Peripheral Venous Catheter Assembly with an Extension Set

Abstract

To provide devices, systems, and methods for facilitating the delivery of instruments and / or fluids via a catheter, which may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC).SOLUTION: A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter that may include a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending through the proximal end and the distal end, and a side port. The catheter assembly may include an extension set that may include a first extension tube that may extend from the side port. The extension set may include a first connector that may be coupled to a proximal end of the first extension tube. The first connector may include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The extension set may also include a second extension tube. The first end of the second extension tube may be coupled to the first port. The first port may direct the second extension tube transverse to the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2C

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for facilitating the delivery of instruments and / or fluids through a catheter, which may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). [Background technology]

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

[0003] A common type of catheter is the over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). As the name suggests, an "over-the-needle" PIVC can be mounted over an introducer needle that has a sharp distal tip. The PIVC and introducer needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC with the needle bevel facing away from the patient's skin. The PIVC and introducer needle are typically inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vasculature.

[0004] To verify proper placement of the introducer needle and / or PIVC within the blood vessel, the clinician will typically confirm that there is a "flashback" of blood within the flashback chamber of the PIVC assembly. Once needle placement is confirmed, the clinician may temporarily occlude flow within the vasculature and withdraw the introducer needle, leaving the PICV in place for later blood collection or transfusion. The PIVC assembly may be coupled with an extension set, which may allow for the coupling of an infusion or blood collection device in a position removed from the PIVC insertion site.

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where certain implementations described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for facilitating the delivery of instruments and / or fluids through a catheter, which may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). According to some embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may also be used for blood sampling. In some embodiments, the instruments may include additional catheters for fluid injection or blood sampling, guidewires, probes with sensors, or light tubes for disinfection.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending through the proximal and distal ends, and a side port. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter, such as, for example, a PIVC, which may extend distally from the catheter adapter.

[0008] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a first extension tube, which may include a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, the extension tube may extend from the side port. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a first connector coupled to a proximal end of the first extension tube. In some embodiments, the first connector may include a first port and / or a second port.

[0009] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a second extension tube, which may include a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the second extension tube may be coupled to the first port. In some embodiments, the second extension tube may be longer than the first extension tube. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a second connector coupled to a proximal end of the second extension tube. In some embodiments, a clamp may be disposed on the first extension tube and / or the second extension tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first port may point the second extension tube distally. In some embodiments, the first port may be disposed at an angle less than 90° relative to the second port. In some embodiments, the second port may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the first connector. In some embodiments, the first port may be disposed at an angle between 45° and 90° relative to the second port. In some embodiments, the first port may be perpendicular to the second port.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first connector may include a Y-shape or a T-shape. In some embodiments, the first port and the second port may form arms of a Y-shape or a T-shape. In some embodiments, the first connector may include a third port that may form a trunk of the Y-shape or the T-shape. In some embodiments, the third port may extend proximally and the first port and the second port may extend distally. In some embodiments, the first port may direct the second extension tube across the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first connector may not include any catch points for fluids or instruments traveling distally through the first connector to enter the catheter adapter, and in some embodiments, the second connector may not include any catch points for fluids or instruments traveling distally through the second connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first connector may be selectively coupled to the first extension tube. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first connector may be permanently or non-removably coupled to the first extension tube. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first extension tube may be fixed within the first connector. In some embodiments, the first connector may be coupled to the proximal end of the first extension tube via a snap fit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include multiple side ports. In some embodiments, the side port may be a first side port and the catheter adapter may include a second side port. In some embodiments, the second side port may be opposite the first side port or extend from a top of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include one or more of: a third extension tube, a third connector, a fourth extension tube, and a fourth connector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the third extension tube may include a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, the third extension tube may extend from the second side port. In some embodiments, a third connector may be coupled to the proximal end of the third extension tube. In some embodiments, the third connector may include a third port and a fourth port. In some embodiments, the fourth extension tube may include a proximal end and a distal end.

[0016] In some embodiments, the distal end of the fourth extension tube may be coupled to the third port of the third connector. In some embodiments, the fourth extension tube may be longer than the third extension tube. In some embodiments, the fourth connector may be coupled to a proximal end of the fourth extension tube. Thus, in some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include multiple extension sets.

[0017] In some embodiments, the third extension tube may extend from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the distal end of the catheter adapter may include a needle port and / or a distal port from which the third extension tube extends. In some embodiments, the needle port and the distal port may be disposed vertically relative to one another. In some embodiments, the needle port and the distal port may be disposed horizontally relative to one another.

