Introducer housing for blood collection devices

Abstract

A blood collection device for use with a PIVC is provided. The blood collection device includes a catheter, an introducer housing, and an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing. The introducer housing includes a first member and a second member coupled via a plurality of snaps to define an interior volume configured to movably receive the catheter. The first housing member has a plurality of spaced-apart lower snaps formed between its proximal and distal ends, each lower snap having a downwardly disposed hook. The distal end of the first housing member has a first upper snap formed with an upwardly disposed hook. The proximal end of the second housing member has a second upper snap formed with a downwardly disposed hook.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Devices and components used for vascular access, particularly for blood sampling via an indwelling catheter, are provided. [Background technology]

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 406047, entitled "Introducer Housing for Blood Draw Device," filed September 13, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Catheters are frequently used to introduce fluids into and remove fluids from the body. Patients in various settings, such as hospitals and home health care, receive fluids, medications, blood products, and the like, through venous access devices (VADs), such as catheters, that are inserted into the patient's vascular system. A typical VAD includes a plastic catheter that is inserted into a patient's vein. The length of the catheter can vary, for example, from a few centimeters when the VAD is a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) to several centimeters or more when the VAD is a central venous catheter (CVC).

[0004] To improve the ease of use, accessibility, and functionality of the catheter, the catheter is typically incorporated into a catheter adapter of the VAD. The catheter adapter may be adapted to receive one end of the catheter such that one end of the catheter is supported by the catheter adapter and the body and tip of the catheter extend beyond the first end of the catheter adapter. Typically, the catheter adapter further includes a second end adapted to receive additional components for use with the VAD. For example, the second end of the catheter adapter may include a set of threads thereon or a needle access connector to which such components may be attached to provide access to the patient's vasculature via the attached catheter.

[0005] Recent advances in the field of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) have resulted in the emergence of technologies that facilitate blood collection using indwelling PIVCs and associated blood collection devices. These blood collection devices emphasize the ability to reliably collect high-quality blood samples and reduce hemolysis. The primary method of operation for these devices is the use of an introducer to insert catheters, probes, tubing, or other instruments into the catheter lumen. A syringe or vacutainer can then be used to collect the blood sample without an additional needlestick on the patient.

[0006] Typically, an introducer for a blood collection device includes a housing, a catheter movable within the housing so as to be telescopic for advancement into the placed PIVC, and an operator-actuable advancement member associated with the housing, the advancement member being movable distally by the operator to correspond to movement of the catheter relative to the housing such that advancement of the catheter from the housing and insertion into the placed PIVC can be selectively controlled. The housing may be a clamshell structure whereby two halves or portions of the housing join to define an interior volume within which a portion of the catheter and a portion of the advancement member are housed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In use, a blood collection device is manipulated by an operator to connect the device to an indwelling PIVC and subsequently insert a catheter through the lumen of the PIVC to facilitate blood collection. It has been recognized that when a blood collection device is manipulated in this manner, the housing may be subjected to torsional forces due to the operator twisting or rotating the housing. For example, when the proximal end of the housing corresponding to the distal end is rotated or twisted, torsional forces are applied to the distal housing, which may cause one or more snaps or connections connecting the two halves of the housing to break or separate from their associated mating surfaces. Breaking or separating one or more of these snaps or connections may cause the two halves to misalign and separate, rendering the blood collection device unsuitable for further use. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a blood collection device having an introducer housing that is resistant to torsional forces that may be encountered during use by an operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This specification relates to a blood collection device for use with a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). The blood collection device includes a catheter and an introducer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an upper surface and a lower surface. The introducer housing has a first housing member and a second housing member extending between the proximal end and the distal end, respectively. The first housing member and the second housing member are coupled via a plurality of snaps formed thereon to define an interior volume configured to movably accommodate the catheter. The blood collection device also includes an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move the distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing. The plurality of snaps includes a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member at spaced intervals between the proximal end and the distal end. Each lower snap extends from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of each lower snap having a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface. The plurality of snaps includes a first upper snap formed at a distal end of the first housing member, the first upper snap protruding from the first housing member from the snap proximal end to the snap distal end, the snap distal end of the first upper snap having a hook disposed upwardly toward the upper surface. The plurality of snaps further includes a second upper snap formed at a proximal end of the second housing member, the second upper snap protruding from the second housing member from the snap proximal end to the snap distal end, the snap distal end of the second upper snap having a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface.

[0009] According to one aspect, the first upper snap is further compressed by the mating surface of the second housing member in response to twisting of the proximal end of the introducer housing in response to pushing of the distal end, preventing separation of the first housing member from the second housing member.

[0010] In some embodiments, an alignment feature is formed on the first housing member at a distal end thereof below the first upper snap, and the alignment feature engages with another mating feature on the second housing member to prevent disengagement of the first upper snap from the mating surface of the second housing member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the alignment feature is another lower snap extending from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the lower snap having a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first housing member forms a portion of the top surface and the second housing member forms another portion of the top surface, the portion of the top surface being separated from the other portion of the top surface to define a groove generally extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and a portion of the actuator engages the groove to allow movement of the actuator associated with the introducer housing.

[0013] Another blood collection device for use with a PIVC is provided and includes a catheter and an introducer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an upper surface and a lower surface, the introducer housing having a first housing member and a second housing member respectively extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the first housing member and the second housing member coupled via a plurality of snaps formed thereon to define an interior volume configured to movably receive the catheter. The blood collection device also includes an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move the distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing. The plurality of snaps includes a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member and spaced apart between the proximal and distal ends, each of the lower snaps protruding from the first housing member from its proximal end to its distal end, with a distal snap end of each lower snap having a hook extending downwardly toward the lower surface. The plurality of snaps also includes a first upper snap formed on the distal end of the first housing member, each of the first upper snaps protruding from the first housing member from its proximal end to its distal end, with a distal snap end of each upper snap having a hook extending downwardly toward the lower surface. The plurality of snaps further includes a second upper snap formed on the proximal end of the second housing member, each of the second upper snaps protruding from the second housing member from its proximal end to its distal end, with a distal snap end of each upper snap having a hook extending downwardly toward the lower surface. The second housing member has a snap stop disposed at its distal end, the snap stop protruding outward from the second housing member and positioned proximally rearward of the first upper snap and adjacent to the rear side of the hook.

[0014] According to one aspect, the snap stop prevents proximal movement of the first upper snap relative to the second housing member, thereby preventing disengagement of the first upper snap from the mating surface of the second housing member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the snap stop includes a cap member that is inserted into the second housing member.

[0016] Another blood collection device for use with a PIVC is provided, including a catheter and an introducer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an upper surface and a lower surface, the introducer housing having first and second housing members extending between the proximal and distal ends, respectively, the first and second housing members coupled via a plurality of snaps formed thereon to define an interior volume configured to movably receive the catheter. The blood collection device also includes an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move the distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing. The first housing member includes a lower connecting surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the lower connecting surface having a plurality of tabs formed at intervals between the proximal and distal ends. The second housing member includes another lower connecting surface adjacent to the lower connecting surface of the first housing member, the other lower connecting surface having a plurality of bump outs spaced apart between a proximal end and a distal end and aligned to internally engage with the plurality of claws.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of snaps includes a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member and spaced apart along the lower connecting surface, each of the plurality of lower snaps protruding from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, each of the plurality of lower snaps having a hook oriented downward toward the lower surface. The plurality of snaps also includes a first upper snap formed on the distal end of the first housing member, the first upper snap protruding from the first housing member from the snap proximal end to the snap distal end, the snap distal end of the first upper snap having a hook oriented downward toward the distal end of the introducer housing. The plurality of snaps also includes a second upper snap formed on the proximal end of the second housing member, the second upper snap protruding from the second housing member from the snap proximal end to the snap distal end, the snap distal end of the second upper snap having a hook oriented downward toward the lower surface.

[0018] According to one aspect, when the proximal end of the introducer housing corresponding to the distal end is twisted, the internal engagement of the bump-outs and the claws prevents the lower snaps from disengaging from the mating surfaces on the second housing member, preventing separation of the first and second housing members.

