Probe assembly for repositioning a catheter

Abstract

The probe can be configured with features that allow the distal end of the catheter to be lifted, advanced, retracted, or pivoted, thereby repositioning the catheter within the patient's vasculature. This repositioning allows the catheter to move relative to the walls of the blood vessel or other anatomical structures and any obstructions, such as a thrombus, that may have formed. Repositioning the catheter can prolong the patency of the catheter and facilitate blood sampling from the long-term indwelling catheter.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Intravenous (IV) catheter devices are commonly used in various infusion therapies. For example, an IV catheter device can be used to inject fluids such as saline, various drugs, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. Also, an IV catheter device may be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0002] One common type of IV catheter device is a catheter called "over-the-needle." As the name implies, an over-the-needle catheter is a catheter mounted on a needle with a sharp distal end. The catheter and the needle may be assembled such that the distal tip of the needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. Generally, the catheter and the needle are inserted into the patient's vasculature at a shallow angle from the skin.

[0003] When IV catheter devices are maintained within a patient's vasculature, they are likely to become occluded. When an IV catheter device becomes occluded, infusion or blood sampling using the IV catheter device may become impossible. In such cases, the IV catheter device can be replaced. However, replacing an IV catheter device is a burden on the patient and increases costs. In response to such problems, several devices have been developed that can be inserted through the indwelling catheter of an IV catheter device to remove the occlusion. For example, there is also a device that employs a rigid tube that can be inserted distally beyond the distal opening of the catheter through the catheter. By inserting such a rigid tube, even if the catheter is occluded, a blood sample can be collected through the rigid tube. That is, the rigid tube is adopted to physically pass through an occlusion formed within or around the distal opening of the catheter and form a separate fluid path from the catheter to collect a blood sample.

[0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in the environments described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate an example of a technical area where some of the examples described herein may be practiced.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to a probe assembly configured to reposition a distal end of a catheter while the catheter remains inserted in a patient's vasculature, as well as related methods and intravascular catheter devices. In some embodiments, the intravascular catheter device can include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, and a probe assembly coupled to the catheter adapter. The probe assembly may include a probe that selectively extends within the catheter. The probe may have a shaped portion for repositioning the distal end of the catheter when the probe selectively extends within the catheter. The probe assembly may be integrated with or selectively coupled to the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the probe may be a wire or a tube.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The probe can be configured to have a shaped portion that can lift, advance, retract, or pivot the distal end of the catheter, thereby repositioning the catheter within the patient's vasculature. This repositioning allows the catheter to move relative to the walls of the blood vessel or other anatomical structures, and any obstacles such as thrombi that may form. By repositioning the catheter, the probe extends the patency of the catheter, including facilitating the collection of blood samples through a long-term indwelling catheter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the probe assembly may include a probe actuator in which the probe selectively extends within the catheter. In some embodiments, the probe actuator may be configured to advance axially and / or rotate, thereby advancing and / or rotating the probe axially and / or rotationally within the catheter, respectively.

[0008] In some embodiments, the probe assembly may include a probe housing that houses the probe and a probe actuator disposed at least partially outside the probe housing. The probe actuator can be aligned with the probe to selectively advance the probe from the probe housing into the catheter. Also, the probe actuator can be aligned with the probe to rotate the probe within the catheter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the probe may have a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the shaped portion may be disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. In some embodiments, the shaped portion may include the distal portion. In some embodiments, the distal portion may form a coil. In some embodiments, the shaped portion may have a V-shape or a W-shape, or may form a spiral or other shape.

[0010] In some embodiments, the probe may include a proximal portion, and the shaped portion may be distal to the proximal portion. The shaped portion may include a first length deviating from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion by a first angle and a second length deviating from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion by a second angle different from the first angle.

[0011] In some embodiments, a probe assembly for use with a catheter of an intravenous catheter device can include a probe housing, a probe actuator coupled to the probe housing, and a probe housed within the probe housing. The probe actuator may be configured to selectively advance the probe from the probe housing into the catheter of the intravenous catheter device. The probe may include a proximal portion, a distal end, and a shaped portion located between the proximal portion and the distal end. This shaped portion may be configured to reposition the distal end of the catheter as the probe selectively advances within the catheter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the shaped portion may include a first length deviating from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion by a first angle and a second length deviating from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion by a second angle different from the first angle. In some embodiments, the probe actuator may be configured to selectively rotate the probe within the catheter. In some embodiments, the shaped portion of the probe may encompass the distal end of the occluder.

