Vacuum tube receiver for drawing blood through a peripheral venous catheter

Abstract

The vacuum tube receiver includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing can include a hollow interior and a proximal opening for receiving the vacuum tube into the hollow interior. The distal end of the housing can form an adapter for coupling the vacuum tube receiver to a venous system. The vacuum tube receiver can also include one or more spikes extending proximally into the hollow interior to form a blood flow path. The vacuum tube receiver can include a number of features for controlling the pressure and / or flow rate of blood into the vacuum tube.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Vacuum tubes, such as BD Vacutainer tubes sold by Becton Dickinson and Company, are commonly used to draw blood from patients. FIG. 1 shows an example of a typical vacuum tube 110 and a corresponding vacuum tube receiver 120. The vacuum tube 110 includes a septum 111 and a cap 112 that maintain a vacuum. The vacuum tube receiver 120 includes a housing 121 having a hollow interior 121a and a proximal opening 122 that allows the vacuum tube 110 to be inserted into the interior 121a. A spike 123 surrounded by a shield 123a is disposed within the interior 121a and extends proximally to penetrate the septum 111 of the vacuum tube 110. The vacuum tube receiver 120 may also include an adapter 124 at its distal end, allowing it to be connected (e.g., via tubing) to an intravenous (IV) system. When the vacuum tube 110 is inserted into the interior 121 a and the spike 123 pierces the septum 111 , the vacuum within the vacuum tube 110 causes blood to flow into the vacuum tube 110 .

[0002] Vacuum tubes are often used with a dedicated blood collection set, such as blood collection set 200 shown in FIG. 2. Blood collection set 200 includes vacuum tube receiver 120 and needle assembly 210, which are fluidly connected via tubing 220. Needle assembly 210 includes needle adapter 211 and needle 212. Blood collection set 200 is typically used when a patient does not have an intravenous catheter (e.g., when a patient visits a doctor's office to perform a blood collection). In other words, needle 212 will be inserted into the patient's vascular system only long enough to collect blood. For this reason, needle 212 is typically formed of a rigid metal with an upwardly angled slope. In blood collection set 200, the length of tubing 220 can also be selected to provide optimal blood flow characteristics. In short, since blood collection set 200 is specifically designed for collecting blood, its features can be tailored to fill the vacuum tube as fast as possible while minimizing the risk of hemolysis or other blood cell damage.

[0003] Vacuum tubes are also commonly used to draw blood via peripheral IV catheters (PIVCs), such as the PIVC 300 shown in FIG. 3. The PIVC 300 includes a catheter adapter 310 from which a catheter 311 extends, and a needle adapter 320 from which a needle 321 extends. The needle 321 is used to insert the catheter 311 into a patient's vasculature, but is then withdrawn so that only the catheter 311 remains within the vasculature. The PIVC 300 often includes a tube 330 with one or more adapters 340 that allow various devices, such as a vacuum tube receiver 120, to be connected to the PIVC 300.

[0004] Using a vacuum tube to draw blood from a PIVC creates a variety of problems that are not present when using a dedicated blood collection set. For example, unlike the rigid metal needle 212 of the blood collection set 200, the catheter 311 of the PIVC 300 is typically formed of a flexible plastic, which increases the possibility that the distal-facing catheter opening may be positioned against the vein wall, thereby restricting blood flow. Also, because the diameter of the catheter 311 must be large enough to accommodate the needle 321, the catheter 311 will occlude a larger portion of the vein than the needle 212. Furthermore, given that the PIVC 300 is designed to be used with many different systems, it cannot be tailored to provide ideal blood flow characteristics for the vacuum tube. As a result, when the vacuum tube is connected, a significant pressure drop occurs within the vein, increasing the possibility of hemolysis or other blood cell damage, and even the collapse of the vein.

[0005] 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

[0006] The present disclosure relates generally to an evacuated tube receiver that can be used when drawing blood from a patient. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an evacuated tube receiver adapted for use with a peripheral IV catheter (PIVC).

