Intravenous Primer Catheter System

Abstract

The primer may be used with an IV catheter system. The primer may be positioned along the tubing of the extension set such that the primer divides the IV catheter system into a downstream section and an upstream section. The primer may expel air from both the upstream and downstream sections, allowing blood to flow up the primer while also allowing priming solution to flow down the primer. As a result, the catheter may be inserted into a patient's vascular system without first priming it. Once air is expelled from the upstream and downstream sections of the IV catheter system, the primer may be activated to open a fluid pathway through the primer. With the fluid pathway open, priming solution may begin to flow toward the patient's vascular system, thereby flushing blood from the IV catheter system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to primers that may be used with IV catheter systems and related methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Intravenous (IV) catheter systems are commonly used for various infusion therapies. For example, IV catheter systems may be used to infuse fluids, such as saline, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition, into a patient. IV catheter systems may also be used to withdraw blood from a patient.

[0003] A common IV catheter system is the over-needle peripheral intravenous ("IV") catheter ("PIVC"). As the name suggests, an over-needle catheter is a catheter that can be fitted over an introducer needle that has a sharp distal tip. The catheter and introducer needle can be assembled so 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 at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vascular system.

[0004] An integrated IV catheter system (such as an integrated PIVC) is an IV catheter system with an integrated extension set. Such an extension set typically consists of an extension tube integrated into a catheter adapter at one end and including an access port (e.g., a Luer connector) attached to the other end. Integrated PICVs are often used for blood collection. For example, after inserting the catheter of an integrated PIVC into a patient's vascular system, a clinician may allow blood to flow through the extension attached to the access port. Once blood has flowed into the access port, the clinician may attach a blood collection set (e.g., a vacuum tubing adapter) to the access port to collect a blood sample. During this process, blood may leak from the access port. Some integrated IV catheter systems also require priming before inserting the catheter into a patient's vascular system.

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

[0006] In some embodiments, a primer may be positioned along the tubing of the extension set such that the primer divides the IV catheter system into a downstream (or distal) portion and an upstream (or proximal) portion. In some embodiments, the primer evacuates air from both the upstream and downstream portions, allowing blood to flow up the primer while also allowing priming solution to flow down the primer. As a result, the catheter may be inserted into a patient's vasculature without first priming. In some embodiments, once air has been evacuated from the upstream and downstream portions of the IV catheter system, the primer may be actuated to open a fluid pathway through the primer. In some embodiments, with the fluid pathway open, priming solution may begin to flow toward the patient's vasculature, thereby flushing blood out of the IV catheter system.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a primer for an intravenous catheter system. In some embodiments, the primer may include a body having a plunger channel and a distal end forming a distal channel connecting to the plunger channel and a proximal end forming a proximal channel connecting to the plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may include a vent channel that may extend through an outer surface of the body and between the plunger channels. In some embodiments, the primer may include a plunger having a plunger body that inserts into and slides within the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position. In some embodiments, the plunger body may include a first channel and a second channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the first channel may connect the proximal channel to the vent channel, thereby allowing air contained in an extension tube connected to the proximal end to vent through the vent channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the second channel may align with the distal channel, thereby allowing air contained in an extension tube connected to the distal end to vent through the second channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in an open position, the first channel may connect the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby allowing fluid flow through the primer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first channel may include a primary channel extending through the plunger body and a branch channel extending from the primary channel through a proximal outer surface of the plunger body. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in a closed position, the branch channel may be aligned with the proximal channel and the primary channel may be aligned with the vent channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in an open position, the primary channel may be aligned with the proximal channel and the distal channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second channel may include a horizontal channel extending through the distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through the bottom outer surface of the plunger body, hi some embodiments, the horizontal channel may be aligned with the distal channel in response to the plunger being in the closed position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the primer may include a first vent member disposed in the vent channel and a second vent member disposed in the second channel, hi some embodiments, the first vent member and the second vent member may each include a hydrophobic membrane, and the primer may include a hydrophilic membrane disposed in the second channel distal to the second vent member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the body may include a second vent channel extending from the plunger channel through an outer surface of the body. In some embodiments, the second channel may form a blood chamber, and the plunger body may further include a third channel extending from the blood chamber through an outer surface of the plunger body. In such embodiments, in response to the plunger being in a closed position, the third channel may be aligned with the second vent channel such that air contained in an extension tube connected to the distal end is vented through the second channel, the third channel, and the second vent channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second channel may be formed by a horizontal channel extending through the distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through the bottom outer surface of the plunger body. In some embodiments, the blood chamber may be formed between the horizontal channel and the vertical channel. In some embodiments, the primer may further include a septum disposed in the vertical channel between the blood chamber and the bottom outer surface. In some embodiments, the primer may include a first vent member disposed in the vent channel and a second vent member disposed in the third channel. In some embodiments, the first and second vent members may each be hydrophobic membranes, and the primer may further include a hydrophilic membrane disposed in the third channel between the second vent member and the blood chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the intravenous catheter system may include one or more of a catheter assembly having a catheter adapter and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, an extension tube fluidly coupled to the catheter adapter, an access port disposed at a proximal end of the extension tube, and a primer. In some embodiments, the primer may be coupled in-line to the extension tube such that a distal portion of the extension tube is disposed between the primer and the catheter adapter and a proximal portion of the extension tube is disposed between the primer and the access port. In some embodiments, the primer may include a body forming a plunger channel and including a distal end coupled to the distal portion of the extension tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the distal end may form a distal channel that connects to the plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may include a proximal end that is coupled to a proximal portion of the extension tube. In some embodiments, the proximal end may form a proximal channel that connects to the plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may further include a vent channel that extends through an exterior surface of the body and between the plunger channels.