[0013] In some embodiments, an intravenous catheter device can include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, and a probe assembly coupled to the catheter adapter. The probe assembly can include a probe actuator and a probe having a proximal end and a distal end coupled to the probe actuator. The probe may have a shaped portion disposed toward the distal end. The shaped portion may be configured to reposition the distal end of the catheter while the probe extends distally into the catheter. In some embodiments, the probe actuator may be configured to slide and rotate the shaped portion within the catheter.

[0014] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claimed invention. It is understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It is also understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be used, and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless so claimed. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Exemplary embodiments are described and explained in more specific and detailed manner by using the accompanying drawings.

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[0016] An intravenous catheter device that may be employed in some embodiments may include a catheter adapter with a distally extending catheter and one or more ports or connectors for attaching other devices to the catheter adapter. Such a device can be attached to the catheter adapter before, during, or after insertion of the catheter into the patient's vasculature and can include a needle assembly, a blood collection set, an infusion assembly, any embodiment of the probe assembly described herein, and the like. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure should not be limited to a particular configuration of an intravenous catheter device or a particular example of an intravenous catheter device used herein.

[0017] FIG. 1 provides an example of an intravenous catheter device 100 configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The intravenous catheter device 100 includes a catheter adapter 110 with a catheter 111 extending distally. Although not shown, a needle assembly may often be fixed to the catheter adapter 110 and employed to insert the catheter 111 into a patient's vasculature and then disconnect it from the catheter adapter 110. Also, the intravenous catheter device 110 includes an adapter 114 connected to a side port 112 of the catheter adapter 110 via an extension tube 113. The adapter 114 may provide a connector 116 (regardless of integration or separation) through which a probe assembly 130 (or any other probe assembly encompassed herein) can be coupled to the intravenous catheter device 100 and through which a probe 140 of the probe assembly 130 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) can gain access to the catheter 111. In some embodiments, the probe assembly 130 may be integrated with the adapter 114 as opposed to being selectively coupled to the adapter 114.

[0018] Also, a connector 115 may be connected to the adapter 114 via the extension tube 113. The extension tube 113 may be provided with a pinch clamp 117. Although the blood collection set 120 is shown as being coupled to the connector 115, it is merely an example of a device that can be connected to the intravenous catheter device 100. In other examples, a probe assembly 130 or another probe assembly may be coupled to or integrated with the connector 115 as opposed to the connector 116. However, it is reaffirmed that the intravenous catheter device 100 is merely an example of an intravenous catheter device in which a probe configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used.

[0019] The probe assembly 130 is shown to include a probe housing 131 that can accommodate the probe 140, at least when the probe 140 is not extended through the catheter 111, a connector 132 by which the probe assembly 130 can be connected to the intravenous catheter device 100 (or another intravenous catheter device), and a probe actuator 133 by which a clinician can slide the probe actuator 133 along the length of the probe housing 131 to move the probe 140 relative to the catheter 111. Although not visible in FIG. 1, in the state where the probe actuator 133 is depicted, the distal end of the probe 140 can be advanced to the distal end of the catheter 111. As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the probe assembly may be configured to allow the probe to be advanced and retracted, and rotated, within the catheter 111. For example, after the distal end of the probe 140 has been advanced near or beyond the distal end of the catheter 111, the probe actuator 133 may be configured to rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise relative to the probe housing 131, thereby being configured to rotate the distal end of the probe 140.