[0007] In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver may include a housing having a proximal end and a distal end and forming a hollow interior. In some embodiments, the proximal end forms a proximal opening for receiving the vacuum tube into the hollow interior. In some embodiments, the distal end forms an adapter for coupling the vacuum tube receiver to an intravenous system. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a spike extending proximally into the hollow interior. In some embodiments, the spike includes an opening and forms a blood flow pathway.

[0008] In some embodiments, the opening is an elongated opening having a constant width. In some embodiments, the opening is an elongated opening including a proximal portion having an increasing width in a distal direction and a distal portion. In some embodiments, the distal portion has a constant width. In some embodiments, the constant width of the distal portion coincides with the maximum width of the proximal portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver may include an insertion depth control component including a stop member. In some embodiments, the insertion depth control component is coupled to the housing and configured to move between an aspiration position and an insertion position. In some embodiments, when the insertion depth control component is in the insertion position, the stop member limits insertion into the hollow interior of the vacuum tube. In some embodiments, when the insertion depth control component is in the insertion position, the stop member allows at least an initial length of the proximal portion to extend beyond a septum of the vacuum tube that is positioned against the stop member, but prevents the distal portion from extending beyond the septum. In some embodiments, the insertion position is a first insertion position in which the stop member allows only an initial length of the proximal portion to extend beyond the septum. In some embodiments, the insertion depth control component is also configured to move between a second insertion position. In some embodiments, when the insertion depth control component is in the second insertion position, the stop member allows an additional length of the proximal portion to extend beyond a septum of the vacuum tube that is positioned against the stop member, but prevents the distal portion from extending beyond the septum.

[0010] In some embodiments, the spike further includes a second opening spaced distally from the opening. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes an insertion depth control component including a stop member. In some embodiments, the insertion depth control component is coupled to the housing and configured to move between an aspirating position and an insertion position. In some embodiments, when the insertion depth control component is in the insertion position, the stop member limits insertion into the hollow interior of the vacuum tube such that only the opening of the spike extends beyond the septum of the vacuum tube. In some embodiments, when the insertion depth control component is in the aspirating position, the stop member does not limit insertion into the hollow interior of the vacuum tube such that both the opening of the spike and the second opening extend beyond the septum of the vacuum tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a flow control component having a shaft that inserts into the distal end of the spike and a head that is disposed over the distal end of the spike. In some embodiments, the head forms a channel through which blood flows to enter the spike. In some embodiments, the head is formed of a flexible material, thereby allowing the head to flex proximally over the distal end of the spike as the spike penetrates the vacuum tube. In some embodiments, as the head flexes proximally, the effective size of the channel is reduced, thereby restricting the flow of blood into the spike.

[0012] In some embodiments, the blood flow pathway formed by the spike forms a primary blood flow pathway. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a secondary blood flow pathway. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver also includes a stopper configured to move from an initial position where the stopper blocks the secondary blood flow pathway to a subsequent position where the stopper does not block the secondary blood flow pathway. In some embodiments, the primary blood flow pathway is configured to move the stopper from the initial position to the subsequent position. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a second spike that forms a secondary blood flow pathway.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a vacuum tube having a septum forming a vacuum seal at a distal end of the vacuum tube and one or more additional septums spaced proximally from the septum. In some embodiments, each additional septum forms a vacuum seal within the vacuum tube. In some embodiments, the length of the spike is sufficient to pass through the septum and each of the one or more additional septums when the vacuum tube is inserted into the hollow interior of the housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the spike extends proximally into the hollow interior a first distance. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a second spike extending proximally into the hollow interior a second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance is greater than the second distance. In some embodiments, the second spike also forms a blood flow pathway.

