Covers for facilitating reduced contact insertion of catheters, related systems and methods - Patents.com

Abstract

The catheter system may include a catheter assembly and a needle assembly. The catheter assembly may include a catheter hub and a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub. The catheter assembly may include a cover coupled to a proximal portion of the catheter hub. The cover may be configured to reduce contact with the catheter assembly during initial insertion of the catheter assembly into a patient's vascular system and / or during catheter threading, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial contamination of the catheter. The needle assembly may include an introducer needle, a housing, and a needle hub disposed within the housing. The housing may include a button. The proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub. In response to actuation of the button, the needle hub and introducer needle may move proximally within the housing.

Description

[Background technology]

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

[0002] A common catheter is an over-needle peripheral intravenous ("IV") catheter. As the name suggests, an over-needle catheter is a catheter whose distal end can be fitted over a sharpened introducer needle. The catheter assembly may include a catheter hub, a catheter extending distally from the catheter hub, and an introducer needle extending through the catheter. The catheter and introducer needle may be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter with the needle bevel pointing away from the patient's skin. The catheter and introducer needle are typically inserted into the patient's vascular system at a shallow angle from the skin.

[0003] To confirm that the intravascular introducer needle and / or catheter is properly placed within the blood vessel, the user will typically check for a "flashback" of blood in the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. Once needle placement is confirmed, the user may temporarily occlude flow within the vascular system and remove the needle, leaving the catheter in place for subsequent blood collection or infusion.

[0004] When inserting a catheter into a patient's vascular system, the user touches and pushes the catheter hub, which can become contaminated with bacteria and lead to bacterial contamination of the catheter, which can increase the patient's risk of hospital-acquired infection. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[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. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access systems and associated devices and methods. More specifically, in some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a cover for a catheter hub of a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, a user can grasp the cover instead of the catheter hub during insertion of the catheter into a patient's vasculature, which can reduce the risk of bacterial contamination of the catheter and / or hospital-acquired infections. In some embodiments, the cover can facilitate "no-touch" insertion of the catheter or insertion of the catheter without the user touching the catheter hub.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter hub that may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub.

[0008] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a cover, which may be coupled to a proximal portion of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the cover may include push tabs and / or slots. In some embodiments, the slots may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an extension, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension may be slidable relative to the slot.

[0009] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle assembly, which may include an introducer needle. In some embodiments, the introducer needle may include a distal tip and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a housing, which may include an active safety mechanism. In some embodiments, the active safety mechanism may include a button. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a needle hub disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the extension may be coupled to the needle hub.

[0010] In some embodiments, in response to actuation of the button, the cover may be pulled proximally and detached from the proximal portion of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the extension may include a tether. In some embodiments, the extension may include a spring. In some embodiments, in response to actuation of the button, the needle hub may move proximally within the housing and a portion of the introducer needle may be disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, in response to release of the cover by the user, the spring may contract and the cover may move proximal to the housing, shielding the distal tip of the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the extension may be rigid.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cover may include a proximal extension that covers at least a portion of the button to prevent premature activation of the button. In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the cover may include one or more protrusions to facilitate gripping of the cover by a user. In some embodiments, the catheter hub may include a push tab. In some embodiments, the distal end of the cover may be proximate to the push tab. In some embodiments, the distal end of the cover may include an arm that may extend distally along a side of the catheter hub. In some embodiments, the arm may include a portion of a slot.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method may include inserting a catheter system into the patient's vasculature. In some embodiments, the method may include threading the catheter, which may include contacting and applying a force distally to the cover to advance the catheter distally relative to the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the extension may include a spring, and in response to actuation of the button, a portion of the introducer needle may be disposed within the housing. In these and other embodiments, the method may include releasing the cover. In some embodiments, in response to releasing the cover, the cover may move proximate to the housing and shield the distal tip of the introducer needle. In some embodiments, prior to threading the catheter, the method may include twisting the cover, which may be twisted relative to the catheter hub to break the bond between the introducer needle and the catheter.

