Catheter system having a needle retraction mechanism with a push button

Abstract

The catheter system (50) comprises a catheter assembly (58) including a catheter adapter (68) and a catheter (68). The catheter system includes a needle assembly (70), a barrel (56), an introducer needle (74) with a sharp distal tip, a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel, and a spring (78) disposed within the barrel. The catheter system includes a push button disposed in a locked position so that depression of the push button is prevented. The push button is configured to slide laterally or distally from the locked position to an unlocked position. When the push button is in the unlocked position and the barrel is spaced apart from the catheter adapter, the push button is configured to be depressed. In response to depression of the push button, the spring expands in the proximal direction and moves the needle hub proximally within the barrel.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A common type of catheter assembly includes a peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”) that is a cannula. As its name indicates, the cannula PIVC can be attached to cover an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The catheter assembly can include a catheter adapter, a PIVC extending distally from the catheter adapter, and an introducer needle extending through the PIVC. The PIVC and the introducer needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC and the bevel of the needle faces away from the patient's skin immediately before insertion into the skin. The PIVC and the introducer needle are generally inserted at a shallow angle into the patient's vasculature through the skin.

[0002] To verify that the introducer needle and / or the PIVC are properly positioned in the blood vessel, a clinician may confirm that there is “flashback” of blood in the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. Once the placement of the introducer needle is confirmed, the clinician can remove the introducer needle and leave the PIVC in place for subsequent blood sampling or transfusion.

[0003] In some examples, a catheter assembly, such as the BD INSYTE (trademark) AUTOGUARD (trademark) Shield IV catheter, may include a push button configured to retract the introducer needle after the PIVC is placed in a predetermined position within the vein. The push button may be actuated accidentally or inadvertently before venipuncture is complete, for example, during assembly, packaging, shipping, or removal of the packaging.

[0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve problems or to embodiments that operate only in the situations described above. Rather, this background art is provided only to illustrate an example of a technical area in which some of the embodiments described herein may be practiced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,501,675 [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to vascular access devices and related methods. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a catheter system including a push-button needle retraction mechanism, as well as related devices and methods. In some embodiments, the push-button safety device can prevent accidental or inadvertent retraction of the introducer needle before venipuncture is complete.

[0007] According to a first set of embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly including a catheter adapter. The catheter adapter includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a needle assembly that may include one or more of a barrel, an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip, a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and disposed for movement within the barrel, and a spring disposed within the barrel.

[0008] The catheter system may include a push button disposed in a locked position so that depression of the push button is prevented. The push button may be configured to slide laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position. The push button may be configured to be depressed when the push button is in the unlocked position and the barrel is spaced apart from the catheter adapter. In response to depression of the push button, the spring may be configured to expand in the proximal direction and move the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle in the proximal direction.

[0009] The upper surface of the push button may include a tab that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system. The upper surface of the push button may slope upward in a direction that slides laterally across the push button from the locked position to the unlocked position. The upper surface of the push button may facilitate the lateral sliding of the push button.

[0010] The push button may include a protrusion that extends distally. The distal end of the protrusion may include an arm. The arm may extend in a direction opposite to the direction of the lateral slide of the push button from the locked position to the unlocked position. The needle hub may include a slot. When the push button is in the locked position, the arm may be disposed within the slot to prevent depression of the push button. In response to the push button sliding laterally, the arm may move out of the slot and be configured to move the push button from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0011] The edge of the push button may be spaced from the edge of the barrel to create a gap between the push button and the barrel. In response to the push button sliding laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position, the push button may close the gap. The push button may include an opening. The needle hub may extend through the opening. The opening may include an upper arc that is proximate to a lower arc. The center of the circle formed by the upper arc may be offset from the center of the circle formed by the lower arc. When the push button is in the locked position, the needle hub may be aligned with the center of the circle formed by the lower arc. When the push button is in the unlocked position, the needle hub may be aligned with the center of the circle formed by the upper arc.