[0018] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are not limiting of the present invention, as are the claims. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the embodiments can be combined or other embodiments can be utilized, and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0019] Example embodiments will be described and explained with specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary prior art catheter assembly. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of a prior art needle assembly removed from a prior art catheter assembly. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary prior art connector. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a catheter assembly having an exemplary Y-shaped connector, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2A having an exemplary T-shaped connector, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a top perspective view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2A having an exemplary Y-shaped connector, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary connector, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary Y-connector, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary T-shaped connector, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of another catheter assembly, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of another exemplary catheter adapter, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of another exemplary catheter adapter, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a view of the proximal end of another exemplary catheter adapter, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary Y-connector, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the Y-connector of FIG. 7A coupled to an exemplary extension tube via a snap fit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] 1A-1B, there is shown a prior art catheter assembly 10. The prior art catheter assembly 10 includes a catheter adapter 12 and a catheter 14 extending distally from the catheter adapter 12. The prior art catheter assembly 10 also includes an extension set including an extension tube 16 and a connector 17. The extension tube 16 extends from a side port 18 of the catheter adapter 12.

[0022] The prior art catheter assembly 10 further includes a needle hub 20 and an introducer needle 22. When the needle hub 20 is coupled to the catheter adapter 12, the introducer needle 22 extends through the catheter adapter 12 and the catheter 14, beyond the distal end of the catheter 14 to aid in the insertion of the catheter 14 into the patient's vascular system.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1A, the extension tube 16 may be curved around the proximal end of the catheter adapter 12 and / or the needle hub 20. In these and other examples, the extension tube 16 may get in the way of the clinician's hands as the clinician attempts to insert the catheter 14 into the patient's vasculature. In some cases, the clinician may grip the extension set with his or her fingers to control the extension set while inserting the catheter 14 into the patient's vasculature and / or to prevent the extension set from contacting the insertion site of the catheter 14 after the catheter 14 has been inserted into the patient's vasculature. Such gripping of the extension set during insertion of the catheter 14 may be complicated and may require physical adjustments by the clinician. Additionally, in some cases, the extension tube 16 and / or the connector 17 may impede the clinician's visualization of blood flashback.

[0024] 1C, the connector 17 of the prior art catheter assembly 10 includes one or more catch points 24 that may impede fluid or a probe from traveling distally through the connector 17. In some cases, the catch point 24 may include a surface that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 26 or flow path of the connector 17.

[0025] 2A-2B, in some embodiments, a catheter assembly 30 may include a catheter adapter 32, which may include a proximal end 34, a distal end 36, a lumen extending through the proximal end 34 and the distal end 36, and a side port 38. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 30 may include a catheter 40, such as, for example, a PIVC, extending distally from the catheter adapter 32. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 30 may include one or more elements of the catheter assembly 10 of the prior art.

[0026] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 30 may include a first extension tube 42 that may include a proximal end 44 and a distal end 46. In some embodiments, the first extension tube 42 may extend from the side port 38. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 30 may include a first connector 48 coupled to the proximal end 44 of the first extension tube 42. In some embodiments, the first connector 48 may include a first port 50 and a second port 52. In some embodiments, the first connector 48 and / or the second port 52 may be located near the catheter adapter 32 and the catheter 40 to improve access to the instrument as well as improve injection and flushing of fluids where higher viscosity or velocity is important. In some embodiments, the instrument may include additional catheters for fluid injection or blood withdrawal, guidewires, probes with sensors, or light tubes for disinfection. In some embodiments, the length of the first extension tube 42 may be about 12 millimeters. In some embodiments, the length of the first extension tube 42 may be between about 11 and 13 millimeters. In some embodiments, the length of the first extension tube 42 may be between about 10 and 14 millimeters. In some embodiments, the length of the first extension tube 42 may be greater than 12 millimeters. In some embodiments, the length of the first extension tube 42 may be less than or equal to 12 millimeters. According to some embodiments, the length of the first extension tube 42 may vary.