[0015] In some embodiments, the primer may include a plunger body that inserts and slides into the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position. In some embodiments, the plunger body may include a first channel and a second channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the first channel may connect the proximal channel to the vent channel, thereby venting air contained in a proximal portion of the extension tube through the vent channel, and the second channel may align with the distal channel, thereby venting air contained in a distal portion of the extension tube through the second channel. In some embodiments, when the plunger is in the open position, the first channel may connect the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby allowing fluid flow through the primer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first channel may include a primary channel extending through the plunger body and a branch channel extending from the primary channel through a proximal outer surface of the plunger body. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in a closed position, the branch channel may be aligned with the proximal channel, and the primary channel may be aligned with the vent channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in an open position, the primary channel may be aligned with the proximal and distal channels. In some embodiments, the second channel may include a horizontal channel that may extend through a distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel that may extend through a bottom outer surface of the plunger body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the body may include a second vent channel extending from the plunger channel through an outer surface of the body. In some embodiments, the second channel may form a blood chamber, and the plunger body may include a third channel extending from the blood chamber through an outer surface of the plunger body. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in a closed position, the third channel may be aligned with the second vent channel such that air contained in a distal portion of the extension tube is vented through the second channel, the third channel, and the second vent channel. In some embodiments, the primer may include a septum disposed in the second channel between the blood chamber and the bottom outer surface of the plunger body.

[0018] In some embodiments, the primer may include one or more of a first venting member that vents air contained in a proximal portion of the extension tube, a second venting member that vents air contained in a distal portion of the extension tube, and a hydrophilic membrane disposed distal to the second venting member.

[0019] In some embodiments, a primer of an intravenous catheter system may include a body and a plunger. In some embodiments, the body may form a plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may include a distal end forming a distal channel connecting to the plunger channel and a proximal end forming a proximal channel connecting to the plunger channel. In some embodiments, the body may include a vent channel extending through an outer surface of the body and between the plunger channels. In some embodiments, the primer may include a plunger body that inserts and slides into the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plunger body may include a first channel and a second channel. In some embodiments, the first channel may include a primary channel and a branch channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in a closed position, the branch channel may be aligned with the proximal channel and the primary channel may be aligned with the vent channel, thereby venting air contained in an extension tube connected to the proximal end through the vent channel. In some embodiments, the second channel may be aligned with the distal channel, thereby venting air contained in an extension tube connected to the distal end through the second channel. In some embodiments, in response to the plunger being in an open position, the primary channel may connect the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby allowing fluid flow through the primer.