[0012] The distal surface of the push button that contacts the barrel may include one or more pads to reduce friction between the push button and the barrel. The push button may include a protrusion that contacts the edge of the barrel when the push button is in the locked position. In response to the push button sliding laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position, the protrusion may be moved inwardly towards the edge of the barrel such that the push button is depressed when the barrel is spaced from the catheter adapter.

[0013] According to a first set of embodiments, a catheter system may include a catheter assembly that includes a catheter adapter. The catheter adapter includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen that extends through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a catheter that extends distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a needle assembly that includes one or more of a barrel, an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip, a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and disposed movably within the barrel, and a spring disposed within the barrel.

[0014] The catheter system may include a push button disposed in a locked position so that depression of the push button is prevented. The push button may be configured to slide laterally from the locked position to an unlocked position. When the push button is in the unlocked position and the barrel is spaced apart from the catheter adapter, the push button may be configured to be depressed. In response to depression of the push button, the spring may be configured to expand in the proximal direction and move the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle in the proximal direction.

[0015] The push button may include an opening. The needle hub may extend through the opening. The opening may be keyhole-shaped. The edge of the opening may include a first slot and a second slot opposing the first slot. The barrel may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion respectively disposed within the first slot and the second slot to prevent depression of the push button. In response to the push button sliding distally, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be configured to move out of the first slot and the second slot respectively such that the push button is pushed when the barrel is spaced apart from the catheter adapter. The first protrusion and the second protrusion may include a wedge shape. The push button may be spaced apart from the edge of the barrel to create a gap between the push button and the barrel when the push button is in the locked position. In response to the push button sliding laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position, the push button may close the gap.

[0016] According to a third set of embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly including a catheter adapter. The catheter adapter includes 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. The catheter system may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a needle assembly that may include one or more of a barrel, an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip, a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel, and a spring disposed within the barrel.

[0017] The catheter system may include a push button that includes an opening and a slot proximate to the bottom of the opening. The slot may include snap protrusions. The needle hub may extend through the opening. The barrel may include a distally extending pin. The distally extending pin may be disposed under the snap protrusions. In response to depressing the push button, the pin may move beyond the snap protrusions. In response to depressing the push button, the spring may expand in the proximal direction and be configured to move the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle in the proximal direction. The snap protrusions may include a first pair of opposing ridges. The slot may include a second pair of opposing ridges. The distally extending pin may be disposed between the first pair of opposing ridges and the second pair of opposing ridges.

[0018] The push button may include a protrusion extending in the distal direction. The distal end of the protrusion may include an arm. The needle hub may include a slot. The arm may be disposed within the slot to prevent depressing of the push button. In response to depressing the push button, the spring may expand in the proximal direction and be configured to move the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle in the proximal direction.

[0019] According to a fourth set of embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly that includes a catheter adapter. The catheter adapter includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen that extends through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a needle assembly that may include one or more of a barrel, an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip, a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel, and a spring disposed within the barrel.

[0020] The catheter system may include a push button, and in response to movement of the push button, the spring may be configured to expand proximally and move the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle proximally. The distal face of the push button that contacts the barrel may include one or more pads to reduce friction between the push button and the barrel.

[0021] According to a fifth set of embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly that includes a catheter adapter. The catheter adapter includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen that extends through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a catheter that extends distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a needle assembly that may include one or more of a barrel, an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip, a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and disposed movably within the barrel, and a spring disposed within the barrel.

[0022] The catheter system may include a slider that includes a groove. The slider rail of the push button may be disposed within the groove and configured to slide within the groove. In the proximal position, the slider may overlap the end of the barrel to prevent depression of the push button. In response to the slider sliding from the proximal position to the distal position and the barrel being separated from the catheter adapter, the slider may be configured to be depressed. In response to depression of the push button, the spring may be configured to expand in the proximal direction and move the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle in the proximal direction.

[0023] The groove may include a ridge. The slider rail may include a plurality of steps. When the slider is in the proximal position, the ridge may be disposed between the steps. In response to the slider sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the ridge may move distally of the steps.

