One-piece intravenous catheter with side port for easy blood sampling

Abstract

The integrated IV catheter can have a side port that facilitates blood withdrawal. The side port provides separate fluid paths for withdrawing blood and for injecting fluids via the extension set. The side port can be configured to allow the extension set to be primed while the blood sample is being collected. In this way, collection of the blood sample during catheter insertion is facilitated.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] background Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters may be used to infuse fluids, such as normal saline, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition, into a patient. Catheters may also be used to withdraw blood from a patient.

[0002] A common type of catheter is the over-the-needle peripheral intravenous ("IV") catheter ("PIVC"). As the name suggests, an over-the-needle catheter may be mounted over an introducer needle that has a sharp distal tip. The catheter and introducer needle may be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter, with the bevel of the needle pointing away from the patient's skin. The catheter and introducer needle are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the patient's skin and into the vasculature.

[0003] An integrated PIVC is a PIVC with an integrated extension set. Such an extension set typically consists of an extension tube that is integrated into a catheter adapter at one end and includes an access port (e.g., a Luer connector) coupled to the other end. An integrated PIVC is often used to collect blood. For example, after inserting the catheter of the integrated PIVC into the patient's vascular system, the practitioner may allow blood to flow into the extension set up to the access port. To allow this blood flow, a vent plug will usually be coupled to the access port, allowing air to escape the extension tube as blood flows into the extension tube. Once blood has flowed to the access port, the practitioner will remove the vent plug and attach a blood collection set (e.g., a vacuum tube adapter) in its place. Blood may then be collected. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The process of collecting blood through the extension set of an integrated PIVC has various drawbacks. For example, the entire extension set must be primed (i.e., air must be vented from the access port to allow blood to flow into the extension set up to the access port) before blood can be collected. Furthermore, removal of the vent plug from the access port exposes the fluid pathway to the external environment. Thus, subsequent attachment of the blood collection set may contaminate the fluid pathway. As a result, the practitioner may need to sterilize the access port before donning the blood collection set, which may prolong the blood collection process. Due to the length of the extension tubing, it may take a significant amount of time for blood to flow into the blood collection set, especially if the patient has low blood pressure. Once blood is collected, blood will remain in the extension set. Although fluid can be injected through the access port to flush blood from the extension tubing, it is difficult to completely flush any residual blood that may be trapped in the access port. Because the same access port is also typically used to inject fluid into the patient's vascular system, this residual blood may increase the risk of bloodstream infection (BSI).

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any shortcomings, nor does it operate exclusively in the environments described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some implementations described herein may be practiced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] overview The present disclosure generally relates to an integrated IV catheter including a PIVC having a side port that facilitates drawing blood. The side port provides separate fluid paths for drawing blood and for injecting fluids through an extension set. The side port may be configured such that the extension set may be primed while the blood sample is being collected. In this manner, collection of the blood sample during catheter insertion is facilitated.

[0007] In a first set of exemplary embodiments, an integrated IV catheter, such as a PIVC, may include a catheter adapter, a side port, and an extension set. The catheter adapter includes a catheter for insertion into a patient's vascular system. The side port has a distal end whereby the side port is connected to the catheter adapter, a proximal end, and a side branch. The extension set is connected to the side port via the side branch. The proximal end of the side port provides a first fluid pathway for withdrawing blood from the patient's vascular system, and the side branch of the side port provides a second fluid pathway for injecting fluid into the patient's vascular system.

[0008] In a first set of exemplary embodiments, the side port may include a septum positioned at a proximal end of the first fluid pathway. A blood collection set may be inserted through the septum and may be configured to vent air from the first fluid pathway. Alternatively, a blood collection adapter may be coupled to the proximal end of the side port and may extend beyond the septum. The blood collection adapter may be configured to vent air from the first fluid pathway.

[0009] In a first set of exemplary embodiments, the septum may be included in an actuated septum valve configured to move from a closed position in which the septum blocks the second fluid pathway and an open position in which the septum does not block the second fluid pathway. The septum may include a vent channel that allows air to be vented from the second fluid pathway when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position. The actuated septum valve may include an actuating member having one or more tabs that interface with a side port to prevent the actuated septum valve from moving from the open position to the closed position. In such a case, for each of the one or more tabs, the side port may include a distal slot into which the tab is inserted when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position and a proximal slot into which the tab is inserted when the actuated septum valve is in the open position. The distal slot may be configured to allow the tab to slide proximally from the distal slot, while the proximal slot may be configured to prevent the tab from sliding distally from the proximal slot.