[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention, unless so claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter system, showing the catheter system in an insertion configuration and an exemplary cover, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the catheter system showing an exemplary catheter partially threaded through an exemplary introducer needle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a side view of the catheter system of FIG. 1A in an insertion configuration, with the cover and illustrative extensions removed for illustration purposes, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system showing the catheter system in an insertion configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] 2A is a top perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1A showing a proximal end of the cover of FIG. 1A with an exemplary extension removed, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 2B is a top perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1A showing a distal end of the cover of FIG. 1A with the extension removed, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A]FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a catheter system showing another exemplary cover and catheter system in an insertion configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the catheter system showing the cover of FIG. 3A and a catheter partially threaded through an introducer needle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a catheter system showing another exemplary cover and catheter system in an insertion configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the catheter system showing the cover of FIG. 4A and a catheter partially threaded through an introducer needle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a side view of a catheter system showing another example cover and another example extension, and the catheter system in an insertion configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a side view of the catheter system showing the cover and extension of FIG. 5A and a catheter partially threaded through an introducer needle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a side view of the catheter system showing a close-up example of the cover and extension of FIG. 5A receiving and shielding the distal tip of the introducer needle. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a side view of a catheter system showing another example cover and another example extension, and the catheter system in an insertion configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side view of a catheter system showing the cover and extension of FIG. 6A and a catheter partially threaded through an introducer needle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a side view of the catheter system showing a close-up example of how the cover and extension of FIG. 6A receive and shield the distal tip of the introducer needle. [Figure 7A]FIG. 7A is a side view of a catheter system showing an exemplary cover and catheter system in an insertion configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a side view of the catheter system of FIG. 7A showing the cover of FIG. 7A and a catheter partially threaded through an introducer needle, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] 1A-1D, in some embodiments, a catheter system 10 may include a catheter assembly 12. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 12 may include a catheter hub 14, which may include a distal end 16, a proximal end 18, and a lumen 20 extending through the distal end 16 of the catheter hub 14 and the proximal end 18 of the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 12 may include a catheter 22 extending distally from the distal end 16 of the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the catheter 22 may be secured within the distal end 16 of the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the catheter 22 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter.

[0017] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a cover 24 that may be coupled to a proximal portion 26 of the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the cover 24 may include a push tab 28 and / or a slot 30. In some embodiments, the push tab 28 may extend outwardly from the body of the cover 24. In some embodiments, the slot 30 may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis 32 of the catheter system 10. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include an extension 34 that may include a distal end 36 and a proximal end 38. In some embodiments, the distal end 36 of the extension 34 may be slidable relative to the slot 30. In some embodiments, the proximal end 38 of the extension 34 may be coupled to the needle hub 52.

[0018] In some embodiments, a user can grasp the cover 24 instead of the catheter hub 14 during insertion of the catheter 22 into a patient's vascular system, which can reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and / or hospital-acquired infection of the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the cover 24 can facilitate "no-contact" insertion of the catheter 22 (inserting the catheter 22 without the user touching the catheter hub 14) or "reduced-contact" insertion of the catheter 22.

[0019] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can include a needle assembly 40 that can include an introducer needle 42. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 42 can include a distal tip 44 and a proximal end 46. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 40 can include a housing 48 that can include an active safety mechanism. In some embodiments, the active safety mechanism can include a button 50. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 40 can include a needle hub 52 disposed within the housing 48. In some embodiments, the proximal end 46 of the introducer needle 42 can be secured within the needle hub 52.

[0020] In some embodiments, the distal end 36 of the extension 34 may be coupled to the cover 24 in various ways. In some embodiments, the distal end 36 may include a tab 54 that extends through the slot 30 and may include an outer portion having a larger diameter than the slot 30. In some embodiments, the tab 54 may be slidable relative to the slot 30. In some embodiments, the proximal end 38 of the extension 34 may be coupled to the needle hub 52 in various ways. In some embodiments, the proximal end 38 may be fixed within the wall of the needle hub 52. In some embodiments, the proximal end 38 may be embedded within the wall of the needle hub 52. In some embodiments, the proximal end 38 may engage the wall of the needle hub 52 or other suitable fit with an interference fit. In some embodiments, the proximal end 38 may be coupled to the needle hub 52 via adhesive, solvent, or other suitable means. In some embodiments, the extension 34 may extend proximally into the hole 56. In some embodiments, the proximal end 38 may include a larger diameter than the bore 56 to prevent the proximal end 38 from moving distally relative to the bore 56 and becoming secured within the needle hub 52. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, in some embodiments, the extension 34 may be rigid.