[0024] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claimed invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the figures. Also, embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be used, and 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 should not be construed in a limiting sense.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Exemplary embodiments are described and explained in more specific and detail by using the accompanying drawings.

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a prior art catheter assembly 10 is shown. The catheter 20 includes a tube 21 attached to a catheter adapter 22. The safety introducer needle assembly 30 includes a handle or barrel 31, a needle 32, a carrier or needle hub 33, a spring 39, and an actuating latch or push button 34. The spring 39 is disposed around the needle 32 and the needle hub 33 and extends between the needle hub 33 and the distal end of the barrel 31. The push button 34 extends into the barrel 31 through a slot 35 formed in the barrel 31 adjacent to the distal end. The push button 34 includes a keyhole-shaped opening 36 that allows the needle 32 and the needle hub 33 to extend therethrough. The push button 34 also includes a protrusion 40 that extends toward the distal end of the catheter 20 and the prior art catheter system 10.

[0027] When the push button 34 is in the "up" non - actuated position, the smaller portion of the keyhole - shaped opening 36 is in communication with the lumen of the barrel 31. In this position, the smaller opening engages the needle hub 33 and holds the needle hub 33 adjacent to the distal end of the barrel 31 against the force of the spring 39. The needle hub 33 generally has an hourglass shape such that its inner portion has a diameter smaller than either end. This shape facilitates the engagement between the smaller opening of the keyhole - shaped opening 36 of the push button 34 and the needle hub 33. When the push button 34 is in the non - actuated position, the projection 40 is disposed inside the catheter adapter 22. In this way, when the catheter 20 is still on the needle 32 and the catheter adapter 22 is adjacent to the distal end of the barrel 31, the projection 40 prevents the push button 34 from moving "down" to the actuated position. The projection 40 can have a length from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. This length used needs to be sufficient for the projection 40 to engage the catheter adapter 22 when the catheter adapter 22 is adjacent to the distal end of the barrel 31. However, the projection 40 should not be so long as to interfere with the use of the catheter 20 and the needle 32.

[0028] When the catheter 20 is moved from the needle 32 so that the catheter adapter 22 is not adjacent to the distal end of the barrel 31, the catheter adapter 22 no longer impedes the movement of the projection 40, and thus the push button 34 can be depressed or moved "down", i.e., actuated. In this position, the larger opening of the keyhole - shaped opening 36 no longer engages the needle hub 33. The larger opening of the keyhole - shaped opening 36 needs to be larger than the maximum diameter of the needle hub 33. In this way, the spring 39 can press the needle hub 33 against the proximal end of the barrel 31 and retract the sharp distal tip of the needle 32 into the barrel 31.

[0029] The protrusion 40 on the push button 34 can also be angled. With this configuration, a clinician can activate the push button 34 by firmly depressing the push button 34. This downward force transmits some axial force to the catheter adapter 22 due to the wedge shape of the protrusion. Thereby, the catheter adapter 22 advances distally, opening the way for fully depressing the push button 34. The wedge can be at an angle between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter 22. In some embodiments, the push button 34 of the prior art catheter system 10 can operate similarly to the actuation latch described in Patent Document 1 filed on December 27, 1994, entitled "Safe Catheter Assembly with a Safe Stop Push Button", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 5A - 5K, in some embodiments, the catheter system 50 can be similar or identical to the prior art catheter system 10 of FIGS. 1 - 4 in one or more features and / or aspects of operation. For example, FIGS. 5A - 5B show a push button 52, a needle hub 54, and a barrel 56 that can be similar or identical, respectively, to the push button 34, the needle hub 33, and the barrel 31 of the prior art catheter system 10 of FIGS. 1 - 4 with respect to one or more features and / or operations according to some embodiments.