[0027] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 30 may include a second extension tube 54, which may include a proximal end 56 and a distal end 58. In some embodiments, the distal end 58 of the second extension tube 54 may be coupled to the first port 50. In some embodiments, the second extension tube 54 may be longer than the first extension tube 42. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 30 may include a second connector 60 coupled to the proximal end 56 of the second extension tube 54. In some embodiments, the second port 52 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the first connector 48. In some embodiments, a clamp 62, such as, for example, a slide clamp or a pinch clamp, may be disposed on the first extension tube 42 and / or the second extension tube 54.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first port 50 may direct the second extension tube 54 distally. In some embodiments, the second extension tube 54 may be positioned away from the rear area of ​​the catheter adapter 32 and away from the longitudinal axis 55 of the catheter adapter 32 to prevent it from interfering with the clinician's hand as the clinician grasps the catheter adapter 32 to insert the catheter 40 into the patient's vasculature.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first port 50 may be arranged at an angle of less than 90° with respect to the second port 52, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A. More specifically, in some embodiments, the first port 50 may be arranged at an angle between 45° and 90° with respect to the second port 52. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first port 50 may be perpendicular to the second port 52. In some embodiments, an increase in the angle between the first port 50 and the second port 52 may facilitate flushing of the first port 50 without flushing the second port 52. In some embodiments, a decreased angle between the first port 50 and the second port 52 may rationalize fluid flow and delivery of instruments to the catheter 40. In some embodiments, the rationalized fluid flow may be beneficial for injection of high-viscosity drugs or time-dependent drugs.

[0030] In some embodiments, the extension set may include one or more of: a first extension tube 42, a first connector 48, a second extension tube 54, and a second connector 60. In some embodiments, the second extension tube 54 may be shorter than the prior art extension tube 16, such that movement of the extension set is reduced and problems in controlling the extension set may be reduced. However, in some embodiments, the second connector 60 may be positioned from the insertion site at approximately the same distance as the prior art connector 17, which may reduce interference with the catheter 40 at the insertion site. In some embodiments, the length of the second extension tube 54 may be less than about 5.350 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the second extension tube 54 may be between about 4 and 7 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the second extension tube 54 may be less than about 6 inches or less than about 5.350 inches. According to some embodiments, the length of the second extension tube 54 may vary.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first connector 48 may include a Y-shape or a T-shape. In some embodiments, the first port 50 and the second port 52 may form arms of the Y-shape. In some embodiments, the first connector 48 may include a third port 64, which may form the trunk of the Y-shape.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first connector 48 may be selectively coupled to the first extension tube 42 and / or the second extension tube 54. In some embodiments, the first connector 48 may be permanently or non-removably coupled to the first extension tube 42 and / or the second extension tube 54. In some embodiments, the first port 50, the second port 52, and the third port 64 of the first connector 48 may include any suitable type of coupling mechanism.

[0033] In some embodiments, one or more of the first port 50, the second port 52, and the third port 64 may include a luer adapter, such as, for example, a slip or thread male or female luer adapter. In some embodiments, one or more of the first port 50, the second port 52, and the third port 64 may include a non-luer adapter. In some embodiments, one or more of the first port 50, the second port 52, and the third port 64 may include a blunt plastic cannula, such as, for example, a Baxter Interlink IV Access System. In some embodiments, one or more of the first port 50, the second port 52, and the third port 64 may include one or more barbs.

[0034] In some embodiments, one or more of the first port 50, the second port 52, and the third port 64 may be coupled to a needleless connector, such as, for example, a Becton Dickinson SMARTSITE™ needleless valve, or another suitable needleless connector. In some embodiments, one or more of the first port 50, the second port 52, and the third port 64 may be closed by an end cap. In some embodiments, one or more of the first port 50, the second port 52, and the third port 64 may include a vent plug. In some embodiments, one or more of the first port 50, the second port 52, and the third port 64 may include one or more snap elements, an example of which is shown in FIG. 7B.

[0035] In some embodiments, the distal end 58 of the second extension tube 54 may include a specific connector having a corresponding coupling mechanism to the first port 50. In some embodiments, the distal end 58 of the second extension tube 54 may be fixed inside the first connector 48. In some embodiments, the proximal end 44 of the first extension tube 42 may include a specific connector having a corresponding coupling mechanism to the third port 64 and / or the first port 50. In some embodiments, the proximal end 44 of the first extension tube 42 may be fixed inside the first connector 48, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0036] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 30 may not include the second extension tube 54 and / or the second connector 60. In some embodiments, the first connector 48 may include only the first port 50 and the third port 64, which may be disposed on opposite sides of the first port 50. In some embodiments, the first connector 48 may include more than three ports.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second connector 60 may be selectively coupled to the second extension tube 54. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second connector 60 may be permanently or non-removably coupled to the second extension tube 54. In some embodiments, the second connector 60 may include multiple ports, each of which may include any suitable type of coupling mechanism. For example, the second connector 60 may include a proximal port 68 and a distal port 70. In some embodiments, the second connector 60 may include a Y-shape or a T-shape.