[0015] In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end and forming a hollow interior. In some embodiments, the proximal end forms a proximal opening for receiving the vacuum tube into the hollow interior. In some embodiments, the distal end forms an adapter for coupling the vacuum tube receiver to an intravenous system. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a first spike proximally into the hollow interior. In some embodiments, the first spike forms a first blood flow pathway. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a second spike extending proximally into the hollow interior. In some embodiments, the second spike forms a second blood flow pathway.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first spike extends proximally into the hollow interior a first distance and the second spike extends proximally into the hollow interior a second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance is greater than the second distance. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver also includes a stopper configured to move from an initial position in which the stopper blocks the secondary blood flow pathway to a subsequent position in which the stopper does not block the secondary blood flow pathway. In some embodiments, the first spike includes an opening that causes a vacuum pressure in the first blood flow pathway to pull the stopper from the initial position to the subsequent position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end and forming a hollow interior. In some embodiments, the proximal end forms a proximal opening for receiving the vacuum tube into the hollow interior. In some embodiments, the distal end forms an adapter for coupling the vacuum tube receiver to an intravenous system. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes a spike extending proximally into the hollow interior. In some embodiments, the spike includes an elongated opening extending along an outer surface of the spike. In some embodiments, the elongated opening has a proximal portion and a distal portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver includes an insertion depth control component including a stop member. In some embodiments, the insertion depth control component is coupled to the housing and configured to move between an aspiration position and an insertion position. In some embodiments, when the insertion depth control component is in the insertion position, the stop member limits insertion into the hollow interior of the vacuum tube such that a distal portion of the slotted opening does not extend beyond a septum of the vacuum tube.

[0019] It should 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 should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It should also 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 should not be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art vacuum tube and vacuum tube receiver. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a dedicated blood collection set of the prior art. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art PIVC. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows how the vacuum tube receiver of FIG. 4 can be used to control flow rate or regulate pressure as blood is collected in the vacuum tube. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B shows how the vacuum tube receiver of FIG. 4 can be used to control flow rate or regulate pressure as blood is collected in the vacuum tube. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C shows how the vacuum tube receiver of FIG. 4 can be used to control flow rate or regulate pressure as blood is collected in the vacuum tube. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates another vacuum tube receiver and corresponding vacuum tube, constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 10A]FIG. 10A illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 10B] 10B illustrates another vacuum tube receiver constructed in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] As used in this disclosure, the term "distal" refers to the portion of the catheter system or component thereof that is further from the user, and the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the catheter system or component thereof that is closer to the user. As used in this disclosure, the term "user" may refer to a clinician, doctor, nurse, or any other care provider, and may include support personnel.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a vacuum tube receiver 400 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4A-4C provide examples of how the vacuum tube receiver 400 may be used. The vacuum tube receiver 400 includes a housing 401 having a hollow interior 401a and a proximal opening 402 into which a vacuum tube, such as the vacuum tube 110, may be inserted. The vacuum tube receiver 400 also includes an adapter 403 through which the vacuum tube receiver 400 may be connected to a PIVC, such as the PIVC 300, or to another IV system. The adapter 403 is depicted as a luer lock adapter, although any other type of adapter may be used on the vacuum tube receiver 400. The vacuum tube receiver 400 further includes a spike 410, which may typically be surrounded by a shield 404.

[0023] To allow the user to control the flow rate and / or pressure when drawing blood, the spike 410 has an elongated opening 411 (which may be in the form of a slot through the outer surface of the spike 410). More specifically, the elongated opening 411 includes a proximal portion 411a disposed toward the proximal tip 410a of the spike 410 and a distal portion 411b extending distally along the length of the spike 410. In some embodiments, both the proximal portion 411a and the distal portion 411b may have the same constant width. In other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4, the proximal portion 411a may have a width that increases in the distal direction, while the distal portion 411b may have a constant width that coincides with the maximum width of the proximal portion 411a. In other words, the width of the elongated opening 411 is initially very small, but gradually increases until it reaches its maximum width along the proximal portion 411a, and then maintains its maximum width along the distal portion 411b. However, in some embodiments, the width of the elongated opening 411 may also increase along the distal portion 411b. Thus, at least a portion of the elongated opening 411 may be configured with an increasing width in the distal direction.