[0010] In a first set of exemplary embodiments, the side port may further include a vent membrane disposed between the side branch and the proximal end of the side port. The actuated septum valve may be configured to allow air contained in the extension set to escape through the vent membrane with the actuated septum valve in a closed position.

[0011] In a first set of exemplary embodiments, where the side port includes an actuated septum valve, a blood collection adapter may be connected to the proximal end of the side port and may prevent the actuated septum valve from moving to an open position.

[0012] In a second set of exemplary embodiments, the integrated PIVC may include one or more of a catheter adapter having a catheter configured to be inserted into a patient's vasculature, a side port having a distal end whereby the side port is connected to the catheter adapter, a proximal end housing an actuated septum valve and a side branch, and an extension set connected to the side port via the side branch.

[0013] In a second set of exemplary embodiments, the actuated septum valve may include a septum and be configured to move from a closed position in which the septum blocks a fluid path through the side branch to an open position in which the septum does not block a fluid path through the side branch. The septum may be configured to vent air from the extension set when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position.

[0014] In a second set of exemplary embodiments, the integrated PIVC may include a blood collection adapter connected to the proximal end of the side port. The blood collection adapter may provide a separate fluid path for drawing blood when the actuated septum valve is in a closed position. The blood collection adapter may prevent the actuated septum valve from moving to an open position.

[0015] In a third set of exemplary embodiments, the integrated PIVC may include a catheter adapter having a catheter configured for insertion into a patient's vasculature, a side port, and an extension set. The side port has a distal end, whereby the side port is connected to the catheter adapter. The side port also has a proximal end housing an actuated septum valve. The side port further has a side branch. The actuated septum valve includes a septum and is configured to move from a closed position in which the septum blocks a first fluid pathway through the side branch and an open position in which the septum does not block the first fluid pathway. The proximal end provides a second fluid pathway through which blood may be withdrawn from the patient's vasculature while the actuated septum valve is in the closed position. The extension set is connected to the side port via the side branch and has an access port through which fluid may be injected into the patient's vasculature via the first fluid pathway.

[0016] In a third set of exemplary embodiments, the integrated PIVC may include a blood collection adapter coupled to the proximal end of the side port. The septum may be configured to vent air from the extension set when the actuated septum valve is in a closed position, thereby allowing the extension set to be primed while the actuated septum valve is in a closed position.

[0017] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the invention as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangement and instrumentality shown in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless so claimed. Thus, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0018] Brief description of some figures of the drawing Example embodiments will be detailed and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings therein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates an integrated PIVC including a side port according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B illustrates an integrated PIVC including a side port according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an integrated PIVC that includes a side port with a pre-attached blood collection set. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A provides a detailed view of the side port of the integrated PIVC shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an integrated PIVC that includes a side port with a pre-attached blood collection adapter. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A provides a detailed view of the side port and pre-attached blood collection adapter of the integrated PIVC shown in FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B provides a cross-sectional view of the blood collection adapter of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an integrated PIVC that includes a side port with an actuated septum valve. [Figure 4A]FIG. 4A shows an actuated septum valve in a closed position. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows the actuated septum valve in the open position. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C provides an exploded view of the side port and actuated septum valve. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D provides a cross-sectional view of the side port and actuated septum valve. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E shows how a blood collection adapter can be pre-attached to a side port with an actuated septum valve. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4F shows how a blood collection set can be pre-attached to a side port with an actuated septum valve. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a side port of an integrated PIVC, which includes an actuated septum valve with a vent channel. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows the actuated septum valve of FIG. 5 in isolation. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B illustrates how the vent channels allow air to be vented from the extension tube of the integrated PIVC while retaining priming fluid within the extension tube. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a side port of an integrated PIVC, the side port including an actuated septum valve configured for single actuation. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows the actuated septum valve of FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B provides a cross-sectional view of the side port of FIG. 6 when the actuated septum valve is in a closed position. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C provides a cross-sectional view of the side port of FIG. 6 when the actuated septum valve is in an open position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an integrated PIVC that includes an air vent membrane and a side port with an actuated septum valve. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A depicts fluid and air flow through the side port of FIG. 7 when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position. [Figure 7B]FIG. 7B depicts fluid and air flow through the side port of FIG. 7 when the actuated septum valve is in the open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Description of the embodiments The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described primarily in the context of an integrated PIVC. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure apply equally to other integrated IV catheters. Thus, the techniques of the present disclosure may be applied to any type of integrated IV catheter. For purposes of this specification and claims, an integrated IV catheter should be construed as an IV catheter that includes an integrated extension set.