[0021] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be inserted into the patient's vasculature in response to the catheter system 10 being in an insertion configuration, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1D. In some embodiments, the catheter hub 14 may include a push tab 55. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in the insertion configuration, the distal end of the cover 24 may be proximate to the push tab 55. In some embodiments, in response to the introducer needle 42 and / or the catheter 22 being inserted into the vasculature, the catheter 22 may be partially threaded from the introducer needle 42, which may include contacting and applying a distal force to the cover 24 to advance the catheter 22 distally relative to the introducer needle 42. FIG. 1B illustrates the catheter 22 partially threaded from the introducer needle 42, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, in response to the catheter 22 being partially threaded from the introducer needle 42, the catheter 22 may be extended or threaded into the vasculature before the introducer needle 42 is retracted via the active safety mechanism. In some embodiments, threading the catheter 22 through the vasculature can increase the likelihood that the catheter 22 will be properly positioned within the vasculature.

[0022] In some embodiments, the housing 48 may include a barrel. In some embodiments, the active safety mechanism may include a spring 57 and a protrusion 58 disposed within the housing 48. In some embodiments, the button 50 may include or correspond to an activation latch. In some embodiments, the housing 48 may include a distal end 60 and a proximal end 62. In some embodiments, the needle hub 52 may be slidably disposed within the housing 48, which may be generally hollow. In some embodiments, the spring 57 may be disposed around the introducer needle 42 and / or between the needle hub 52 and the distal end 60 of the housing 48.

[0023] In some embodiments, the button 50 may include an upper portion 64 and a lower portion 66. In some embodiments, the button 50 may be movably mounted adjacent the distal end 60 of the housing 48. In some embodiments, the button 50 may be adapted to selectively engage the needle hub 52 to hold the needle hub 52 adjacent the distal end 60 of the housing 48 against the bias of the spring 57 such that the introducer needle 42 extends through the catheter 22 beyond the distal end 60 of the housing 48.

[0024] In some embodiments, the protrusion 58 may be located within the proximal end 18 of the catheter hub 14 to prevent movement of the button 50 when the catheter hub 14 is adjacent the distal end 60 of the housing 48. In some embodiments, the protrusion 58 may be located adjacent a lower portion 66 of the button 50. In some embodiments, the protrusion 58 may extend from the button 50 to engage the catheter hub 14 to prevent movement of the button 50 when the catheter hub 14 is adjacent the distal end 60 of the housing 48, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1D. In some embodiments, the protrusion 58 may extend toward the distal end 16 of the catheter hub 14.

[0025] In some embodiments, the button 50 may extend into the housing 48 via a slot 68 that may be formed in the housing 48 adjacent the distal end 60. In some embodiments, the button 50 may include an opening 70, and the distal end 60 of the housing 48 may include an opening 72. In some embodiments, the opening 70 and the opening 72 may allow the introducer needle 42 and the needle hub 52 to extend through the button 50 and the distal end 60 of the housing 48. In some embodiments, when the button 50 is in the unactuated position, "up," as illustrated in FIG. 1D, for example, the protrusion 58 may engage the needle hub 52 and hold the needle hub 52 adjacent the distal end 60 of the housing 48 against the force of the spring 57. In some embodiments, the needle hub 52 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 protrusion 58 and the needle hub 52.

