CATHETER SYSTEM WITH EXTENDABLE EXTENSION TUBE

Abstract

The catheter system may include a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The system may include a catheter tube extending distally from the catheter adapter. The system may include an extension tube coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The extension tube may be extendable. The system may include a locking mechanism coupled to the extension tube and removably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The system may include a needle hub removably coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube and an introducer needle extending through the catheter tube. The proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Infusion therapy, a common medical procedure, can be facilitated by vascular access devices. For example, hospitalized, home care, and other patients receive fluids, medications, and blood products via vascular access devices inserted into the vascular system. Blood draws are another common medical procedure that can be facilitated by vascular access devices.

[0002] Vascular access devices may access the peripheral or central vascular system of a patient. Vascular access devices may be left in place for short term (days), medium term (weeks), or long term (months to years). Vascular access devices may be used for continuous infusion therapy or intermittent therapy.

[0003] A common type of vascular access device is the over-the-needle peripheral venous catheter (PIVC). As the name suggests, an "over-the-needle" PIVC may be mounted over an introducer needle that has a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip may be used to pierce the patient's skin and vasculature. Insertion of the PIVC into the vasculature may follow puncture of the vasculature with the needle. The needle and PIVC are typically inserted at a shallow angle through the patient's skin and into the vasculature, with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin.

[0004] Placement of the PIVC within the vasculature is essential for blood withdrawal and fluid infusion but can be difficult to maintain. Patients often desire or require normal range of body movement while the PIVC is inserted. Also, external objects may apply external forces to the PIVC, thereby shifting its position within the vasculature. In some instances, external forces may dynamically move the tip of the PIVC back and forth or statically displace the tip from its position within the vasculature.

[0005] The PIVC assembly may be coupled with an extension set, which may allow for the coupling of an infusion or blood withdrawal device at a location removed from the PIVC insertion site. Although an extension set may reduce the risk of disturbing the insertion site or dislodging the catheter from the patient's vasculature, the extension set requires a priming protocol that requires the extension tube to be filled with liquid to remove air bubbles within the catheter system. The priming procedure is time-consuming for the clinician. In addition, catheters with long extension tubes require more fixtures that may get caught and accidentally dislodge the catheter, or feel bulky and uncomfortable for the patient. Finally, catheters with extension tubes require a longer length to loop the tube for proper fixtures to minimize kinking. Thus, a catheter system with an extendable extension tube would be beneficial for clinicians and patients who require infusion therapy.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any shortcomings or that operate only in such environments. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a catheter system configured to facilitate successful catheter insertion, eliminate or significantly reduce priming, and improve patient comfort associated with catheter fixation for longer dwell times. More specifically, the catheter system may reduce complications that may be associated with the insertion of a catheter tube into a patient's vein and / or improve catheter dwell times and extension tubing loops. The catheter system may also eliminate or significantly reduce the time associated with priming to facilitate clinicians in setting up a PIVC.

[0008] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter system may include a catheter tube extending distally from the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include an extension tube coupled to a proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the extension tube may be extendable. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a locking mechanism coupled to the extension tube and removably coupled to a proximal end of the catheter adapter. The system may include a needle hub removably coupled to a proximal end of the extension tube and an introducer needle extending through the catheter tube. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub.

[0009] In some embodiments, the extension tube can be corrugated. The extension tube can be flexible when extended, such that the extension tube can bend in various directions as required by the injection therapy. Additionally, the extension tube can be resilient, retaining its shape when bent and resisting kinking.

[0010] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a lever having a lip disposed at a distal end of the locking mechanism that engages a flange disposed on the catheter adapter. For example, in response to depression of a proximal end of the lever, the lip can disengage from the flange of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the extension tube can be compressed when the locking mechanism is engaged and extendable when the locking mechanism is released. The introducer needle can be withdrawn through the extension tube when the extension tube is compressed, extended, or while the extension tube is extended.

[0011] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a septum. The septum may be disposed within the proximal end of the extension tube. In other embodiments, the catheter system may include a luer connector coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube. The flash chamber may be disposed within the proximal end of the needle hub. In response to insertion of the catheter tube into a patient's vein, blood may flow into the flash chamber. The flash chamber may include a vent. In some embodiments, the flash chamber may extend proximally from the proximal end of the needle hub. The flash chamber may have a volume between about 2 ml and about 3 ml. In some embodiments, the flash chamber may be transparent.