[0021] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the present disclosure as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. It is also to be understood that 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.

[0022] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary IV catheter system including a primer, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A]FIG. 2A is a front view of an example primer showing the primer in a closed position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a front view of an example primer showing the primer in an open position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the primer shown in FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the primer shown in FIG. 2B, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E provides a cross-sectional exploded view of the primer of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the primer of FIGS. 2A and 2B showing an example of a hydrophilic membrane, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a front view of the primer of FIGS. 2A and 2B showing an example of a hydrophilic membrane, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a front view of another example of a primer configured for collecting a blood sample, showing the primer in a closed position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the primer of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the primer of FIG. 4A when a needle of a blood collection set is inserted into the primer, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the primer of FIG. 4A when the primer is in an open position, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described primarily in the context of an integrated PICV. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure extend to other integrated IV catheter systems as well as any vascular access device in which the described embodiments of the primer may be used. For purposes of this specification and claims, the term "integral" in the context of an IV catheter system is intended to indicate that the IV catheter system includes tubing (e.g., an "extension set") that provides fluid access to the catheter. The term "tubing" should be interpreted as any elongated material that defines a fluid pathway.

[0025] 1 provides an example of an integrated PIVC 100 including a primer 200 configured in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the PIVC 100 may include a needle assembly 110 coupled to a catheter assembly 120. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 120 may include a catheter adapter 121 from which a catheter 122 extends distally. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 110 may include a needle adapter 111 from which a needle 112 extends distally therefrom. In some embodiments, depending on whether the needle assembly 110 is coupled to the catheter assembly 120, the needle 112 may extend distally through the catheter 122. In some embodiments, a needle shield 113 may cover the needle 112 and catheter 122 but is removed prior to insertion of the needle and catheter.

[0026] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 120 may include an extension port 123 that forms an opening to the lumens of the catheter adapter 121 and the catheter 122. In some embodiments, the access port 132 may be coupled to the extension port 123 via the extension tube 130. In some embodiments, the primer 200 may be positioned in-line with the extension tube 130. In other words, a portion of the extension tube 130 may be positioned distal (or downstream) of the primer 200, and another portion of the extension tube 130 may be positioned proximal (or upstream) of the primer 200. However, in some embodiments, the primer 200 may be directly coupled to the extension port 123. In some embodiments, one advantage of connecting the primer 200 to the extension port 123 via the extension tube 130 is that the flexibility of the extension tube 130 allows the primer 200 to move relative to the catheter adapter 121. In some embodiments, a pinch clamp 131 may also be attached to a portion of the extension tube 130 proximal to the primer 200 and may be selectively clamped to block fluid flow through the tube. In some embodiments, the access port 132 may represent any of many different types of connectors that may be used on or connected to an extension set. In some embodiments, the access port 132 may be used to connect a drip line to the PIVC 100, although any fluid source may be connected to the access port 132.

[0027] 2A and 2B provide front views of one embodiment of primer 200. Note that in these figures, primer 200 is shown as transparent so that the internal structure can be visualized. FIGS. 2C and 2D provide cross-sectional front views of this embodiment of primer 200 to better illustrate the internal structure. In some embodiments, primer 200 may include a plunger 210 and a body 220 into which plunger 210 inserts. In some embodiments, plunger 210 may move between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2A, and an open position, as shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, when in the closed position, primer 200 passes air but blocks fluid flow, while when in the open position, primer 200 allows fluid flow.