[0024] 4A-4C illustrate how the elongated opening 411 allows a user to control the flow rate and / or pressure of blood downstream of the vacuum tube 110 during blood collection. In FIG. 4A, the user inserts the vacuum tube 110 into the vacuum tube receiver 400 causing the spike 410 to penetrate through the shield 404 and the septum 111. As shown, at this minimum insertion level, the vacuum tube 110 is inserted only far enough to cause the initial length of the proximal portion 411a to extend beyond the septum 111. Thus, the effective hydraulic diameter is small, thereby minimizing a sudden surge in blood flow into the vacuum tube 110 and / or preventing a sudden pressure drop within the patient's vasculature. This effective hydraulic diameter can be minimized by configuring the proximal portion 411a with an increasing width distally, however, if the proximal portion 411a is configured with a constant width, a small initial effective hydraulic diameter still exists.

[0025] FIG. 4B shows that the user has inserted the vacuum tube 110 such that all of the proximal portion 411a is disposed beyond the septum 111, but the distal portion 111b is still blocked by the septum 111. At this intermediate insertion level, the insertion depth of the elongated opening 411 alone increases the effective hydraulic diameter. Additionally, by configuring the proximal portion 411a with an increasing width distally, the increase in effective hydraulic diameter is more gradual. FIG. 4C shows that the user has inserted the vacuum tube 110 such that most (or all) of the distal portion 111b extends beyond the septum 111. At this maximum insertion level, the effective hydraulic diameter is at its maximum.

[0026] 4A-4C represent different positions into which the vacuum tube may be inserted when drawing blood from a particular type of IV system. For example, when drawing blood from a PIVC, a user may only insert the vacuum tube 100 to the position shown in FIG. 4A or the position shown in FIG. 4B, but when drawing blood from a dedicated blood collection set, the user may insert the vacuum tube 100 to the position shown in FIG. 4C. Additionally or alternatively, FIGS. 4A-4C may represent a series of positions during a single blood collection. For example, when drawing blood through a PIVC, a user may intentionally gradually insert the vacuum tube 100 from the position shown in FIG. 4A to the position shown in FIG. 4B, thereby causing a gradual increase in flow rate and a corresponding gradual decrease in pressure difference between the vacuum tube 110 and the patient's vasculature as blood is drawn from the PIVC. Similarly, when drawing blood through a dedicated blood collection set, a user may intentionally gradually insert the vacuum tube 100 from the position shown in FIG. 4A to the position shown in FIG. 4C.

[0027] 5A-5D show a vacuum tube receiver 500 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vacuum tube receiver 500 can resemble the vacuum tube receiver 400 with the addition of an insertion depth control component 520. The insertion depth control component 520 can include a stop member 521 and an actuation member 522. The stop member 521 can be disposed adjacent to a distal wall 401b of the housing 401 and can be configured to slide or otherwise move into the hollow interior 401a of the housing 401 when the insertion depth control component 520 is in the insertion position. In contrast, the stop member 521 is retracted from the hollow interior 401a when the insertion depth control component 520 is in the suction position. The actuation member 522 can be disposed outside the housing 401 (or at least accessible from outside the housing 401) to enable a user to selectively place the insertion depth control component 520 in the suction position and the insertion position.

[0028] 5A and 5B show the vacuum tube receiver 500 when the insertion depth control component 520 is in the aspirating position. As shown, the actuating member 522 is spaced apart from the housing 401 such that the stop member 521 is withdrawn from the hollow interior 401a. As shown in FIG. 5B, the stop member 521 is not disposed within the hollow interior 401a, so that the vacuum tube 110 can be inserted into the vacuum tube receiver 500 until it contacts the distal wall 401b. In an embodiment in which the vacuum tube receiver 500 includes a spike 410, FIG. 5B may correspond to FIG. 4C. Thus, when the vacuum tube receiver 500 is used to draw blood from a dedicated blood collection set, the insertion depth control component 520 can be in the aspirating position to allow the vacuum tube 110 to be inserted to a maximum level.

