Catheter system with guidewire slider

Abstract

The catheter system may include a catheter hub, a catheter tube, a needle carrier, a needle extending distally from the needle carrier and through the catheter tube, a guidewire slider, and a guidewire extending distally from the guidewire slider. The guidewire slider may be configured to couple to the needle carrier in response to sliding of the guidewire slider. The catheter system may include a safety slider configured to slide from a proximal position to a distal position with the guidewire slider. In response to the guidewire slider and the safety slider sliding together from the proximal position to the distal position, the safety slider may be configured to couple to the proximal end of the needle carrier. In response to rotation of the additional slider into a notched tab of the housing, the guidewire slider may be configured to decouple from the additional slider.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to catheter systems having guidewire sliders, and related devices and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] A common type of catheter assembly includes an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As the name suggests, an over-the-needle PIVC may be mounted over an introducer needle with 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 and the bevel of the needle points away from the patient's skin just prior to skin insertion. The PIVC and introducer needle are typically inserted through the skin into the patient's blood vessel at a shallow angle.

[0003] To verify that the introducer needle and / or PIVC are properly positioned in the blood vessel, the clinician may observe the presence of blood flashback in the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. In some instances, blood may enter the introducer needle, exit the introducer needle's flashback notch, and reach the flashback chamber, where it is visible to the clinician. Once the observation of blood confirms introducer needle placement, the clinician can remove the introducer needle and leave the PIVC in place in the blood vessel for future blood withdrawals or fluid injections.

[0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve the problems or that operate only in the contexts described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some 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] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter hub, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter tube extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle carrier and a needle extending distally from the needle carrier and through the catheter tube. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a guidewire slider and a guidewire extending distally from the guidewire slider.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a safety slider disposed proximal to the guidewire slider and configured to couple to the guidewire slider in response to proximal sliding of the guidewire slider. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider and the safety slider may be configured to slide together from a proximal position to a distal position in response to the guidewire slider being coupled to the safety slider. In some embodiments, the safety slider may be configured to couple to a proximal end of the needle carrier in response to the guidewire slider and the safety slider sliding together from the proximal position to the distal position. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider and the safety slider may be configured to return to the proximal position with the needle carrier.

[0008] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a housing that may include a slot. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider and the safety slider may extend through the slot and be configured to slide along the slot. In some embodiments, the slot may include a bump. In some embodiments, the safety slider may include another bump. In some embodiments, when the guidewire slider and the safety slider are in a proximal position, the bump on the slot may be distal to and contact another bump on the safety slider to provide resistance to distal sliding of the safety slider.

[0009] In some embodiments, the safety slider may include a first arm and a second arm opposite the firm arm. In some embodiments, a distal end of the first arm may include a first hook feature. In some embodiments, a distal end of the second arm may include a second hook feature. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the needle carrier may include a first flange and a second flange. In some embodiments, the first hook and the second hook may be configured to couple to the first flange and the second flange, respectively, to couple the safety slider to the proximal end of the needle carrier in response to the guidewire slider and the safety slider sliding together from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the safety slider may include a first arm, a second arm opposite the stable arm, and a boss between the first arm and the second arm. In some embodiments, the top surface of the guidewire slider may include a groove. In some embodiments, the boss feature may sit within the groove when the safety slider is coupled to the guidewire slider.

[0011] In some embodiments, the safety slider may include a first arm and a second arm opposite the firm arm, the first arm may include a first snap feature, and the second arm may include a second snap feature. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider may include a first corresponding snap feature and a second corresponding snap feature. In some embodiments, the first snap feature and the second snap feature may be configured to snap onto the first corresponding snap feature and the second corresponding snap feature, respectively, to couple the safety slider with the guidewire slider in response to a proximal slider of the guidewire slider.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first arm may include a first snap feature and the inner surface of the second arm may include a second snap feature. In some embodiments, the first side of the guidewire slider may include a first corresponding snap feature and the second side of the guidewire slider may include a second corresponding snap feature. In some embodiments, the first side of the boss may include a first snap feature and the second side of the boss may include a second snap feature. In some embodiments, the first inner surface of the guidewire slider may include a first corresponding snap feature and the second inner surface of the guidewire slider may include a second corresponding snap feature. In some embodiments, the distal end of the boss may include a shape corresponding to the shape of the guidewire slider between the first and second corresponding snap features.