[0028] In some embodiments, the body 220 may include a top 220a, a bottom 220b, a distal end 220c, and a proximal end 220d. The terms "top" and "bottom" are used solely to distinguish between two opposing sides of the primer 200 and should not be construed as requiring either side to be oriented in any particular direction. Similarly, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical," as used below, are intended to distinguish between various components but should not be considered to require such components to be in any particular direction. The distal end 220c is the end of the primer 200 closest to the catheter adapter 121, and the proximal end 220d is the end of the primer 200 closest to the access port 132.

[0029] As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2E , in some embodiments, plunger channel 221 may extend from top 220a to bottom 220b, allowing plunger 210 to be inserted and slid within body 220. In some embodiments, distal channel 222 may extend from distal end 220c and connect to plunger channel 221. Similarly, proximal channel 223 may extend from proximal end 220d and connect to plunger channel 221. In some embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, at least a portion of distal channel 222 and proximal channel 223 may be sized to receive and secure the respective ends of extension tube 130. In some embodiments, body 220 may include a vent channel 224 extending from plunger channel 221 through an exterior surface of body 220. In some embodiments, first vent member 225 may be disposed within vent channel 224 and may be configured to allow air, but not fluid, to escape through vent channel 224. In some embodiments, the first vent member 225 may be a hydrophobic membrane.

[0030] In some embodiments, the plunger 210 may include an actuation member 210a and a plunger body 210b extending downwardly from the actuation member 210a. In some embodiments, the plunger body 210b may be sized to fit snugly into the plunger channel 221 and may be formed from a material that forms a fluid-tight seal against the sidewalls of the plunger channel 221.

[0031] 2E , in some embodiments, plunger body 210b may include a first channel 213 consisting of a primary channel 213a and a branch channel 213b. In some embodiments, primary channel 213a may extend completely through plunger body 210b from distal to proximal, while branch channel 213b may extend from the proximal side of plunger body 210b to primary channel 213a at a position below primary channel 213a. In some embodiments, when primer 200 is in the closed position, the proximal end of branch channel 213b may be aligned with proximal channel 223, and the distal end of primary channel 213a may be aligned with vent channel 224. 2C , when a priming fluid (e.g., saline) is injected into the portion of extension tube 130 connected to proximal end 220d of main body 220, air contained in this portion of extension tube 130 may flow through proximal channel 223, branch channel 213b, primary channel 213a, and vent channel 224 before being vented to the external environment through first vent member 225. In some embodiments, this venting of air may continue until priming fluid has flowed into first vent member 225, venting all air from extension tube 130 and primer 200.

[0032] In some embodiments, plunger body 210b may include a second channel 211 separated from first channel 213. In some embodiments, second channel 211 may include vertical channel 211a and horizontal channel 211b. In some embodiments, vertical channel 211a may extend upward from the bottom of plunger body 210b. In some embodiments, horizontal channel 211b extends from the distal side of plunger body 210b to vertical channel 211a. In some embodiments, second vent member 212 is disposed within second channel 211, such as at the distal end of horizontal channel 211b. In some embodiments, second vent member 212 may be in the form of a hydrophobic membrane.

[0033] In some embodiments, when primer 200 is in the closed position, horizontal channel 211b may be aligned with distal channel 222. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2C , in some embodiments, when blood enters the portion of extension tube 130 distal to primer 200, air contained in this portion of extension tube 130 may pass through second vent member 212 and vent through second channel 211 and plunger channel 221 to the external environment.

[0034] As can be seen from FIG. 2C , in some embodiments, primer 200 may evacuate air from both the distal and proximal portions of extension tube 130, thereby allowing blood and priming fluid to flow into primer 200. In some embodiments, the configuration of first channel 213 and second channel 211 may maintain isolation between the blood and priming fluid while primer 200 remains in the closed position. More specifically, in some embodiments, the configuration of branch channel 213b relative to proximal channel 223 and the configuration of primary channel 213a relative to vent channel 224 may form a fluid pathway from the proximal portion of extension tube 130 to first vent member 225. Similarly, in some embodiments, the configuration of second channel 211 and the position of second vent member 212 may form a separate fluid pathway from the distal portion of extension tube 130 to second vent member 212.