[0020] Figures 2A and 2B show the probe assembly 130 separately. In Figure 2A, the probe actuator 133 is at the most proximal position where the distal end of the probe 140 is disposed at the connector 132. In some embodiments, Figure 2A can represent the configuration of the probe assembly 130 before being connected to an intravenous catheter device such as the intravenous catheter device 100. On the other hand, in Figure 2B, the probe actuator 133 is at the most distal position where the probe 140 is advanced distally from the connector 132. The length of the probe 140 and / or the configuration of the probe actuator 133 can place the distal end of the probe 140 in the vicinity (e.g., proximal or distal) of the catheter 111 (or the distal opening of the catheter of any other intravenous catheter device to which the probe assembly 130 is adapted). The depicted configuration of the probe assembly 130 is only intended to be illustrative. The probe assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure can have any suitable connector, any suitable probe housing, and any suitable probe actuator.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the probe 140 can be configured to reposition the distal end of the catheter 111 when the probe 140 is advanced into and / or rotated within the catheter 111. Figures 3A - 3I show various examples of how the probe 140 can be configured to cause this repositioning. Figure 3A shows a portion of the probe 140 extending from a portion of the probe housing 131 employing different configurations of the connector 132. Thus, Figure 3A can represent that the probe 140 can be employed with many different variations of the probe assembly 130. Figures 3B - 3H each show only the distal length of the probe 140.

[0022] In each of FIGS. 3A - 3I, probe 140 is shown as having a distal end 140a, a distal portion 141, a shaped portion 142, and a proximal portion 143. The shaped portion 142 has a shape that deviates from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion 143 and is generally to be interpreted as the length of the probe 140 disposed at or directed toward the distal end 140a that generally maintains this shape when the distal end 140a is positioned proximate to the distal opening of the catheter 111 or extends distally from the distal opening of the catheter 111. It should be noted that due to the proximal length of the catheter 111 being confined within the skin, the shaped portion 142 can adapt its shape, such as by bending, flattening, or other means, as it advances through the catheter 111. However, when disposed at or near the distal end of the catheter 111, the shaped portion 142 generally retains its shape and thereby can act on the distal end of the catheter 111 to reposition it. In some embodiments, the shaped portion 142 may be separated from the distal portion 141, while in other embodiments, the shaped portion 142 may include the distal portion 141 and, optionally, the distal end 140a. As noted above, the shape of the probe 140 needs to adapt to the region of the catheter 111 as the probe 140 advances (e.g., the S - shaped catheter 111 when transitioning from the patient's skin into the vasculature). However, even with such adaptation, the shaped portion 142 is configured to substantially retain its shape with respect to the distal portion 141 and the proximal portion 143, as will become apparent below.

[0023] Figures 3A - 3I illustrate various examples of how the shaped portion 142 can be configured. Embodiments of the present disclosure should not be limited to these examples. In particular, the shaped portion 142 can be configured in many different ways to deviate from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion 143. For example, the shaped portion 142 may be composed of one or more lengths of the probe 140 that deviate from the longitudinal axis, including a plurality of lengths that are at different angles to each other and / or a plurality of lengths that are in different planes. Similarly, the shaped portion 142 may be composed of one or more lengths of the probe 140 that are curved with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] In FIG. 3A, the shaped portion 142 is in the form of a V-shaped length of the probe 140 that extends between the proximal portion 143 and the distal portion 141. In this example, the distal portion 141 may extend along the same longitudinal axis as the proximal portion 143 such that only the shaped portion 142 deviates from the longitudinal axis. However, in some embodiments, the distal portion 141 can extend along different non-parallel axes (e.g., by being oriented upward or downward with respect to the proximal portion 143) and / or can extend along different but parallel axes as the longitudinal axis (e.g., being offset upward or downward with respect to the proximal portion 143). The configuration of the probe 140 depicted in FIG. 3A is intended to apply an upward lifting force to the distal end of the catheter 111 when the distal portion 141 is at or beyond the distal opening of the catheter 111 and when the shaped portion 142 remains at least partially within the catheter 111. In some embodiments, the direction of this lifting force can be changed by rotating the probe 140 with respect to the position shown in FIG. 3A (e.g., to move the distal end of the catheter 111 downward or laterally).

[0025] FIG. 3B provides an example similar to FIG. 3A, except that the distal portion 141 and the distal end 140a are in the form of a coil. This coil enhances the ability of the probe 140 to remove obstructions or obstacles away from the distal opening of the catheter 111, and while the probe 140 is disposed therein, promotes the inflow or outflow of fluid into the catheter 111, thereby increasing the patency of the catheter 111.

