CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VISUALIZING FLASHBACK AT VARIOUS BLOOD PRESSURE SURFACES - Patent application

Abstract

The catheter system may include a catheter adapter and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a needle assembly, which may include a plug, an outer housing, and an introducer needle. The outer surface of the plug may include a plurality of grooves, which may be in fluid communication with the introducer needle and may be configured to accommodate blood flashback. The plurality of grooves may include a first groove having a first surface area-to-volume ratio and a second groove having a second surface area-to-volume ratio. The first surface area-to-volume ratio may be smaller than the second surface area-to-volume ratio. The first groove may have a larger volume than the second groove. The outer housing may seal the top of the first groove and the top of the second groove to prevent blood from flowing out of the top of the first groove and the top of the second groove.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter system. [Background technology]

[0002] Intravenous catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, intravenous catheters can be used to infuse fluids, such as saline, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition, into a patient. Intravenous catheters can also be used to withdraw blood from a patient.

[0003] Common intravenous catheters include peripheral IV catheters (PIVCs), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), and central line catheters. Intravenous catheters may include "over-the-needle" catheters, which are mounted over a needle with a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip can pierce the patient's skin and blood vessel. Insertion of an intravenous catheter into a blood vessel can occur after puncturing the vessel with the needle. Needles and intravenous catheters are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the vascular system with the bevel of the needle facing up and away from the patient's skin.

[0004] To confirm proper placement of the introducer needle and / or IV catheter within the vasculature, the user will typically confirm that there is a flashback of blood, which is visible to the user. Once placement of the introducer needle within the vein has been confirmed, the user can temporarily block flow within the vessel and withdraw the introducer needle, leaving the intravenous catheter in place for future blood draws or infusions.

[0005] In some instances, the introducer needle may include a notch disposed toward the distal end of the introducer needle, and in response to the distal tip of the introducer needle being placed within the vasculature, blood may flow proximally through the needle lumen, exit the needle lumen through the notch, and travel proximally between the exterior surface of the introducer needle and the interior surface of the intravenous catheter. Thus, if the intravenous catheter is at least partially transparent, the user may visualize a small amount of primary blood flashback within the catheter tube. In some instances, in addition to the primary blood flashback, the user may also visualize a small amount of secondary blood flashback within the proximal chamber of the intravenous catheter, thereby confirming placement of the intravenous catheter within the vasculature.

[0006] The presence of vasculature entry indicators such as primary and / or secondary blood flashback may facilitate placement of an intravenous catheter. However, visualization of blood flashback by the user may be impaired due to blood pressure fluctuations, which may differ significantly in static venous and tourniquet situations, even in normal patients. The chamber may not provide noticeable flashback in difficult venous insertions and / or may not provide a sustained signal in high blood pressure.

[0007] 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. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 901,631 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure relates generally to catheter devices, systems, and methods for flashback visualization at various blood pressures. In some embodiments, a catheter system may include a catheter assembly that may include a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a lumen extending through the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter.

[0010] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle assembly coupled to the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a plug and an outer housing. In some embodiments, the needle may include an introducer needle, which may include a sharp distal tip. In some embodiments, the body may be integrally formed as a single unit. In some embodiments, the plug may be press fit into the outer housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub. In other embodiments, the plug may include a luer adapter that may be coupled to the proximal end of the outer housing. In some embodiments, the luer adapter may include a luer lock or luer slip connector. In some embodiments, the luer adapter may include a male or female luer connector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the plug may include a plurality of grooves that may be configured to receive blood flashback. In some embodiments, the grooves may include a first groove and a second groove. In some embodiments, the first groove may have a first surface area to volume ratio and the second groove may have a second surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio may be less than the second surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first groove may have a greater volume than the second groove. In some embodiments, the depth of the first groove may be greater than the depth of the second groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the grooves on the outer surface of the plug may correspond to various blood pressures and gauges of the introducer needle or catheter. In some embodiments, the first groove may be adjusted for a different blood pressure or gauge than the second groove. In some embodiments, for tourniquet blood pressure, the first groove, which may have a larger volume than the second groove, may provide a sustained indication of the advancement of the introducer needle in the vein. In some embodiments, for venous pressure, the second groove, which may be shallower and have a higher surface area to volume ratio compared to the first groove, may provide significant blood movement despite a lower flow rate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first groove may be vented and the proximal end of the second groove may be vented. In some embodiments, the first groove and the second groove may be located on the top of the plug, which may facilitate visibility by a user. In some embodiments, the first groove and the second groove may be generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the plug.