[0013] Referring now to a second set of embodiments, a catheter system may include a catheter hub, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter tube extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle carrier. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle extending distally from the needle carrier and extending through the catheter tube. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a guidewire slider and a guidewire extending distally from the guidewire slider. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider may be configured to couple to the needle carrier in response to proximal sliding of the guidewire slider. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider and the needle carrier may be configured to slide proximally together in response to the guidewire slider being coupled to the needle carrier.

[0014] In some embodiments, the guidewire slider may include a living hinge. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the needle carrier may include a groove. In some embodiments, the living hinge may be configured to extend into the groove to couple to the needle carrier in response to proximal sliding of the guidewire slider.

[0015] In some embodiments, the guidewire slider may include a snap protrusion. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the needle carrier may include a groove and a bump disposed within the groove. In some embodiments, the snap protrusion may be configured to snap into the groove to couple to the needle carrier in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider.

[0016] In some embodiments, the guidewire slider may include a plurality of teeth. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the needle carrier may include a bump feature. In some embodiments, the teeth may be configured to catch the bump feature to couple the guidewire slider to the needle carrier in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider.

[0017] In some embodiments, the needle carrier may include a septum having a groove. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider may include a distally extending arm having a protrusion, the protrusion of the distally extending arm may be configured to fit within the groove of the septum to couple the guidewire slider to the needle carrier in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider. In some embodiments, the septum may be constructed of plastic.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the proximal end of the needle carrier may include a snap projection. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider may include a distally extending projection having a ridge. In some embodiments, the ridge may be configured to snap onto the snap projection in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider to couple the guidewire slider to the needle carrier.

[0019] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the needle carrier may include an aperture. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider may include a distally extending arm having an annular protrusion. In some embodiments, the annular protrusion may be configured to snap into an aperture having a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the annular protrusion in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider to couple the guidewire slider to the needle carrier.

[0020] In a third set of embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter hub, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter tube extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a housing coupled to the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the housing may include a first slot and a second slot. In some embodiments, the distal end of the second slot may be proximal to the distal end of the first slot. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the second slot may include a notched tab.

[0021] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle carrier disposed within a lumen of the housing. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle extending distally from the needle carrier and extending through the catheter tube. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a guidewire slider configured to slide along the first slot. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a guidewire extending distally from the guidewire slider.

[0022] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an additional slider configured to slide along the second slot. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider and the additional slider may be coupled together such that the guidewire slider and the additional slider are configured to slide distally together along the first slot and the second slot, respectively. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider may be configured to decouple from the additional slider in response to rotation of the additional slider toward the notched tab. In some embodiments, in response to decoupling the guidewire slider from the additional slider, the guidewire slider may be configured to slide distally independently of the additional slider and couple to the needle carrier. In some embodiments, in response to coupling the guidewire slider to the needle carrier, the guidewire slider and the needle carrier may be configured to slide proximally together.

[0023] In some embodiments, the additional slider may include a protrusion and the guidewire slider may include a groove. In some embodiments, in response to rotation of the additional slider onto the notched tab, the protrusion may be configured to remove from the groove, decoupling the guidewire slider from the additional slider. In some embodiments, in response to decoupling the guidewire slider from the additional slider, the guidewire slider may be configured to move to a fully advanced position distal to the first slot.