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of ports may include a luer adapter, such as, for example, a slip or thread male or female luer adapter. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of ports may include a non-luer adapter. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of ports may include a blunt plastic cannula, such as, for example, a Baxter Interlink IV Access System. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of ports may include one or more barbs. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of ports may be coupled to a needleless connector, such as, for example, a Becton Dickinson SMARTSITE™ needleless valve, or another suitable needleless connector. In some embodiments, one or more of the one or more of the plurality of ports may be closed by an end cap. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of ports may include a vent plug. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of ports may include one or more snap elements, an example of which is shown in FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, the proximal end 56 of the second extension tube 54 may include a specific connector with a corresponding coupling mechanism to the distal port 70. In some embodiments, the proximal end 56 of the second extension tube 54 may be secured inside the second connector 60, for example, as shown in Figures 2A-2C.

[0039] In some embodiments, the distal end 46 of the first extension tube 42 may be selectively coupled to the catheter adapter 32. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the distal end 46 of the first extension tube 42 may be permanently or non-removably coupled to the catheter adapter 32. In some embodiments, the distal end 46 of the first extension tube 42 may be fixed within the catheter adapter 32, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. In some embodiments, the side port 38 of the catheter adapter 32 may include a luer adapter, such as, for example, a slip or thread male or female luer adapter. In some embodiments, the side port 38 of the catheter adapter 32 may include a non-luer adapter. In some embodiments, the side port 38 of the catheter adapter 32 may include one or more snap elements, an example of which is shown in FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, the distal end 46 of the first extension tube 42 may include a specific connector with a corresponding coupling mechanism to the side port 38.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first extension tube 42 may be coupled to the catheter adapter 32 and / or the first connector 48 before or after insertion of the catheter 40 into the patient's vasculature and / or removal of the introducer needle from the catheter assembly 30. In some embodiments, the second extension tube 54 may be coupled to the first connector 48 before or after insertion of the catheter 40 into the patient's vasculature and / or removal of the introducer needle from the catheter assembly 30.

[0041] 2C, in some embodiments, the third port 64 may extend proximally and the first port 50 and the second port 52 may extend distally. In some embodiments, the first port 50 may direct the second extension tube 54 across the longitudinal axis 55 of the catheter adapter 32. In some embodiments, the second port 52 may be coupled to the proximal end 44 of the first extension tube 42. In some embodiments, the first connector 48 and / or the second connector 60 may be transparent, which may facilitate visibility of access, flow, flushing, and manufacture.

[0042] 3A, an exemplary connector 72 is shown. In some embodiments, the connector 72 may include or correspond to the first connector 48 and / or the second connector 60 described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the extension tube 74 may be secured within a distal port 76 of the connector 72. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the extension tube 74 may include or correspond to the proximal end 44 of the first extension tube 42 and / or the proximal end 56 of the second extension tube 54. In some embodiments, the distal port 76 may include or correspond to the distal port 70 of the second connector 60 and / or the third port 64 of the first connector 48. In some embodiments, the proximal port 78 of the connector 72 may include or correspond to the proximal port 68 of the second connector 60 and / or the second port 52 of the first connector 48.

[0043] In some embodiments, the connector 72 may not include any catch points for fluids or instruments 80 moving distally through the connector 72. For example, the catch point 24 shown in FIG. 1C may be eliminated. In some embodiments, the entire lumen 82 of the connector 72 tapers inwardly in the distal direction or expands to a larger diameter in the distal direction. In some embodiments, all portions of the inner surface of the connector 72 that form the lumen 82 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector 72 may be eliminated. In some embodiments, the connector 72 may or may not include a wedge to eliminate the catch point.

[0044] 3B, in some embodiments, the connector 72 may be short to facilitate rapid injection of medication and access to instruments. In some embodiments, the length of the connector 72 may be between about 0.5 and 0.6 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the connector 72 may be about 0.57 inches.

[0045] 4A, another connector 88 is shown according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the connector 72 may include or correspond to the first connector 48 and / or the second connector 60 described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B. In some embodiments, the connector 88 may not include any catch point for fluid or instruments 80 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 3A-3B) traveling distally through the connector 88 and into the catheter adapter 32. In some embodiments, a catch point, similar to, for example, the catch point 24 shown in FIG. 1C, may be eliminated from the fluid path between the proximal and distal ports or, for example, between the second port 52 and the third port 64 of FIGS. 2A-2B. In some embodiments, the connector 88 may or may not include a wedge to eliminate the catch point.

[0046] 4B, the connector 90 may include or correspond to the first connector 48 and / or the second connector 60 described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B. In some embodiments, the connector 90 may not include any catch points for fluid or instruments 80 moving distally through the connector 90 to enter the catheter adapter 32. In some embodiments, a catch point, similar to, for example, the catch point 24 shown in FIG. 1C, may be eliminated from the fluid path between the proximal and distal ports, or, for example, between the second port 52 and the third port 64 of FIGS. 2A-2B. In some embodiments, the connector 90 may or may not include a wedge to eliminate the catch point.