[0019] Another blood collection device for use with a PIVC is provided and includes a catheter and an introducer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an upper surface and a lower surface, the introducer housing having a first housing member and a second housing member extending between the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, the first housing member and the second housing member coupled via a plurality of snaps formed thereon to define an interior volume configured to movably receive the catheter. The blood collection device also includes an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move the distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing. The plurality of snaps includes a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member and spaced apart between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of lower snaps each protrude from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, with the snap distal end of each lower snap having a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface. The plurality of snaps also includes a first upper snap formed at the distal end of the first housing member, with the first upper snap protruding from the first housing member from the snap proximal end to the snap distal end, with the snap distal end of the first upper snap having a hook disposed toward the distal end of the introducer housing. The plurality of snaps further includes a second upper snap formed at the proximal end of the second housing member, with the second upper snap protruding from the second housing member from the snap proximal end to the snap distal end, with the snap distal end of the second upper snap having a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface. The second housing member includes a mating surface that engages the hook of the first upper snap and a window formed in the second housing member adjacent the mating surface, the window surrounding the hook of the first upper snap being dimensioned to limit vertical movement of the hook of the first upper snap.

[0020] In some embodiments, the vertical gap between the edge of the window and the side of the hook of the first upper snap is 0.1 mm or less.

[0021] Another blood collection device for use with a PIVC is provided and includes a catheter, an introducer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an upper surface and a lower surface, first and second housing members respectively extending between the proximal and distal ends, and the first and second housing members coupled to define an interior volume configured to movably receive the catheter. The blood collection device also includes an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move the distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing. The first and second housing members include a plurality of pegs and a plurality of peg holes connectable to secure the first and second housing members together, and the plurality of pegs are press-fit into the plurality of peg holes to secure them.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plurality of pegs and plurality of peg holes include a plurality of lower peg-peg hole pairs on the first and second housing members spaced apart between the proximal and distal ends, a first upper peg-peg hole pair on the distal ends of the first and second housing members, and a second upper peg-peg hole pair on the proximal ends of the first and second housing members.

[0023] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pegs has a first cross-sectional shape and each of the plurality of peg holes has an opening with a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape to reduce stress of the press fit between the peg and the peg hole.

[0024] Another blood collection device for use with a PIVC is provided, comprising a catheter and an introducer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an upper surface and a lower surface, the introducer housing having a first housing member and a second housing member extending between the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, the first housing member and the second housing member coupled via a plurality of snaps formed thereon to define an interior volume configured to movably receive the catheter. The blood collection device also includes an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move the distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing. The plurality of snaps includes a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member and spaced apart between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of lower snaps each protrude from the first housing member from a proximal snap end to a distal snap end, with the distal snap end of each lower snap having a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface. The plurality of snaps also includes a first upper snap formed at the distal end of the first housing member, the first upper snap extending from the first housing member from the proximal snap end to the distal snap end, with the distal snap end having a hook disposed downwardly toward the distal end of the introducer housing. The plurality of snaps further includes a second upper snap formed at the proximal end of the second housing member, the second upper snap protruding from the second housing member from the proximal snap end to the distal snap end, with the distal end of the second upper snap having a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface. The first housing member also includes a horizontal ridge extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and the second housing member further includes a stop feature disposed on an underside of the upper surface, the stop feature having an abutment surface disposed opposite and parallel to the horizontal ridge, the abutment surface being spaced apart from the horizontal ridge by a distance of 0.1 mm or less.

[0025] According to one aspect, the stop feature inhibits vertical movement of the first housing member relative to the second housing member in response to twisting of the proximal end of the introducer housing relative to the distal end, thereby preventing corresponding proximal movement of the first upper snap-off from the mating surface of the second housing member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the stop feature is a rib located on the proximal and / or distal end of the introducer housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a blood collection device that may incorporate embodiments of the present application. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the blood collection device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the blood collection device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of a first member of an introducer housing included in the blood collection device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of a second member of an introducer housing included in the blood collection device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a rear perspective view of an introducer housing formed by joining the first member shown in FIG. 4 and the second member shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the introducer housing shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the introducer taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 2 is a rear perspective view of a lock included in the blood collection device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a catheter, a secondary catheter, and an actuator included in the blood collection device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the actuator shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12]12 is a cross-sectional view of the blood collection device taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 2. [Figure 13] 2 is a side view of the blood collection device of FIG. 1 in a first configuration. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a side view of the blood collection device of FIG. 1 in a second configuration. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a prior art introducer housing formed from a first member and a second member. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a detailed view of a portion of the introducer housing of FIG. 15 showing the snap action relative to the mating surfaces. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an introducer housing according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the introducer housing of FIG. 17, showing the first and second housing members. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a snap hook portion of the introducer housing of FIG. 17. [Figure 20] 18 is a side view of a portion of the introducer housing of FIG. 17 showing engagement of the first upper snap with a mating surface on the second housing member. [Figure 21] 18 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the introducer housing of FIG. 17 with an alignment feature added to the first housing member in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 22] 18 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the introducer housing of FIG. 17 with an alignment feature added to the first housing member according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an introducer housing formed from a first member and a second member according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 24] 24 is a side view of a portion of the introducer housing of FIG. 23 showing engagement of the first upper snap with a mating surface on the second housing member. [Figure 25]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an introducer housing formed from a first member and a second member according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 26] 26 is a cross-sectional view of the introducer housing of FIG. 25 taken along line 26-26. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an introducer housing formed from a first member and a second member according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 28] 28 is a side view of a portion of the introducer housing of FIG. 27 showing the first upper snap engaging a mating surface on the second housing member. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an introducer housing formed from a first member and a second member according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the introducer housing of FIG. 29 taken along line 30-30. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an introducer housing formed from a first member and a second member according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a pin included in the introducer housing of FIG. 31. [Figure 33] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a pin hole included in the introducer housing of FIG. 31. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view showing the fitting of the pin and the pin hole in FIGS. 32 and 33. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments devised for practicing the invention. However, it will be apparent that various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives will readily occur to those skilled in the art. All such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0029] As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to directions closer to and further from a user who would place the device in contact with a patient. Thus, for example, the end of the device that first contacts the patient's body would be the distal end, and the opposite end (e.g., the end of the device that the user manipulates) would be the proximal end.

[0030] Spatial or directional terms such as "left," "right," "inside," "outside," "up," and "down" are not to be construed as limiting, as the present invention can assume various alternative orientations.

[0031] Hereinafter, in this specification, the terms "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "transverse," "longitudinal," and their derivatives refer to the orientation of the invention in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention may employ various alternative modifications unless expressly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary forms of the invention.

[0032] The terms "first" and "second" do not refer to a particular order or chronology, but rather to different conditions, characteristics, or elements.

[0033] As used herein, "at least one" is synonymous with "one or more." For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes one or more of A alone, one or more of B alone, one or more of C alone, one or more of A and B, one or more of A and C, one or more of B and C, or one or more of all of A, B, and C.

[0034] 1-14 illustrate a blood collection device 200 (and various configurations in which it may be operated) in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. The blood collection device 200 may be of any suitable shape, size, or configuration, and may be coupled to a PIVC (not shown in FIGS. 1-14 ), for example, via a lock and / or adapter. As described in further detail herein, a user may transition the blood collection device 200 from a first configuration to a second configuration to advance a catheter through an existing, deployed, and / or indwelling PIVC (i.e., when the blood collection device 200 is coupled to a PIVC) so that at least an end of the catheter is positioned distally relative to the PIVC. Additionally, peripheral venous lines may vary in shape, size, and / or configuration depending, for example, on the manufacturer of the PIVC and / or its intended use, and the blood collection device 200 may be configured to couple the blood collection device 200 to a PIVC in any suitable configuration and advance at least a portion of the catheter through the PIVC. Additionally, the blood collection device 200 can be manipulated by the user to position the distal surface of the catheter a predetermined and / or desired distance from the distal surface of the PIVC in a portion of the vein receiving substantially unobstructed blood flow.

[0035] 1-3 , blood collection device 200 includes introducer 210, lock 240, catheter 260, secondary catheter 265, and actuator 270. Introducer 210 can be of any suitable shape, size, or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, introducer 210 can be an elongated member having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the shape of introducer 210 and / or one or more features or surface finish of at least the outer surface of introducer 210 can be configured to improve the ergonomics of blood collection device 200, and in some cases, can allow a user to operate blood collection device 200 with one hand (i.e., single-handed use).

[0036] 2-8 , introducer 210 of blood collection device 200 includes introducer housing 218 having first housing member 220 and second housing member 230 joined to integrally form housing 218. First housing member 220 includes a proximal end 221, a distal end 222, and an inner surface 223. Inner surface 223 has a first portion 224 and a second portion 225. Proximal end 221 of first housing member 220, and more specifically, the proximal wall of first housing member 220, defines a notch 226 configured to selectively receive a portion of a secondary catheter 265, as described in further detail herein.

[0037] Second housing member 230 has a proximal end 231, a distal end 232, an inner surface 233, and an upper surface 235. As described above with respect to first housing member 220, proximal end 231 of second housing member 230, and more particularly, the proximal wall of second housing member 230, defines a notch 234 configured to selectively receive a portion of secondary catheter 265.