[0024] It is to 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 is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that 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. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a prior art catheter system. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of a prior art catheter system inserted into a patient's vascular system. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of an exemplary distal end of a catheter system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of an exemplary safety slider, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is another top perspective view of a safety slider, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a top perspective view of an exemplary guidewire slider, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is an enlarged top perspective view of a safety slider coupled to a guidewire slider, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a top perspective view of an exemplary needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2G is a top perspective view of a needle carrier, guidewire slider, and safety slider coupled together, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2H] FIG. 2H is an enlarged top perspective view of a portion of the needle carrier, guidewire slider, and safety slider coupled together, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a catheter system showing the safety slider and guidewire slider in an initial position prior to coupling together, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B]FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of a catheter system showing a guidewire slider being tested prior to inserting the catheter system into a patient, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a top perspective view of the catheter system showing the guidewire slider and safety slider coupled together and advanced distally toward the needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a top perspective view of the catheter system showing the guidewire slider and safety slider in a distal position and coupled to the needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a top perspective view of the catheter system showing the guidewire slider, safety slider, and needle carrier slid proximally to enclose the needle within the exemplary housing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3F] FIG. 3F is a top perspective view of the catheter system showing the guidewire slider and safety slider in a proximal position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a portion of a housing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the safety slider in an initial position according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a side view of another exemplary guidewire slider showing an exemplary living hinge, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of another guidewire slider disposed within a housing in a fully distally advanced position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side view of a portion of another guidewire slider showing an exemplary snap protrusion, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6C]FIG. 6C is a top view of another guidewire slider showing a snap protrusion inserted into an exemplary groove of a needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a side view of another guidewire slider showing exemplary teeth, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a side view of a needle carrier coupled to another guidewire slider via teeth, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a top perspective view of a needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D is a side view of another guidewire slider showing teeth, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of another guidewire slider coupled to an exemplary bulkhead, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another guidewire slider coupled to a bulkhead, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a top perspective view of another guidewire slider configured to couple to a septum, according to some embodiments. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of another guidewire slider coupled to a needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another guidewire slider coupled to a needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a top perspective view of another guidewire slider configured to couple to a needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of another guidewire slider coupled to a needle carrier via an exemplary aperture, according to some embodiments. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is an enlarged top cross-sectional view showing another guidewire slider coupled to a needle carrier via an aperture, according to some embodiments. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a top perspective view of another guidewire slider configured to couple to a needle carrier through an aperture, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a guidewire slider, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of a safety slider, according to some embodiments. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a safety slider and a guidewire slider in an initial position before being coupled together, according to some embodiments. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a top view of the safety slider and guidewire slider in an initial position before being coupled together, according to some embodiments. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of a safety slider and a guidewire slider coupled together, according to some embodiments. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a top view of the safety slider and guidewire slider coupled together, according to some embodiments. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a top perspective view of a safety slider and a guidewire slider coupled together and coupled to a needle carrier, according to some embodiments. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of another exemplary catheter system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is an enlarged top perspective view of a portion of another catheter system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C is a proximal end view of an exemplary additional slider coupled to another exemplary guidewire slider, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] As used in this disclosure, the term "distal" refers to the portion of the description that is further from the clinician, and the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the description that is closer to the clinician. Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B, a prior art catheter system 10 is shown. The prior art catheter system may correspond to the AccuCath ACE™ intravascular catheter, available from Becton, Dickinson & Company of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, or another catheter system. The prior art catheter system 10 may include a housing 12 and a guidewire slider 11 configured to slide along a slot 14 within the housing 12. The guidewire slider 11 may be coupled to a guidewire 16, which may be configured to advance distally through an introducer needle 18 in response to advancement of the guidewire slider 11. The introducer needle 18 may extend through a catheter 20 of a catheter assembly 22 coupled to the housing 12 to assist in the introduction of the catheter 20 into the patient's skin and vasculature.

[0027] Advancement of the guidewire 16 distally through the introducer needle 18 may facilitate removal of any obstructions within the vasculature and / or guidance of the catheter 20 into the vasculature. However, if the guidewire 16 is intentionally or accidentally retracted proximally by movement of the guidewire slider 11 while the introducer needle 18 is still extending from the catheter 20, the guidewire 16 may be sheared or damaged by the introducer needle 18. An example of this guidewire shearing is shown in FIG. 1B. In some cases, if the guidewire 16 is retracted proximally too forcefully through the introducer needle 18 before retraction of the introducer needle 18, the guidewire 16 may be completely sheared off by the sharp end of the introducer needle 18 and retained in the patient.

[0028] 2A-3E, in some embodiments, a catheter system 30 may include a catheter hub 32 that may include a distal end 34, a proximal end 36, and lumens extending through the distal end 34 and the proximal end 36. In some embodiments, the catheter system 30 may include a catheter tube 38 that extends distally from the distal end of the catheter hub 32. In some embodiments, the catheter tube 38 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter.

[0029] In some embodiments, the catheter system 30 may include a needle carrier 40 and a needle 42 extending distally from the needle carrier 40 and extending through the catheter tube 38 in an insertion configuration ready for insertion into a patient. In some embodiments, the catheter system 30 may include a guidewire slider 44 and a guidewire 46 extending distally from the guidewire slider 44.

[0030] In some embodiments, the catheter system 30 may include a safety slider 48 disposed proximal to the guidewire slider 44 and configured to couple to the guidewire slider 44 in response to proximal sliding of the guidewire slider 44. In some embodiments, in response to the guidewire slider 44 being coupled to the safety slider 48, the guidewire slider 44 and the safety slider 48 may be configured to slide together, for example, from a proximal position shown in FIG. 2A to a distal position. In some embodiments, in response to the guidewire slider 44 and the safety slider 48 sliding together from a proximal position to a distal position, the safety slider 48 may be configured to couple to the proximal end of the needle carrier 40.