[0035] In some embodiments, in response to the flow of blood pushing all air through second vent member 212 and the flow of priming fluid pushing all air through first vent member 225, integrated PIVC 100 may be fully primed while maintaining isolation between the blood and the priming fluid. In some embodiments, at this point, primer 200 may be transitioned to the open position depicted in FIGS. 2B and 2D by applying a force to actuation member 210a. For example, a clinician may place their thumb on actuation member 210a and their fingers under distal end 220c and proximal end 220d, and then provide a squeezing force.

[0036] In some embodiments, in the open position, primary channel 213a may align with both proximal channel 223 and distal channel 222, thereby opening a fluid path through primer 200. In some embodiments, priming fluid that has filled proximal channel 223 may begin to flow through proximal channel 223 and into distal channel 222, flushing blood toward the patient's vasculature.

[0037] 3 and 3A, in some embodiments, the hydrophilic membrane 214 may be positioned distal to the second vent member 212 such that the hydrophilic membrane 214 is exposed to blood entering the distal channel 222. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic membrane 214 may absorb the blood and ultimately form an air barrier to prevent air from passing back through the second vent member 212 into the distal channel 222.

[0038] In some embodiments, the primer 200 may be configured in this manner when it is intended for use on an integrated catheter system configured to allow blood to be drawn from the catheter adapter 121 or any other component distal to the primer 200. In such cases, a vacuum may be created distal to the primer 200 as blood is drawn. In some embodiments, if the hydrophilic membrane 214 is not present, this vacuum may cause air to pass distally through the second vent member 212 (e.g., through the hydrophobic membrane) and into the distal channel 222. However, in some embodiments, with the hydrophilic membrane 214, air may initially vent proximally through the hydrophilic membrane 214 and the second vent member (or hydrophobic membrane) 212 until the hydrophilic membrane 214 absorbs the blood, at which point the air no longer passes through the hydrophilic membrane 214. In some embodiments, at that point, if a vacuum is created as blood is drawn from a point distal to the primer 200, the hydrophilic membrane 214 blocks the flow of air toward the vacuum, thus maintaining a primed state in the portion of the catheter system distal to the primer 200.

[0039] In some embodiments, primer 200 may be configured to allow a blood sample to be drawn from second channel 211. Figures 4a-4d are examples of such embodiments. Figure 4A provides a see-through front view of primer 200 in a closed position, Figure 4B provides a cross-sectional side view of primer 200 in a closed position, Figure 4C provides a cross-sectional perspective view of primer 200 in a closed position during blood collection, and Figure 4D provides a cross-sectional front view of primer 200 in an open position.

[0040] In these embodiments, the body 220 may be configured in the same or similar manner as described above, except that the second vent channel 226 may extend from the plunger channel 221 through the exterior surface of the body 220. Referring to FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, the second vent channel 226 extends rearward, but it may also extend forward or in any other direction that passes through the exterior surface of the body 220.

[0041] In these embodiments, plunger 210 may also have a similar design as described above, except that septum 216 is disposed within vertical channel 211a, sealing it, and second channel 211b includes blood chamber 211c where vertical channel 211a and horizontal channel 211b are connected. As best seen in FIG. 4B , in some embodiments, plunger body 210b may include third channel 215 in which second vent member 212 and, optionally, hydrophilic membrane 214 are disposed. In some embodiments, third channel 215 may extend from blood chamber 211c through the exterior surface of plunger body 210b at a point that aligns with second vent channel 226 when primer 200 is in the closed position. Thus, in some embodiments, in response to placement of the catheter in a patient's vasculature, blood may flow toward primer 200 by venting air through third channel 215 and second vent channel 226.

