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an exemplary instrument advancement device, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an exemplary syringe, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary light-storing bandage placed on a patient's arm, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Description of the embodiments The present disclosure generally relates to a vascular access device having one or more light-storing features. In some embodiments, the light-storing features may facilitate operation of the vascular access device by a practitioner without turning on the lights in the patient's room, thus reducing light interference with the patient's sleep. Exemplary light-storing features in Figures 1-5 and 7 are illustrated as stripes.

[0018] 1 , in some embodiments, a vascular access device may include a catheter assembly 10. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 10 may include a catheter hub 12, which may include a distal end 14, a proximal end 16, and a lumen extending through the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16. In some embodiments, the catheter hub 12 may include a side port 18 disposed between the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16. In some embodiments, the side port 18 may be in fluid communication with the lumen extending through the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16.

[0019] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 10 may include a septum configured to be disposed within the lumen of the catheter hub 12 to prevent leakage of fluid from the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 10 may include a catheter 20 extending distally from the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the catheter 20 may include a peripherally inserted central catheter (PIVC), a peripherally inserted central catheter, a midline catheter, or another suitable catheter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 10 may include an extension set 22 coupled to the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 10 may include a needle hub 24 coupled to the proximal end 16 of the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 10 may include an introducer needle 26 coupled to the needle hub 24 and extending through the catheter 20.

[0021] In some embodiments, the extension set 22 may extend proximally from the side port 18 and may include an extension tube 28 and a luer adapter 30 disposed at the proximal end of the extension tube 28. In some embodiments, the extension set 22 may include an extension tube 28 and a clamp 31 disposed on the extension tube 28. In some embodiments, the clamp 31 may be movable between a clamped position that prevents fluid from traveling through the extension tube 28 and an unclamped position. In some embodiments, the extension tube 28 may extend from the side port 18. In other embodiments, the extension set 22 may include another extension tube 32 that may extend from the side port 18 and be connected to another luer adapter 34. In some embodiments, the extension tube 28 may extend from another luer adapter 30.

[0022] In some embodiments, the one or more light retaining features of the catheter assembly 10 may facilitate operation of the vascular access device by a practitioner without turning on the lights in the patient's room, reducing light interference with the patient's sleep. In some embodiments, the one or more light retaining features may include features that a practitioner contacts to perform a procedure using the vascular access device, such as administering fluids or drawing blood.

[0023] In some embodiments, the clamp 31 may be luminous, which may facilitate the practitioner to turn on a light to unclamp the clamp 31 during an infusion or blood withdrawal procedure without disturbing the patient. In some embodiments, the infusion may include a flushing step to flush the catheter. In some embodiments, the luer adapter 30 may be luminous, which may illuminate to facilitate attachment of a blood withdrawal or infusion device to the luer adapter 30 without disturbing the patient. In some embodiments, the other luer adapter 34 may be luminous, which may illuminate to facilitate attachment of a blood withdrawal or infusion device to the other luer adapter 34 without disturbing the patient. In some embodiments, the other luer adapter 34 may include a needleless access connector, which may include a valve therein. In some embodiments, the valve may be luminous. In some embodiments, the luminous material of the valve may include silicone and phosphorus, which are available in medical grades.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more light-storing features may include a light-storing material dispersed in a matrix of the body, which may include a light-transmitting component. Additionally, or alternatively, the light-storing material may be disposed on the surface of the body as a coating. In some embodiments, when the one or more light-storing materials are exposed to an external light source, the light-storing material may absorb radiant energy from the external light source, and electrons in the light-storing material are excited. In some embodiments, when the electrons are in an excited state, the light-storing material exhibits a glow light discharge for a period of time determined by the decay of the excited state electrons. In some embodiments, the glow light discharge may be at a wavelength within the visible light spectrum, including wavelengths of about 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers, which may facilitate visualization by the practitioner, as the one or more light-storing features "glow in the dark."

[0025] In some embodiments, the body in which the light-storing material may be dispersed may comprise a polymeric material such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, plastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the body of the light-storing feature may be molded from a polymeric material, and the light-storing material may include zinc sulfide or radioisotope based pigments to enhance brightness. In some embodiments, the body may be molded from CGX 111274, a 45% loaded polycarbonate material that utilizes glow-in-the-dark pigments based on strontium aluminate oxide chemistry.