[0031] In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 44 and the safety slider 48 may be configured to return to the proximal position simultaneously with the needle carrier 40. More particularly, in some embodiments, the coupling of the guidewire slider 44 to the safety slider 48 may prevent the guidewire slider 44 from sliding proximally without the needle carrier 40 and the needle 42 coupled thereto. Thus, the guidewire 46 may be prevented from retracting proximally when the needle 42 is in the insertion configuration, reducing the risk of shearing the guidewire 46.

[0032] In some embodiments, the catheter system 30 may include a housing 50 that may include a slot 52. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 44 and the safety slider 48 may extend through and be configured to slide along the slot 52. In some embodiments, the needle 42 may be configured to be withdrawn or retracted proximally within the housing 50 from an insertion configuration via a push button 54 or another suitable mechanism. Exemplary push button mechanisms are further described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 012994, entitled "Safety Catheter Assembly with Safety Stop Push Button," filed December 27, 1994, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the needle 42 may include an introducer needle with a sharp distal tip, and the needle 42 housed in the housing 50 may shield the sharp distal tip to prevent the clinician from an accidental needle stick injury. In some embodiments, in response to depression of the push button 54, a spring may be released and expanded to move the needle carrier 40 proximally with the guidewire slider 44 and the safety slider 48 coupled to the needle carrier 40.

[0033] In some embodiments, the safety slider 48 may include a first arm 56a and a second arm 56b opposite the first arm 56a. In some embodiments, the distal end of the first arm 56a may include a first hook feature 58a. In some embodiments, the distal end of the second arm 56b may include a second hook feature 58b. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the needle carrier 40 may include a first flange 60a and a second flange 60b. In some embodiments, the first hook feature 58a and the second hook feature 58b may be configured to couple to the first flange 60a and the second flange 60b, respectively, to couple the safety slider 48 to the proximal end of the needle carrier 40 in response to the guidewire slider 44 and the safety slider 48 sliding together from a proximal position to a distal position. In some embodiments, the first flange 60a and the second flange 60b may each be disposed on an arm configured to provide a degree of flexion to facilitate coupling with the first arm 56a and the second arm 56b, which may also be configured to provide a degree of flexion to facilitate coupling.

[0034] In some embodiments, safety slider 48 may include boss 62, which may include a protrusion extending distally between first arm 56a and second arm 56b. In some embodiments, the top surface of guidewire slider 44 may include groove 64. In some embodiments, when safety slider 48 is coupled to guidewire slider 44, boss 62 may seat within groove 64, which may stabilize safety slider 48 relative to guidewire slider 44.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first arm 56a may include a first snap feature 66a, and the second arm 56b may include a second snap feature 66b. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 44 may include a first corresponding snap feature 68a and a second corresponding snap feature. In some embodiments, the first snap feature 66a and the second snap feature 66b may each include a protrusion, and the first corresponding snap feature 68a and the second corresponding snap feature 68b may each include a protrusion.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first snap feature 66a and the second snap feature 66b may be configured to snap onto the first corresponding snap feature 68a and the second corresponding snap feature, respectively, to couple the safety slider 48 with the guidewire slider 44 in response to proximal sliding of the guidewire slider 44. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first arm 56a may include the first snap feature 66a, and the inner surface of the second arm 56b may include the second snap feature 66b. In some embodiments, the first side 70a of the guidewire slider 44 may include the first corresponding snap feature 68a, and the second side 70b of the guidewire slider 44 may include the second corresponding snap feature. In some embodiments, the second corresponding snap feature may be similar to the first corresponding snap feature 68a, but on the opposite side of the guidewire slider 44. In some embodiments, the first corresponding snap feature 68a and the second corresponding snap feature may be within grooves in the guidewire slider 44 to facilitate a tight fit with the first arm 56a and the second arm 56b, respectively.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3A , in some embodiments, in the initial position, the guidewire slider 44 may not be coupled to the safety slider 48. Thus, the clinician may test the advancement of the guidewire slider 44 and the guidewire 46 without risk of coupling to the needle carrier 40. In some examples, the clinician may test the advancement of the guidewire slider 44 and the guidewire 46 by sliding the guidewire slider 44 distally and then proximally, as shown in FIG. 3B . In some embodiments, after testing the guidewire 46, the clinician may insert the catheter tube 38 and needle 42 into the patient's vasculature.