[0042] In some embodiments, blood chamber 211c may function to draw blood and form an area from which blood can be collected. For example, FIG. 4C shows needle 400 of a blood collection set (not shown) inserted into plunger channel 221 and through septum 216 so that its tip is positioned within blood chamber 211c. In some embodiments, upon needle 400 in this position, a blood sample may be obtained. In some embodiments, in the same manner as above, hydrophilic membrane 214 may function as an air barrier to prevent air from passing from the external environment into blood chamber 211c due to any vacuum that may develop when the blood collection set is collecting blood.

[0043] In some embodiments, after collecting a blood sample, or if no blood sample is collected, after primer 200 has primed both sides of the catheter system, primer 200 may transition to an open position as shown in Figure 4D. In this open position, primer 200 may function in the same manner as described above.

[0044] In some embodiments, particularly due to the configuration, when primer 200 is in the open position, first vent member 225 and second vent member 212 may be isolated from the fluid path (i.e., isolated from primary channel 213a). This allows primer 200 to support power injection. In particular, in some embodiments, the interface between plunger body 210b and the sidewall of plunger channel 221 forms a seal that isolates these vent members, which may be damaged during power injection, from the fluid path through which power injection is performed. Also, in some embodiments, because primary channel 213a passes linearly through plunger body 210b and is aligned with distal channel 222 and proximal channel 223, the fluid path through primer 200 may be linear, thereby reducing or eliminating any pressure drop through primer 200.

[0045] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to aid in understanding the invention and concepts provided by the inventor to further the technology, and should 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 alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. A primer for an intravenous catheter system, comprising: a body defining a plunger channel, the body having a distal end defining a distal channel connecting to the plunger channel and a proximal end defining a proximal channel connecting to the plunger channel, the body further having a vent channel extending from the plunger channel through an exterior surface of the body; a plunger having a plunger body that is inserted into and slides within the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position, the plunger body having a first channel and a second channel; In response to the plunger being in the closed position, the first channel connects the proximal channel to the vent channel, thereby allowing air contained in an extension tube connected to the proximal end to be vented through the vent channel, and the second channel connects the distal channel to the plunger channel, thereby allowing air contained in an extension tube connected to the distal end to be vented through the plunger channel; 1. A primer for an intravenous catheter system, wherein, in response to the plunger being in the open position, the first channel connects the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby permitting fluid flow through the primer.

2. 2. The primer of claim 1, wherein the first channel comprises a primary channel extending through the plunger body and a branch channel extending from the primary channel through a proximal outer surface of the plunger body.

3. The primer of claim 2 , wherein the branch channel is aligned with the proximal channel and the primary channel is aligned with the vent channel in response to the plunger being in the closed position.

4. The primer of claim 3 , wherein the primary channel is aligned with the proximal channel and the distal channel in response to the plunger being in the open position.

5. 2. The primer of claim 1, wherein the second channel comprises a horizontal channel extending through a distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through a bottom outer surface of the plunger body.

6. The primer of claim 5 , wherein the horizontal channel is aligned with the distal channel in response to the plunger being in the closed position.

7. The primer according to claim 1, a first vent member disposed within the vent channel; a second vent member disposed within the second channel.

8. The first and second ventilation members are each a hydrophobic film, and the primer further comprises: The primer of claim 7 , further comprising: a hydrophilic membrane disposed within the second vent member distal to the second channel.

9. The primer of claim 1 , wherein the plunger further comprises an actuation member connected to the plunger body.

10. the body further comprising a second vent channel extending from the plunger channel through the outer surface of the body, the second channel forming a blood chamber, the plunger body further comprising a third channel extending from the blood chamber through the outer surface of the plunger body; 2. The primer of claim 1, wherein, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the third channel is aligned with the second vent channel such that the air contained in the extension tube connected to the distal end is vented through the second channel, the third channel, and the second vent channel.

11. the second channel comprises a horizontal channel extending through a distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through a bottom outer surface of the plunger body, the blood chamber being formed between the horizontal channel and the vertical channel, and the primer comprises:

11. The primer of claim 10, further comprising: a septum disposed within the vertical channel between the blood chamber and the bottom exterior surface.

