Device and system for inhibiting premature needle activation

Abstract

The catheter system (10) includes a catheter assembly (12) including a catheter adapter (14) and a catheter (22) extending from the catheter adapter. The catheter system includes a needle assembly (24) including a barrel (36), a needle hub (26) slidably disposed within the barrel, and an introducer needle (28) secured within the needle hub and extending through the catheter. The needle assembly includes a stop surface coupled to the barrel and an activation latch (40) slidable relative to the barrel from a first position to a second position. In response to the activation latch being in the first position, the stop surface may contact the activation latch, preventing depression of the activation latch. In response to the activation latch sliding from the first position to the second position, the stop surface does not contact the activation latch, which may be depressed.

Description

[Background technology]

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

[0002] The intravenous catheter may include an "over-the-needle" catheter, which may be mounted over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip may be used to puncture the patient's skin and vein. Insertion of the catheter into the vein may occur after puncturing the vein with the introducer needle. The introducer needle and catheter may be inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vein, with the bevel of the needle facing up and away from the patient's skin.

[0003] To confirm proper placement of the introducer needle and / or catheter within the vein, the user will typically confirm the presence of a blood flashback, which may be visible to the user. More specifically, 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 vein, blood may flow proximally through the needle lumen, exit the needle lumen through the notch, and travel proximally between the outer surface of the introducer needle and the inner surface of the catheter. Thus, if the catheter is at least partially transparent, the user may be able to see a small amount of blood "flashback," thereby confirming placement of the catheter within the vein. Having a venous entry indicator, such as a blood flashback, may facilitate successful placement of the catheter. Once placement of the introducer needle within the vein has been confirmed, the user may temporarily occlude flow within the vein and withdraw the introducer needle, leaving the catheter in place for future blood withdrawals and / or fluid injections. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The needle safety mechanism may shield the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle as it is withdrawn from the patient to prevent accidental needle sticks. In some systems, the needle hub and introducer needle may be slidably disposed within the barrel with the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle initially extending beyond the distal end of the barrel. A spring may be disposed between the needle hub and the distal end of the barrel. A latch may be used to hold the needle hub adjacent the distal end of the barrel such that the sharp distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the barrel. After the introducer needle and catheter are properly inserted into the patient's vein, the latch may be actuated causing the spring to urge the needle hub against the proximal end of the barrel. As a result, the sharp distal tip of the needle is withdrawn into the barrel out of the user's reach. The device is spring actuated, and movement of the latch allows the spring to withdraw the needle into the barrel. Unfortunately, under some circumstances, the user may inadvertently depress the latch before the catheter is properly positioned in the patient's vein.

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any shortcomings, or to embodiments that operate only in environments such as those 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 relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for reducing premature needle safety activation. In some embodiments, a catheter system may include a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter, which may extend from the distal end of the catheter adapter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle assembly, which may include a needle hub and an introducer needle. In some embodiments, the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub and may extend through the catheter. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a barrel, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the needle hub may be slidably disposed within the barrel, which may be generally hollow. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a spring disposed about the introducer needle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include an activation latch, which may include a top and a bottom. In some embodiments, the activation latch may be adapted for selective engagement with the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent the distal end of the barrel against the bias of a spring such that the introducer needle extends through the catheter beyond the distal end of the barrel. In some embodiments, the activation latch may include a protrusion that may be disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter to prevent movement of the activation latch when the catheter adapter is adjacent the distal end of the barrel. In some embodiments, the protrusion is disposed adjacent the bottom of the activation latch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a cover, which may be coupled to the distal end of the barrel. In some embodiments, the cover may extend proximally over at least a portion of the top of the activation latch to prevent premature depression of the activation latch. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the cover may not be supported by the barrel. In some embodiments, the barrel may support the proximal end of the cover. For example, one or more sides of the proximal end of the cover may contact the barrel.