[0038] The top surface 235 of the second housing member 230 includes a set of ribs 236 distributed along the length of the second housing member 230, with each rib 236 extending along the width of the second housing member 230. The ribs 236 formed by the top surface 235 of the second housing member 230 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, the set of ribs 236 includes a first portion 237 having a first size and shape and a second portion 238 having a second size and shape that is different from the first size and shape. Each rib in the second portion 238 has a size and shape that is larger than the size and shape of each rib in the first portion 237. While the illustrated embodiment shows the ribs 236 included in the second housing member 230, according to other embodiments, the ribs 236 may alternatively be provided on the first housing member 220.

[0039] As described in more detail herein, a portion of actuator 270 is configured to be advanced along top surface 235, which forms a set of ribs 236, when a user moves actuator 270 relative to introducer housing 218, causing actuator 270 (and catheter 260 coupled thereto) to vibrate. In some cases, this vibration may facilitate, for example, passage of catheter 260 through a portion of blood collection device 200, a portion of the PIVC, and / or a portion of a blood vessel. In some instances, the larger size of the ribs on second portion 238 (as described above) may result in greater vibration as actuator 270 moves along top surface 235. In some instances, the larger size of the ribs on second portion 238 may increase the force sufficient to move a portion of actuator 270 along top surface 235.

[0040] As shown in Figures 6-8, first housing member 220 is configured to be coupled with second housing member 230 to integrally form introducer housing 218. In some embodiments, forming introducer housing 218 from first housing member 220 and second housing member 230 may reduce undesirable variations in the shape and / or dimensions of inner surfaces 223, 233 during manufacturing (e.g., variations due to draft angles and / or manufacturing tolerances), potentially reducing the likelihood of kinking, distortion, or deformation of catheter 260 during use of blood collection device 200. In some embodiments, forming introducer housing 218 from first housing member 220 and second housing member 230 may allow at least inner surface 223 of first housing member 220 to accommodate a tortuous shape that would be problematic if introducer housing 218 were manufactured from a single workpiece.

[0041] The first housing member 220 and the second housing member 230 integrally form the proximal end 211 and the distal end 212 of the introducer housing 218 and integrally define an interior volume 213 of the introducer housing 218. As shown in FIG. 6 , the proximal end 211 of the introducer housing 218 defines an opening 217. Specifically, the opening 217 is integrally formed and / or defined by a notch 226 in the first housing member 220 and a notch 234 in the second housing member 230. The proximal end 211 is arranged such that the portion of the opening 217 defined by the notch 226 in the first housing member 220 has a first size and / or shape, and the portion of the opening 217 defined by the notch 234 in the second housing member 230 has a second size and / or shape that is smaller than the first size and / or shape. In other words, a portion of opening 217 is constricted, pinched, blocked, and / or otherwise reduced. As described in more detail herein, opening 217 is configured to receive a portion of secondary catheter 265 that is movable from a larger portion within opening 217 to a reduced portion of opening 217 (e.g., the portion formed by notch 234 in second housing member 230).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7 , the distal end 212 of the introducer housing 218 includes and / or forms a coupler 216. In other words, the distal end 222 of the first housing member 220 and the distal end 232 of the second housing member 230 integrally form the coupler 216 at the distal end 212 of the introducer housing 218. The coupler 216 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in this embodiment, the coupler 216 forms a series of threads that can form a threaded connection with threads associated with the lock 240, as described in further detail herein. Although not shown in FIG. 7 , the distal end 211 of the introducer housing 218 can be configured to receive a seal that can selectively seal and / or fluidly isolate the interior volume 213 of the introducer housing 218 (at least from the opening of the coupler 216). In use, the seal can be transitioned from a sealed or closed configuration to an open configuration, for example to allow passage of a portion of catheter 260. In some embodiments, the seal can contact an outer surface of catheter 260 to define a seal therebetween and limit and / or substantially prevent backflow of fluid between the outer surface of the cannula and the seal.

[0043] The inner surface 223 of the first housing member 220 and the inner surface 233 of the second housing member 230 together define the interior volume 213 of the introducer housing 218. As shown in FIG. 8 , the arrangement of the inner surfaces 223 and 233 is configured so that the interior volume 213 has or defines a serpentine cross-sectional shape. For example, the interior volume 213 can have a substantially S-shaped or at least a partially S-shaped cross-sectional shape. More specifically, the inner surface 223 of the first housing member 220 includes and / or forms ridges, tabs, flanges, protrusions, and / or walls configured to distinguish the first portion 224 of the inner surface 223 from the second portion 225 of the inner surface 223. Thus, the serpentine cross-sectional shape of the interior volume 213 defines or defines the first portion 214 and the second portion 215 of the interior volume 213. In this manner, the first portion 214 of the interior volume 213 is spatially separated from, but not fluidly isolated from, the second portion 215 of the interior volume 213. In other words, the first portion 214 of the interior volume 213 defines an axis that is parallel to, but offset from, the axis defined by the second portion 215 of the interior volume 213.

[0044] 8 , the first portion 214 of the interior volume 213 penetrates the wall of the introducer housing 218. Similarly, the introducer housing 218 defines (e.g., integrally defined by the first housing member 220 and the second housing member 230) a slot, channel, track, opening, and / or the like that is in fluid communication with the first portion 214 of the interior volume 213. Conversely, the second portion 215 of the interior volume 213 is entirely defined and / or surrounded (at least circumferentially) by the introducer housing 218. The serpentine cross-sectional shape of the interior volume 213 is configured such that the second portion 215 is not visible (e.g., out of the line of sight) through the slot (which is in fluid communication with the first portion 214 of the interior volume 213), thereby limiting and / or substantially preventing contamination of the catheter 260 positioned therethrough.

[0045] In this configuration, second portion 215 of interior volume 213 is positioned to substantially coincide with, for example, a portion of opening 217 and a portion of the opening defined by coupler 216. Furthermore, second portion 215 of interior volume 213 is configured to substantially align with the lock when the lock is coupled to coupler 216 of introducer housing 218. More specifically, as described in further detail herein, the axis defined by second portion 215 of interior volume 213 is substantially coaxial with the axis defined by a portion of lock 240. In this manner, second portion 215 of interior volume 213 can movably receive, for example, a portion of actuator 270 and a portion of catheter 260. Thus, the actuator 270 can move relative to the introducer housing 218 to move the catheter 260 between a first position in which the catheter 260 is entirely disposed within the second portion 215 of the interior volume 213 and a second position in which at least a portion of the catheter 260 extends outside the second portion 215 of the interior volume 213 and distal to the introducer housing 218, as described in further detail herein.

[0046] Lock 240 of blood collection device 200 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. As described above, lock 240 is configured to physically and fluidly couple to introducer housing 218 and to couple introducer 210 to the PIVC and / or any suitable intermediate device or adapter coupled to the PIVC. Lock 240 includes a coupler 241, a blunt cannula 242, a first arm 243, and a second arm 250, as shown in FIG. 9 . Additionally, lock 240 defines a lumen 255 extending through coupler 241 and blunt cannula 242. Coupler 241 is configured to couple lock 240 to coupler 216 of introducer housing 218. Specifically, in this form, the coupler 241 includes and / or forms one or more protrusions configured to selectively engage threads defined and / or formed by the coupler 216 of the introducer housing 218.

[0047] Blunt cannula 242 extends from coupler 241 and is disposed between first arm 243 and second arm 250. Blunt cannula 242 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some forms, blunt cannula 242 can be long enough to pass through at least a portion of the PIVC or pass through an adapter and be partially inserted into or pass through at least a portion of the PIVC. Additionally, blunt cannula 242 can have an inner diameter (the diameter of the surface at least partially defining lumen 255) that is similar to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of a portion of catheter 260. Thus, when blood collection device 200 is transitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration, lumen 255 of lock 240 can receive a portion of catheter 260.

[0048] As described above, at least a portion of catheter 260 and at least a portion of secondary catheter 265 are movably disposed within second portion 215 of interior volume 213 defined by introducer housing 218. As shown in FIG. 10 , catheter 260 has a proximal end 261 and a distal end 262 and defines a lumen 263. Proximal end 261 of catheter 260 is coupled to second portion 275 of actuator 270. In this manner, actuator 270 can be moved relative to introducer housing 218 to move catheter 260 between a first position in which catheter 260 is disposed within introducer housing 218 (e.g., catheter 260 is disposed entirely within introducer housing 218 or within introducer housing 218 and lock 240), and a second position in which the distal end of catheter 260 is disposed at least partially distal to lock 240 and / or PIV, when lock 240 is coupled to a PIV (not shown), as described in further detail herein. Distal end 262 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration and can define at least one opening in fluid communication with lumen 263.