[0012] In some embodiments, the needle hub may include a paddle grip. Additionally, the catheter adapter may include at least one wing extending outwardly from the catheter adapter. The at least one wing may include an upper surface and a lower surface. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the wing includes a grip and the lower surface of the wing includes a recess. When the tip of the introducer needle is withdrawn within the catheter tube, the recess may mate with the grip of the upper surface of the paddle grip.

[0013] It is understood that both the general description above and the detailed description below are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention, unless so claimed. Therefore, the detailed description below should not be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A]FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective top view of an exemplary catheter system 10 showing the extension tubes extended, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an exemplary catheter system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a top view of the catheter system of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the catheter system of FIG. 2A with an extended extension tube. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional side view of the catheter system of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is an exploded view of the catheter system of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the catheter system of FIG. 2A with the needle hub partially separated from the catheter adapter. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an exemplary catheter adapter and extension tube with the extension tube compressed, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the catheter adapter of FIG. 3B with the extension tube extended. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the catheter adapter of FIG. 3B with the extension tube stretched and bent. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the catheter adapter of FIG. 3B with the extension tube stretched and bent. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of an exemplary paddle grip, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an exemplary catheter wing extending from an exemplary catheter adapter, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A]FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary needle in an insertion position within an exemplary catheter tube, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary needle in an intermediate position within an exemplary catheter tube, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary needle hub coupled to an exemplary collection container, according to some embodiments.

[0015] It should be understood that these figures are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and may not be drawn to scale. Further, the figures depict example embodiments and are not intended to represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the present application are best understood by reference to the drawings, where like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the figures of the present application, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of device and system embodiments as illustrated in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed in this application or any other application claiming priority to this application, but are merely representative of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] The present disclosure generally relates to a catheter system configured to facilitate successful catheter insertion, eliminate or significantly reduce priming, and improve patient comfort associated with catheter fixation for longer indwelling times. Referring now to FIG. 1A, an exemplary catheter system 10 is shown ready for insertion into a patient's vein (not shown in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter adapter 12 and a catheter tube 14. The catheter adapter 12 may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter tube 14 may extend distally from the catheter adapter 12.

[0018] The catheter system 10 may include a needle hub 16. A proximal end of a catheter adapter may be removably coupled to the needle hub 16. The catheter system 10 may include an introducer needle 18. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 18 may extend through the catheter tube 14, and the proximal end of the introducer needle 18 may be secured within the needle hub 16.

[0019] A flash chamber 20 may be disposed within and extend proximally from the proximal end of the needle hub 16. In some embodiments, the flash chamber 20 may be transparent to allow a clinician to verify that the catheter has been properly inserted into a patient's vein. In some embodiments, the needle hub 16 further includes a paddle grip 22 to aid in handling the needle hub. The paddle grip 22 may extend outwardly and distally from the needle hub 16.

[0020] 1B, the catheter system 10 may include an extension tube 24 coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter 12. The extension tube 24 may be extendable and may be corrugated. The extendable and / or corrugated extension tube 24 may reduce or eliminate the need for priming of the catheter system 10 by reducing the amount of internal fluid such that external fluid is not needed to prevent air bubbles from forming within the catheter system 10.

[0021] 2A-2C, in some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a locking mechanism 26 coupled to the extension tube and removably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter 12. The locking mechanism 26 may be located on a top surface of the catheter system 10. The locking mechanism may include a ridge for grasping and may also provide an indication of the proper position for applying pressure to operate the locking mechanism 26. The locking mechanism 26 may be engaged to maintain the extension tube 24 in a compressed state and released to allow the extension tube 24 to be extended. For example, the extension tube 24 may include a lever. One end of the lever may be depressed to disengage the locking mechanism 26.

[0022] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 26 may include a lip disposed at a distal end of the lever to function as the locking mechanism 26. The catheter adapter 12 may include an upwardly extending flange. The flange may include a flat, rigid plastic extending from the catheter adapter 12 such that the locking mechanism can engage a flange disposed on the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, a user may apply pressure to the proximal end of the locking mechanism lever to lift the lip and disengage the lip from the flange.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the proximal end of the catheter adapter 12, the flash chamber 20, and the extension tube 24 may nest at least partially within the needle hub 16. The catheter adapter 12 and the extension tube 24 may be housed within the needle hub 16 prior to using the catheter adapter 12 on a patient and / or prior to expanding the extension tube 24. The compact design of the catheter system 10 may allow a user to insert the catheter tube 14 into a vein with one hand.