[0010] In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a stop surface, which may be coupled to the barrel. In some embodiments, the activation latch may be slidable from a first position to a second position relative to the barrel. For example, the activation latch may be slidable from a distal position to a proximal position relative to the barrel.

[0011] In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch being in a distal position, a stop surface may contact the activation latch and may prevent depression of the activation latch, in some embodiments, in response to the activation latch sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, a stop surface may not contact the activation latch and may be configured to cause the activation latch to depress.

[0012] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the apex of the activation latch may include a raised surface configured to contact a user's finger as the finger slides the activation latch from the distal position to the proximal position. In some embodiments, the apex of the activation latch may include one or more grooves, which may be disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. In some embodiments, the grooves may be configured to contact a user's finger as the finger slides the activation latch from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0013] In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch being in a distal position, the stop surface may contact the protrusion and may prevent depression of the activation latch. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface may not contact the protrusion and may be configured to cause the activation latch to depress. In some embodiments, the stop surface may be disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter between the protrusion and the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the barrel may include a groove configured to receive the bottom and protrusion of the activation latch in response to the activation latch sliding from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the top of the activation latch may include a protrusion. In some embodiments, the stop surface may include another protrusion, which may extend outwardly from the barrel. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch being in a distal position, the protrusion and the other protrusion may be aligned. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the protrusion may slide proximally onto the other protrusion, and the activation latch may be configured to depress.

[0015] In some embodiments, the activation latch may be slidable from a proximal position to a distal position. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch being in the proximal position, a stop surface may contact the activation latch and may prevent depression of the activation latch. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, a stop surface may not contact the activation latch and may be configured to cause the activation latch to depress.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top distal end of the activation latch may include a raised surface that may be configured to contact a finger as the finger slides the activation latch from the proximal position to the distal position. In some embodiments, the top of the activation latch may include a groove that may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. In some embodiments, the groove may be configured to contact a user's finger as the finger slides the activation latch from the proximal position to the distal position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the bottom of the activation latch may include a stepped surface. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch being in a proximal position, a stop surface may engage the stepped surface and may prevent depression of the activation latch. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface may not contact the stepped surface and may be configured to cause the activation latch to depress.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the top of the activation latch may include a protrusion. In some embodiments, the stop surface may include another protrusion, which may extend outwardly from the barrel. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch being in a proximal position, the protrusion on the bottom surface and the other protrusion on the stop surface may be aligned. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the protrusion may slide distally onto the other protrusion on the bottom surface, which may be configured to be depressed by the activation latch.

[0019] It will be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and equipment 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. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] Example embodiments will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0021] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a side view of an exemplary catheter system showing an exemplary catheter adapter distally advanced to an exemplary needle hub, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a front view of an exemplary cover, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a rear view of the cover of FIG. 1B according to some embodiments. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a top perspective view of a catheter system in an insertion configuration, ready for insertion into a patient's vasculature, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E is a top perspective view of the catheter system of FIG. 1A showing the catheter adapter distally advanced relative to the needle hub, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 1A in an insertion configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 1A showing the catheter adapter distally advanced relative to the needle hub, the cover removed, and an exemplary spring actuated, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a side view of the catheter system of FIG. 1A in an insertion configuration, showing another exemplary cover, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a front view of the cover of FIG. 2A according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a rear view of the cover of FIG. 2A according to some embodiments. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a top perspective view of the catheter system of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a top perspective view of the catheter system of FIG. 1A showing the catheter adapter distally advanced relative to the needle hub, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary catheter system showing an exemplary activation latch in a distal position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 3A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is another cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 3A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 3A showing an exemplary top view of an activation latch, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 3A showing another exemplary top view of the activation latch, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary catheter system showing an exemplary activation latch in a proximal position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is another cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 5A showing an exemplary top side of an activation latch, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] 1A-1G, in some embodiments, a catheter system 10 may include a catheter assembly 12. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 12 may include a catheter adapter 14, which 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 assembly 12 may include a catheter 22, which may extend from the distal end 16 of the catheter adapter 14. In some embodiments, the catheter 22 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"), a peripherally inserted central catheter ("PICC"), or a midline catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter 22 may be secured within the catheter adapter 14 by a wedge or other suitable means.