[0038] In some embodiments, when the clinician slides the guidewire slider 44 proximally after testing, the clinician may slide the guidewire slider 44 sufficiently proximally so that the guidewire slider 44 couples with the safety slider 48. In some embodiments, the coupled guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 may be in a proximal position and ready for simultaneous distal advancement. Figure 3C illustrates simultaneous distal advancement of the guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 between the proximal and distal positions, according to some embodiments. Figure 3D illustrates the guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 coupled to the needle carrier 40 in a distal position, according to some embodiments.

[0039] 3E, in some embodiments, from the distal position, the guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 may then be slid proximally by the clinician toward the proximal position. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the needle 42 may be proximally retracted via active or passive mechanisms. In some embodiments, sliding the guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 proximally may result in proximal movement of the needle carrier coupled to the safety slider 48, thus withdrawing the needle 42 from the insertion configuration into the housing 50. In other embodiments, a push button 54 or other active safety mechanism may be actuated or pressed, which, when pressed by the needle carrier 40, may cause the guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 to slide proximally toward or to the proximal position.

[0040] In some embodiments, in response to guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 being in the distal position, guidewire 46 may be fully advanced and positioned beyond the distal end of catheter tube 38. In some embodiments, in response to guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 being in the proximal position, guidewire 46 may be fully retracted and / or fully positioned within housing 50, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3F.

[0041] 4A-4B, in some embodiments, slot 52 may include a bump 72. In some embodiments, safety slider 48 may include another bump 74. In some embodiments, when guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 are in the proximal position, bump 72 of slot 52 may be distal to and contact another bump 74 of safety slider 48 to provide resistance to distal sliding of safety slider 48. In some embodiments, when guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 are in the proximal position, catheter tube 38 and needle 42 may be inserted into the vasculature.

[0042] 11-13, in some embodiments, a first side of boss 62 may include a first snap feature 66a, and a second side of boss 62 may include a second snap feature 66b. In some embodiments, a first inner surface of guidewire slider 44 may include a first corresponding snap feature 68a, and a second inner surface of guidewire slider 44 may include a second corresponding snap feature 68b. In some embodiments, first snap feature 66a, second snap feature 66b, first corresponding snap feature 68a, and second corresponding snap feature 68b may be located on the exterior of housing 50. In some embodiments, first snap feature 66a and second snap feature 66b may each include a protrusion, and first corresponding snap feature 68a and second corresponding snap feature 68b may each include a protrusion that may be adjacent to a groove configured to receive first snap feature 66a or second snap feature 66b.

[0043] In some embodiments, the distal end of boss 62 may include a shape 76 that corresponds to a shape 78 of guidewire slider 44 between first corresponding snap feature 68a and second corresponding snap feature 68b. In some embodiments, shape 76 may correspond to shape 78 such that shape 76 fits into shape 78 and creates a generally smooth and generally flush interface between guidewire slider 44 and safety slider 48 to facilitate contact with a clinician's fingers. In some embodiments, the top surface of guidewire slider 44 and / or safety slider 48 may include one or more grip features 80 to facilitate movement of guidewire slider 44 by a clinician's fingers.

[0044] 5A-5B, a guidewire slider 84 is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 84 may be used with a catheter system similar or identical in one or more features and / or operation to the catheter systems of FIGS. 2-4 and 11-13. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 84 may be similar or identical in one or more features and / or operation to the guidewire slider 44. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 84 may be configured to couple to the needle carrier 40 in response to sliding of the guidewire slider 84 within the slot 52. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 84 and the needle carrier 40 may be configured to slide proximally together in response to the guidewire slider 84 being coupled to the needle carrier 40.

[0045] In some embodiments, guidewire slider 84 may include a living hinge 86. In some embodiments, an outer surface of needle carrier 40 may include a groove 88. In some embodiments, living hinge 86 may be configured to extend into groove 88 to couple to the needle carrier in response to distal sliding of guidewire slider 84. More specifically, in some embodiments, guidewire slider 84 may be configured to couple to needle carrier 40 in response to distal sliding of guidewire slider 84 such that living hinge 86 aligns with groove 88 and / or guidewire slider 84 abuts the proximal end of needle carrier 40. In some embodiments, even if a clinician attempts to slide guidewire slider 84 proximally, living hinge 86 within groove 88 resists proximal movement of guidewire slider 84, reducing the risk of shearing guidewire 46 on needle 42. In some embodiments, the living hinge 86 is bent toward the guidewire slider 84 and points proximally as it moves distally along the needle carrier 40 toward the groove 88, and then, in response to alignment with the groove 88, the living hinge 86 moves distally and extends into the groove 88.