[0026] In some embodiments, the light-storing material may be selected from materials known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of light-storing materials include non-oxide light-storing materials, such as zinc sulfide phosphors, which may be rapidly excited to achieve maximum brightness. Zinc sulfide generally exhibits a glow light discharge in a shorter time than other light-storing materials. Zinc sulfide compositions may be doped with at least one transition metal or rare earth metal to enhance photoluminescence excitation. For example, zinc sulfide doped with copper metal, i.e., ZnS:Cu, may provide a glow light discharge requiring only a few seconds of ultraviolet or incident light exposure. Other zinc sulfide compositions may be configured to provide a glow light discharge having a particular hue. For example, zinc sulfide doped with silver metal, i.e., ZnS:Ag, may provide a blue glow light discharge. Zinc sulfide doped with manganese metal, i.e., ZnS:Mn, may provide a green glow light discharge. These and other zinc sulfide compositions are known to those skilled in the art to provide a glow light discharge in response to photoluminescence excitation.

[0027] Other light storage bodies include long decay time light storage bodies such as oxide light storage bodies, including but not limited to oxide ceramic light storage bodies. Similar to zinc sulfide compositions, oxide ceramic light storage bodies may be doped with rare earth metals and the like. This type of light storage body generally exhibits long decay times. For example, alkaline earth metal oxide aluminate materials may have a longer glow light discharge time after exposure to radiant energy of appropriate wavelengths. These light storage bodies may be exposed to light for a longer period of time to achieve excitation and provide a longer and brighter glow light discharge compared to non-oxide light storage bodies. A typical alkaline earth oxide aluminate may provide a glow light discharge that is still visible after about 24 hours. Suitable examples of non-oxide light storage bodies include, but are not intended to be limited to, strontium aluminate oxide doped with europium, strontium aluminate oxide doped with europium and dysprosium, and the like. Other suitable compositions are known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 10 may include multiple luminous features that may increase the light emitted from the catheter assembly 10 to facilitate manipulation of the catheter assembly 10 by a practitioner in the dark. For example, more than one of the luer adapter 30, the other luer adapter 34, and the clamp 31 may be luminous. In some embodiments, portions of the catheter assembly 10 that are unlikely to be contacted by a practitioner to perform blood draws and / or infusions may not be luminous, limiting the amount of light emitted by the catheter assembly 10 to reduce risk of disrupting the patient and their sleep cycle.

[0029] 2, in some embodiments, the catheter hub stabilizer 36 may include a platform 38 and may be selectively coupled to the proximal end 16 of the catheter hub 12 (see FIG. 1) following removal of the needle hub 24 and introducer needle 26. In these and other embodiments, the catheter assembly 10 may not include one or more wings 40. In some embodiments, the distal end 39 of the catheter hub stabilizer 36 may be inserted and / or threaded with the proximal end 16 of the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the extension set 22 may extend from the catheter hub stabilizer 36. In some embodiments, a separate luer adapter 42 may be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter hub stabilizer 36, which may include a fluid path therein in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter hub 12 and the extension set 22.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more of the clamp 31, the luer adapter 30, and the other luer adapter 42 may be luminous. In some embodiments, the other luer adapter 42 may be luminous, which may illuminate to facilitate attachment of a blood drawing or infusion device to the other luer adapter 42 without disturbing the patient. In some embodiments, the other luer adapter 42 may include a needleless access connector, which may include a valve therein. In some embodiments, the valve may be luminous.

[0031] 3, in some embodiments, the catheter hub stabilizer may include one or more wings 40. In some embodiments, the one or more wings 40 may extend outward from the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the wings 40 may be luminous, which may light up to facilitate a practitioner's grip and insertion of the catheter assembly 10 into the patient's vasculature without disturbing the patient. In these and other embodiments, the distal end 14 of the catheter hub 12 may be luminous, which may light up to facilitate a practitioner's visualization of how far to insert the catheter assembly 10 into the patient's vasculature without disturbing the patient. In some embodiments, the luminous material of the platform 38 may include silicone and phosphorus, which are available in medical grades.

[0032] In some embodiments, portions of the catheter assembly 10 that are unlikely to be contacted by a practitioner to insert the catheter assembly 10 into a patient may not be phosphorescent to limit the amount of light emitted by the catheter assembly 10 and reduce the risk of disrupting the patient and their sleep cycle. For example, the portion of the catheter hub 12 between the wings 40 may not be phosphorescent.