[0049] Secondary catheter 265 has a proximal end 266 and a distal end 267 and defines a lumen 268. A portion of secondary catheter 265 is disposed within and extends through opening 217 of introducer housing 218 (e.g., integrally defined by notches 223 and 233 in first and second housing members 220 and 230). Thus, proximal end 266 is at least partially disposed outside introducer housing 218, and distal end 267 is at least partially disposed within second portion 215 of interior volume 213 defined by introducer housing 218. As described above, the secondary catheter 265 can be moved between first and second positions within the opening 217 to selectively clamp, pinch, twist, bend, and / or otherwise deform a portion of the secondary catheter 265, thereby blocking, pinching, twisting, closing, or sealing the lumen 268 of the secondary catheter 265. For example, the first position can be associated with and / or aligned with a first portion of the opening 217 having a larger circumference and / or diameter than a second portion of the opening 217 associated with and / or aligned with the second position. Thus, a user can manipulate the secondary catheter 265 to occlude the lumen 268 of the secondary catheter 265, thereby restricting, inhibiting, and / or substantially preventing fluid flow therethrough.

[0050] 10 , a proximal end 266 of the secondary catheter 265 is coupled to and / or includes a coupler 269. The coupler 269 is configured to physically and fluidly couple the secondary catheter 265 to any suitable device, such as a fluid reservoir, a fluid source, a syringe, a vacuum holder (e.g., having a shielded needle or configured to couple to a shielded needle), a pump, and / or the like. A distal end 267 of the secondary catheter 265 is at least partially disposed within a second portion 215 of the interior volume 213 defined by the introducer housing 218 and is coupled to a second portion 275 of the actuator 270. In some embodiments, secondary catheter 265 can have a larger diameter than catheter 260, and is configured such that proximal end 261 of catheter 260 is disposed at least partially within lumen 268 defined by secondary catheter 265 when catheter 260 and secondary catheter 265 are coupled to second portion 275 of actuator 270. In some embodiments, such an arrangement can, for example, mitigate and / or substantially prevent leakage associated with fluid flowing between catheter 260 and secondary catheter 265. In some embodiments, such an arrangement can limit, reduce, and / or substantially prevent hemolysis of a volume of blood as it passes through catheter 260 and secondary catheter 265. In this manner, when coupler 269 is attached to a fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, vacuum reservoir, pump, etc., secondary catheter 265 establishes fluid communication with catheter 260 from the reservoir, source, pump, etc.

[0051] An actuator 270 of the blood collection device 200 is coupled to the catheter 260 and is operable to move longitudinally of the introducer housing 218 to switch the blood collection device 200 from a first configuration in which the catheter 260 is in a first position to a second configuration in which the catheter 260 is in a second position. The actuator 270 may have any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator 270 may have a size and / or shape related to and / or based at least in part on the size and / or shape of the introducer housing 218.

[0052] 11 and 12 , the actuator 270 includes a first portion 271, a second portion 275, and a wall 277 extending intermediate the first portion 271 and the second portion 275. As described above, the first portion 271 of the actuator 270 is at least partially disposed within the first portion 214 of the interior volume 213 defined by the introducer housing 218, and the second portion 275 of the actuator 270 is disposed within the second portion 215 of the interior volume 213. The first portion 271 of the actuator 270 includes an engagement member 272. The actuator 270 is disposed such that the engagement member 272 is disposed outside the introducer housing 218 and the remainder of the first portion 271 is disposed within the first portion 214 of the interior volume 213 defined by the introducer housing 218. As such, engagement member 272 can be engaged and / or manipulated by a user (e.g., the user's finger or thumb) to move actuator 270 relative to introducer housing 218. In some forms, engagement member 272 can include a set of ridges and / or any suitable surface finish that can improve the ergonomics of actuator 270 and / or blood collection device 200, for example.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member 272 includes a tab 273 located near the proximal end of the engagement member 272; however, the tab 273 may be located near the proximal end, near the distal end, or anywhere between the proximal and distal ends. The tab 273 may be any suitable tab, rail, ridge, bump, protrusion, knob, roller, slider, or the like extending from the surface of the engagement member 272. The tab 273 is configured to selectively engage the top surface 235 of the second housing member 230 of the introducer housing 218. More specifically, the tab 273 contacts ribs 236 formed by the second housing member 230. As the actuator 270 moves longitudinally of the introducer housing 218, the tab 273 moves along each successive rib, interacting with the ribs 236 and vibrating the actuator 270.

[0054] 13 and 14, the transition of blood collection device 200 between a first configuration and a second configuration is shown. Blood collection device 200 can be in the first configuration prior to use and can be transitioned from the first configuration (FIG. 13) to the second configuration (FIG. 14) by a user (e.g., a doctor, nurse, technician, phlebotomist, and / or the like) to position distal end 262 of catheter 260 in a distal location relative to introducer housing 218 (e.g., within or distal to an indwelling PIV (not shown)).

[0055] When catheter 260 is disposed in a first position within introducer housing 218, blood collection device 200 is in the first configuration of FIG. 13 . In some configurations, catheter 260 is disposed substantially entirely within the housing when catheter 260 is in the first position. In such configurations, introducer housing 218 can include a seal (as described above) or the like that can substantially seal distal end 212 of housing 210 and isolate catheter 260 within second portion 215 of interior volume 213. In other configurations, catheter 260 is disposed within housing 210 and lock 240 when catheter 260 is in the first position.

[0056] Actuator 270 is disposed at a proximal position when blood collection device 200 is in the first configuration, and a user may engage engagement member 272 of first portion 271 of actuator 270 to move actuator 270 relative to introducer housing 218, thereby moving catheter 260 from the first position (e.g., a position disposed within introducer housing 218) to the second position. In this manner, catheter 260 passes through second portion 215 of interior volume 213 and lumen 255 of lock 240, such that distal end 262 of catheter 260 is disposed outside and distal to lock 240.

[0057] When catheter 260 is positioned in the second position, blood collection device 200 is in the second configuration of FIG. 14 . The second position of catheter 260 is reached when distal end 262 of catheter 260 is positioned in a desired location corresponding to the distal end of the PIVC. For example, when catheter 260 is in the second position, the distal end of catheter 260 can be positioned approximately flush with the distal end of the PIVC. In another example, the distal end of catheter 260 extends to protrude a predetermined distance from the distal end of the PIVC (e.g., distally from the distal end of the PIVC), such that the distal face of catheter 260 is positioned within the vein (e.g., a location within the vein where debris (e.g., fibrin / thrombus) has been substantially removed from the surrounding tissue surrounding the distal end portion of the PIVC) protruding a predetermined distance from the distal face of catheter 260.

[0058] When catheter 260 is in the second position (e.g., when blood collection device 200 is in the second configuration as shown in FIG. 14 ), a user can establish fluid communication between catheter 260 and a fluid reservoir, a fluid source, a syringe, and / or the like. With catheter 260 in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and / or fluid source, blood collection device 200 can aspirate a volume of blood from a vein based on positioning a distal surface of catheter 260 a predetermined and / or desired distance from a distal surface of the PIVC. Optionally, after the desired volume of blood has been drawn and / or the desired amount of medication has been administered to the patient, the user can move actuator 270 proximally to return catheter 260 to the first position.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 15, there is provided a prior art introducer housing 280 that can be used as the introducer housing of the blood collection device 200 shown in FIGS. 1-14. The introducer housing 280 includes engagement features that fix the first housing member 282 to the second housing member 284. Specifically, a plurality of cantilevered snaps 286 (hereinafter referred to as "snaps") and corresponding mating surfaces 288 (e.g., flat surfaces or notches) are provided on the first housing member 282 and the second housing member 284 such that the hook-shaped ends of each cantilevered snap 286 form snap fits with the corresponding mating surfaces 288, respectively, while fixing the first housing member 282 to the second housing member 284.

[0060] 1-14, it will be appreciated that introducer housing 218 may be manipulated by an operator, such as when connecting blood collection device 200 to a PIVC and then advancing actuator 270 along introducer housing 218 to thread catheter 260 through the lumen of the PIVC catheter to facilitate subsequent blood collection. During such manipulation, introducer housing 218 may be subjected to torsional forces due to the operator twisting or rotating introducer housing 218, such as by rotating / twisting proximal end 211 relative to distal end 212, which may cause first member 220 and second member 230 to separate. For example, in the introducer housing 280 of FIG. 15, twisting of the housing's proximal end 290 relative to the distal end 292, as indicated by arrow 294 in FIG. 16, can cause the distally disposed snap (snap 286a) to break or disengage—with the snap 286a disengaging due to the distally disposed hook portion of the snap 286a moving upwardly and proximally away from its mating surface 288 in response to twisting of the housing's proximal end 290. Breaking / disengagement of the distally disposed snap 286a causes lateral displacement between the first and second members 284, 286, resulting in disengagement of the lower snap 286b and separation of the first housing member 284 from the second housing member 286.