[0015] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the plug may include a cavity. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the needle may be disposed within the pocket. In some embodiments, the distal end of the first groove and the distal end of the second groove may be adjacent to the cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the grooves may include one or more of a first groove, a second groove, a third groove, a fourth groove, and a fifth groove (which may be collectively referred to as "grooves" in this disclosure). In some embodiments, the outer housing may seal the tops of the following grooves to prevent blood from exiting the tops of the grooves.

[0017] In some embodiments, the third groove can have a third surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio can be less than the third surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first groove has a larger volume than the third groove.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second and third grooves may be similar or identical. In some embodiments, the surface area to volume ratio of the third may be equal to the surface area to volume of the second, and / or the volume of the third groove may be equal to the volume of the second groove. In some embodiments, the second and third grooves may be disposed on opposing sides of the first groove, and / or may be symmetrical about the first groove. In some embodiments, the symmetrical pattern of the second and third grooves about the first groove may facilitate visualization of blood flashback despite gravity bias due to the user's gripping technique.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fourth groove may have a fourth surface area to volume ratio and / or the fifth groove may have a fifth surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio may be less than the fourth surface area to volume ratio and / or the fifth surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first groove has a larger volume than the fourth groove and the fifth groove. In some embodiments, the fourth groove and the fifth groove may be disposed on either side of the first groove and outward from the second groove and the third groove. In some embodiments, the fourth groove and the fifth groove may be disposed on either side of the first groove and / or may be symmetrical about the first groove. In some embodiments, the symmetrical pattern of the fourth groove and the fifth groove may facilitate visualization of blood flashback despite gravity bias due to the user's gripping technique.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, or the fifth groove may include one or more pockets extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug, the one or more pockets being spaced along the length of one or more of the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, and the fifth groove.

[0021] In some embodiments, the one or more grooves may be separated by a capillary effect gap that allows blood to flash back quickly. In some embodiments, the capillary effect gap and / or one or more other portions of the plug may be constructed of a hydrophilic material. In some embodiments, the first and second grooves and / or the first and third grooves may be separated by a capillary effect gap. In some embodiments, the volume of the capillary effect gap may be less than the volume of one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grooves. In some embodiments, the capillary effect gap may be filled by blood flashback before one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grooves.

[0022] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the claimed invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments 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 following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter system in an insertion configuration ready for insertion into a patient, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system in an insertion configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C]FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the catheter system of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter system according to some embodiments. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1 is another cross-sectional view of an exemplary needle assembly of a catheter system according to some embodiments. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system taken along line 1F-1F in FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1G] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a plug according to some embodiments. [Figure 1H] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a plug according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a catheter system in an insertion configuration ready for insertion into a patient, showing another exemplary plug, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 13 is a top view of another plug according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 13 is an enlarged top view of another plug according to some embodiments. [Figure 2D] 1 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary needle assembly of a catheter system according to some embodiments. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system taken along line 2E-2E of FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] 1A-3B, in some embodiments, a catheter system 10 may include a catheter assembly 12 that may include a catheter adapter 14. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 14 may include a distal end 16, a proximal end 18, and a lumen 20 extending through the distal end 16 and the proximal end 18. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter that may extend distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter.

[0025] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter system, such as, for example, the BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV Catheter System, the BD CATHENA™ Catheter System, the BD VENFLON™ Pro Safely Shielded IV Catheter System, the BD NEOFLON™ IV Cannula System, the BD INSYTE™ AUTOGUARD™ BC Shielded IV Catheter System, or another suitable peripheral intravenous catheter system. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include an integrated catheter system with an integrated extension tube or a non-integrated catheter system. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a PICC system or a midline catheter system.

[0026] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle assembly 22 coupled to the catheter assembly 12. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 22 may include a plug 24 and an outer housing 26. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 22 may include an introducer needle 28, which may include a proximal end 30 and a sharp distal tip 32. In some embodiments, the body may be integrally formed as a single unit. In some embodiments, the plug 24 may be press fit into the outer housing 26. In some embodiments, the proximal end 30 of the introducer needle 28 may be secured within the plug 24, which may be a needle hub.

[0027] In other embodiments, the plug 24 may include a luer adapter that may be coupled to the proximal end of the outer housing, as shown, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0133994, filed September 17, 2019, entitled "BLOOD SUPPLY DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING BLOOD FLASHBACK," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the luer adapter may include a luer lock or luer slip connector. In some embodiments, the luer adapter may include a male or female luer connector.