[0023] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle assembly 24, which may include a needle hub 26 and an introducer needle 28, which may be secured within the needle hub 26 and extend through the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 28 may include a sharp distal tip 30 and a proximal end 32. In some embodiments, the proximal end 32 may be secured within the needle hub 26. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 28 may include a flashback notch, which may allow a user to visualize blood flashback between an outer surface of the introducer needle 28 and an inner surface of the catheter 22. Additionally or alternatively, the user may visualize blood flashback within a cavity at the proximal end 32 of the introducer needle 28. In some embodiments, the user's visualization of blood flashback may indicate to the user the presence of the introducer needle 28 in the patient's vasculature.

[0024] In some embodiments, a septum 34 may be disposed within the lumen 20 of the catheter adapter 14. In some embodiments, the septum 34 may divide the lumen 20 of the catheter adapter 14 into a distal chamber and a proximal chamber. In some embodiments, the septum actuator 35 may be configured to open the septum 34 in response to insertion of a medical device, such as an infusion device or a blood collection device, at the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14 after the needle assembly 24 has been removed.

[0025] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 may include a needle safety device, which may include a barrel 36, a spring 38, an activation latch 40, and a protrusion 42. In some embodiments, the barrel 36 may include a distal end 44 and a proximal end 46. In some embodiments, the needle hub 26 may be slidably disposed within the barrel 36, which may be generally hollow. In some embodiments, the spring 38 may be disposed around the introducer needle 28 and / or between the needle hub 26 and the distal end 44 of the barrel 36.

[0026] In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may include a top 48 and a bottom 50. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may be movably mounted adjacent the distal end 44 of the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may be adapted for selective engagement with the needle hub 26 to hold the needle hub 26 adjacent the distal end 44 of the barrel 36 against the bias of the spring 38 such that the introducer needle 28 extends through the catheter 22 beyond the distal end 44 of the barrel 36.

[0027] In some embodiments, the protrusion 42 may be disposed within the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14 to prevent movement of the activation latch 40 when the catheter adapter 14 is adjacent the distal end 44 of the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the protrusion 42 is disposed adjacent a bottom 50 of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, the protrusion 42 may extend from the activation latch 40 for engagement with the catheter adapter 14 to prevent movement of the activation latch 40 when the catheter adapter 14 is adjacent the distal end 44 of the barrel 36, as illustrated in FIG. 1F, for example. In some embodiments, the protrusion 42 may extend toward the distal end 16 of the catheter adapter 14.

[0028] In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may extend into the barrel 36 via a slot 52, which may be formed in the barrel 36 adjacent the distal end 44. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may include an opening 54, and the distal end 44 of the barrel 36 may include an opening 56. In some embodiments, the opening 54 and the opening 56 may allow the introducer needle 28 and the needle hub 26 to extend through the activation latch 40 and the distal end 44 of the barrel 36. In some embodiments, when the activation latch 40 is in the unactivated "up" position, the projection 42 and / or the end of the opening 56 may engage the needle hub 26 and hold the needle hub 26 adjacent the distal end 44 of the barrel 36 against the force of the spring 38. In some embodiments, the needle hub 26 may include a generally hourglass shape such that an inner portion thereof has a smaller diameter than either end. This shape may facilitate engagement between the projection 42 and / or the end of the opening 56 and the needle hub 26.

[0029] In some embodiments, when the activation latch 40 is in the unactivated position, the protrusion 42 may be located inside the catheter adapter 14. Thus, when the catheter 22 is still positioned over the introducer needle 28 with the catheter adapter 14 adjacent the distal end 44 of the barrel 36, the protrusion 42 may prevent the activation latch 40 from being moved "down" to the activated position.