12. a first ventilation member disposed within the ventilation channel; The primer of claim 10 , further comprising: a second vent member disposed within the third channel.

13. The first and second ventilation members are each a hydrophobic membrane, and the primer is 13. The primer of claim 12, further comprising a hydrophilic membrane disposed within the third channel between the second vent member and the blood chamber.

14. 1. An intravenous catheter system comprising: a catheter assembly having a catheter adapter and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; an extension tube fluidly coupled to the catheter adapter; an access port disposed at a proximal end of the extension tube; a primer connected in-line to an extension tube such that a distal portion of the extension tube is disposed between the primer and the catheter adapter and a proximal portion of the extension tube is disposed between the primer and the access port; a body defining a plunger channel and having a distal end coupled to the distal portion of the extension tube, the distal end defining a distal channel connected to the plunger channel, the body also having a proximal end coupled to the proximal portion of the extension tube, the proximal end defining a proximal channel connected to the plunger channel, and further having a vent channel extending from the plunger channel through an exterior surface of the body; a plunger having a plunger body that is inserted into and slides within the plunger channel between a closed position and an open position, the plunger body having a first channel and a second channel; a primer comprising: Equipped with In response to the plunger being in the closed position, the first channel connects the proximal channel to the vent channel, thereby allowing air contained in the proximal portion of the extension tube to be vented through the vent channel, and the second channel connects the distal channel to the plunger channel, thereby allowing air contained in the distal portion of the extension tube to be vented through the plunger channel; an intravenous catheter system, wherein, in response to the plunger being in the open position, the first channel connects the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby permitting fluid flow through the primer;

15. the first channel comprises a primary channel extending through the plunger body and a branch channel extending from the primary channel through a proximal outer surface of the plunger body; In response to the plunger being in the closed position, the branch channel is aligned with the proximal channel and the primary channel is aligned with the vent channel; The intravenous catheter system of claim 14 , wherein the primary channel is aligned with the proximal channel and the distal channel in response to the plunger being in the open position.

16. 15. The intravenous catheter system of claim 14, wherein the second channel comprises a horizontal channel extending through a distal outer surface of the plunger body and a vertical channel extending through a bottom outer surface of the plunger body.

17. the body further comprising a second vent channel extending from the plunger channel through the outer surface of the body, the second channel forming a blood chamber, the plunger body further comprising a third channel extending from the blood chamber through the outer surface of the plunger body; 15. The intravenous catheter system of claim 14, wherein, in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the third channel is aligned with the second vent channel such that the air contained in the distal portion of the extension tube is vented through the second channel, the third channel, and the second vent channel.

18. The primer is 18. The intravenous catheter system of claim 17, further comprising: a septum disposed in the second channel between the blood chamber and a bottom exterior surface of the plunger body.

19. a first venting member for venting the air contained in the proximal portion of the extension tube; a second venting member for venting the air contained in the distal portion of the extension tube; 15. The intravenous catheter system of claim 14, further comprising: a hydrophilic membrane disposed distally of the second vent member.

20. 1. A primer for an intravenous catheter system, comprising: a body defining a plunger channel and having a distal end defining a distal channel connecting to the plunger channel and a proximal end defining a proximal channel connecting to the plunger channel, the body further having a vent channel extending from the plunger channel through an exterior surface of the body; a plunger having a plunger body, the plunger body being inserted and slid into the plunger body between a closed position and an open position, the plunger body having a first channel and a second channel, the first channel including a primary channel and a branch channel; in response to the plunger being in the closed position, the branch channel aligns with the proximal channel and the primary channel aligns with the vent channel, thereby allowing air contained in an extension tube connected to the proximal end to be vented through the vent channel, and the second channel connects the distal channel to the plunger channel, thereby allowing air contained in an extension tube connected to the distal end to be vented through the plunger channel; A primer for an intravenous catheter system, wherein in response to the plunger being in the open position, the primary channel connects the proximal channel to the distal channel, thereby permitting fluid flow through the primer.

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