[0046] 6A-6C , in some embodiments, the guidewire slider 84 may include a snap protrusion 90, which may be annular. In some embodiments, the snap protrusion 90 may be disposed on a distally extending knob 91. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the needle carrier 40 may include a groove 92 and a bump 94 disposed in the groove 92. In some embodiments, the snap protrusion 90 may be configured to snap into the groove 92 to couple to the needle carrier 40 in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider 84. In some embodiments, even if a clinician attempts to slide the guidewire slider 84 proximally, the coupling between the snap protrusion 90 and the bump 94 resists proximal movement of the guidewire slider 84 until a push button is pressed to release the needle 42, reducing the risk of shearing the guidewire 46 on the needle 42.

[0047] 7A-7B , in some embodiments, the guidewire slider 84 may include a plurality of teeth 96. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the needle carrier 40 may include a bump feature 98, which may include a shape corresponding to the shape of the teeth 96. In some embodiments, the teeth 96 may be configured to catch the bump feature 98 in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider 84 to couple the guidewire slider 84 to the needle carrier 40. In some embodiments, even if a clinician attempts to slide the guidewire slider 84 proximally, the coupling between the teeth 96 and the bump feature 98 resists movement of the guidewire slider 84 until a push button is pressed to release the needle 42, reducing the risk of shearing the guidewire 46 on the needle 42. In some embodiments, the teeth 96 may be located on a lower surface of a tab portion of the guidewire slider 84, which may include a gripping feature 80 and be configured to contact a clinician's finger.

[0048] 8A-8C , in some embodiments, needle carrier 40 may include a septum 100 having a groove 102. In some embodiments, guidewire slider 84 may include a distally extending arm 104 having a protrusion 106, where protrusion 106 of distally extending arm 104 may be configured to fit within groove 102 of septum 100 to couple guidewire slider 84 to needle carrier 40 in response to distal sliding of guidewire slider 84. In some embodiments, septum 100 may be constructed of plastic, which may facilitate a strong bond between guidewire slider 84 and septum 100. In some embodiments, distally extending arm 104 and / or protrusion 106 may be arc-shaped to match the shape of the inner surface of septum 100, including groove 102. In some embodiments, even if the clinician attempts to slide the guidewire slider 84 proximally, the coupling between the protrusion 106 and the groove 102 resists movement of the guidewire slider 84 until the push button is pressed to release the needle 42, reducing the risk of shearing the guidewire 46 on the needle 42.

[0049] 9A-9C , in some embodiments, the inner surface of the proximal end of needle carrier 40 may include a snap protrusion 108. In some embodiments, guidewire slider 84 may include a distally extending protrusion 110 having a ridge 112. In some embodiments, ridge 112 may be configured to snap onto snap protrusion 108 in response to distal sliding of guidewire slider 84, coupling guidewire slider 84 to needle carrier 40. In some embodiments, even if a clinician attempts to slide guidewire slider 84 proximally, contact between snap protrusion 108 and ridge 112 resists movement of guidewire slider 84 until a push button is pressed to release needle 42, reducing the risk of shearing guidewire 46 on needle 42.

[0050] 10A-10C , in some embodiments, the proximal end of the needle carrier 40 may include an opening 114. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 84 may include a distally extending arm 116 having a protrusion 118, which may be annular. In some embodiments, the protrusion 118 may be configured to snap into the opening 114, which has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the protrusion 118, in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider 84 to couple the guidewire slider 84 to the needle carrier 40. In some embodiments, even if the clinician attempts to slide the guidewire slider 84 proximally, contact between the protrusion 118 and the opening 114 resists movement of the guidewire slider 84 until a push button is pressed to release the needle 42, reducing the risk of shearing the guidewire 46 on the needle 42.

[0051] 14A-14C, a catheter system 120 may include a catheter hub 32, which may include a distal end 34 and a proximal end 36. In some embodiments, the catheter system 120 may be similar to or identical in one or more features and / or operation to the catheter system 30 of FIGS. 2-4 and 11-13. In some embodiments, the catheter system 120 may include a catheter tube 38 extending distally from the distal end 34 of the catheter hub 32. In some embodiments, the catheter system 120 may include a housing 50 coupled to the catheter hub 32. In some embodiments, the housing 50 may include a slot 52 and another slot 122, or a first slot and a second slot. In some embodiments, a distal end 124 of the another slot 122 may be proximal to a distal end 127 of the slot 52. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the another slot 122 may include a notched tab 126.