[0031] In some embodiments, the catheter system 50 may include a catheter assembly 58 that includes a catheter adapter 60. The catheter adapter 60 includes a distal end 62, a proximal end 64, and a catheter adapter lumen that extends through the distal end 62 of the catheter adapter 60 and the proximal end 64 of the catheter adapter 60. The catheter system 50 can include a catheter 68 that extends from the distal end of the catheter adapter 60. The catheter system 50 may include a needle assembly 70 that includes one or more barrels 56, an introducer needle 74 having a sharp distal tip, a needle hub 54 coupled to the introducer needle 74 and disposed movably within the barrel 56, and a spring 78 disposed within the barrel 56.

[0032] In some examples, the catheter 68 may be moved away from the needle 74 such that the catheter adapter 60 is spaced from or not adjacent to the distal end 82 of the barrel 31. The catheter system 50 may include a push button 52 that is disposed in a locked position such that depression of the push button 52 is inhibited or stopped even when the barrel 56 is spaced from the catheter adapter 60. The push button 52 may be configured to slide laterally from the locked position to an unlocked position. More particularly, the push button 52 may be able to slide perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 50. When the push button 52 is in the unlocked position and the barrel 56 is spaced from the catheter adapter 60, the push button 52 may be configured to be depressed. In response to depression of the push button 52, the spring 78 may be configured to expand in the proximal direction and move the needle hub 54 proximally within the barrel to draw the introducer needle 74 proximally.

[0033] The upper surface 84 of the push button 52 may include a tab 86 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 50. The upper surface 84 of the push button 52 may facilitate the lateral sliding of the push button 52. In some embodiments, the tab 86 may be at the edge of the upper surface 84 of the push button 52, thereby facilitating the user to position his finger on the push button 52 adjacent to the tab 86. In some embodiments, the push button 52 may be configured to slide laterally from right to left as shown in FIGS. 5A-5K. In other embodiments, the push button 52 may be configured to slide laterally from left to right.

[0034] The push button 52 may include a protrusion 88 that extends in the distal direction. The distal end of the protrusion 88 may include an arm 90. The arm 90 may extend in a direction opposite to the direction of the lateral slide of the push button 52 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The needle hub 54 may include a slot 92. When the push button 52 is in the locked position, the arm 90 may be disposed within the slot 92 to prevent depression of the push button 52. In response to the lateral sliding of the push button 52, the arm 90 may be configured to move the push button 52 from the locked position to the unlocked position by moving out of the slot 92. In some embodiments, when the catheter 68 moves relative to the needle 32 such that the catheter adapter 60 is not adjacent to the distal end 82 of the barrel 56 and the push button 52 is moved laterally, the catheter adapter 60 no longer impedes the movement of the protrusion 88 and the arm 90 is positioned within the slot 92, so that the push button 52 can be depressed, or "moved down", i.e., actuated.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5C, for example, the edge of the push button 52 can be separated from the edge 94 of the cylinder 56 to create a gap 96 between the push button 52 and the cylinder 56. In response to the push button 52 sliding laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position, the push button 52 can close the gap 96, for example, as shown in FIG. 5K. And in response to the push button 52 sliding laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position, a gap is created as the gap 96 on the opposite side of the push button 52.

[0036] The push button 52 can include an opening 98. The needle hub 54 can extend through the opening 98. The opening 98 can include an upper arc 100 proximate to the lower arc 102. The upper arc 100 and the lower arc 102 can form one side of a keyhole shape. On the side opposite the keyhole shape side, the lower arc 102 can be connected to the upper arc 100 by a straight line. The center of the circle formed by the upper arc 100 can be offset with respect to the center of the circle formed by the lower arc 102. When the push button 52 is in the locked position, the needle hub 54 can be aligned with the center of the circle formed by the lower arc 102. When the push button 52 is in the unlocked position, the needle hub 54 can be aligned with the center of the circle formed by the upper arc 100. The circle formed by the lower arc 102 can be smaller than the circle formed by the upper arc 100. The lower arc 102 can form the smaller part of the opening 98, and the upper arc 100 can form the larger part of the opening 98.