[0028] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the plug 24 may include a number of grooves that may be configured to receive blood flashback. In some embodiments, in response to the introducer needle 28 being inserted into a patient's vein, blood flashback may travel from the sharp distal tip 32 through the proximal end 30 of the introducer needle 28 and into the plug 24, where the blood flashback may enter the grooves. Additionally, in some embodiments, the introducer needle 28 may include a notch that may allow blood flashback to travel between the outer surface of the introducer needle 28 and the inner surface of the catheter 21. In some embodiments, the proximal end 30 of the introducer needle 28 may include a notch or opening.

[0029] 1D-1F, in some embodiments, the grooves may include a first groove 34 and a second groove 36. In some embodiments, the first groove 34 may have a first surface area to volume ratio and the second groove 36 may have a second surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio may be less than the second surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first groove 34 may have a greater volume than the second groove 36. In some embodiments, the depth 38 of the first groove 34 may be greater than the depth 40 of the second groove 36. In some embodiments, the width 42 of the first groove 34 may be greater than the width 44 of the second groove 36. In some embodiments, the width 44 of the second groove 36 may be greater than the depth 40 of the second groove 36. In some embodiments, the width 42 of the first groove 34 may be approximately equal to the depth 38 of the first groove 34.

[0030] In some embodiments, the sides of the first groove 34 may be formed by opposing walls. In some embodiments, the width 42 of the first groove 34 may correspond to the distance between the opposing walls. In some embodiments, the sides of the second groove 36 may be formed by another opposing wall. In some embodiments, the opposing wall and the other opposing wall may contact the outer housing 26 to seal against flashback blood in the first groove 34 and the second groove 36.

[0031] In some embodiments, the width 44 of the second groove 36 may correspond to the distance between the other opposing walls. In some embodiments, one of the opposing walls may correspond to one of the other opposing walls that may be shared between the first groove 34 and the second groove 36. In some embodiments, the depth 38 of the first groove 34 may correspond to the height of the opposing walls, or the distance from the bottom of the first groove 34 to the inner surface of the outer housing 26. In some embodiments, the depth 40 of the second groove 36 may correspond to the height of the other opposing wall, or the distance from the bottom of the second groove 36 to the inner surface of the outer housing 26.

[0032] In some embodiments, the grooves on the exterior surface of the plug 24, such as the first groove 34 and the second groove 36, may correspond to various blood pressures and gauges of introducer needles or catheters. In some embodiments, the first groove 34 may be adjusted for a different blood pressure or gauge than the second groove 36. In some embodiments, for avascular pressure, the first groove 34, which may have a larger volume than the second groove, may provide a sustained indication of the advancement of the introducer needle 28 in the vein. In some embodiments, for venous pressure, the second groove 36, which may be shallower and have a higher surface area to volume ratio compared to the first groove 34, may provide noticeable blood movement of blood flashback despite a lower flow rate.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first groove 34 may facilitate visualization of blood flashback at high pressure or large gauge, such as 18-20 Ga. Hypotension may occur in difficult vein access (DVA) situations. In some embodiments, the second groove 36 may facilitate visualization of blood flashback at low pressure or small gauge, such as 24-26 Ga.

[0034] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first groove 34 may be vented and the proximal end of the second groove 36 may be vented. In these embodiments, the plug 24 may include one or more vents 46, and each vent may include a microchannel that may allow air to vent while preventing blood from passing through. In some embodiments, the vents 46 may include a porous membrane that may allow air to vent while preventing blood from passing through. In some embodiments, the vents 46 may be proximate to the first groove 34 and / or the second groove 36.

[0035] 1G-1H, in some embodiments, the vent 46 may be located on the bottom of the plug 24, which may facilitate better fluid containment. In some embodiments, flashback may flow proximally through the first groove 34 and the second groove 36 and then down one or more sides of the plug 24 to a location proximate the vent 46. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the plug 24 may include a seal 50, which may include ribs and / or extend from one side of the vent 46 to the other.

[0036] 1D-1F, in some embodiments, the first groove 34 and the second groove 36 may be located on the top of the plug 24, which may facilitate visibility by the user when the catheter system 10 is in the insertion configuration and inserted into a patient. In some embodiments, the bevel of the sharp distal tip 32 may be toward or above the top of the catheter system 10, as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the first groove 34 and the second groove 36 may be generally aligned with the longitudinal axis 48 of the plug 24, which may facilitate easy visualization. In other embodiments, one or more of the grooves may be curved or serpentine to increase blood flashback duration.