[0030] In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 42 may vary. In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 42 may be long enough to allow the protrusion 42 to engage the catheter adapter 14 when the catheter adapter 14 is adjacent the distal end 44 of the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 42 may not be so long as to interfere with the use of the catheter 22 and introducer needle 28.

[0031] In some embodiments, once the catheter 22 is moved from the introducer needle 28 such that the catheter adapter 14 is no longer adjacent the distal end 44 of the barrel 36, the activation latch 40 may be moved "down," i.e., activated, because the catheter adapter 14 no longer impedes the movement of the protrusion 42. In this position, the protrusion 42 and / or the end of the opening 56 may no longer engage the needle hub 26. In some embodiments, when the activation latch 40 is activated, the diameter of the opening 56 may increase. In some embodiments, the openings 54 and 56 may be larger than the maximum diameter of the needle hub 26 when the activation latch 40 is activated. In some embodiments, the spring 38 may thus bias the needle hub 26 against the proximal end 46 of the barrel 36, withdrawing the sharp distal tip 30 of the introducer needle 28 into the barrel 36, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1G.

[0032] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 may include a cover 58, which may be coupled to the distal end 44 of the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the cover 58 may extend proximally over at least a portion of the top 48 of the activation latch 40 to prevent premature depression of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, the cover 58 may include a distal end 60 and a proximal end 62. In some embodiments, the cover 58 may include one or more side walls 64, which may extend proximally from the distal end 60 of the cover 58. In some embodiments, the side walls 64 may be engaged to the distal end 44 of the barrel 36 with a snap or press fit. In some embodiments, the cover 58 may fit snugly over the distal end 44 of the barrel 36.

[0033] In some embodiments, the distal end 60 of the cover 58 may include an opening 66, which may extend from a bottom edge of the distal end 60. In some embodiments, the needle hub 26 may extend through the opening 66, which may be generally U-shaped. In some embodiments, the opening 66 may facilitate easy removal of the cover 58, which may be lifted upwardly from the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the proximal end 62 of the cover 58 may not be supported by the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the proximal end 62 of the cover 58 may not contact the barrel 36 and / or the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, the proximal end 62 may be curved proximally to form a generally J-shape or a generally L-shape, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A.

[0034] 1A and 1E illustrate distal advancement of catheter adapter 14 relative to barrel 36 prior to activation of activation latch 40. In some embodiments, once the user observes a flashback of blood, the user may distally advance catheter adapter 14. In some embodiments, after catheter adapter 14 has been distally advanced, the user may remove cover 58 and depress activation latch 40, thereby retracting introducer needle 28 into barrel 36, whereby introducer needle 28 may be fully enclosed.

[0035] 2A-2E, in some embodiments, one or more sides 67 of barrel 36 may support proximal end 62 of cover 58. For example, one or more sides 67 of barrel 36 may contact proximal end 62 of cover 58.

[0036] 3A-3B, a catheter system 70 is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 70 may be similar or identical in one or more components and / or operation to the catheter system 10 discussed with respect to FIGS. 1A-2C. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 may include a stop surface 72, which may be coupled to the barrel 36. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may be slidable from a first position to a second position relative to the barrel 36.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 3A, in some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may be slidable from a distal position to a proximal position relative to the barrel 36. Figure 3A shows the activation latch 40 in a distal position and in a non-activated position. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 being in the distal position, the stop surface 72 may contact the activation latch 40 and may prevent depression of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface 72 may not contact the activation latch 40 and may be configured to cause the activation latch 40 to be depressed.

[0038] In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 being in the distal position, the stop surface 72 may contact the protrusion 42 and may prevent depression of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface 72 may not contact the protrusion and may be configured to cause the activation latch to depress. In some embodiments, the stop surface 72 may be disposed within the proximal end 62 of the catheter adapter 14 between the protrusion 42 and the catheter adapter 14. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the inner surface 74 of the barrel 36 may include a groove 76 configured to receive the bottom of the activation latch 40 and the protrusion 42.