[0024] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the catheter adapter 12 is slidably coupled to the distal end of the needle hub 16. The extension tube 24 may be fully contained within the needle hub 16 while the extension tube 24 is compressed. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be configured to be a push-pull slider for extending and compressing the extension tube 24 and / or for separating the catheter adapter 12 and extension tube 24 from the needle hub 16. For example, a user may remove the catheter adapter 12 from the needle hub 16 by applying force distal to the locking mechanism 26 to slide the extension tube 24 and catheter adapter 12 off the needle hub 16.

[0025] The locking mechanism 26 may be coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube 24. Thus, when the needle hub is separated from the extension tube 24, the locking mechanism 26 remains coupled to the distal end of the extension tube. The needle hub may include a portion on the top surface of the needle hub that is cut out so that the locking mechanism 26 can be slid distally away and removed such that the locking mechanism 26 is accessible to the user.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flash chamber 20 may include a vent 28. The vent 28 may be permeable to gas and impermeable to fluid. The vent may be configured to remove gas from the flash chamber 20 as blood or other fluids enter the chamber. In some embodiments, the flash chamber 20 may be disposed within the proximal end of the needle hub. In response to insertion of the catheter tube 14 into a patient's vein, blood flows into the flash chamber 20, indicating successful placement of the introducer needle 18 and / or catheter tube 14 within the vein. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the flash chamber extends from the proximal end of the needle hub 16 and may be transparent. The flash chamber 20 may be transparent to provide a flashback indication of successful insertion into the patient's vein.

[0027] 2D-2E, the catheter system 10 may include a septum 30. The septum 30 may be disposed within a proximal end of the extension tube 24. In some embodiments, the septum may be disposed within a septum holder 32 coupled to the extension tube 24. The locking mechanism 26 may couple to the septum holder 32 to secure the locking mechanism 26 to the extension tube. In some embodiments, the septum may be a two-piece septum, a three-piece septum, or any suitable septum.

[0028] In some embodiments, the introducer needle 18 may extend through the catheter tube 14, penetrating the septum 30. Additionally, an infusion device may be coupled to the septum 30 to administer fluids to the patient. In some embodiments, a luer connector (not shown) may be coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube 24. The extension tube 24 may be coupled to the catheter adapter 12 and / or the septum holder 32 or to the luer connector by laser welding. The extension tube 24 may be coupled to the catheter adapter 12 and / or the septum holder 32 by adhesive.

[0029] 3A-3E, the extension tube 24 may be corrugated. The corrugated extension tube may be extendable and / or compressible, and the extension tube 24 may be flexible when extended. A flexible extension tube may improve patient comfort and require less fixation for long retention times. In some embodiments, the introducer needle may be withdrawn through the extension tube when the extension tube is compressed, extended, or while the extension tube is extended.

[0030] The patient may have low blood pressure, making blood withdrawal more difficult as blood may not flow into the catheter adapter 12 without assistance. The clinician may expand the extension tube 24 while withdrawing the introducer needle 18 to create a negative pressure within the catheter system 10 and / or the extension tube 24 so that a vacuum effect draws blood from the vein. Expansion of the extension tube 24 is not necessary to withdraw blood and the introducer needle 18 may be withdrawn without expanding the extension tube 24.

[0031] The introducer needle 18 may be withdrawn while the locking mechanism 26 is engaged and / or disengaged. After the introducer needle 18 is withdrawn, the catheter adapter 12 and / or the extension tube 24 may be secured to provide access to the distal end of the extension tube for connecting other devices, sampling, and / or disinfecting the septum 30. The extension tube may be compressed and the locking mechanism 26 engaged prior to securing the catheter adapter 12 to the patient's skin or prior to removing the catheter adapter.

[0032] The extension tube 24 may be resilient and retain its shape when bent. As an example, the extension tube 24 may extend and bend such that the extension tube changes direction in an L-shape, U-shape, V-shape, or in other ways. The extension tube 24 may be configured to retain the bent shape. The bent shape may improve patient comfort as the catheter system 10 is placed for a period of time. In some applications, the extension tube 24 may be bent to provide a safer and / or more convenient connection to a fluid source, such as IV fluid and / or medical equipment.