[0037] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the plug 24 may include a cavity 52. ​​In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle 28 may be disposed within the cavity 52. ​​In some embodiments, the distal end of the first groove 34 and the distal end of the second groove 36 may be proximate the cavity 52. ​​In some embodiments, the cavity 52 may be deeper than the first groove 34 and / or the second groove 36. In some embodiments, blood traveling through the fluid pathway of the catheter system 10 may be forced from the cavity 52 to the outside of the plug 24, which may improve visibility of the blood in the fluid pathway to a user.

[0038] 2A-2E, a plug 54 of the catheter system 10 is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the plug 54 may be similar or identical to the plug 24 with respect to one or more included features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the plug 24 may include a plurality of grooves. In some embodiments, the grooves may include one or more of a first groove 56, a second groove 58, a third groove 60, a fourth groove 62, and a fifth groove 64. In some embodiments, the first groove 56 may be similar or identical to the first groove 34 with respect to one or more included features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the second groove 58 and / or the third groove 60 may be similar or identical to the second groove 36 with respect to one or more included features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the outer housing 26 may seal the tops of the following grooves to prevent blood from exiting the tops of the grooves.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio of the first groove 56 may be less than the second surface area to volume ratio of the second groove 58 and / or the third surface area to volume ratio of the third groove 60. In some embodiments, the first groove 56 has a larger volume than the second groove 58 and / or the third groove 60. In some embodiments, the second groove 58 and the third groove 60 may be similar or identical.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second groove 58 and the third groove 60 may be disposed on either side of the first groove 56 and / or may be symmetrical about the first groove 56. More specifically, in some embodiments, the shape of the second groove 58 may be a mirror image of the shape of the third groove 60. In some embodiments, the symmetrical pattern of the second groove 58 and the third groove 60 about the first groove 56 may facilitate visualization of blood flashback despite gravity bias due to a user's gripping technique.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio may be less than the fourth surface area to volume ratio of the fourth groove 62 and / or the fifth surface area to volume ratio of the fifth groove 64. In some embodiments, the first groove 34 has a larger volume than the fourth groove 62 and the fifth groove 64. In some embodiments, the fourth groove 62 and the fifth groove 64 may be disposed on either side of the first groove 56 and outwardly from the second groove 58 and the third groove 60. In some embodiments, the fourth groove 62 and the fifth groove 64 may be disposed on either side of the first groove 56 and / or may be symmetrical about the first groove 56. More specifically, in some embodiments, the shape of the fourth groove 62 may be a mirror image of the shape of the fifth groove 64. In some embodiments, the symmetrical pattern of the fourth groove 62 and the fifth groove 64 may facilitate visualization of blood flashback despite gravity bias due to the user's gripping technique.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second groove 58, the third groove 60, the fourth groove 62, or the fifth groove 64 may include one or more pockets 66 extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug 54 and spaced along the length of one or more of the second groove 58, the third groove 60, the fourth groove 62, and the fifth groove 64. In some embodiments, the pockets 66 may facilitate a user's visualization of how far the blood flashback has traveled.

[0043] In some embodiments, one or more of the grooves may be separated by a capillary action gap 68 that can quickly draw back blood flashback by capillary action. In some embodiments, the capillary action gap 68 and / or one or more other portions of the plug 54, such as the grooves, may be constructed of a hydrophilic material. In some embodiments, the first groove 56 and the second groove 58 and / or the first groove 56 and the third groove 60 may be separated by a capillary action gap 68. In some embodiments, the volume of the capillary action gap 68 may be less than the volume of one or more of the first groove 56, the second groove 58, the third groove 60, the fourth groove 62, and the fifth groove 64. In some embodiments, the capillary action gap 68 may be filled by blood flashback before one or more of the first groove 56, the second groove 58, the third groove 60, the fourth groove 62, and the fifth groove 64.

[0044] In some embodiments, each of the first groove 56, second groove 58, third groove 60, fourth groove 62, and fifth groove 64 may be vented, and the proximal end of the second groove 36 may be vented. In these embodiments, the plug 54 may include the vent 46. In some embodiments, the divider 54 may be constructed of plastic, metal, or another suitable material.