[0052] In some embodiments, the catheter system 120 may include a needle carrier 40 disposed within a lumen of the housing 50. In some embodiments, the catheter system 120 may include a needle 42 extending distally from the needle carrier 40 and extending through the catheter tube 38. In some embodiments, the catheter system 120 may include a guidewire slider 128 configured to slide along the slot 52. In some embodiments, the guidewire slider 128 may be similar or identical in one or more features and / or operation to the guidewire slider 44 of FIGS. 2-4 and 11-13 and / or the guidewire slider 84 of FIGS. 5-10. In some embodiments, the catheter system 120 may include a guidewire 46 extending distally from the guidewire slider 128.

[0053] In some embodiments, catheter system 120 may include an additional slider 130 configured to slide along another slot 122. In some embodiments, guidewire slider 128 and additional slider 130 may be coupled together such that guidewire slider 128 and additional slider 130 are configured to slide distally together along slot 52 and another slot 122, respectively. In some embodiments, guidewire slider 128 may be configured to decouple from additional slider 130 in response to rotation of additional slider 130 toward notched tab 126.

[0054] In some embodiments, in response to decoupling the guidewire slider 128 from the additional slider 130, the guidewire slider 128 may be configured to slide distally independent of the additional slider 130 and couple to the needle carrier 40. In some embodiments, in response to the guidewire slider 128 being coupled to the needle carrier 40, the guidewire slider 128 and the needle carrier 40 may be configured to slide proximally together. In some embodiments, a push button or other active safety mechanism may be actuated or depressed, which, upon depression by the needle carrier 40, may cause the guidewire slider 44 and the safety slider 48 to slide proximally together toward or to a proximal position.

[0055] In some embodiments, the additional slider 130 may include a protrusion 132, and the guidewire slider 128 may include a groove 134. In some embodiments, in response to rotation of the additional slider 130 into the notched tab 126, the protrusion 132 may be configured to disengage from the groove 134, decoupling the guidewire slider 128 from the additional slider 130. In some embodiments, the protrusion 132 may extend downwardly from an arc-shaped body 135 configured to facilitate smooth rotation of the guidewire slider 128 into the notched tab 126. In some embodiments, the distal end of the another slot 122 is proximal to the distal end of the slot 52, which allows the clinician to test the guidewire 46 by advancing the guidewire slider 128 coupled to the additional slider 130, preventing the guidewire slider 128 from sliding distally enough to couple to the needle carrier 40.

[0056] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the invention and the concepts provided by the inventors to facilitate the present technology, and should be construed as not being limited to the specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A catheter system comprising: a catheter hub having a distal end and a proximal end; a catheter tube extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub; A needle carrier; a needle extending distally from the needle carrier and extending through the catheter tube; a guidewire slider; a guidewire extending distally from the guidewire slider; a safety slider disposed proximal to the guidewire slider and configured to couple to the guidewire slider in response to proximal sliding of the guidewire slider, wherein the guidewire slider and the safety slider are configured to slide together from a proximal position to a distal position in response to the guidewire slider being coupled to the safety slider, and the safety slider is configured to couple to a proximal end of the needle carrier in response to the guidewire slider and the safety slider sliding together from the proximal position to the distal position, and the guidewire slider and the safety slider are configured to return to the proximal position together with the needle carrier; A catheter system comprising:

2. The catheter system of claim 1 , further comprising a housing, the housing comprising a slot, the guidewire slider and the safety slider configured to extend through and slide along the slot.

3. 3. The catheter system of claim 2, wherein the slot includes a bump, the safety slider includes another bump, and when the guidewire slider and the safety slider are in the proximal position, the bump on the slot is distal to and contacts the other bump on the safety slider to provide resistance to distal sliding of the safety slider.

4. 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the safety slider comprises a first arm and a second arm opposite the first arm, a distal end of the first arm comprising a first hook feature, a distal end of the second arm comprising a second hook feature, and the proximal end of the needle carrier comprises a first flange and a second flange, and the first hook feature and the second hook feature are configured to couple to the first flange and the second flange, respectively, to couple the safety slider to the proximal end of the needle carrier in response to the guidewire slider and the safety slider sliding together from the proximal position to the distal position.

5. 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the safety slider comprises a first arm, a second arm opposite the stable arm, and a boss between the first arm and the second arm, and wherein an upper surface of the guidewire slider comprises a groove, and the boss sits within the groove when the safety slider is coupled to the guidewire slider.