[0026] In some embodiments, when the button 50 is in the non-actuated position, the protrusion 58 may be located inside the catheter hub 14. Thus, when the catheter system 10 is in the insertion configuration and the introducer needle 42 extends through the catheter 22, the protrusion 58 may block the button 50 from moving "down" to the actuated position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 58 may vary. In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 58 may be long enough for the protrusion 58 to engage the catheter hub 14 when the catheter hub 14 is adjacent the distal end 60 of the housing 48. In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 58 may not be so long as to interfere with the use of the catheter 22 and introducer needle 42. In some embodiments, the active safety mechanism may be further described in U.S. Patent No. 5,501,675, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0028] In some embodiments, the catheter hub 14 may not be adjacent the distal end 60 of the housing 48 in response to being partially threaded from the introducer needle 42 by advancing the catheter 22 distally relative to the introducer needle 42. In these and other embodiments, the button 50 may be moved "down" or actuated as the catheter hub 14 no longer interferes with the movement of the protrusion 58. In this position, the protrusion 58 may no longer engage the needle hub 52. In some embodiments, when the button 50 is actuated, the diameter of the opening 72 may increase. In some embodiments, when the button 50 is actuated, the openings 70 and 72 may be larger than the maximum diameter of the needle hub 52. In some embodiments, the spring 57 may thus bias the needle hub 52 toward the proximal end 62 of the housing 48, drawing the distal tip 44 of the introducer needle 42 into the housing 48 and shielding the distal tip 44 to protect the user and / or patient from an accidental needle stick.

[0029] FIG. 1B illustrates distal advancement of the catheter hub 14 and catheter 22 relative to the housing 48 prior to actuation of the button 50, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the user may advance the catheter hub 14 and catheter 22 distally or partially thread the catheter 22 from the introducer needle 42 after observing a flashback of blood, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the user may contact or grasp the cover rather than the catheter hub 14 to advance the catheter hub 14 and catheter 22 distally. In some embodiments, after the catheter hub 14 has been advanced distally, the user may press the button 50 to retract the introducer needle 42 into the housing 48. In some embodiments, in response to actuation of the button 50, the cover 24 may be pulled proximally and removed from the proximal portion 26 of the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, before partially threading the catheter 22 through the introducer needle 42 and before advancing the catheter hub 14 and catheter 22 distally, the user may twist the cover 24, which may twist the catheter hub 14 and break the bond between the introducer needle 42 and the catheter 22.

[0030] 2A-2B, in some embodiments, extension 34 may extend through an opening 74 in the proximal end of cover 24. As shown in FIG.

[0031] 3A-3B, a cover 76 is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cover 76 may be similar or identical in one or more characteristics and / or operation to the cover 24 of FIGS. 1A-2B. In some embodiments, the cover 76 may include a proximal extension 78 that covers at least a portion of the button 50 when the catheter system 10 is in the insertion configuration to prevent premature actuation of the button 50. In some embodiments, the proximal extension 78 may extend from a proximal end of the cover 76.

[0032] 4A-4B, a cover 80 is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cover 80 may be similar or identical in one or more characteristics and / or operation to the cover 24 of FIGS. 1A-2B and / or the cover 76 of FIGS. 3A-3B. In some embodiments, the distal end of the cover 80 may include an arm 82 that may extend distally along a side of the catheter hub 14. In some embodiments, the arm 82 may include at least a portion of the slot 30.

[0033] 5A-5C, a cover 84 and an extension 86 are illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cover 84 may be similar or identical in one or more characteristics and / or operation to one or more of the cover 24 of FIGS. 1A-2B, the cover 76 of FIGS. 3A-3B, and the cover 80 of FIGS. 4A-4B. In some embodiments, the extension 86 may be similar or identical to the extension 34 of FIGS. 1A-4B. In some embodiments, the extension 86 may include a spring. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the extension 86 may be coupled to the housing 48 and a distal end of the extension 86 may be coupled to the cover 84.

[0034] In some embodiments, in response to actuation of button 50, needle hub 52 may move proximally within housing 48 and a portion of introducer needle 42 may be disposed within housing 48. In some embodiments, in response to actuation of button 50, needle hub 52 may move proximally within housing 48 and distal tip 44 of introducer needle 42 may be distal to housing 48. In some embodiments, in response to release of cover 84 by a user, the spring contracts and cover 84 may move proximal to housing 48 and shield distal tip 44 of introducer needle 42. In these and other embodiments, barrel 48 may be shortened.