[0045] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structure, method, or other essential characteristics broadly described herein and hereinafter claimed. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as merely illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing specification. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. 1. A catheter system comprising:

1. A catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter comprising a lumen extending therethrough; and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; a catheter assembly comprising: A needle assembly coupled to the catheter adapter, a plug, an exterior surface of the plug comprising a first groove having a first surface area to volume ratio and a second groove having a second surface area to volume ratio, the first surface area to volume ratio being less than the second surface area to volume ratio, and the first groove having a larger volume than the second groove; an outer housing that seals the open ends of the first and second grooves to prevent blood from flowing out of the open ends of the first and second grooves; an introducer needle having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the introducer needle in fluid communication with the first groove and the second groove; a needle assembly comprising: A catheter system comprising:

2. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the depth of the first groove is greater than the depth of the second groove.

3. 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the first groove is vented and a proximal end of the second groove is vented.

4. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the first groove and the second groove are located on an upper portion of the plug.

5. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the first groove and the second groove are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the plug.

6. 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the plug is integrally formed as a single unit, the plug is press fit into the outer housing, and the proximal end of the introducer needle is secured within the plug.

7. 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the plug includes a cavity, the proximal end of the introducer needle is disposed within the cavity, and a distal end of the first groove and a distal end of the second groove are adjacent to the cavity.

8. 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the plug includes a third groove having a third surface area to volume ratio, the first surface area to volume ratio being less than the third surface area to volume ratio, the first groove having a larger volume than the third groove, the outer housing seals an open end of the third groove to prevent blood from exiting the open end of the third groove, and the second groove and the third groove are disposed on opposite sides of the first groove.

9. 9. The catheter system of claim 8, wherein the first groove and the second groove are separated by a capillary action gap, and the first groove and the third groove are separated by another capillary action gap.

10. 9. The catheter system of claim 8, wherein the outer surface of the plug includes a fourth groove having a fourth surface area to volume ratio and a fifth groove having a fifth surface area to volume ratio, the first surface area to volume ratio being less than the fourth surface area to volume ratio and the fifth surface area to volume ratio, the first groove having a larger volume than the fourth groove and the fifth groove, and the fourth groove and the fifth groove being disposed on opposite sides of the first groove and outwardly disposed from the second groove and the third groove.

11. 11. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, or the fifth groove comprises a plurality of pockets extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plug, the plurality of pockets being spaced along a length of the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, or the fifth groove.

12. 1. A catheter system comprising:

1. A catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter comprising a lumen extending therethrough; and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; a catheter assembly comprising: A needle assembly coupled to the catheter adapter, a plug, an exterior surface of the plug comprising a first groove having a first surface area to volume ratio, a second groove having a second surface area to volume ratio, and a third groove having a third surface area to volume ratio, the first surface area to volume ratio being less than the second surface area to volume ratio and the third surface area to volume ratio, and the first groove having a larger volume than the second groove and the third groove; an outer housing that seals an open end of the first groove, an open end of the second groove, and an open end of the third groove to prevent blood from flowing out of the open ends of the first groove and the second groove, the second groove and the third groove being disposed on either side of the first groove and symmetrical about the first groove; an introducer needle having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the introducer needle in fluid communication with the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove; a needle assembly comprising: A catheter system comprising:

13. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the depth of the first groove is greater than the depths of the second groove and the third groove.

14. 13. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein a proximal end of the first groove is vented, a proximal end of the second groove is vented, and a proximal end of the third groove is vented.

15. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove are located on an upper portion of the plug.

16. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the plug.

17. 13. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the outer surface of the plug includes a cavity, the proximal end of the introducer needle is disposed within the cavity, and a distal end of the first groove and a distal end of the second groove are adjacent to the cavity.

18. 13. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the first groove and the second groove are separated by a capillary action gap, and the first groove and the third groove are separated by another capillary action gap.

19. 13. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein an outer surface of the plug includes a fourth groove having a fourth surface area to volume ratio and a fifth groove having a fifth surface area to volume ratio, the first surface area to volume ratio being less than the fourth surface area to volume ratio and the fifth surface area to volume ratio, the first groove having a larger volume than the fourth groove and the fifth groove, the fourth groove and the fifth groove being disposed on opposite sides of the first groove and disposed outwardly from the second groove, and the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, and the fifth groove being symmetrical about the first groove.

20. 20. The catheter system of claim 19, wherein the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, or the fifth groove comprises a plurality of pockets extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plug, the plurality of pockets being spaced along a length of the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, or the fifth groove.

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