[0021] 1A and 1B each provide an example of a PIVC 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The PIVC 100 includes a catheter adapter 110 having a catheter 111 extending distally therefrom, and a needle assembly 120 having a needle 121 extending distally therefrom. Prior to insertion, the needle assembly 120 is coupled to the catheter adapter 110 such that the needle 121 extends distally from the catheter 111. The catheter adapter 110 also includes a side inlet 112, which defines a fluid pathway into and out of the catheter 111. The exact configuration and function of the catheter adapter 110 and needle assembly 120 are not critical to the present disclosure, and any suitable configuration and / or interaction of these components may be employed.

[0022] The PIVC 100 also includes a side port 130 having a distal end 130a coupled to the side inlet 112 via an intermediate tube 113, a proximal end 130b that accommodates a septum 133 (or other flow control component), and a side branch 131 by which an extension set 140 is integrated with the side port 130. As depicted, the extension set 140 can include an extension tube 141 extending between the side branch 131 and an access port 143, and a pinch clamp 142 for occluding the extension tube 141. However, it should be noted that many different types and configurations of extension sets can be used with the embodiments of the present disclosure. What is important is that the side port 130 is disposed between the extension set 140 and the catheter adapter 110.

[0023] The side port 130 defines two fluid paths. One fluid path extends between the distal end 130a and the proximal end 130b. As described in more detail below, this fluid path may be used to collect a blood sample through the PIVC 100 by connecting a blood collection set / adapter to the proximal end 130b. The other fluid path extends between the distal end 130a and the side branch 131, thus providing a fluid path into and out of the extension set 140.

[0024] 1A, the side branch 131 has a distal orientation relative to the body of the side port 130. In other words, the side branch 131 is oriented in a direction away from the septum 133. In contrast, in FIG. 1B, the side branch 131 has a proximal orientation and is therefore oriented toward the septum 133. This proximal orientation directs fluid flowing from the extension set 140 toward the septum 133, thereby flushing any residual blood or other fluids from the septum 133.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the PIVC 100 as depicted in FIG. 1A, but with the addition of a pre-attached blood collection set 200. The blood collection set 200 includes a tube 201, a cannula 202 extending from a distal end of the tube 201, and an access port 203 coupled to a proximal end of the tube 201. A blood collection adapter 210 may also be integral to the access port 203 or pre-attached to the access port 203. The blood collection adapter 210 includes a shielded cannula 211 and an air hole 212. As best seen in FIG. 2A, the blood collection adapter 210 may be pre-attached to the PIVC 100 by inserting the cannula 202 into the proximal end 130b of the side port 130 and through the septum 133.

[0026] In some embodiments, the extension set 140 may be primed prior to inserting the PIVC 100 into the patient's vasculature. For example, FIG. 2A depicts at least the lower end of the extension tube 141 being filled with priming fluid. This priming fluid may be retained within the extension tube 141 by actuating the pinch clamp 142. Whether or not the extension tube 141 is primed, the catheter 111 may be inserted into the patient's vasculature. Because the blood collection set 200 and air hole 212 are pre-attached, blood will begin to flow through the side port 130 and into the tube 201 until it reaches the blood collection adapter 210. At that point, a blood collection tube (e.g., vacuum tube) may be connected to the blood collection adapter 210 to collect a blood sample. Once the blood sample has been collected, the blood collection set 200 may be removed from the side port 130 (e.g., by withdrawing the cannula 202 from the septum 133). The extension set 140 may then be used to infuse fluid into the patient's vasculature via the side port 130. As can be appreciated, the side port 130, and in particular the pre-attachment of the blood collection set 200 to the side port 130, allows for a blood sample to be initially collected via a different fluid path than the fluid path that will subsequently be used to infuse fluid during catheter insertion. Of note, this allows for the extension set 140 to be pre-primed, while still allowing for the collection of a blood sample while the extension set 140 remains primed.