[0037] The lower part of the opening 98 including the lower arc 102 can engage with the needle hub 54 and hold the needle hub 54 adjacent to the distal end 82 of the cylinder 56 against the force of the spring 72. The upper part of the opening 98 can include a diameter larger than that of the lower part of the opening 98. When the push button 52 is moved laterally and then pushed down, since the upper part of the opening 98 is larger than the maximum diameter of the needle hub 54, thus, the spring 72 can push the needle hub 54 towards the proximal end of the cylinder 56 and draw the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle 74 into the cylinder 56.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6H, a push button 52 is shown in more detail according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 6G, the push button 52 can include a protrusion 104 that contacts an edge 94 of the barrel 56 when the push button 52 is in the locked position. In response to the push button 52 sliding laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position, the protrusion 104 can be moved internally toward the edge 94 of the barrel 56 such that the push button 52 is configured to be depressed when the barrel 56 is separated from the catheter adapter.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6G, the edge 94 can include a tab 108, which can facilitate pinching the tab 86 and the tab 108 together to slide the push button 52 laterally. In response to the push button 52 sliding laterally to the unlocked position, the push button 52 can abut against the edge 94 and / or the tab 108 that function as a stop. The upper surface 84 of the push button can be inclined upwardly in the direction of the lateral slide of the push button from the locked position to the unlocked position. The upper surface 84 of the push button 52 can facilitate a clinician sliding the push button 52 laterally with a finger.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7G, a catheter system 110 is shown according to some embodiments. The catheter system 110 can be similar or identical to the prior art catheter system 10 of FIGS. 1-4 and / or the catheter system 50 of FIGS. 5A-5K in one or more features and / or aspects of operation. The catheter system 110 can include a push button 52 disposed in a locked position such that depression of the push button is prevented. The push button 52 can be configured to slide distally from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the push button 52 is in the unlocked position and the barrel 56 is separated from the catheter adapter 60, the push button 52 can be configured to be depressed. In response to depression of the push button 52, the spring 78 can be configured to expand in the proximal direction and move the needle hub 54 proximally within the barrel 56 to retract the introducer needle 74 in the proximal direction.

[0041] The push button includes an opening 98, and the needle hub 54 can extend through the opening 98. The opening 98 can be keyhole-shaped. The edge 114 of the opening 98 can include a first slot 116 and a second slot 118 that faces the first slot 116. The cylinder 56 can include a first projection 120 and a second projection 122 respectively disposed in the first slot 116 and the second slot 118 to prevent the push button 52 from being depressed. In response to the push button 52 sliding distally, the first projection 120 and the second projection 122 can be configured to move out of the first slot 116 and the second slot 118 respectively such that the push button 52 is depressed when the cylinder 56 is separated from the catheter adapter 60. The first projection 120 and the second projection 122 can include a wedge shape. The distal surface of the wedge can be tapered or have an inclination, thereby facilitating the movement of the push button 52 in the same or a similar direction as the inclination.