[0029] In contrast, Figures 5C and 5D show the vacuum tube receiver 500 when the insertion depth control component 520 is in the insertion position. As shown, the actuation member 522 is positioned relative to (or proximate to) the housing 401 such that the stop member 521 is inserted into the hollow interior 401a. As shown in Figure 5D, the cap 112 of the vacuum tube 110 contacts the stop member 521, thereby limiting the distance the vacuum tube 110 can be inserted into the vacuum tube receiver 500. In an embodiment in which the vacuum tube receiver 500 includes a spike 410, Figure 5D can correspond to Figure 4A or Figure 4B. Thus, when the vacuum tube receiver 500 is used to withdraw blood from a PIVC, the insertion depth control component 520 can be in the insertion position to prevent the vacuum tube 110 from being inserted beyond a minimum or intermediate level.

[0030] In some embodiments, the insertion depth control component 520 may be configured to limit the insertion of the vacuum tube 100 to other depths. For example, the stop member 521 may include multiple surfaces corresponding to the insertion levels shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. By way of example only, a first surface of the stop member 521 may allow insertion to an intermediate level shown in FIG. 4B when the actuation member 422 is in a first position, and a second surface of the stop member 521 may allow insertion to a minimum level shown in FIG. 4C when the actuation member 422 is in a second position. In such embodiments, a user may actuate the insertion depth control component 520 to a particular level based on the characteristics of the PIVC or other IV system. For example, the PIVC gauge, length, position, etc. may make it optimal to insert the vacuum tube 110 to the intermediate level shown in FIG. 4B rather than the minimum level shown in FIG. 4A.

[0031] In some embodiments, the user may adjust the insertion depth control component 520 during blood collection. For example, when using a PIVC, the user may initially place the insertion depth control component 520 in the insertion position to prevent the vacuum tube 110 from being inserted beyond a minimum level. Then, once blood flow has begun and the pressure differential has been reduced to an appropriate level, the user can transition the insertion depth control component 520 to an intermediate position, or to the aspirate position, which will allow the vacuum tube 110 to be inserted further, thereby increasing blood flow and minimizing collection time.

[0032] 6, 6A, and 6B show a vacuum tube receiver 600 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vacuum tube receiver 600 is similar to the vacuum tube receiver 400, but employs a spike 610. The spike 610 includes a proximal opening 611 disposed at a proximal end of the spike 610 and a distal opening 612 spaced from the proximal opening 611. As shown in FIG. 6A, the vacuum tube 110 may be inserted into the vacuum tube receiver 600 to a minimum level where the proximal opening 611 is disposed beyond the septum 111, but the distal opening 612 is not disposed beyond the septum 111. In contrast, FIG. 6B shows the vacuum tube 110 inserted to a maximum level that causes both the proximal opening 611 and the distal opening 612 to be disposed beyond the septum 111.

[0033] When the vacuum tube receiver 600 is used to draw blood through a PIVC, the vacuum tube 110 may be inserted to a minimum level shown in FIG. 6A to minimize flow rate and prevent a sudden pressure drop in the patient's vasculature. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver 600 may also include an insertion depth control component 520 to allow a user to prevent the vacuum tube 110 from being inserted beyond this minimum level. Similarly, when the vacuum tube receiver 600 is used to draw blood through a dedicated blood collection set, the vacuum tube 110 may be inserted to a maximum level shown in FIG. 6B. Also, in some embodiments, when the vacuum tube receiver 600 is used to draw blood through a PIVC, the user may first insert the vacuum tube 110 to a minimum level and then, after the pressure differential is reduced, insert the vacuum tube 110 to a maximum level to increase flow rate and reduce collection time.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a vacuum tube receiver 700 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vacuum tube receiver 700 is similar to the vacuum tube receiver 400, but employs two spikes 710a, 710b. As illustrated, the spike 710a extends more proximally than the spike 710b. As a result, when the vacuum tube 110 is inserted into the vacuum tube receiver 700, the spike 710a penetrates the septum 111 first, thereby allowing blood to initially flow only through the spike 710a. Then, as the vacuum tube 110 is further inserted into the vacuum tube receiver 700, the spike 710b penetrates the septum 111, thereby allowing blood to flow through both the spike 710a and the spike 710b. In some embodiments, the gauge of the spike 710a may be larger than the gauge of the spike 710b such that the initial flow rate of blood is minimized. Alternatively, the opening or inner diameter of spike 710a may be smaller than the opening or inner diameter of spike 710b to minimize the initial flow rate. In either case, the use of spikes 710a and 710b ensures that the initial flow rate and pressure drop can be controlled while retaining the ability to obtain higher flow rates thereafter. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube receiver 700 may include an insertion depth control component 520 that may be used to prevent the spike 710b from passing beyond the septum 111 when the vacuum tube receiver 700 is used to draw blood through a PIVC.