[0061] Figures 17-34 illustrate various embodiments of introducer housings that can be implemented in the blood collection device of Figures 1-14 and that provide improvements over the prior art introducer housing shown in Figure 15. In particular, the introducer housings shown in Figures 17-34 provide a robust introducer housing that is resistant to torsional forces applied thereto, preventing breakage and / or separation during use. Because the various embodiments of the introducer housings shown in Figures 17-34 share several common components or features, common reference numerals are used to identify identical components / features and / or common locations within the introducer housings (e.g., upper / lower surfaces and proximal / distal ends), but the introducer housings include different components and features that resist torsional forces applied thereto and prevent separation of the first and second housing members.

[0062] 17-22, an introducer housing 300 is provided that is resistant to torsional forces, providing a robust introducer housing 300 that prevents breakage or separation during use. The introducer housing 300 includes a first housing member 302 and a second housing member 304, each of which extends elongately between a proximal end 306 and a distal end 308 of the introducer housing 300. When coupled together, the first and second housing members 302, 304 form upper and lower surfaces 310, 312 of the introducer housing 300 and define an interior volume 314.

[0063] The first housing member 302 includes a proximal end 316, a distal end 318, and an inner surface 320, and the second housing member 304 similarly includes a proximal end 322, a distal end 324, and an inner surface 326. A top surface 328 of the first housing member 302 and a top surface 330 of the second housing member 304 together define the top surface 310 of the introducer housing 300. The top surface 328 of the first housing member 302 generally forms a ridge extending longitudinally of the first housing member 302. The top surface 330 of the second housing member 304 includes a set of ribs 332 disposed along the length of the second housing member 304, each rib 332 extending across the width of the top surface 330 of the second housing member 304 and spaced longitudinally one after the other. As previously mentioned, a portion of actuator 270 of blood collection device 200 (see FIGS. 1-14 ) may be advanced along top surface 310 of introducer housing 300 as a user moves actuator 270 relative to introducer housing 300. Actuator 270 advances along a set of ribs 332 formed on top surface 330 of second housing member 304 and further advances along or through an elongated gap 334 that exists between top surface 328 of first housing member 302 and top surface 330 of second housing member 304, with gap 334 acting as a groove or track into which a portion of actuator 270 fits.

[0064] To connect the first and second housing members 302, 304, the members are provided with a plurality of cantilevered snaps 338, 340, 342 (hereinafter referred to as "snaps"). As will be described below, the snaps 338, 340, 342 are formed on and protrude from the first and second housing members 302, 304 to engage corresponding mating surfaces 344 on the opposing members, securing the first and second housing members 302, 304 together.

[0065] Details of the construction of the snaps 338, 340, 342 are provided in FIG. 19. Each snap 338, 340, 342 generally includes a beam member 346 and a hook portion 348. A proximal end 350 of the beam member 346 is connected to the first or second housing member 302, 304, respectively, with which the snap is integrally formed. A distal end 352 of the beam member 346 has a hook portion 348 formed thereon, the hook portion 348 projecting orthogonally from the beam member 346. An inner surface of the hook portion 348 may be clipped onto a mating surface of the opposing member 302, 304 of the introducer housing 300, thereby securing the members together.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first housing member 302 is provided with a plurality of snaps, generally categorized as lower snaps 338 and (first) upper snaps 340. The lower snaps 338 are formed on a lower portion 354 of the inner surface 320 of the first housing member 302 and are longitudinally disposed along the lower portion 354 between the proximal end 316 and the distal end 318. The lower snaps 338 may be equally spaced from one another along the lower portion 354 and are configured to provide desired placement of connection points between the first housing member 302 and the second housing member 304 along the majority of the length of the transducer housing 300. The upper snaps 340 are formed on an upper portion 356 of the inner surface 320 of the first housing member 302 and are disposed at the distal end 318 of the first housing member 302 and provide an engagement point between the first housing member 302 and the second housing member 304 at the distal end 308 of the introducer housing 300. Each lower snap 338 is configured with its hook portion 348 facing downward toward the lower surface 312 of the introducer housing 300, while each upper snap 340 is configured with its hook portion 348 facing upward toward the upper surface 310 of the introducer housing 300. Each lower snap 338 and each upper snap 340 of the first housing member 302 engages with a corresponding mating surface 344 on the second housing member 304, which may be formed as a notch or a flat surface. As best seen in FIG. 20 , some of the mating surfaces 344 on the second housing member 304 may be located within or adjacent to windows 358 formed in the second housing member 304 that are configured to receive the hook portions 348.

[0067] The second housing member 304 is also provided with a snap classified as a (second) upper snap 342. The upper snap 342 is formed on an upper portion of the inner surface 326 of the second housing member 304 and is located at the proximal end 322 of the second housing member 304, providing an engagement point between the first housing member 302 and the second housing member 304 at the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 300. The upper snap 342 is configured such that its hook portion 348 faces downward, toward the lower surface 312 of the introducer housing 300. The upper snap 342 of the second housing member 304 engages with a corresponding mating surface 344 on the first housing member 302, which is a notch formed in the first housing member 302 that receives the hook portion 348 therein.

[0068] When one or more regions of the introducer housing 300 are subjected to a twisting motion, such as when the proximal end 306 twists clockwise while the distal end 308 remains straight, a twisting force is applied to the snaps 338, 340, 342 (i.e., stresses the hook portions 348 and / or beam members 346) and may push the snaps away from their respective mating surfaces 344. Specifically, the clockwise twisting motion of the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 300 may push the downwardly facing hook portions 348 of the lower snaps 338 upward, causing the hook portions 348 to disengage from the mating surface 344 of the second housing member 304. 20 , however, the load of a clockwise twisting motion relative to the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 300 acts to further mate the upwardly-oriented hook portions 348 of the upper snaps 340 with the corresponding mating surfaces 344 of the second housing member 304, such that the upwardly-oriented hook portions 348 of the upper snaps 340 on the first housing member 302 counteract the upward movement of the hook portions 348 of the lower snaps 338. Additionally, the load of a clockwise twisting motion relative to the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 300 acts to further mate the downwardly-oriented hook portions 348 of the upper snaps 342 with the corresponding mating surfaces 344 of the first housing member 302, such that the downwardly-oriented hook portions 348 of the upper snaps 342 disposed on the second housing member 304 counteract the upward movement of the hook portions 348 of the lower snaps 338. The action of the upwardly disposed hook portions 348 of the upper snaps 340 at the distal end 308 of the introducer housing 300 to further engage with the corresponding mating surfaces 344 of the first housing member 302, and the action of the downwardly disposed hook portions 348 of the upper snaps 342 at the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 300 to further engage with the corresponding mating surfaces 344 of the first housing member 302, maintains the engagement between the first housing member 302 and the second housing member 304 even when the introducer housing 300 is subjected to twisting movement.

[0069] 21 and 22, to ensure that the first and second housing members 302, 304 remain engaged when the introducer housing 200 is subjected to twisting motion, additional alignment features 360, 362 may be formed on the distal end 318 of the first housing member 302. The alignment features 360, 362 are formed on a lower portion 354 of the inner surface 320 of the first housing member 302 below the upper snaps 340 (i.e., proximate the lower surface 312 of the introducer housing 300) and protrude from the first housing member 302 toward the second housing member 304 to engage with mating features 344 thereon. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, the alignment features are configured as flat tab members 360 that can engage with corresponding openings in the second housing member 304. 22, the alignment features are configured as cantilevered snaps 362 configured and oriented in the same manner as the lower snaps 338—i.e., as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 20, the hook portions 348 of the snaps 362 are positioned downwardly toward the lower surface 312 of the introducer housing 300 and are engageable with corresponding mating surfaces 344 (i.e., notches or flat surfaces) on the second housing member 304. The inclusion of additional alignment features 360, 362 on the distal end 318 of the first housing member 302 provides an additional means for preventing the upper snaps 340 from disengaging from the mating surfaces 344 of the second housing member 304.