[0033] In some embodiments, the extension tube 24 may be repositioned from a different shape than it was before. The extension tube 24 may be compressed after being positioned in a bent configuration. In some embodiments, the patency of the catheter tube 14 and / or the extension tube 24 may be assessed by extending or compressing the extension tube. Expanding or compressing the extension tube causes fluid to flow from the catheter tube. The clinician may use the force required to expand or contract the extension tube to determine the presence of an occlusion. In some embodiments, the extension tube may be configured to resist kinking. The corrugations of the extension tube 24 may bend into a bent shape and / or change the orientation of the extension tube without kinking. After the extension tube 24 is compressed, the locking mechanism 26 may be re-engaged. In some embodiments, compression of the extension tube 24 and / or redirection of the extension tube may benefit patient comfort by using less tape and / or fastening material to secure the catheter adapter 12 or catheter system 10 for placement.

[0034] 4A-4B, the needle hub 16 may include a paddle grip 22 that may include a raised feature 34 on an upper surface of the paddle grip. The raised feature 34 may include a bump and / or a nub to enhance grip. The raised feature may include one or more ridges and / or other gripping features that assist a user in gripping the paddle grip 22. In some embodiments, the raised feature 34 may extend upwardly beyond other gripping features of the paddle grip 22.

[0035] In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 includes at least one wing 26 extending outwardly from the catheter adapter. The wings may stabilize the catheter adapter and simplify insertion of the catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 includes two wings extending from the catheter adapter. The wings may be constructed of a flexible material. When the catheter adapter 12 is coupled and / or nested in the needle hub 16, the at least one wing 26 of the catheter adapter may be positioned over and / or contact the paddle grip 22. In some embodiments, the paddle grip 22 may extend distally beyond the wings 26 of the catheter adapter 12.

[0036] The wings 26 of the catheter adapter 12 may include an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the wings may include a grip feature 38. In some embodiments, the grip feature 38 may allow a user to control the catheter adapter 12 when administering the catheter system 10 to a patient. The grip feature 38 may include ridges and / or nubs. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the wings 26 of the catheter adapter 12 may include a recess 40.

[0037] 5A-5B, the recess 40 may be configured to mate with the raised feature 34 on the paddle grip 22 as the tip of the introducer needle is withdrawn within the catheter tube. In some embodiments, the mating of the raised feature 34 with the recess 40 provides a tactile indication to the user that the tip of the introducer needle 18 has been withdrawn into the catheter tube 14. The tactile indication may provide an indication to the user that the catheter tube 14 may be safely repositioned and / or further inserted into the patient's vein without causing damage to the vein by the tip of the introducer needle 18. After the catheter tube 14 is positioned in the desired placement location, the raised feature 34 and the recess 40 on the paddle grip 22 may be disengaged and the introducer needle 18 may be fully withdrawn from the catheter adapter 12.

[0038] 6, the needle hub 16 may include a flash chamber 20 into which blood flows in response to insertion of the catheter tube 14 into a patient's vein. In some embodiments, the flash chamber 20 may be transparent to indicate to a user that the catheter tube 14 is positioned within a vein. The flash chamber 20 may confirm proper placement of the catheter tube 14 within the vein. In some embodiments, the flash chamber may include an air vent 28 to remove air as blood flows into the flash chamber 20 as blood flows into the catheter tube 14 and into the flash chamber 20 and / or is displaced within the catheter system 10. The air vent may include a membrane that filters air and may be impermeable to fluids.

[0039] The flash chamber may have a volume sufficient to provide a blood sample. In some embodiments, blood and / or fluid in the flash chamber 20 may be used as the sample. The flash chamber 20 may have a volume between about 2 ml and about 3 ml. Blood in the flash chamber 20 may be sampled because the catheter system 10 has not been primed with a priming fluid, which may reduce the sample. When using blood in the flash chamber for a sample, the clinician would not need to re-prick the patient after placing the catheter tube 14 in the vein. Furthermore, the sample may be obtained without the use of other blood collection accessories. In some embodiments, the sample may be ejected through the introducer needle 18. For example, a sample tube 42 may be coupled to the flash chamber 20 to sample blood, the introducer needle 18 may be placed in the sample tube 42, and a vacuum in the sample tube may draw blood and / or fluid from the flash chamber into the sample tube. This sampling method may be particularly useful in pediatric and / or neonatal care, where catheter placement and / or blood collection may be more difficult.

[0040] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the references or variations thereof cited throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. It should be understood that any of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or any portion of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure, can be combined together in any number of different ways.