6. 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the safety slider comprises a first arm and a second arm opposite the stable arm, the first arm including a first snap feature, the second arm including a second snap feature, the guidewire slider comprising a first corresponding snap feature and a second corresponding snap feature, the first snap feature and the second snap feature configured to snap onto the first corresponding snap feature and the second corresponding snap feature, respectively, to couple the safety slider with the guidewire slider in response to the proximal sliding of the guidewire slider.

7. 7. The catheter system of claim 6, wherein an inner surface of the first arm includes the first snap feature, an inner surface of the second arm includes the second snap feature, a first side of the guidewire slider includes the first corresponding snap feature, and a second side of the guidewire slider includes the second corresponding snap feature.

8. 7. The catheter system of claim 6, wherein the safety slider further comprises a boss, a first side of the boss comprising the first snap feature, a second side of the boss comprising the second snap feature, a first inner surface of the guidewire slider comprising the first corresponding snap feature, and a second inner surface of the guidewire slider comprising the second corresponding snap feature.

9. The catheter system of claim 8 , wherein the distal end of the boss comprises a shape that corresponds to a shape of the guidewire slider between the first corresponding snap feature and the second corresponding snap feature.

10. 1. A catheter system comprising: a catheter hub having a distal end and a proximal end; a catheter tube extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub; A needle carrier; a needle extending distally from the needle carrier and extending through the catheter tube; a guidewire slider; a guidewire extending distally from the guidewire slider, the guidewire slider configured to couple to the needle carrier in response to sliding of the guidewire slider, and the guidewire slider and the needle carrier configured to slide proximally together in response to the guidewire slider being coupled to the needle carrier; and A catheter system comprising:

11. 11. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein the guidewire slider comprises a living hinge, and an outer surface of the needle carrier comprises a groove, and the living hinge is configured to extend into the groove and couple to the needle carrier in response to sliding of the guidewire slider.

12. 11. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein the guidewire slider comprises a snap protrusion, and the proximal end of the needle carrier comprises a groove and a bump disposed within the groove, the snap protrusion configured to snap into the groove and couple to the needle carrier in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider.

13. 11. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein the guidewire slider comprises a plurality of teeth, and a proximal end of the needle carrier comprises a bump feature, the plurality of teeth configured to catch the bump feature and couple the guidewire slider to the needle carrier in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider.

14. 11. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein the needle carrier comprises a septum having a groove, and the guidewire slider comprises a distally extending arm having a protrusion, the protrusion of the distally extending arm configured to fit within the groove of the septum to couple the guidewire slider to the needle carrier in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider.

15. The catheter system of claim 14 , wherein the septum is constructed from plastic.

16. 11. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein an inner surface of the proximal end of the needle carrier is provided with a snap protrusion, and the guidewire slider includes a distally extending protrusion having a ridge configured to snap onto the snap protrusion in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider to couple the guidewire slider to the needle carrier.

17. 11. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein the proximal end of the needle carrier comprises an opening, and the guidewire slider comprises a distally extending arm having an annular protrusion configured to snap into the opening having a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the annular protrusion in response to distal sliding of the guidewire slider to couple the guidewire slider to the needle carrier.

18. 1. A catheter system comprising: a catheter hub having a distal end and a proximal end; a catheter tube extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub; a housing coupled to the catheter hub, the housing including a first slot and a second slot, a distal end of the second slot being proximal to the distal end of the first slot, and a proximal end of the second slot including a notched tab; a needle carrier disposed within the lumen of the housing; a needle extending distally from the needle carrier and extending through the catheter tube; a guidewire slider configured to slide along the first slot; a guidewire extending distally from the guidewire slider; an additional slider configured to slide along the second slot, the guidewire slider and the additional slider coupled to slide distally together along the first slot and the second slot, respectively, the guidewire slider configured to decouple from the additional slider in response to rotation of the additional slider into the notched tab, the guidewire slider configured to slide distally independently of the additional slider and couple to the needle carrier in response to decoupling the guidewire slider from the additional slider, the guidewire slider and the needle carrier configured to slide proximally together; and A catheter system comprising:

19. 19. The catheter system of claim 18, wherein the additional slider comprises a protrusion and the guidewire slider comprises a groove, and wherein, in response to rotation of the additional slider onto the notched tab, the protrusion disengages from the groove to decouple the guidewire slider from the additional slider.

20. 20. The catheter system of claim 18, wherein the guidewire slider is configured to move to a fully advanced position at the distal end of the first slot in response to disengaging the guidewire slider from the additional slider.

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