[0070] 23 and 24, another embodiment of an introducer housing 366 that is resistant to applied torsional forces is provided. The structure of the introducer housing 366 is similar to the structure of the introducer housing 300 shown in FIGS. 17-22, but the introducer housing 366 is provided with a different snap configuration and additional stop features to resist torsional forces applied to the introducer housing 366 and prevent separation of its first and second housing members 368, 370.

[0071] 23 , the introducer housing 366 includes lower snaps 338 formed on a lower portion 354 of the inner surface 320 of the first housing member 368 and arranged longitudinally along the lower portion 354 between the proximal end 316 and the distal end 318. The lower snaps 338 are equally spaced apart from one another along the lower portion 354 to provide desired placement of connection points between the first housing member 368 and the second housing member 370 along most of the length of the transducer housing 366. A (first) upper snap 372 is formed on an upper portion of the inner surface 320 of the first housing member 368 and located at the distal end 318 of the first housing member 368 to provide an engagement point between the first housing member 368 and the second housing member 370 at the distal end 308 of the introducer housing 366. Each lower snap 338 is configured with its hook portion 348 facing downward toward the lower surface 312 of the introducer housing 366, while each upper snap 372 is configured with its hook portion 348 facing downward toward the distal end 308 of the introducer housing 366. The lower snaps 338 and upper snaps 372 of the first housing member 368 each engage with a corresponding mating surface 344 on the second housing member 370, which may be formed as a notch or a flat surface. A portion of the mating surface 344 on the second housing member 370 may be located within or adjacent to a window 358 formed in the second housing member 370 and configured to receive the hook portion 348.

[0072] The second housing member 370 is also provided with a snap classified as a (second) upper snap 342. The upper snap 342 is formed on an upper portion of the inner surface 326 of the second housing member 370 and is located at the proximal end 322 of the second housing member 370, providing an engagement point at the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 366 between the first housing member 368 and the second housing member 370. The upper snap 342 is configured such that the hook portion 348 faces downward, toward the lower surface 312 of the introducer housing 366. The upper snap 342 of the second housing member 370 engages with a corresponding mating surface 344 on the first housing member 368, which may be formed as a notch.

[0073] 24, the distal end 324 of the second housing member 370 is provided with a snap stop 374. The snap stop 374 is formed adjacent to the mating surface 344 and window 355 that receive the upper snap 372 of the second housing member 370, and is positioned on the second housing member 370 so as to be located proximally rearward of the upper snap 372 of the first housing member 368. That is, the hook portion 348 of the upper snap 372 is positioned toward the distal end 308 of the introducer housing 366, and the snap stop 374 is positioned on the second housing member 370 so as to be rearward of the hook portion 348. In some embodiments, the snap stop 374 may be provided as a cap member that is inserted into a retention feature of the second housing member 370, while in other embodiments, the snap stop 374 may be integrally formed as part of the second housing member 370.

[0074] When one or more regions of the introducer housing 366 are subjected to a twisting motion, such as when the proximal end 306 twists clockwise while the distal end 308 remains straight, a twisting force is applied to the snaps 338, 372, 342 (i.e., stressing the hook portions 348 and / or beam portions) and may push the snaps away from their respective mating surfaces 344. Specifically, clockwise twisting motion of the introducer housing 366 relative to the proximal end 306 may push the downwardly facing hook portions 348 of the lower snaps 338 upward and the distally disposed hook portions 348 of the upper snaps 372 proximally, causing the upper snaps 372 to disengage from the mating surface 344 of the second housing member 370.

[0075] However, a snap stop 374 located proximal to the hook portion 348 of the upper snap 372 prevents the upper snap 372 from moving proximally toward the mating surface 344 on the second housing member 370, thereby preventing the upper snap 372 from disengaging from the mating surface 344 of the second housing member 370. That is, because the rear of the hook portion 348 contacts the snap stop 374 after only a small amount of proximal movement of the upper snap 372 toward the mating surface 344, the snap stop 374 prevents any proximal movement of the distally facing hook portion 348 of the upper snap 372 that may occur in response to twisting of the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 366. Thus, the engagement between the first housing member 368 and the second housing member 370 is maintained even when the introducer housing 366 is subjected to twisting motion.

[0076] 25 and 26, another embodiment of an introducer housing 376 that is resistant to applied torsional forces is provided. The snap arrangement and configuration on the introducer housing 376 of FIGS. 25 and 26 is identical to that of the introducer housing 366 of FIGS. 23 and 24 (i.e., lower snap 338, second upper snap 342 with downwardly oriented hook portion 348, and first upper snap 372 with distally oriented hook portion 348), however, the introducer housing 376 is provided with additional alignment and mating features to resist torsional forces applied to the introducer housing 376 and prevent separation of the first housing member 378 and the second housing member 380.

[0077] 25 and 26 , the first and second housing members 378, 380 each have a lower connecting surface 382, ​​384 on their inner surfaces 320, 326 that are positioned where the first housing member 378 and second housing member 380 are positioned to mate flush with each other to form the lower surface 312 of the introducer housing 376. The first and second housing member lower connecting surfaces 382, ​​384 include additional mating features, aside from the snaps 338, 342, 372, that help maintain alignment and engagement with the first and second housing members 378, 380 when a torsional force is applied to the introducer housing 376. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating features are provided as a plurality of detents 386 formed on the lower connecting surface 382 of the first housing member 378 and spaced apart between the proximal and distal ends 316, 318, and a plurality of bump-outs 388 formed along the lower connecting surface 384 of the second housing member 380 and spaced apart between the proximal and distal ends 322, 324 and positioned to align with the plurality of detents 386. The bump-outs 388 on the second housing member 380 are configured to mate with the detents 386 when the first and second housing members 378, 380 are secured together (by snaps 338, 342, 372).

[0078] When one or more regions of the introducer housing 376 are subjected to a twisting motion, such as when the proximal end 306 twists clockwise while the distal end 308 remains straight, a twisting force is applied to the snaps 338, 342, 372 (i.e., stressing the hook portions 348 and / or beam portions) that may push the snaps away from their respective mating surfaces 344. Specifically, the clockwise twisting motion applied to the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 376 may cause the downwardly facing hook portions 348 of the lower snaps 338 to point upward and the distal hook portions 348 of the upper snaps 372 to point proximally, thereby causing the upper snaps 372 to disengage from the mating surface 344 of the second housing member 380.

[0079] However, even when the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 376 is twisted relative to the distal end 308, the bump-outs 388 and detents 386 on the lower connecting surfaces 382, ​​384 of the first and second housing members 378, 380, respectively, prevent the lower snaps 338 from disengaging from the mating surfaces 344 of the second housing member 380. That is, even if twisting of the introducer housing 376 causes either of the upper snaps 372, 342 to fail or disengage from their respective mating surfaces 344, the engagement of the bump-outs 388 and detents 386 along the lower connecting surfaces 382, ​​384 of the first and second housing members 378, 380 helps maintain the engagement between the lower snaps 338 and the mating surfaces 344 of the second housing member 380. Thus, even when the introducer housing 376 is subjected to twisting motion, the engagement between the first housing member 378 and the second housing member 380 is maintained.

[0080] 27 and 28, another embodiment of an introducer housing 390 is provided that is resistant to applied torsional forces. The snap arrangement and configuration in the introducer housing 390 of FIGS. 27 and 28 is identical to that of the introducer housings 366, 376 of FIGS. 23-24 and 25-26 (i.e., a lower snap 338, a second upper snap 342 with a downwardly oriented hook portion 348, and a first upper snap 372 with a distally oriented hook portion 348), but movement of the upper snap 372 is limited by the introducer housing 390 to resist torsional forces applied to the introducer housing 390 and prevent separation of the first housing member 392 and the second housing member 394.

[0081] A detailed depiction of the engagement of upper snap 372 with mating surface 344 of second housing member 394 is shown in FIG. 28. As can be seen, distally facing hook portion 348 of upper snap 372 engages mating surface 344 of second housing member 394, with an inner or front surface 396 of hook portion 348 engaging mating surface 344. Window 398 is formed in second housing member 394 in a region adjacent mating surface 344 such that when hook portion 348 engages mating surface 344, hook portion 348 is received within window 398 (i.e., the back surface of hook portion 348 protrudes outwardly through a portion of window 398) and is surrounded by window 398. According to embodiments, the hook portion 348 is appropriately sized relative to and / or positioned within the window 398 such that there is little or no gap 400 between the edge 402 of the hook portion 348 and the edge 404 of the adjacent window 398. In one embodiment, the hook portion 348 and the window 398 are positioned relative to one another such that the hook portion 348 is vertically positioned at the center of the window 398, and the hook portion 348 is appropriately sized relative to the window 398 such that the gap 400 is 0.1 mm or less between the edge 402 of the hook portion 348 and the edge 404 of the window 398. In another embodiment, the hook portion 348 is positioned closer to the bottom edge 406 of the window 398 than the edge 404 of the window 398, while the hook portion 348 is positioned such that the gap 400 is 0.1 mm or less between the edge 402 of the hook portion 348 and the edge 404 of the window 398. A gap of 0.1 mm or less is provided between edge 402 of hook portion 348 and edge 404 of window 398, restricting upward vertical movement of hook portion 348 along mating surface 344.