[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a vacuum tube receiver 800 and a corresponding vacuum tube 850 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vacuum tube receiver 800 includes a spike 810 that is similar to the vacuum tube receiver 400, but is longer. The vacuum tube 850 includes a septum 851 that may be similar to the septum 111, but also includes additional septums 852a-c spaced apart within the vacuum tube 800 to form a plurality of vacuum pockets 853a-d. When the vacuum tube 850 is inserted into the vacuum tube receiver 800, the spike 810 first penetrates the septum 851, which causes blood to flow into the vacuum pocket 853a. Because the volume of the vacuum pocket 853a is small relative to the overall volume of the vacuum tube 850, the passage of the spike 810 through the septum 851 creates a smaller pressure drop than would occur if the vacuum tube 850 included only the septum 851. As vacuum tube 850 is further inserted, spike 810 sequentially penetrates septum 852a and 852b. This time, a smaller pressure drop occurs again due to the smaller volume of vacuum pockets 853b and 853c. Finally, spike 810 passes septum 852c and blood flows into vacuum pocket 853d. Vacuum pocket 853d has a larger volume than the other vacuum pockets, but does not cause a sudden drop in pressure because the pressure difference gradually decreases as spike 810 passes through vacuum pockets 853a-853c. Although vacuum tube 850 is shown to have three additional septums, in some embodiments, vacuum tube 850 can have one additional septum, two additional septums, or more than three additional septums.

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a vacuum tube receiver 900 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vacuum tube receiver 900 is similar to the vacuum tube receiver 400, but employs a stopper 911 to provide a secondary flow path after blood begins to flow through the primary flow path. As illustrated, the vacuum tube receiver 900 includes a first spike 910a that defines a primary flow path and a second spike 910b that defines a secondary flow path. The stopper 911 is received within a channel 912 and is initially positioned within the secondary flow path such that blood does not initially flow through the spike 910b. The channel 912 is connected to the primary flow path via an opening 912a in the spike 910a.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9A, when the vacuum tube 110 is inserted into the vacuum tube receiver 900, the spikes 910a and 910b penetrate the septum 111, thereby allowing blood to flow into the vacuum tube 110. When the stopper 911 is in the initial position, blood flow is restricted to the primary flow path through the spike 910a. However, due to the vacuum in the vacuum tube 110, the stopper 911 is pulled towards the opening 912a, eventually reaching the position shown in FIG. 9B, thereby opening the secondary flow path through the spike 910b. The stopper 911 and / or the channel 912 can be configured to prevent movement of the stopper 911 towards the opening 912a, such that the secondary flow path is not immediately opened when the septum 111 is penetrated. This can minimize the pressure drop that would occur if both flow paths were immediately opened. In some embodiments, this secondary flow path can be established using only the spike 910a. Such an embodiment would be substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 9, except that rather than forming a separate spike 910b, the secondary flow path would connect back to spike 910a.

[0038] 10 illustrates a vacuum tube receiver 1000 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vacuum tube receiver 1000 is similar to the vacuum tube receiver 400, but employs a flow control component 1020 that inserts into the distal end of the needle 1010. The flow control component 1020 functions to minimize the pressure drop and flow rate that initially occurs when the vacuum tube 110 is inserted into the vacuum tube receiver 1000, while also allowing for increased flow rates, thereby minimizing collection times.