[0027] In some cases, the use of blood collection set 200 may still be undesirable. For example, considering the length of tubing 201, it may require a significant amount of time for blood to flow to blood collection adapter 210. Similarly, if the patient's blood pressure is low, blood flow through tubing 201 may be insufficient even if vacuum tubing is used for blood collection. To minimize such problems, blood collection adapter 300 may be directly coupled to side port 130, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0028] 3A and 3B, blood collection adapter 300 includes a housing 301 configured to attach to proximal end 130b of side port 130. Blood collection adapter 300 also includes a cannula 302 extending through housing 301. A distal end of cannula 302 may extend beyond housing 301 such that cannula 302 extends through septum 133 when housing 301 is attached to side port 130. A proximal end of cannula 302 also extends beyond housing 301 and is covered by sheath 303.

[0029] Housing 301 may form a slot 305 that may receive a protrusion 134 formed on the exterior of side port 130 to lock blood collection adapter 300 to side port 130. For example, in the depicted embodiment, a portion of housing 301 is disposed at the end of slot 305 such that when protrusion 134 is disposed within slot 305, blood collection adapter 300 cannot be separated from side port 130 without first rotating blood collection adapter 300 relative to side port 130. Housing 301 may include threads or any other suitable structure for receiving / securing a blood collection tube.

[0030] The air hole 304 is positioned within a channel 306 of the housing 301. The channel 306 can align with the opening 302a of the cannula 302 to allow air within the cannula 302 to be vented through the air hole 304. Thus, when the catheter 111 is inserted into the patient's vasculature, air is vented from the side port 130 to allow blood to flow through the side port 130 to the proximal end of the cannula 302. At that point, a blood collection tube can be connected to the blood collection adapter 300 to collect a blood sample. In particular, the connection of the blood collection tube can cause the cannula 302 to penetrate the sheath 303 to open a fluid path within the blood collection tube. In the same manner as described above, the extension set 140 can be pre-primed prior to inserting the catheter 111 into the patient's vasculature and can remain primed while a blood sample is collected via the blood collection adapter 300.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows the PIVC 100 depicted in FIG. 1B, except that the side port 130 includes an actuated septum valve 400. As best shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the actuated septum valve 400 includes an actuating member 410 and a septum 420. The actuating member 410 includes a sliding tab 411 and a septum housing 412 interconnected by a connecting portion 413. The septum 420 includes a channel 421 within which the septum housing 412 is disposed to secure the actuating member 410 to the septum 420. As a result, when the actuating member 410 is slid proximally or distally, the septum 420 is likewise slid proximally or distally, respectively. The side port 130 may include a channel 135 within which the connecting portion 413 moves to allow this sliding of the actuated septum valve 400 from a closed (distal) position to an open (proximal) position, and vice versa.

[0032] 4A and 4B show the side port 130 when the actuated septum valve 400 is in the closed and open positions, respectively. The actuated septum valve 400 can be initially in the closed position prior to the insertion of the catheter 111 into the patient's vasculature. When the actuated septum valve 400 is in the closed position, the septum 420 will cover the opening of the side branch 131. In other words, the septum 420 will block the fluid path into and out of the extension set 140. Thus, priming fluid that may be injected into the extension set 140 will be prevented from flowing past the side branch 131 into the side port 130. With the actuated septum valve 400 in this closed position, the PIVC 100 can be used to collect blood samples in any of the manners described above as depicted in FIGS. 4E (blood collection adapter 300) and 4F (blood collection set 200).

[0033] After collecting the blood sample, a proximal force can be applied to the slide tab 411 to move the actuated septum valve 400 to the open position shown in FIG. 4B. When the actuated septum valve 400 is in the open position, the septum 420 no longer covers the opening in the side branch 131, thereby opening a fluid path into and out of the extension set 140. Fluid, including any priming fluid that may have been previously injected into the extension set 140, can then be injected from the extension set 140 into the side port 130. This fluid can flush any residual blood in the side port 130 into the patient's vasculature. Also, given the proximal orientation of the side branch 131 in the depicted embodiment, this fluid will be directed against the septum 420 to flush any blood that may be trapped between the septum 420 and the side wall of the side port 130.

[0034] 4E illustrates a variation of blood collection adapter 300 that may be employed when blood collection adapter 300 is intended to be connected to side port 130 when side port 130 includes an actuated septum valve 400. Blood collection adapter 300 as illustrated in FIG. 4E is similar to that described above, but further includes a distally facing slot 307 against which sliding tab 411 abuts when projection 134 is inserted into slot 305. Slot 307 functions to prevent actuated septum valve 400 from being transitioned to an open position until after blood collection adapter 300 has been removed from side port 130. More specifically, in order to position projection 134 in slot 305, sliding tab 411 will need to be in its distal-most position (or at least in a position where septum 420 covers the opening of side branch 131). Then, with protrusion 134 positioned in slot 305, slot 307 will prevent slide tab 411 from sliding proximally. In this manner, the fluid path of extension set 140 can remain isolated until after a blood sample has been collected through side port 130 (or at least until blood collection adapter 300 is removed).