[0047] 5, in some embodiments, the catheter assembly 92 may include two or more extension tubes 94 extending from the side port 38. In some embodiments, a single extension tube may bifurcate or split into extension tubes 94. In some embodiments, the bifurcation or splitting may occur within the side port 38 or outside the side port 38. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 92 may include or correspond to the prior art catheter assembly 10 discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C. More specifically, in some embodiments, the catheter assembly 92 may include one or more features of the prior art catheter assembly 10 discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C, such as, for example, the first connector 48 and / or the second connector 60. In some embodiments, the one or more extension tubes 94 may include or correspond to the first extension tube 42, and / or the catheter assembly 92 may include multiple extension sets.

[0048] 6A-6B, in some embodiments, the catheter adapter 32 may include various configurations. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 32 may include multiple side ports 38. As shown in FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, a side port 38a may extend from a side of the catheter adapter 32 and / or another side port 38b may extend from the top of the catheter adapter 32. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, another side port 38c may be opposite the side port 38a. In some embodiments, the extension tube 94 of FIG. 5 may extend from any of the side ports 18 of FIG. 6A-6B. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the extension set of FIG. 2A-2C may extend from any of the side ports 38 of FIG. 6A-6B. In some embodiments, the first extension tube 42 described with respect to FIG. 2A-2C may extend from any of the side ports 18 of FIG. 6A-6B.

[0049] 6C, in some embodiments, the distal end 96 of the catheter adapter 12 may include a needle port 98 and / or a distal port 100, from which an extension tube extends, such as, for example, the first extension tube 42 of FIGS. 2A-2C. In some embodiments, the extension tube 94 of FIG. 5 may extend from the distal port 100. In some embodiments, the needle port 98 and the distal port 100 may be positioned vertically relative to one another, for example, as shown in FIG. 6C. In some embodiments, positioning the distal port 100 toward the top of the catheter may facilitate entering instruments at a downward angle into the catheter 40 and / or the patient's vasculature. In some embodiments, the needle port 98 and the distal port 100 may be positioned horizontally relative to one another.

[0050] 7A-7B, in some embodiments, one or more components of the catheter assembly 30 described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C may be coupled together via a snap fit. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the proximal end of the first extension tube 42 may include a snap mechanism 102 having a snap element 104 configured to move over a corresponding snap element 106 of the first connector 48 and engage the first connector 48 and the first extension tube 42 together in a snap fit. In some embodiments, the blunt cannula 108 may pass through the blood control valve 110 of the first connector 48. It is contemplated that the first connector may include the blunt cannula 108.

[0051] All examples and conditional terms recited herein are intended for educational purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors in promoting the present technology, and they should not be construed as being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A peripheral venous catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter including a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending through the proximal end and the distal end, and a side port; a first extension tube extending from the side port, the first extension tube including a proximal end and a distal end; a first connector coupled to the proximal end of the first extension tube, the first connector including a first port, a second port, and a third port, the proximal end of the first extension tube being coupled to the second port; a second extension tube including a first end and a second end, the first end of the second extension tube being coupled to the first port, the first port orienting the second extension tube transverse to a longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter; the third port extends proximally; The peripheral venous catheter assembly, wherein the first port and the second port extend distally.

2. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein said second extension tube is longer than said first extension tube.

3. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second connector coupled to said second end of said second extension tube.

4. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first port directs the second extension tube distally.

5. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first port is disposed at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the second port.

6. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein said first port is disposed at an angle between 45° and 90° relative to said second port.

7. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein said first port is perpendicular to said second port.

8. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the second port is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the first connector.

9. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a Y-shape, the first port and the second port forming arms of the Y-shape, the first connector having a third port forming a trunk of the Y-shape, the third port extending in a proximal direction and the first port and the second port extending in a distal direction.

10. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connector does not include any catch points for fluids or probes moving distally through the first connector.

11. 4. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 3, wherein the second connector does not include any catch points for fluids or probes moving distally through the second connector.

12. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the length of the first connector is between 12.7 and 15.24 millimeters.

13. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connector is coupled to the proximal end of the first extension tube via a snap fit.

14. 2. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the first extension tube is secured within the first connector.

15. 2. The peripheral intravenous catheter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a clamp disposed on said second extension tube.

16. The peripheral venous catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the length of the first extension tube is between 10 and 14 millimeters.

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