[0026] FIG. 3C provides an example similar to FIG. 3B, except that the distal portion 141 and the distal end 140a have an enlarged solid cross-section. Similar to the coil, this solid enlarged region can enhance the ability of the probe 140 to remove obstructions or obstacles. Similar to that shown in FIG. 3C, the distal end 140a can be configured as a dome formed from the distal portion 141 or attached to the distal portion 141 in some manner (e.g., via welding or an adhesive). In embodiments where the distal portion 141 forms an enlarged cross-section (or a larger outer diameter), this region may be tapered proximally to facilitate pulling the distal portion 141 back into the catheter 111 without damaging the distal opening or tip of the catheter 111. Similarly, the distal end 140a may be tapered distally to minimize damage to the vasculature when the distal end 140a advances outside the catheter 111.

[0027] FIG. 3D provides an example where the shaped portion 142 has a shape generally similar to a curved w, and the distal portion 141 and the distal end 140a are in the form of a coil.

[0028] FIG. 3E provides an example where the shaped portion 142 has an inverted V shape that encompasses the distal portion 141. Also, the distal portion 141 forms a coil.

[0029] Figure 3F provides another example where the shaped portion 142 has an inverted V-shape that includes the distal portion 141. However, the proximal length of the shaped portion 142 deviates from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion 143 to a lesser extent than the distal length of the shaped portion 142. Also, the distal end 140a is disposed below the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion 143.

[0030] Figure 3G provides another example where the shaped portion 142 has an inverted V-shape that includes the distal portion 141. However, the distal length of the shaped portion 142 deviates from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion 143 to a lesser extent than the proximal length of the shaped portion 142.

[0031] Figure 3H provides an example where the shaped portion 142 includes the distal portion 141 and is bent with respect to the proximal portion 143. Also, Figure 3H represents that in some embodiments, the probe 140 can be in the form of a tube, as opposed to a wire.

[0032] Figure 3I shows an example where the shaped portion 142 is in the form of a helix 142 and the distal portion 141 is curved with respect to the proximal portion 143.

[0033] The variations shown in Figures 3A - 3I are not mutually exclusive, and many such variations can be adopted together. For example, the distal portion 141 can form a coil in any of the described embodiments. Similarly, the probe 140 can be formed of a tube in any of the described embodiments. Further, the orientation and length of different portions of the shaped portion 142 can be changed, and the orientation of the shaped portion 142 with respect to the distal portion 141 and / or the proximal portion 143 can also be changed. That is, the embodiments of the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific examples shown in the figures.

[0034] Figures 4A - 4C provide an example of how the probe 140 can reposition the distal end of the catheter 111. Figure 4A shows the catheter adapter 110 resting on the patient's skin 400 while the catheter 111 is inserted within the patient's vasculature 401. Figure 4A also shows the probe assembly 130 connected to the catheter adapter 110 and the probe 140 partially advanced within the catheter 111. In Figures 4A - 4C, the probe 140 is similar to the example shown in Figure 3G. The proximal portion 143 is shown to conform to the S - shape of the catheter 111, while the shaped portion 142 and the distal portion 141 substantially maintain their shape within the catheter 111. In Figure 4A, since the shaped portion 142 is substantially spaced from the distal end 111a of the catheter 111, the distal end 111a remains in its natural position relative to the wall of the vasculature 401. However, in some embodiments, the shaped portion 142 may be configured to apply an uplifting force to the distal end 111a before the distal portion 141 reaches or extends distally beyond the distal end 111a.

[0035] Turning to Figure 4B, now assume that the clinician employs the probe actuator 133 to slide the probe 140 further within the catheter 111. For example, when the probe actuator 133 is slid or rotated, the probe actuator 133 can be aligned with the proximal end 140b of the probe 140 such that the probe 140 slides and / or rotates. In the depicted example, the proximal end 140b is in the form of a wedge where the probe actuator 133 acts through the sidewall of the probe housing 131. In such embodiments, the probe housing 131 may be in the form of an extension tube.