[0039] In some embodiments, to depress the activation latch 40, the activation latch 40 may be removed from the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14 and the protrusion 42 may be moved adjacent to the stop surface 72. In some embodiments, the distance between the portion of the activation latch 40 that contacts the slot 52 may be greater than or equal to the length of the stop surface that contacts the protrusion 42 and / or the length of the protrusion 42.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the bottom surface 78 of the top 48 of the activation latch 40 may include a protrusion 80. In some embodiments, the stop surface 72 may include another protrusion 82, which may extend outwardly from the barrel 36. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 being in a distal position, the protrusion 80 and the other protrusion 82 may be aligned, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the protrusion 80 may slide proximal to the other protrusion 82, which the activation latch 40 may be configured to depress. In some embodiments, the distance between the proximal end of the top 48 of the activation latch 40 and the proximal end of the slot 52 may be greater than or equal to the length of the protrusion 80.

[0041] 3C, in some embodiments, the top 48 of the activation latch 40 may be configured to move independently from the bottom 50 of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, the top 48 may be a separate element from the bottom 50. In these embodiments, the top 48 and bottom 50 may be slidingly keyed to one another. For example, the top 48 may include one or more protrusions that are slidable within one or more grooves in the bottom 50, or the bottom 50 may include one or more protrusions that are slidable within one or more grooves in the top 48. In some embodiments, the protrusions and grooves may be generally parallel to a longitudinal or central axis of the catheter system 70.

[0042] In some embodiments, the top 48 and bottom 50 may be integrally formed or monolithically formed as a single unit. In these embodiments, the top 48 and bottom 50 may be connected by a flexible joint, which may allow for independent movement of the top 48 relative to the bottom 50. For example, the top 48 may be configured to move in a horizontal direction, generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 70, while the bottom 50 remains stationary. In some embodiments, the bottom 50 may be configured to move vertically or "down" only in response to the top 48 moving vertically or "down". In some embodiments, the top 48 and / or bottom 50 may be supported by the barrel 36.

[0043] In some embodiments, the top 48 and bottom 50 may be brought together and / or contact in response to sliding the top 48 of the activation latch 40 horizontally from a distal position to a proximal position. In some embodiments, the top and bottom 50 may be configured to press down simultaneously in response to the top 48 and bottom 50 being brought together and the protrusion 42 being removed from the catheter adapter 14, allowing retraction of the introducer needle 28 into the barrel 36.

[0044] 4A, in some embodiments, the proximal end of the apex 48 of the activation latch 40 may include a raised surface 84 configured to contact a user's finger as the finger slides the activation latch 40 from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0045] 4B, in some embodiments, the top of the activation latch may include one or more grooves 86, which may be disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the grooves 86 may be configured to contact a user's finger as the finger slides the activation latch from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0046] 5A-5B, a catheter system 90 is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 90 may be similar or identical in one or more components and / or operation to the catheter system 70 discussed with respect to FIGS. 3A-4B and / or the catheter system 10 discussed with respect to FIGS. 1A-2C. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may be slidable from a proximal position to a distal position. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, in some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 being in the proximal position, the stop surface 72 may contact the activation latch 40 and prevent depression of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface 72 may be configured not to contact the activation latch 40 and the activation latch 40 may be depressed.

[0047] 5A, in some embodiments, the bottom 50 of the activation latch 40 may include a stepped surface 92. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 being in a proximal position, the stop surface 72 may engage the stepped surface 92 to prevent depression of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface 72 may not contact the stepped surface 92 and the activation latch 40 may be configured to be depressed. In some embodiments, to depress the activation latch 40, the activation latch 40 may be removed from the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14 and the protrusion 42 may be moved proximally relative to the stop surface 72.