[0042] The push button 52 can be spaced apart from the edge 94 of the cylinder 56 to create a gap 124 between the push button 52 and the cylinder 56 when the push button 52 is in the locked position. In response to the push button 52 sliding distally from the locked position to the unlocked position, the push button 52 can close the gap 124. In response to the push button 52 sliding distally to the unlocked position, the push button 52 can abut against the edge 94 that functions as a stop.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 8A - 8E, a catheter system 130 according to some embodiments is shown. The catheter system 130 may be similar or identical to one or more of the prior art catheter systems 10 of FIGS. 1 - 4, the catheter system 50 of FIGS. 5A - 5K, and the catheter system 110 of FIGS. 7A - 7G with respect to one or more features and / or operations. The catheter system 130 may include a push button 52 that includes an opening 98 and a slot 132 proximate to the bottom of the opening 98. The slot 132 may include a snap protrusion 134. The needle hub 54 may extend through the opening 98. The barrel 56 may include a distally extending pin 136. The distally extending pin 136 may be disposed under the snap protrusion 134. In response to depressing the push button 52, the distally extending pin 136 may snap through the snap protrusion 134. In response to depressing the push button 52, the spring 78 may be configured to expand in the proximal direction and move the needle hub 54 proximally within the barrel 56 to retract the introducer needle 74 in the proximal direction (see, e.g., FIG. 7C). The snap protrusion 134 may include a first pair of opposing ridges 138. The slot 132 may include a second pair of opposing ridges 140. The distally extending pin 136 may be disposed between the first pair of opposing ridges 138 and the second pair of opposing ridges 140 for securing the push button 52.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 9A - 9B, the push button 52 can include a projection 88 or a snap beam extending in the distal direction. The distal end of the projection can include an arm 90. The needle hub 54 can include a slot 92. The arm 90 can be disposed within the slot 92 so as to prevent depression of the push button 52. When the push button 52 is depressed, the projection 88 bends and is released from the slot 92, which can generate an audible click. Following the bending of the projection 88 and its release from the slot 92, a pin 136 extending distally moves through a snap projection 134, which can also result in an audible click. In response to further depression of the push button 52, the spring 78 can expand in the proximal direction and is configured to move the needle hub 54 proximally within the barrel 56 to retract the introducer needle 74 in the proximal direction.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 9C - 9D, the distal surface of the push button 52 that contacts the barrel 56, including the grip, can include one or more pads 142 to reduce friction between the push button 52 and the barrel 56. The push button 52 of FIGS. 9C - 9D can be similar or identical to any of the push buttons 52 of the previous figures in terms of one or more features and / or operations.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 10A - 11C, a catheter system 150 according to some embodiments is shown. The catheter system 150 can be similar or identical to one or more of the prior art catheter systems 10 of FIGS. 1 - 4, the catheter system 50 of FIGS. 5A - 5K, the catheter system 110 of FIGS. 7A - 7G, and the catheter system 130 of FIGS. 8A - 8E, with respect to one or more features and / or operations.

[0047] The catheter system 150 may include a slider 152 that includes a groove 154. A slider rail 156 of the push button may be disposed within the groove 154 and configured to slide within the groove 154. In the proximal position, the slider 152 may overlap the edge 94 of the barrel 56 to prevent depression of the push button 52. In response to the slider 152 sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the slider 152 may be configured to depress when the barrel 56 is spaced from the catheter adapter 60. In response to depression of the push button 52, the spring 78 may be configured to expand in the proximal direction and move the needle hub 54 proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle 74 in the proximal direction.

[0048] The groove 154 may include a ridge 158. The slider rail 156 may include a plurality of steps 160. When the slider 152 is in the proximal position, the ridge 158 may be disposed between the steps 160. In response to the slider 152 sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the ridge 158 may move distally from the steps 160.

[0049] All of the examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for educational purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts provided by the inventor, and are to be construed as not being limited to the specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A catheter system, comprising a catheter assembly, a catheter adapter including a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter adapter, a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter, and a catheter assembly comprising the same, a needle assembly, a barrel, an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip, a needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel, a spring disposed within the barrel, and a needle assembly comprising the same, a push button disposed in a locked position to prevent depression thereof, the push button being configured to slide laterally from the locked position to an unlocked position, the push button being configured to be depressed when the push button is in the unlocked position and the barrel is separated from the catheter adapter, and in response to depression of the push button, the spring is configured to expand in a proximal direction and move the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle proximally, the push button, and a catheter system comprising the same.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the push button includes a tab substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system.

3. The push button includes a protrusion extending in the distal direction, the distal end of the protrusion includes an arm, the needle hub includes a slot, and when the push button is in the locked position, the arm is disposed within the slot to prevent depression of the push button, and in response to the push button sliding laterally, the arm moves out of the slot and is configured to move the push button from the locked position to the unlocked position, the catheter system according to claim 1.

4. The arm extends in a direction opposite to the direction of the lateral slide of the push button from the locked position to the unlocked position, the catheter system according to claim 3.

5. An edge of the push button is spaced from an edge of the cylinder, creating a gap between the push button and the cylinder, and in response to the push button sliding laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position, the push button closes the gap, the catheter system according to claim 1.