[0036] Due to the distal movement of the probe actuator 133, the distal end 140a of the probe 140 now extends from the distal end 111a of the catheter 111. Due to the shaped portion 142 being disposed at the distal end 111a, the shaped portion 142 applies an uplifting force to the distal end 111a, such that the distal end 111a is lifted away from the wall of the vasculature 401. More specifically, since the shaped portion 142 substantially retains its shape within the catheter 111, the inverted V-shape of the shaped portion 142 with respect to the proximal portion 143 causes the distal end 111a to be oriented upwardly with respect to the proximal portion of the catheter 111. This lifting not only moves the distal end 111a away from the wall of the vasculature 401, but also rocks the distal end 111a. In this way, if the distal end 111a was positioned facing the wall of the vasculature or other structure, or was otherwise occluded, repositioning of the catheter 111 can restore the ability to collect a blood sample or inject fluid through the catheter 111. In this context, lifting is used relatively and may include movement of the distal end 111a downwardly or laterally depending on the rotational direction of the probe 140. FIG. 4C shows that even when the distal end 140a of the probe 140 is at or near the distal end 111a but does not extend distally from the distal end 111a, the shaped portion 142 can apply an uplifting force to the distal end 111a of the catheter 111 in a similar manner.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows an example in which the probe 140 is configured to rotate relative to the catheter 111. In this example, the probe assembly 130 is configured to allow a clinician to rotate the probe 140 by rotating the probe actuator 133. For example, referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the proximal end 140b of the probe 140 can be coupled directly or indirectly to the probe actuator 133 such that when the clinician rotates the probe actuator 133, the entire probe 140 rotates. By rotating the probe 140, the clinician can adjust the orientation of the shaped portion 142 and change the direction in which the distal end 111a of the catheter 111 is repositioned. For example, the clinician can rotate the probe 140 to move the distal end 111a along a circular path, rock it back and forth, or move it until a position where blood flow is not obstructed is found.

[0038] FIGS. 6A-6D show another example of how the catheter 111 can be repositioned using the probe 140. In these figures, the catheter 111 is shown relative to a surface 600 that can represent a vein wall in some embodiments. In FIG. 6A, the probe 140 has not yet advanced into the catheter 111. Thus, the catheter 111 is placed on the surface. In FIG. 6B, the probe actuator 133 is advancing toward the adapter 114, but the probe 140 has not yet reached the distal end 111a of the catheter 111. Thus, the catheter 111 remains placed on the surface.

[0039] Looking at FIG. 6C, the probe actuator 133 further advances, whereby the distal end 140a of the probe 140 extends beyond the distal end 111a of the catheter 111. In this example, the shaped portion 142 is similar to the example of FIG. 3F. Thus, when the distal portion 141 extends from the distal end 111a, the distal end 140a may contact the surface (which may represent the patient's vasculature). Due to the shaped portion 142, the distal end 111a is lifted upward away from the surface. More specifically, since the shaped portion 142 retains its shape, the catheter 111 will conform to the shape of the shaped portion 142.

[0040] Looking at FIG. 6D, the probe actuator 133 has advanced to its most distal position, such that the shaped portion 142 has extended completely from the distal end 111a. As a result, the distal end 111a is no longer being lifted by the shaped portion 142 and is thus returning to rest on the surface. Note that in some embodiments, the probe 140 may not be configured such that the shaped portion 142 extends completely from the distal end 111a. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure should include cases where the probe assembly 130 is designed to prevent the shaped portion 142 from extending from the distal end 111a, and cases where the probe assembly 130 is designed to allow the shaped portion 142 to extend partially or completely from the distal end 111a.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6C, when the probe 140 rotates, the distal end 111a of the catheter 111 can be made to move along a circular path. Also, if the probe 140 includes a coil or other expansion structure at the distal end 140a, trauma to the patient's vasculature can be minimized while potentially enhancing the removal of obstructions.

[0042] In any case, by adopting the probe 140 having the shaped portion 142, even when the catheter 111 is blocked, the catheter 111 can be repositioned to enable blood sampling and liquid injection through the catheter 111. Thus, the probe 140 can extend the patency of the catheter without the need to use a device that provides a separate fluid path from the catheter. Since the probe 140 enables the use of the catheter 111 for collecting blood samples, there may be an improved flow rate during blood sample collection as compared to the flow rate that exists when employing another small tube inserted through the catheter 111. However, as shown by FIG. 3H, the probe providing the shaped portion 142 can be in the form of a tube that provides a separate fluid path.

[0043] The probe 140 may be formed of any suitable material including, for example, metals such as nitinol or stainless steel, polymers such as nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyetherimide, or combinations of such materials. In some embodiments, the probe 140 may be formed of a first material having a coating of a second material such as, for example, stainless steel or nitinol core having a nickel coating, or a metal core having a polymer coating.