[0082] When one or more regions of the introducer housing 390 are subjected to a twisting motion, such as when the proximal end 306 twists clockwise while the distal end 308 remains straight, a twisting force is applied to the snaps 338, 342, 372 (i.e., stressing the hook portion 348 and / or beam portion) and may push the snaps away from their respective mating surfaces 344. Specifically, the clockwise twisting motion applied to the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 390 may push the downward-facing hook portion 348 of the lower snap 338 upward and the distal-facing hook portion 348 of the upper snap 372 upward and proximally forward, causing the upper snap hook portion 348 to disengage from the mating surface 344 of the second housing member 394.

[0083] However, by minimizing the size of the gap 400 between the edge 402 of the hook portion 348 of the upper snap 372 and the edge 404 of the window 398 received therein, upward vertical movement of the hook portion 348 along the mating surface 344 is limited when the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 390 is twisted relative to the distal end 308. The restriction of upward vertical movement of the hook portion 348 of the upper snap 372 along the mating surface 344, in turn, limits the proximal-related movement of the hook portion 348 of the upper snap 372, which could cause disengagement from the mating surface 344. Thus, engagement between the first housing member 392 and the second housing member 394 is maintained even when the introducer housing 390 is subjected to twisting motion.

[0084] 29 and 30, another embodiment of an introducer housing 410 that is resistant to applied torsional forces is provided. Again, the snap arrangement and configuration of the introducer housing 410 of FIGS. 29 and 30 is identical to that of the introducer housings 366, 376, 390 of FIGS. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 (i.e., lower snap 338, second upper snap 342 with downwardly oriented hook portion 348, and first upper snap 372 with distally oriented hook portion 348), but the introducer housing 410 includes additional alignment and mating features that resist torsional forces applied to the introducer housing 410 and prevent separation of the first and second housing members 412, 414.

[0085] 29 and 30, the inner surface 320 of the first housing member 412 is formed with a horizontally disposed ridge 416 that extends from the proximal end 316 to the distal end 318, and the ridge 416 generally separates a lower portion 354 of the inner surface 320 from an upper portion 356. As best seen in FIG. 30, a flange 418 is formed on the second housing member 414 (forming the upper surface 328 of the second housing member 414) such that a portion of the flange 418 protrudes beyond the ridge 416 when the first housing member 412 is connected to the second housing member 414.

[0086] When one or more regions of the introducer housing 410 are subjected to a twisting motion, such as when the proximal end 306 twists clockwise while the distal end 308 remains straight, a twisting force is applied to the snaps 338, 342, 372 (i.e., stressing the hook portions 348 and / or beam portions) and may push the snaps away from their respective mating surfaces 344. Specifically, the clockwise twisting motion applied to the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 410 may push the downward-facing hook portions 348 of the lower snaps 338 upward and the distal-facing hook portions 348 of the upper snaps 372 upward and proximally forward, causing the upper snap hook portions 348 to disengage from the mating surface 344 of the second housing member 414.

[0087] To prevent disengagement of the lower snaps 338 and / or upper snaps from their respective mating surfaces 344, one or more stop features 420 are provided on a lower portion of the flange 418 to restrict vertical movement of the first housing member 412 relative to the second housing member 414. In one embodiment, the stop feature 420 is provided via the flange 418 having a vertical thickness along its length, reducing the size of the vertical gap 422 between the lower abutment surface 424 of the flange 418 and the ridge 416. In another embodiment, the stop feature 420 is provided as one or more ribs extending downwardly from the flange 418 at the proximal end 322 and / or distal end 324 of the second housing member 414, reducing the size of the vertical gap 422 between the lower abutment surface 424 of the rib and the ridge 416. According to one embodiment, the stop feature 420 is configured such that its abutment surface 424 is separated from the ridge 416 by a vertical gap 422 of 0.1 mm or less, including zero gap (i.e., the abutment surface 424 is in contact with the ridge 416).

[0088] Minimizing the size of the gap 422 between the abutment surface 424 and the ridge 416 limits the upward vertical movement of the ridge 416 when the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 410 is twisted relative to the distal end 308. Limiting the upward vertical movement of the ridge 416 limits the upward and associated proximal movement that could cause the upper snaps 372 to disengage from the mating surface 344, and also limits the upward movement that could cause the lower snaps 338 to disengage from their respective mating surfaces 344. Thus, the engagement between the first housing member 412 and the second housing member 414 is maintained even when the introducer housing 410 is subjected to twisting motion.

[0089] It is recognized that in any of the embodiments of the introducer housing 300, 366, 376, 390, 410 shown in Figures 17-30, the structure of any of the snaps 338, 340, 342, 372 may be modified to further prevent breakage that may occur in response to twisting of the introducer housing. In some embodiments, the width, length, or height of the hook portion 348 of one or more of the snaps 338, 340, 342, 372 (e.g., the first upper snap 340, 372) may be increased to strengthen the hook portion 348 without affecting the ability of the hook to deflect upon engaging the associated mating surface 344. In other embodiments, the width or height of one or more beam members 346 of the snaps 338, 340, 342, 372 (e.g., the first upper snap 340, 372) may be increased to strengthen the beam member 346.

[0090] 31-34, another embodiment of an introducer housing 430 that is resistant to applied torsional forces is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the multiple cantilever snaps 338, 340, 342, 372 on the introducer housings 300, 366, 376, 390, 410 shown in FIGS. 17-30 are replaced with multiple pegs 432 and peg holes 434 connectable via a press fit to secure a first housing member 436 and a second housing member 438 together.

[0091] In one embodiment, a plurality of lower peg and peg hole pairs are provided on the first and second housing members 436, 438 that are spaced apart between the proximal and distal ends 306, 308 of the introducer housing 430. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower pegs 432 a are formed in the first housing member 436 and the lower peg holes 434 a are formed in the second housing member 438, although it will be appreciated that, according to other embodiments, the lower pegs 432 a may instead be formed in the second housing member 438 and the lower peg holes 434 a may be formed in the first housing member 436. Furthermore, the distal end 308 of the introducer housing 430 has a first upper peg and peg hole pair (i.e., first upper peg 432b and first upper peg hole 434b) provided on the first housing member 436 and the second housing member 438, and the first housing member 436 and the second housing member 438 have a second upper peg and peg hole pair (i.e., second upper peg 432c and second upper peg hole 434c) provided on the proximal end 306 of the introducer housing 430. In the illustrated embodiment, the first upper peg 432b is formed in the first housing member 436 and the first upper peg hole is formed in the second housing member 438, while the second upper peg is formed in the second housing member 438 and the second upper peg hole is formed in the first housing member 436, although it will be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments the arrangement of the upper pegs 432b, 432c and upper peg holes 434b, 434c can be reversed.

[0092] In some embodiments, the peg 432 has a cross-sectional shape that differs from the cross-sectional shape of the opening of the peg hole 434 to reduce the stress of the press fit between the peg 432 and the peg hole 434. In the example shown in Figures 32-34, the peg 432 has a circular cross-section while the opening 440 of the peg hole 434 has a hexagonal shape, although it will be appreciated that the peg 432 and / or the peg hole 434 may be configured with other suitable cross-sectional shapes.

[0093] The arrangement of the peg-and-peg-hole pairs in the first and second housing members 436, 438, and the press-fit engagement of these pegs 432 and peg-holes 434, function to secure the first and second housing members 436, 438 together, even when one or more regions of the introducer housing 430 are subjected to torsional motion. That is, compared to the cantilevered snaps 338, 340, 342, 372 provided on the introducer housings 300, 366, 376, 390, 410 shown in FIGS. 17-30 , the peg-and-peg-hole pairs are not susceptible to “unhooking” or other disengagement that may occur in response to the introducer housing 430 being subjected to torsional motion. Thus, the incorporation of the peg-and-peg-hole pairs in the introducer housing 430 maintains the engagement between the first and second housing members 436, 438.