[0035] 6A-6B, a cover 88 and an extension 90 are illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cover 88 may be similar or identical in one or more characteristics and / or operation to one or more of the cover 24 of FIGS. 1A-2B, the cover 76 of FIGS. 3A-3B, the cover 80 of FIGS. 4A-4B, and the cover 84 of FIGS. 5A-5C. In some embodiments, the extension 86 may be similar or identical to the extension 34 of FIGS. 1A-4B and / or the extension 86 of FIGS. 5A-5C. In some embodiments, the extension 34 may include a tether. In some embodiments, the tether may include any suitable tether. In some embodiments, the tether may be folded in an accordion-like fashion.

[0036] 7A-7B, in some embodiments, the exterior surface of cover 92 may include one or more protrusions 94 to facilitate gripping of cover 92 by a user. In these and other embodiments, a user may manually remove cover 92 after partially passing catheter 22 through introducer needle 42 and passing catheter 22 into the vasculature. In some embodiments, cover 92 may be similar or identical in one or more characteristics and / or operation to one or more of cover 24 of FIGS. 1A-2B, cover 76 of FIGS. 3A-3B, cover 80 of FIGS. 4A-4B, cover 84 of FIGS. 5A-5C, and cover 88 of FIGS. 6A-6B.

[0037] 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 recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made to the specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A catheter system, comprising a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly including a catheter hub having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter hub, a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub, a catheter assembly comprising: a needle assembly, the needle assembly including an introducer needle having a distal tip and a proximal end, a housing having a button, a needle hub disposed within the housing, the proximal end of the introducer needle being fixed within the needle hub, and the needle hub and the introducer needle moving proximally within the housing in response to actuation of the button, a needle assembly comprising: a cover having a U-shaped cross-section with a distal end and a proximal end, the cover being releasably coupled to an outer peripheral surface of a proximal portion of the catheter hub along the distal end to the proximal end, the cover including a push tab and a slot, the slot extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter system, an extension having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the extension being slidable relative to the slot, the proximal end of the extension being coupled to the needle hub, a catheter system comprising:

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein in response to actuation of the button, the cover is pulled proximally and removed from the proximal portion of the catheter hub.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the extension includes a tether.

4. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the extension includes a spring.

5. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the extension is rigid.

6. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the cover includes a proximal extension that covers at least a portion of the button to prevent premature actuation of the button.

7. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the catheter hub includes a push tab, and the distal end of the cover is adjacent to the push tab.

8. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the cover includes an arm extending distally along a side surface of the catheter hub, the arm including a portion of the slot.

9. The catheter system according to claim 8, wherein the catheter hub comprises a push tab, and the arm extends distally from the push tab.

10. A catheter system, comprising: A catheter assembly, comprising: A catheter hub having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the catheter hub; A catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub; A catheter assembly comprising the catheter hub and the catheter; A needle assembly, comprising: An introducer needle having a distal tip and a proximal end; A housing having a button; A needle hub disposed within the housing, wherein the proximal end of the introducer needle is fixed within the needle hub, and in response to actuation of the button, the needle hub and the introducer needle move proximally within the housing; A needle assembly comprising the introducer needle, the housing, and the needle hub; A cover having a U-shaped cross-section with a distal end and a proximal end, and being releasably coupled to an outer circumferential surface of a proximal portion of the catheter hub along the distal end to the proximal end, the cover comprising a push tab; A catheter system comprising the catheter assembly, the needle assembly, and the cover.

11. The catheter system according to claim 10, wherein the cover comprises a proximal extension that covers at least a portion of the button to prevent premature actuation of the button.

12. The catheter system according to claim 10, wherein an outer surface of the cover comprises a plurality of protrusions to facilitate gripping of the cover by a user.

13. The catheter system according to claim 10, further comprising an extension having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being coupled to the cover, the proximal end being coupled to the needle hub, and the extension comprising a spring.

14. In response to actuation of the button, the needle hub moves proximally within the housing and a portion of the introducer needle is disposed within the housing. In response to release of the cover by a user, the spring contracts, the cover moves proximally towards the housing, and the distal tip of the introducer needle is shielded.

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