[0039] 10A provides a detailed view of the flow control component 1020. As shown, the flow control component 1020 includes a shaft 1021 that is inserted into the distal end of the needle 1010 such that the head 1022 is disposed over the distal opening of the needle 1010. The head 1022 has a mushroom shape with a proximal surface 1022a that is concave and a distal surface 1022b that is convex. The end of the head 1022 includes alternating extensions 1023 and channels 1024. The extensions 1023 may be disposed against an inner wall surrounding the spike 1010 such that blood flows through the channels 1024 and enters the spike 1010.

[0040] When spike 1010 is initially inserted into vacuum tube 110, the vacuum pulls flow control component 1020 in a proximal direction. Due to its mushroom shape, head 1022 bends proximally, thereby reducing the effective size of channel 1024, thereby restricting the flow rate of blood and minimizing the pressure drop created in the patient's vasculature. As the pressure differential gradually decreases, the vacuum force on flow control component 1020 decreases as well. This reduction in vacuum force allows head 1022 to return toward its normal shape, which increases the effective size of channel 1024, thereby increasing the flow rate of blood. Thus, flow control component 1020 minimizes the initial pressure drop without sacrificing subsequent flow rate.

[0041] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to aid in understanding the concepts provided by the inventor to promote the invention and technology, and should be construed as not being limited to the specifically listed 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 herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the embodiments can be combined.

Claims

1. 1. A vacuum tube receiver comprising: A housing having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a hollow interior, the proximal end defines a proximal opening for receiving a vacuum tube within the hollow interior; a housing, the distal end of which forms an adapter for coupling the evacuated tube receiver to a peripheral IV catheter or another IV system; and a spike extending proximally into the hollow interior, the spike including an opening to form a blood flow path; Equipped with the opening is an elongated opening including a proximal portion having a width that increases in a distal direction and a distal portion; A vacuum tube receiver, wherein the distal portion has a constant width that corresponds to a maximum width of the proximal portion.

2. 1. A vacuum tube receiver comprising: A housing having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a hollow interior, the proximal end defines a proximal opening for receiving a vacuum tube within the hollow interior; a housing, the distal end of which forms an adapter for coupling the evacuated tube receiver to a peripheral IV catheter or another IV system; and a spike extending proximally into the hollow interior, the spike including an opening to form a blood flow path; Equipped with An insertion depth control component including a stop member, the insertion depth control component is coupled to the housing and configured to move between an aspiration position and an insertion position; an insertion depth control component, when the insertion depth control component is in an insertion position, the stop member limits insertion of a vacuum tube into the hollow interior; A vacuum tube receiver further comprising:

3. 3. The vacuum tube receiver of claim 2, wherein when the insertion depth control component is in an insertion position, the stop member causes its proximal portion to extend at least beyond an initial length of a bulkhead of the vacuum tube located opposite the stop member, but prevents its distal portion from extending beyond the bulkhead.

4. 4. The vacuum tube receiver of claim 3, wherein the insertion position is a first insertion position in which the stop member causes the proximal portion to extend beyond the bulkhead an initial length, and the insertion depth control component is also configured to move between a second insertion position, and wherein when the insertion depth control component is in the second insertion position, the stop member causes the proximal portion to extend beyond the bulkhead of the vacuum tube disposed opposite the stop member an additional length but prevents the distal portion from extending beyond the bulkhead.

5. 3. The vacuum tube receiver of claim 2, wherein the spike further includes a second opening spaced distally from the opening.

6. 1. A vacuum tube receiver comprising: A housing having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a hollow interior, the proximal end defines a proximal opening for receiving a vacuum tube within the hollow interior; a housing, the distal end of which forms an adapter for coupling the evacuated tube receiver to a peripheral IV catheter or another IV system; and a spike extending proximally into the hollow interior, the spike including an opening to form a blood flow path; Equipped with the spike further includes a second opening spaced distally from the opening; An insertion depth control component including a stop member, the insertion depth control component is coupled to the housing and configured to move between an aspiration position and an insertion position; an insertion depth control component, when the insertion depth control component is in the insertion position, the stop member limits insertion of the vacuum tube into the hollow interior such that only the opening of the spike extends beyond a septum of the vacuum tube, whereas when the insertion depth control component is in the aspirated position, the stop member does not limit insertion of the vacuum tube into the hollow interior such that both the opening and a second opening of the spike extend beyond the septum of the vacuum tube; A vacuum tube receiver further comprising:

7. 1. A vacuum tube receiver comprising: A housing having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a hollow interior, the proximal end defines a proximal opening for receiving a vacuum tube within the hollow interior; a housing, the distal end of which forms an adapter for coupling the evacuated tube receiver to a peripheral IV catheter or another IV system; and a spike extending proximally into the hollow interior, the spike including an opening to form a blood flow path; Equipped with a flow control component having a shaft inserted into a distal end of the spike and a head disposed over the distal end of the spike, a flow control component, the head forming a channel for blood to flow into the spike; A vacuum tube receiver further comprising:

8. 8. The vacuum tube receiver of claim 7, wherein the head is formed of a flexible material such that it can flex proximally over the distal end of the spike as the spike penetrates the vacuum tube, the proximal flexing of the head reducing the effective size of the channel and restricting blood flow to the spike.

9. 1. A vacuum tube receiver comprising: A housing having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a hollow interior, the proximal end defines a proximal opening for receiving a vacuum tube within the hollow interior; a housing, the distal end of which forms an adapter for coupling the evacuated tube receiver to a peripheral IV catheter or another IV system; and a spike extending proximally into the hollow interior, the spike including an opening to form a blood flow path; Equipped with the blood flow path formed by the spikes is a primary blood flow path; The vacuum tube receiver further comprises: A secondary blood flow path, and a stopper configured to move from an initial position that blocks the secondary blood flow path to a subsequent position that does not block the secondary blood flow path; The primary blood flow path is configured to move the stopper from an initial position to a subsequent position.

10. 10. The vacuum tube receiver of claim 9, further comprising a second spike forming a secondary blood flow path.

11. 1. A vacuum tube receiver comprising: A housing having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a hollow interior, the proximal end defines a proximal opening for receiving a vacuum tube within the hollow interior; a housing, the distal end of which forms an adapter for coupling the evacuated tube receiver to a peripheral IV catheter or another IV system; and a spike extending proximally into the hollow interior, the spike including an opening to form a blood flow path; Equipped with the spike extends proximally into the hollow interior a first distance; the vacuum tube receiver further comprises a second spike extending proximally a second distance into the hollow interior; the first distance is greater than the second distance; The second spike defines a blood flow path.

12. 1. A vacuum tube receiver comprising: A housing having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a hollow interior, the proximal end defines a proximal opening for receiving a vacuum tube within the hollow interior; a housing, the distal end of which forms an adapter for coupling the evacuated tube receiver to a peripheral IV catheter or another IV system; and a first spike extending proximally within the hollow interior, the first spike defining a primary blood flow path; and a second spike extending proximally within the hollow interior, the second spike forming a secondary blood flow path; Equipped with A vacuum tube receiver, wherein the first spike has an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the second spike.

13. a stopper configured to move from an initial position in which the stopper blocks the secondary blood flow path to a subsequent position in which the stopper does not block the secondary blood flow path, a stopper, the first spike including an opening that allows vacuum pressure in the primary blood flow path to pull the stopper from an initial position to a subsequent position; The vacuum tube receiver of claim 12 further comprising:

14. 1. A vacuum tube receiver comprising: A housing having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a hollow interior, the proximal end defines a proximal opening for receiving a vacuum tube within the hollow interior; a housing, the distal end of which forms an adapter for coupling the evacuated tube receiver to a peripheral IV catheter or another IV system; and a spike extending proximally within the hollow interior, the spike including an elongated opening extending along an exterior surface of the spike; the elongated opening having a proximal end and a distal end; Equipped with an insertion depth control component including a stop member; the depth control component is coupled to the housing and configured to move between an aspiration position and an insertion position; A vacuum tube receiver, wherein when the depth control component is in an insertion position, the stop member limits insertion of the vacuum tube into the hollow interior such that a distal portion of the slotted opening does not extend beyond a bulkhead of the vacuum tube.

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