6. The push button includes an opening, the needle hub extends through the opening, the opening includes an upper arc proximate to a lower arc, a center of a circle formed by the upper arc is offset from a center of a circle formed by the lower arc, when the push button is in the locked position, the needle hub is aligned with the center of the circle formed by the lower arc, and when the push button is in the unlocked position, the needle hub is aligned with the center of the circle formed by the upper arc, the catheter system according to claim 1.

7. A distal surface of the push button in contact with the cylinder includes a plurality of pads for reducing friction between the push button and the cylinder, the catheter system according to claim 1.

8. The push button includes a protrusion that contacts an edge of the barrel when the push button is in the locked position, and in response to the push button sliding laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position, the protrusion is configured to move internally towards the edge of the barrel such that the push button is depressed when the barrel is spaced apart from the catheter adapter. The catheter system according to claim 1.

9. The upper surface of the push button is inclined upward in a direction in which the push button slides laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position. The catheter system according to claim 1.

10. A catheter system, A catheter assembly, A catheter adapter including a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter adapter, A catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter, The catheter assembly including, A needle assembly, A barrel, An introducer needle having a sharp distal tip, A needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel, A spring disposed within the barrel, The needle assembly including, The push button disposed in a locked position so as to prevent depression of the push button, the push button being configured to slide laterally from the locked position to an unlocked position, and when the push button is in the unlocked position and the barrel is spaced apart from the catheter adapter, the push button is configured to be depressed, and in response to depression of the push button, the spring expands in the proximal direction and moves the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle proximally. The push button, A catheter system comprising **Claim 11** The push button includes an opening, the needle hub extends through the opening, the edge of the opening includes a first slot and a second slot facing the first slot, and the barrel includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion respectively disposed in the first slot and the second slot to prevent the push button from being depressed. In response to the push button sliding distally, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to be respectively moved out of the first slot and the second slot, whereby the push button is configured to be depressed when the barrel is separated from the catheter adapter. The catheter system according to claim 10. **Claim 12** The catheter system according to claim 11, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion include a wedge shape. **Claim 13** When the push button is in the locked position, it is spaced apart from the edge of the barrel, creating a gap between the push button and the barrel. In response to the push button sliding laterally from the locked position to the unlocked position, the push button closes the gap. The catheter system according to claim 10. **Claim 14** The catheter system according to claim 11, wherein the opening is keyhole-shaped. **Claim 15** A catheter system, comprising A catheter assembly, comprising A catheter adapter including a distal end, a proximal end, and a catheter adapter lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter adapter, and a catheter adapter; A catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter, and a catheter assembly; A catheter assembly comprising A needle assembly comprising: A barrel including a pin extending distally therefrom; An introducer needle having a sharp distal tip; A needle hub coupled to the introducer needle and movably disposed within the barrel; A spring disposed within the barrel; And a needle assembly including: A push button including an opening and a slot proximate the bottom of the opening, the slot including snap protrusions, the needle hub extending through the opening, the distally extending pin being disposed beneath the snap protrusions, and in response to depression of the push button, the distally extending pin moving through the snap protrusions; A catheter system comprising. **Claim 16** The catheter system according to claim 15, wherein in response to depression of the push button, the spring expands in the proximal direction and moves the needle hub proximally within the barrel to retract the introducer needle proximally. **Claim 17** The catheter system according to claim 15, wherein the snap protrusions include a first pair of opposing ridges. **Claim 18** The catheter system according to claim 17, wherein the slot includes a second pair of opposing ridges, and the distally extending pin is disposed between the first pair of opposing ridges and the second pair of opposing ridges. **Claim 19** The catheter system according to claim 15, wherein the push button includes a protrusion extending distally, the distal end of the protrusion including an arm, the needle hub including a slot, the arm being disposed within the slot to prevent depression of the push button, and the arm being configured to move out of the slot before the distally extending pin moves beyond the snap protrusions. **Claim 20** The catheter system according to claim 15, wherein the opening is in the shape of a keyhole.

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