[0094] While the present disclosure has been described in detail for purposes of explanation, based on what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it should be understood that such details are for this purpose only, and that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but on the contrary, encompasses modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. 1. A blood collection device for use with a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), comprising: A catheter, an introducer housing having a proximal end and a distal end and an upper surface and a lower surface, the housing having a first housing member and a second housing member extending between the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, the first housing member and the second housing member being coupled via a plurality of snaps formed on the first housing member and the second housing member, the introducer housing defining an interior volume configured to movably accommodate the catheter; an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move a distal end of a catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing; Equipped with The snap is a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member and spaced apart between the proximal end and the distal end, each of the plurality of lower snaps protruding from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of each of the plurality of lower snaps including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; a first upper snap formed on the distal end of the first housing member, the first upper snap protruding from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the first upper snap including a hook disposed upwardly toward the upper surface; a second upper snap formed on the proximal end of the second housing member, the second upper snap protruding from the second housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the second upper snap including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; A blood collection device comprising:

2. 2. The blood collection device of claim 1, wherein the first upper snap is further compressed against a mating surface of the second housing member in response to twisting of the proximal end of the introducer housing relative to the distal end, preventing separation of the first housing member from the second housing member.

3. 3. The blood collection device of claim 2, comprising an alignment feature formed on the first housing member on the distal end thereof and below the first upper snap, the alignment feature engaging another mating surface on the second housing member to prevent disengagement of the first upper snap from the mating surface on the second housing member.

4. 4. The blood collection device of claim 3, wherein the alignment feature comprises another lower snap protruding from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the other lower snap comprising a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface.

5. 2. The blood collection device of claim 1, wherein the first housing member forms a portion of the upper surface and the second housing member forms another portion of the upper surface, the portion of the upper surface being separated from the other portion of the upper surface and defining a groove generally extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and a portion of the actuator engaged with the groove to enable movement of the actuator relative to the introducer housing.

6. 1. A blood collection device for use with a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), comprising: A catheter, an introducer housing having a proximal end and a distal end and an upper surface and a lower surface, the introducer housing having a first housing member and a second housing member extending between the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, the first housing member and the second housing member being coupled via a plurality of snaps formed on the first housing member and the second housing member, and defining an interior volume configured to movably accommodate the catheter; an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move a distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing; Equipped with The snap is a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member and spaced apart between the proximal end and the distal end, each of the plurality of lower snaps protruding from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of each of the plurality of lower snaps including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; a first upper snap formed on the distal end of the first housing member, the first upper snap protruding from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the first upper snap including a hook disposed toward the distal end of the introducer housing; a second upper snap formed on the proximal end of the second housing member, the second upper snap protruding from the second housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the second upper snap including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; Equipped with the second housing member includes a snap stop disposed at the distal end, the snap stop protruding from the second housing member to be disposed proximally rearward of the first upper snap and disposed adjacent to a rear side of a hook of the first upper snap; Blood sampling equipment.

7. 7. The blood collection device of claim 6, wherein the snap stop prevents proximal movement of the first upper snap corresponding to the second housing member, thereby preventing disengagement of the first upper snap from a mating surface of the second housing member.

8. The blood collection device of claim 6 , wherein the snap stop comprises a cap member inserted into the second housing member.

9. 1. A blood collection device for use with a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), comprising: A catheter, an introducer housing having a proximal end and a distal end and an upper surface and a lower surface, the introducer housing having a first housing member and a second housing member extending between the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, the first housing member and the second housing member being coupled via a plurality of snaps formed on the first housing member and the second housing member, and defining an interior volume configured to movably accommodate the catheter; an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move a distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing; Equipped with the first housing member includes a lower connection surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the lower connection surface including a plurality of spaced apart tabs formed between the proximal end and the distal end; the second housing member includes another lower connection surface connecting with the lower connection surface of the first housing member, the other lower connection surface including a plurality of bump-outs formed on the other lower connection surface and spaced apart between the proximal end and the distal end to align with and internally mate with the plurality of claws; Blood sampling equipment.

10. The snap is a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member and spaced apart along the lower connecting surface, each of the plurality of lower snaps protruding from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of each of the plurality of lower snaps including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; a first upper snap formed on the distal end of the first housing member, the first upper snap protruding from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the first upper snap including a hook disposed toward the distal end of the introducer housing; a second upper snap formed on the proximal end of the second housing member, the second upper snap protruding from the second housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the second upper snap including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; 10. The blood collection device of claim 9, comprising:

11. 10. The blood collection device of claim 9, wherein when the proximal end of the introducer housing is twisted relative to the distal end, the internal engagement of the bump-outs and the detents prevents the lower snaps from disengaging from mating surfaces on the second housing member, preventing separation of the first housing member from the second housing member.

12. 1. A blood collection device for use with a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), comprising: A catheter, an introducer housing having a proximal end and a distal end and an upper surface and a lower surface, the introducer housing having a first housing member and a second housing member extending between the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, the first housing member and the second housing member being coupled via a plurality of snaps formed on the first housing member and the second housing member, and defining an interior volume configured to movably accommodate the catheter; an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move a distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing; Equipped with The snap is a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member and spaced apart between the proximal end and the distal end, each of the plurality of lower snaps protruding from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of each of the plurality of lower snaps including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; a first upper snap formed on the distal end of the first housing member, the first upper snap protruding from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the first upper snap including a hook disposed toward the distal end of the introducer housing; a second upper snap formed on the proximal end of the second housing member, the second upper snap protruding from the second housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the second upper snap including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; Equipped with The second housing member is a mating surface engaged by the hook of the first upper snap; a window formed in the second housing member adjacent the mating surface, the window surrounding the hook of the first upper snap; Equipped with the window is dimensioned to limit vertical movement of the hook of the first upper snap; Blood sampling equipment.

13. 13. The blood collection device of claim 12, wherein the vertical gap between the edge of the window and the side of the hook of the first upper snap is 0.1 mm or less.

14. 1. A blood collection device for use with a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), comprising: A catheter, an introducer housing having a proximal end and a distal end and an upper surface and a lower surface, the introducer housing having a first housing member and a second housing member extending between the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, the first housing member and the second housing member coupled to define an interior volume configured to movably accommodate the catheter; an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move a distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing; Equipped with the first housing member and the second housing member have a plurality of pegs and a plurality of peg holes connectable to fix the first housing member and the second housing member, and the plurality of pegs are press-fitted into the plurality of peg holes; Blood sampling equipment.

15. The plurality of pegs and the plurality of peg holes are a plurality of lower peg-peg hole pairs disposed in the first and second housing members and spaced apart between the proximal and distal ends; a first upper peg-peg hole pair disposed on the first and second housing members at the distal ends; a second upper peg-peg hole pair disposed on the first and second housing members at the proximal ends; 15. The blood collection device of claim 14, comprising:

16. 15. The blood collection device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of pegs have a first cross-sectional shape and the plurality of peg holes have openings with a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape to reduce the stress of a press fit between the pegs and the peg holes.

17. 1. A blood collection device for use with a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), comprising: A catheter, an introducer housing having a proximal end and a distal end and an upper surface and a lower surface, the housing having a first housing member and a second housing member extending between the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, the first housing member and the second housing member being coupled via a plurality of snaps formed on the first housing member and the second housing member, the introducer housing defining an interior volume configured to movably accommodate the catheter; an actuator movably coupled to the introducer housing, the actuator configured to move relative to the introducer housing to move a distal end of the catheter from a position within the introducer housing to a position outside the introducer housing; Equipped with The snap is a plurality of lower snaps formed on the first housing member and spaced apart between the proximal end and the distal end, each of the plurality of lower snaps protruding from the first housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of each of the plurality of lower snaps including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; a first upper snap formed on the distal end of the first housing member, the first upper snap protruding from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the first upper snap including a hook disposed toward the distal end of the introducer housing; a second upper snap formed on the proximal end of the second housing member, the second upper snap protruding from the second housing member from a snap proximal end to a snap distal end, the snap distal end of the second upper snap including a hook disposed downwardly toward the lower surface; Equipped with the first housing member includes a horizontally disposed ridge extending from the proximal end to the distal end; the second housing member includes a stop feature disposed on an underside of the upper surface, the stop feature having an abutment surface facing and parallel to a horizontally extending ridge and separated from the horizontally disposed ridge by a distance of 0.1 mm or less; Blood sampling equipment.

18. 18. The blood collection device of claim 17, wherein the stop feature inhibits vertical movement of the first housing member relative to the second housing member in response to twisting of the proximal end of the introducer housing relative to the distal end, thereby preventing proximal movement of the corresponding first upper snap that would disengage the mating surfaces of the second housing member.

19. 18. The blood collection device of claim 17, wherein the stop feature comprises a rib disposed at the proximal and / or distal end of the introducer housing.

Images