[0035] 5, 5A, and 5B illustrate variations of an actuated septum valve 400 that may be employed in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As best shown in FIG. 5A, multiple vent channels 420a may be formed around a portion of the septum 420 that is distal to channel 421. Of note, this distal portion of the septum 420 in which the vent channels 420a are formed covers the opening 131a of the side branch 131. The vent channels 420a may extend into the channel 421 to allow air to pass along the septum housing 412 and out of the side port 130 (e.g., via channel 135 and / or proximal end 130b). The vent channels 420a may be configured (e.g., dimensioned) to allow the passage of air but not fluid. Thus, if the extension set 140 may be pre-primed, the vent channel 420a allows air to vent from within the extension set 140 while blocking priming fluid from flowing out of the extension set 140. In this manner, the vent channel 420a facilitates priming of the extension set 140 while the actuated septum valve 400 is in the closed position.

[0036] 6 and 6A-6C show another variation of the actuated septum valve 400 that may be employed in some embodiments of the present disclosure, which allows the actuated septum valve 400 to be actuated (or moved from a closed position to an open position) only once. As shown in FIG. 6A, a tab 610 may be formed on the underside of the sliding tab 411 opposite the connecting portion 413. Each tab 610 includes a ramped proximal end 610a and a distal end 610b. As shown in FIG. 6, the side port 130 may include corresponding distal slots 601 and proximal slots 602 on opposite sides of the channel 135. Each distal slot 601 includes a ramped proximal end 601a.

[0037] FIG. 6B illustrates the side port 130 when the actuated septum valve 400 is in a closed position. In this closed position, the tabs 610 will be inserted into the distal slots 601 with the angled proximal ends 610a of the tabs 610 substantially aligned with the angled proximal ends 601a of the distal slots 601. These ends are correspondingly angled so that when a proximal force is applied to the sliding tab 411, the angled proximal ends 610a will slide upward along and against the proximal ends 601a of the distal slots 601, causing each tab 610 to exit the corresponding distal slot 601. Further proximal movement will then cause each tab 610 to drop into the corresponding proximal slot 602, as depicted in FIG. 6C. Each proximal slot 602 includes a distal end 602a that is not angled relative to the distal end 610b of the corresponding tab 610. Thus, the interaction between these distal ends prevents the actuated septum valve 400 from being returned to the closed position by blocking distal movement of each tab 610. Thus, in these embodiments, when the actuated septum valve 400 is slid to the open position, the fluid path through the extension set 140 remains open.

[0038] 7 and 7A-7B illustrate variations of the side portion 130 that may be employed in the PIVC 100 in some embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the vent membrane 700 is integrated into the vent channel 700a of the side port 130. The vent channel 700a is positioned at the proximal end of the side branch 131. Additionally, the septum 420 of the actuated septum valve 400 includes a vent channel 422 positioned at the distal end of the channel 421. As best shown in FIG. 7A, the vent channel 422 can be configured to extend partially over the opening 131a of the side branch 131 to form an air pathway from the extension set 140 to the vent channel 422 when the actuated septum valve 400 is in the closed position. The vent channel 422 can also be configured to extend an air pathway to the vent membrane 700 by extending at least partially over the vent channel 700a. In this manner, when the actuated septum valve 400 is in the closed position, air can be vented from the extension set 140 to facilitate priming of the extension set 140. After the blood sample is collected, the actuated septum valve 400 can be slid proximally so that the septum 420 no longer blocks the opening 131a. The extension set 140 can then be used to inject fluid to flush out any residual blood, as shown in FIG. 7B.

[0039] From the above, it can be seen that a PIVC configured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can facilitate collection of a blood sample at the time of catheter insertion and even before the needle is withdrawn from the patient's vasculature. This collection of the blood sample can be accomplished via a fluid path different from the fluid path subsequently used to inject fluid into the patient's vasculature. Thus, the blood does not contact the access port of the extension set used for such injection, thus reducing the risk of BSI. The various configurations of the PIVC even allow this blood collection process to be performed while the extension set is being primed, without the risk of diluting the blood sample with priming solution.