[0033] 4, in some embodiments, the platform 38 may be luminous, which may facilitate a practitioner positioning the catheter hub stabilization device 36 for connection to the proximal end 16 of the catheter hub 12. In some embodiments, the platform 38 or other catheter stabilization device end may be luminous, which may limit the amount of light emitted by the catheter assembly 10 to reduce the risk of disturbing the patient and their sleep cycle. In some embodiments, the luminous material of the platform 38 may include silicone and phosphorus, which are available in medical grades.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the vascular access device may include an instrument advancement device 44, which may be configured to advance an instrument 46 distally through the catheter assembly 10 (see FIGS. 1-4). In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device 44 may be similar or identical in one or more functions and / or operation to the PIVO™ device previously available from Velano Vascular™. In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device 44 may include a housing 47, which may include a slot 48. In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device 44 may include an advancement tab 50 disposed within the slot 48. In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device 44 may include an instrument 46 disposed within the housing 47 and coupled to the advancement tab 50. In some embodiments, the instrument 46 may include a guidewire or a catheter.

[0035] In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device 44 may include a distal connector 52 configured to be coupled to the catheter assembly 10. In some embodiments, the distal connector 52 may include two prongs configured to clamp the proximal end 16 of the catheter hub 12, and a central portion of the distal connector 52 may be inserted into a lumen of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device 44 may include a support feature 54 disposed within the housing 47 and configured to reduce buckling of the instrument 46. In some embodiments, the support feature may include a tubular structure or other suitable structure.

[0036] In some embodiments, the distal connector 52 may be luminous, which may facilitate attachment of the instrument advancement device 44 to another luer adapter 42 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) and / or the proximal end 16 of the catheter hub 12 without illuminating a light and disturbing the patient. In some embodiments, the advancement tab 50 may be luminous, which may facilitate movement of the advancement tab 50 along the slot 48 to advance the instrument 46 through the catheter assembly and into the patient and / or retract the instrument 46 without illuminating a light and disturbing the patient. In some embodiments, the support feature 54 may be luminous, which may facilitate visualization of the housing 47 for grasping by the practitioner. In these and other embodiments, the housing 47 may be translucent or transparent.

[0037] In some embodiments, the instrument advancement device 44 may include multiple photoluminescent features that may increase the light emitted from the instrument advancement device 44 to facilitate operation of the catheter assembly 10 by the practitioner in the dark. For example, more than one of the distal connector 52, the advancement tab 50, and the support features 54 may be photoluminescent. In some embodiments, portions of the instrument advancement device 44 that are not required to connect the instrument advancement device 44 to the catheter assembly 10 and / or to advance the instrument 46 may not be photoluminescent, limiting the amount of light emitted by the instrument advancement device 44 to reduce risk of disturbing the patient and their sleep cycle.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the vascular access device may include a syringe 56 configured to couple to the catheter assembly 10 for blood aspiration and / or flushing the catheter assembly 10. In some embodiments, the syringe 56 may include a barrel 58, which may include a distal end 60 configured to couple to the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the syringe 56 may include a plunger 62 configured to be depressed within the barrel. In some embodiments, the syringe 56 may include a light-up feature, which may facilitate operation of the syringe 56 in the dark or without turning on the lights in the patient's room for purposes of performing an infusion, flush, or blood aspiration. In some embodiments, one or more stickers 64 may be disposed on the barrel 58 and may include light-up text indicating a volume. For example, the numbers 1-5 may correspond to the volume (e.g., mL) within the syringe 56 when the plunger 62 is aligned to the particular number.

[0039] In some embodiments, the light storage feature of the syringe 56 may include a light storage material, which may include a light transmissive component, dispersed in the matrix of the barrel 58. Additionally or alternatively, the light storage material may be disposed on the surface of the barrel 58 as a coating.

[0040] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 10 of Figures 1-4, the instrument advancement device 44 of Figure 5, and the syringe 56 of Figure 6 may include luminous features other than those illustrated. For example, the instrument advancement device 44 may include luers, clamps, and / or instruments that are luminous, which may aid in advancing the instrument to the distal end. As another example, the catheter assembly 10 may include one or more luminous caps, which may aid in removal when the patient's lights are off.