[0048] 5B, in some embodiments, the bottom surface 78 of the top 48 of the activation latch 40 may include a protrusion 94. In some embodiments, the stop surface 72 may include another protrusion 96, which may extend outwardly from the barrel 36. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 being in a proximal position, the protrusion 94 of the bottom surface 78 and the other protrusion 96 of the stop surface 72 may be aligned. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the protrusion 94 of the activation latch 40 may slide distally relative to the other protrusion 96, and the activation latch 40 may be configured to depress.

[0049] 5C, in some embodiments, the top 48 of the activation latch 40 may be configured to move independently from the bottom 50 of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, the top 48 may be a separate element from the bottom 50. In these embodiments, the top 48 and bottom 50 may be slidingly keyed to one another. For example, the top 48 may include one or more protrusions that are slidable within one or more grooves in the bottom 50, or the bottom 50 may include one or more protrusions that are slidable within one or more grooves in the top 48. In some embodiments, the protrusions and grooves may be generally parallel to a longitudinal or central axis of the catheter system 70.

[0050] In some embodiments, the top 48 and bottom 50 may be integrally formed or monolithically formed as a single unit. In these embodiments, the top 48 and bottom 50 may be connected by a flexible joint, which may allow for independent movement of the top 48 relative to the bottom 50. For example, the top 48 may be configured to move in a horizontal direction, generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system 70, while the bottom 50 remains stationary. In some embodiments, the bottom 50 may be configured to move vertically or "down" only in response to the top 48 moving vertically or "down". In some embodiments, the top 48 and / or bottom 50 may be supported by the barrel 36.

[0051] In some embodiments, the top 48 and bottom 50 may be brought together and / or in contact in response to sliding the top 48 of the activation latch 40 horizontally from a proximal position to a distal position. In some embodiments, the top and bottom 50 may be configured to be depressed simultaneously to permit retraction of the introducer needle 28 into the barrel 36 in response to the top 48 and bottom 50 being brought together and the protrusion 42 being removed from the catheter adapter 14.

[0052] 6, in some embodiments, the distal end of the apex 48 of the activation latch 40 may include a raised surface 98, which may be configured to contact a finger as the finger slides the activation latch 40 from a proximal position to a distal position. In some embodiments, the apex 48 of the activation latch 40 may include a groove 86, which may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the groove 86 may be configured to contact a user's finger as the finger slides the activation latch from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0053] 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. The catheter system A catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end; and a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; A catheter assembly comprising:

1. A needle assembly comprising: Needle hub, an introducer needle secured within the needle hub and extending through the catheter; a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the needle hub being slidably disposed within the barrel, the barrel being generally hollow; a spring disposed around the introducer needle; an activation latch having a top and a bottom, the activation latch adapted to selectively engage the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent the distal end of the barrel against the bias of the spring such that the introducer needle extends through the catheter beyond the distal end of the barrel, the activation latch comprising a protrusion disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter to prevent movement of the activation latch when the catheter adapter is adjacent the distal end of the barrel and is activated when the catheter is moved off the introducer needle such that the catheter adapter is no longer adjacent the distal end of the barrel; and a cover coupled to the distal end of the barrel and extending proximally over at least a portion of the apex of the activation latch to prevent premature depression of the activation latch, the cover being removed after the catheter adapter has been advanced distally; A catheter system comprising a needle assembly.

2. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein a proximal end of the cover is unsupported by the barrel.

3. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of sides of the proximal end of the cover are supported in contact with the barrel.

4. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is disposed adjacent a bottom of the activation latch.