[0044] In some embodiments, the distal end 140a of the probe 140 may be rounded and / or tapered so as to be less traumatic when the probe 140 is advanced distally beyond the catheter 111. Also, the tapered distal end 140a may facilitate pulling the probe 140 back into the catheter 111 while minimizing damage to the distal end 111a of the catheter 111.

[0045] In some embodiments, in addition to providing the ability to reposition the distal end 111a of the catheter 111, the probe 140 can also reinforce the proximal portion of the catheter 111. For example, the probe 140 may be formed of a material that is more rigid or elastic than the material from which the catheter 111 is formed. Thus, with the probe disposed inside the catheter 111, the proximal portion 143 of the probe 140 can prevent twisting in the catheter 111 (e.g., in the S-shaped portion of the catheter 111).

[0046] In some embodiments, the probe 140 can function to reposition the distal end 111a of the catheter 111 by changing the S-shape of the catheter 111. For example, due to the more rigid material from which the probe 140 can be formed, the proximal portion 143 straightens the S-shaped region of the catheter 111, whereby the distal end 111a of the catheter 111 may be advanced within the vasculature. On the other hand, the shaped portion 142 is disposed within the S-shaped portion of the catheter 111 and makes it more curved (i.e., forms a tighter S-shape), whereby the distal end 111a of the catheter 111 may be retracted within the blood vessel.

[0047] In summary, the probe can be configured to have a shaped portion that can lift, advance, retract, and / or pivot the distal end of the catheter, thereby repositioning the catheter within the patient's vasculature. This repositioning allows the catheter to move relative to the walls of the blood vessel or other anatomical structures, and any obstacles such as thrombi that may be formed. Repositioning the catheter extends its patency and facilitates blood sampling from long-term indwelling catheters.

[0048] All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for educational purposes to assist in understanding the invention and the concepts provided by the inventors to promote the art, and are to be construed as not being limited to the specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. An intravenous catheter device, comprising: a catheter adapter; a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; a probe assembly coupled to the catheter adapter and including a probe selectively extending into the catheter; the probe having a proximal portion and a shaped portion distal to the proximal portion; the shaped portion including a first length deviating in a first direction from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion and a second length deviating in a second direction different from the first direction from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion; the shaped portion being configured to reposition the distal end of the catheter, an intravenous catheter device.

2. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the probe assembly includes a probe actuator for selectively extending the probe into the catheter.

3. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 2, wherein the probe actuator is configured to axially advance, rotate, or both axially advance and rotate, thereby causing the probe to axially advance, rotate, or both axially advance and rotate within the catheter.

4. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the probe assembly is integrated with or selectively coupled to the catheter adapter.

5. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the probe further has a distal portion, and the shaped portion is disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion.

6. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the probe further has a distal portion, and the distal portion extends from the distal end of the shaped portion or surrounds at least a part of the shaped portion.

7. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 5, wherein the distal portion forms a coil or an enlarged cross section.

8. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the shaped portion has a V shape or a W shape.

9. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the shaped portion is configured to reposition the distal end of the catheter when the distal end of the probe is proximal or distal to the distal end of the catheter.

10. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the probe is either a wire or a tube.

11. The probe assembly includes a probe housing that houses the probe and a probe actuator that is at least partially located outside the probe housing. The probe actuator aligns with the probe to selectively advance the probe from the probe housing into the catheter. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 1.

12. The probe actuator aligns with the probe to rotate the probe within the catheter. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 11.

13. A probe assembly for use with a catheter of an intravenous catheter device, a probe housing, a probe actuator coupled to the probe housing, a probe housed within the probe housing, wherein the probe actuator is configured to selectively advance the probe from the probe housing into the catheter of the intravenous catheter device, a probe, comprising, the probe includes a proximal portion, a distal end, and a shaped portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal end, the shaped portion is configured to reposition the distal end of the catheter when the probe selectively advances within the catheter, and includes a first length deviating in a first direction from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion and a second length deviating in a second direction different from the first direction from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. Probe assembly.

14. The probe actuator is configured to selectively rotate the probe within the catheter. The probe assembly according to claim 13.

15. The shaped portion of the probe includes the distal end of the probe. The probe assembly according to claim 13.

16. The distal portion forms a coil or an enlarged cross-section. The intravenous catheter device according to claim 6.

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