[0040] All examples and conditional statements described herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the concepts contributed by the inventor to promote the present invention and technology, and are not to be construed as being limited to such specifically described 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 therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. An integrated intravenous (IV) catheter comprising: a catheter adapter having a catheter configured to be inserted into a patient's vascular system; a side port having a distal end whereby said side port is connected to said catheter adapter, a proximal end and a side branch; and an extension set connected to the side port via the side branch; the proximal end of the side port provides a first fluid pathway for withdrawing blood from the patient's vascular system, and the side branch of the side port provides a second fluid pathway for injecting fluid into the patient's vascular system; the side port further comprising a septum positioned at the proximal end of the first fluid path; The integrated intravenous (IV) catheter, wherein the septum is included in an actuated septum valve, the actuated septum valve configured to move from a closed position that blocks the second fluid path and an open position that does not block the second fluid path.

2. The integrated IV catheter of claim 1 , further comprising a blood collection set for insertion through the septum, the blood collection set configured to vent air from the first fluid path.

3. 10. The integrated IV catheter of claim 1, further comprising a blood collection adapter coupled to the proximal end of the side port and extending through the septum, the blood collection adapter configured to vent air from the first fluid path.

4. The integrated IV catheter of claim 1 , wherein the septum includes one or more vent channels that vent air from the second fluid path when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position.

5. 2. The integrated IV catheter of claim 1, wherein the actuated septum valve includes an actuating member having one or more tabs that interact with the side port to prevent the actuated septum valve from being moved from the open position to the closed position.

6. 6. The integrated IV catheter of claim 5, wherein, for each of the one or more tabs, the side port includes a distal slot into which the tab is inserted when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position, and a proximal slot into which the tab is inserted when the actuated septum valve is in the open position, the distal slot configured to allow the tab to slide proximally from the distal slot and the proximal slot configured to prevent the tab from sliding distally from the proximal slot.

7. 2. The integrated IV catheter of claim 1, wherein the side port further includes a vent membrane positioned between the side branch and the proximal end of the side port, the actuated septum valve being configured to allow air contained in the extension set to escape through the vent membrane when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position.

8. The integrated IV catheter of claim 1 further comprising a blood collection adapter connected to the proximal end of the side port.

9. The integrated IV catheter of claim 8 , wherein the blood collection adapter prevents the actuated septum valve from moving to the open position.

10. The integrated IV catheter of claim 1 , wherein the IV catheter is a peripheral IV catheter.

11. 1. An integrated peripheral venous catheter (PIVC), comprising: a catheter adapter having a catheter configured to be inserted into the vascular system of a patient; a side port having a distal end whereby said side port is connected to said catheter adapter, a side port having a proximal end and a side branch that houses an actuated septum valve; an extension set connected to the side port via the side branch; Equipped with an integrated peripheral venous catheter (PIVC), the actuated septum valve including a septum, the actuated septum valve configured to move from a closed position in which the septum blocks a fluid path through the side branch to an open position in which the septum does not block the fluid path through the side branch.

12. The integrated PIVC of claim 11 , wherein the septum vents air from the extension set when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position.

13. The integrated PIVC of claim 11, further comprising a blood collection adapter connected to the proximal end of the side port, the blood collection adapter providing a separate fluid path for drawing blood when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position.

14. 14. The integrated PIVC of claim 13, wherein the blood collection adapter prevents the actuated septum valve from moving to the open position.

15. a catheter adapter having a catheter configured to be inserted into the vascular system of a patient; a side port having a distal end whereby the side port is connected to the catheter adapter, a proximal end housing an actuated septum valve and a side branch, the actuated septum valve including a septum configured to move from a closed position in which the septum blocks a first fluid pathway through the side branch and an open position in which the septum does not block the first fluid pathway, the proximal end providing a second fluid pathway through which blood may be withdrawn from a patient's vascular system while the actuated septum valve is in the closed position; an extension set connected to the side port via the side branch, the extension set having an access port whereby fluid may be infused into the patient's vascular system via the first fluid pathway; An integrated PIVC comprising:

16. 16. The integrated PIVC of claim 15, further comprising a blood collection adapter coupled to the proximal end of the side port.

17. 16. The integrated PIVC of claim 15, wherein the septum is configured such that the extension set is primed while the actuated septum valve is in the closed position by venting air from the extension set when the actuated septum valve is in the closed position.

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