5. The catheter system A catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end; a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; A catheter assembly comprising:

1. A needle assembly comprising: Needle hub, an introducer needle secured within the needle hub and extending through the catheter; a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the needle hub being slidably disposed within the barrel, the barrel being generally hollow; a spring disposed around the introducer needle; a stop surface coupled to the barrel; an activation latch having a top and a bottom and slidable from a distal position to a proximal position relative to the barrel, the activation latch adapted to selectively engage the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent the distal end of the barrel against the bias of the spring such that the introducer needle extends through the catheter beyond the distal end of the barrel, and configured such that in response to the activation latch being in the distal position, the stop surface contacts the activation latch preventing depression of the activation latch and in response to the activation latch sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface does not contact the activation latch causing the activation latch to be depressed. a cover coupled to the distal end of the barrel and extending proximally over at least a portion of the apex of the activation latch to prevent premature depression of the activation latch, the cover being removed after the catheter adapter has been advanced distally; A catheter system comprising:

6. 6. The catheter system of claim 5, wherein the top proximal end of the activation latch comprises a raised surface configured to contact a finger when the finger slides the activation latch from the distal position to the proximal position.

7. The catheter system of claim 5 , wherein the top of the activation latch comprises a plurality of grooves generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

8. 6. The catheter system of claim 5, wherein the activation latch comprises a protrusion extending from the activation latch and disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter, and wherein in response to the activation latch being in the distal position, the stop surface contacts the protrusion to prevent depression of the activation latch, and in response to the activation latch sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the stop surface does not contact the protrusion and the activation latch is depressed.

9. The catheter system of claim 8 , wherein the stop surface is disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter between the protrusion and the catheter adapter.

10. 9. The catheter system of claim 8, wherein an inner surface of the barrel comprises a groove configured to receive the bottom and the protrusion of the activation latch as the activation latch slides from the distal position to the proximal position.

11. 6. The catheter system of claim 5, wherein a bottom surface of the top of the activation latch comprises a first protrusion and the stop surface comprises a second protrusion extending outward from the barrel, and in response to the activation latch being in the distal position, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are aligned, and in response to the activation latch sliding from the distal position to the proximal position, the first protrusion slides proximally onto the second protrusion, causing the activation latch to press down.

12. The catheter system A catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through said distal end and said proximal end; a catheter extending from a distal end of the catheter adapter; A catheter assembly comprising:

1. A needle assembly comprising: Needle hub, an introducer needle secured within the needle hub and extending through the catheter; a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the needle hub being slidably disposed within the barrel, the barrel being generally hollow; a spring disposed around the introducer needle; a stop surface coupled to the barrel; an activation latch having a top and a bottom and slidable from a proximal position to a distal position relative to the barrel, the activation latch adapted to selectively engage the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent the distal end of the barrel against the bias of the spring such that the introducer needle extends through the catheter beyond the distal end of the barrel; a cover coupled to the distal end of the barrel and extending proximally over at least a portion of the apex of the activation latch to prevent premature depression of the activation latch, the cover being removed after the catheter adapter has been advanced distally; a needle assembly comprising: a catheter system configured such that in response to the activation latch being in the proximal position, the stop surface contacts the activation latch to prevent the activation latch from being depressed, and in response to the activation latch sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface does not contact the activation latch to cause the activation latch to be depressed.

13. 13. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the top distal end of the activation latch comprises a raised surface configured to contact a finger when the finger slides the activation latch from a proximal position to a distal position.

14. The catheter system of claim 12 , wherein the top of the activation latch comprises a plurality of grooves generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

15. The catheter system of claim 12 , wherein the activation latch comprises a protrusion extending from the activation latch and disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

16. 16. The catheter system of claim 15, wherein the bottom of the activation latch comprises a stepped surface, and in response to the activation latch being in the proximal position, the stop surface engages the stepped surface to prevent depression of the activation latch, and in response to the activation latch sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface does not contact the stepped surface and the activation latch is depressed.

17. 16. The catheter system of claim 15, wherein a bottom surface of the top of the activation latch comprises a first protrusion and the stop surface comprises a second protrusion extending outward from the barrel, and wherein in response to the activation latch being in the proximal position, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are aligned, and in response to the activation latch sliding from the proximal position to the distal position, the first protrusion slides distally onto the second protrusion and the activation latch is depressed.

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