[0041] Similarly, in the above description of the embodiments, it should be understood that various features may be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, this format of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment described above. Thus, the claims following this description of the embodiment are hereby expressly incorporated into this description of the embodiment, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0042] The recitation in a claim of the term "first" with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the presence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in means-plus-function form are intended to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made in the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles described herein.

[0043] The phrases "connected to," "coupled to," "engaged with," and "in communication with" refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interactions. Two components can be functionally coupled to one another even if they are not in direct contact with one another. The term "adjacent" refers to things that are in direct physical contact with one another, but the things are not necessarily attached together. The phrase "fluid communication" refers to two features that are connected such that fluid in one feature can flow into the other feature.

[0044] As defined herein, "substantially equal to" means "equal to" or within about + or -10% relative variance of each other.

[0045] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0046] While particular embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the devices and systems disclosed herein, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0047] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to aid in understanding the invention and concepts provided by the inventor to facilitate the technology, and should be construed as not being limited to the specifically recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A catheter system comprising: a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween; a catheter tube extending distally from the catheter adapter; an extension tube coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the extension tube being extendable; a locking mechanism coupled to the extension tube and releasably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter; a needle hub removably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter; and an introducer needle extending through the catheter tube, the proximal end of the introducer needle being secured within the needle hub; Equipped with The locking mechanism includes a lever having a lip disposed at a distal end thereof that engages with a flange disposed on the catheter adapter, and the lip disengages from the flange of the catheter adapter in response to depression of a proximal end of the lever.

2. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the extension tube is corrugated so as to be flexible when extended.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1 , wherein the extension tube is elastic and retains its shape even when bent.

4. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the extension tube is compressible when the locking mechanism is engaged and extendable when the locking mechanism is released.

5. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the introducer needle is retractable through the extension tube when the extension tube is compressed, extended, or while the extension tube is extended.

6. The catheter system of claim 1 , further comprising a septum, the septum being disposed within a proximal end of the extension tube.

7. The catheter system of claim 1 , further comprising a luer connector coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube.

8. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein a flash chamber is disposed within the needle hub and extends proximally from a proximal end of the needle hub.

9. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the needle hub further comprises a paddle grip.

10. 1. A catheter system comprising: a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween; a catheter tube extending distally from the catheter adapter; an extension tube coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the extension tube being corrugated and the extension tube being extendable; a needle hub removably coupled to a proximal end of the catheter adapter, a needle hub, the needle hub including a paddle grip; a flash chamber disposed within the proximal end of the needle hub, into which blood flows in response to insertion of the catheter tube into a patient's vein; and an introducer needle extending through the catheter tube, the proximal end of the introducer needle being secured within the needle hub; a locking mechanism coupled to the extension tube; the extension tube is compressible when the locking mechanism is engaged and extendable when the locking mechanism is disengaged; The locking mechanism includes a lever having a lip disposed at a distal end thereof that engages with a flange disposed on the catheter adapter, and the lip disengages from the flange of the catheter adapter in response to depression of a proximal end of the lever.

11. The catheter system of claim 10 , wherein the catheter adapter further comprises at least one wing extending outwardly from the catheter adapter.

12. 12. The catheter system of claim 11, wherein the at least one wing comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface defining a grip and the lower surface defining a recess, the recess mating with a grip of an upper surface of the paddle grip when the tip of an introducer needle is withdrawn into the catheter tube.

13. The catheter system of claim 10 , wherein the flash chamber comprises a vent.

14. The catheter system of claim 10 , wherein the flash chamber has a volume of at least 2 ml but not more than 3 ml.

15. The catheter system of claim 10 , wherein the flash chamber is transparent.

16. 1. A catheter system comprising: a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween; a catheter tube extending distally from the catheter adapter; an extension tube coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the extension tube being extendable; a locking mechanism coupled to the extension tube and releasably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter; a needle hub removably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the needle hub including a paddle grip; and an introducer needle extending through the catheter tube, the proximal end of the introducer needle being secured within a needle hub; and a flash chamber, into which blood flows in response to insertion of the catheter tube into a patient's vein, the flash chamber being transparent; Equipped with The locking mechanism includes a lever having a lip disposed at a distal end that engages with a flange disposed on the catheter adapter, and in response to depression of a proximal end of the lever, the lip disengages from the flange of the catheter adapter.

17. 17. The catheter system of claim 16, wherein the extension tube is corrugated when extended such that the extension tube is resistant to kinking, compressible and flexible.

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