[0041] 7, in some embodiments, the light-accumulating material may be integrated into a dressing 66 configured to secure the catheter assembly 10. In some embodiments, the light-accumulating material may be dispersed in a matrix of the dressing 66, which may include a light-transmitting component. Additionally or alternatively, the light-accumulating material may be disposed on a surface of the dressing 66 as a coating.

[0042] In some embodiments, the luminous material may surround the window 68, which may include clear plastic, to facilitate proper placement of the dressing 66 relative to the inserted catheter assembly 10. In these and other embodiments, the luminous material may be disposed at the border or edge 69 of the dressing 66 and / or from the edge 69 to the window 68, which may facilitate visualization of the edge and / or window 68 by the practitioner when the catheter assembly 10 is inserted into the patient's arm. In some embodiments, the cover 70 configured to facilitate a sterile dressing may be removed from the dressing 66 when the dressing is in use. In some embodiments, the dressing 66 may include a luminous sticker instead of a luminous material integrated into the dressing 66. In some embodiments, one or more features of the catheter assembly 10, the instrument advancement device 44, and the syringe 56 may be included in a kit, which may also include a small flashlight or UV light.

[0043] All examples and conditional language incorporated herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the concepts contributed by the inventor to further develop the present invention and 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 assembly comprises: a catheter hub comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending through said distal end and said proximal end, and a side port disposed between said distal end and said proximal end; a catheter extending distally from the catheter hub; an extension set coupled to the catheter hub; a catheter hub stabilization device coupled to the catheter hub; a needle hub coupled to the proximal end of the catheter hub; and an introducer needle connected to the needle hub and extending through the catheter; Equipped with A catheter assembly, wherein the extension set, the catheter hub, or the catheter hub stabilization device is luminescent.

2. 2. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension set extends proximally from the side port, the extension set comprising an extension tube and a luer adapter disposed at a proximal end of the extension tube, the luer adapter being phosphorescent.

3. 2. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension set extends proximally from the side port, the extension set comprising an extension tube and a clamp disposed on the extension tube, the clamp being phosphorescent.

4. 4. The catheter assembly of claim 3, wherein the extension set extends proximally from the side port, the extension set comprising an extension tube and a luer adapter disposed at a proximal end of the extension tube, the extension set further comprising another extension tube extending from the side port and connected to another luer adapter, the extension tube extending from the other luer adapter, the other luer adapter being phosphorescent.

5. The catheter assembly of claim 4 , wherein the luer adapter and the clamp are luminescent.

6. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the catheter hub is luminous.

7. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the catheter stabilization device is luminous.

8. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the catheter stabilization device comprises wings extending outwardly from the catheter hub, the wings being phosphorescent.

9. The catheter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the catheter stabilization device comprises a platform selectively coupled to the catheter hub, the platform being phosphorescent.

10. 10. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension set, the catheter hub, or the catheter hub stabilizer includes a phosphorescent material as a coating or within a matrix.

11. 1. An instrument advancement device configured to advance a catheter through a catheter assembly to a distal end, the instrument advancement device comprising: A housing having a slot; an advancement tab disposed within said slot; an instrument disposed within said housing and coupled to said advancement tab; a distal connector configured to be coupled to the catheter assembly; and a support feature disposed within the housing and configured to reduce buckling of the device; Equipped with An instrument advancement device, wherein the support feature, the advancement tab, or the terminal connector is luminescent.

12. The instrument advancement device of claim 11 , wherein the advancement tab is luminescent.

13. The instrument advancement device of claim 12 , wherein the terminal connector is luminescent.

14. The instrument advancement device of claim 11 , wherein the distal connector is luminous.

15. The instrument advancement apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the support feature is luminous.

16. 1. A syringe configured to be coupled to a catheter assembly for aspirating blood, the syringe comprising: a barrel having a distal end configured to couple to the catheter assembly; a plunger configured to push into the barrel; and a glow in the dark feature comprising a glow in the dark material molded into the barrel or a sticker on the barrel with glow in the dark text indicating the volume; A syringe comprising:

17. 17. The syringe of claim 16, wherein the light-accumulating feature comprises the light-accumulating material molded into the barrel.

18. 17. The syringe of claim 16, wherein the light-storing feature comprises the sticker.

19. 17. The syringe of claim 16, wherein the luminescent text includes a plurality of numbers.

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