Improved connection between telescoping needle shield and catheter adapter

Abstract

To provide a catheter system facilitating securement between a catheter adapter and a needle shield device.SOLUTION: A catheter system 10 includes a catheter adapter 16 and a needle shield device coupled to the catheter adapter. The needle shield device includes a needle housing and a needle assembly slidably coupled to the needle housing. The needle housing includes an elongated body 32 and a nose portion 62 coupled to the elongated body 32. The elongated body 32 includes a distal end, a proximal end, a slot disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the elongated body 32, a needle grip 40 and a needle hub. The needle hub has a protuberance coupled to the needle grip 40 and slidably fit within the slot. To facilitate securement between the catheter adapter 16 and the needle shield device, a flexible arm 108 of the needle shield device may couple to the catheter adapter 16 and multiple protrusions of the nose portion 62 contact an internal wall of the catheter adapter 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to needle shielding devices and related devices, systems, and methods. [Background technology]

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

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

[0004] To verify proper placement of the introducer needle and / or PIVC within the blood vessel, the user typically confirms the presence of a "flashback" of blood within the flashback chamber of the PIVC assembly. Once needle placement is confirmed, the user may temporarily block flow within the vasculature and remove the introducer needle, leaving the PIVC in place for future blood collection and / or infusion.

[0005] If the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle is not properly secured to the needle shield or cover, there is a risk of an accidental needlestick injury. Therefore, the PIVC assembly may include a needle shield. If the needle shield includes a slot for telescoping between elements of the needle shield, a nose portion may be secured to the distal end of the needle shield during assembly of the PIVC assembly. The nose portion may be secured to the distal end of the needle shield after the elements are arranged in the telescoping configuration. The nose portion is not configured for secure coupling between the needle shield and the catheter adapter. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In some cases, a poor connection between the needle shield and the catheter adapter can cause the needle shield to prematurely detach from the catheter adapter. Premature detachment between the needle shield and the catheter adapter can result in blood leakage from the needle shield, which poses a risk of blood exposure to the user and others. Premature detachment can also result in exposure of the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle, posing another risk to the user and others. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve all disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate one example technology area in which some implementations described herein may be practiced.

[0008] summary The present disclosure generally relates to needle shielding devices, and related devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, a catheter system may include a needle shielding device coupled to a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner wall forming a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). In some embodiments, the proximal end of the catheter may be secured within the catheter adapter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the needle shield device may include a needle housing. In some embodiments, the needle housing may include an elongate body, the elongate body may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot disposed between the distal end of the elongate body and the proximal end of the elongate body. In some embodiments, the needle housing may include a nose portion, the nose portion may be coupled to the distal end of the elongate body. In some embodiments, the nose portion may be configured to be inserted into a catheter adapter.

[0010] In some embodiments, the needle shield apparatus may include a needle assembly, which may be slidably coupled to the needle housing. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include an introducer needle, which may include a sharp distal tip and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a needle grip and a needle hub. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub.

[0011] In some embodiments, a protrusion on the needle hub may be coupled to the needle grip. In some embodiments, the protrusion may slidably fit within the slot. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may be movable between a distal position and a proximal position relative to the needle housing. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the needle assembly to the proximal position, a sharp distal tip may be disposed within the needle housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the nose portion may include a plate and / or an extension extending distally from the plate. In some embodiments, the extension may include one or more protrusions (which may be referred to in this disclosure as "extension protrusions"). In some embodiments, the extension protrusions may contact an inner wall of the catheter adapter to facilitate securement of the needle shield device to the catheter adapter during insertion of the catheter of the catheter adapter into the patient's vasculature.

[0013] In some embodiments, the maximum outer diameter of the extension can be larger than the inner diameter of the inner wall of the catheter adapter, and the extension is disposed within the catheter adapter with an interference fit. In some embodiments, the maximum outer diameter of the extension can be disposed at an extension protrusion that can interact with the inner wall of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the maximum outer diameter of the extension can be disposed at two opposing extension protrusions that can interact with the inner wall of the catheter adapter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the catheter adapter may include one or more other protrusions (which may be referred to in this disclosure as "adapter protrusions"). In some embodiments, each of the adapter protrusions may contact an extension of the nose section. In some embodiments, the adapter protrusion may be located proximally of the extension protrusion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the extension protrusions and / or adapter protrusions may facilitate securing the needle shield device to the catheter adapter during insertion of the catheter of the catheter adapter into the patient's vasculature. In some embodiments, the extension protrusions and / or adapter protrusions may prevent or inhibit premature detachment of the needle shield device from the catheter adapter. For example, the extension protrusions and / or adapter protrusions may prevent or inhibit detachment of the needle shield device from the catheter adapter before enclosing the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle within the needle shield device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a septum disposed within the lumen of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the extension protrusion may contact an inner surface of the septum. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the septum may include one or more other protrusions (which may be referred to in this disclosure as "septum protrusions"). In some embodiments, the septum protrusion may contact the extension. In some embodiments, the septum protrusion may be disposed proximal to the extension protrusion. In some embodiments, the septum protrusion may facilitate securing the needle shield device to the catheter adapter during insertion of the catheter into the patient's vasculature.

[0017] In some embodiments, the septum can include a distal end, a proximal end, and a barrier disposed between the distal end of the septum and the proximal end of the septum. In some embodiments, the septum can include a substantially H-shaped cross-section. In some embodiments, a portion of the inner surface of the septum proximal to the barrier can include a septum protrusion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the catheter adapter may include one or more grooves, which may be configured to receive the extension protrusions. In some embodiments, the extension protrusions may be disposed within the grooves. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the introducer needle proximally beyond the grooves, the extension protrusions may be removed from the grooves to facilitate removal of the needle assembly from the catheter assembly of the catheter system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the nose piece may include one or more capillaries. In some embodiments, each of the capillaries may include a distal opening proximal to the distal opening of the needle port, which may extend through the nose piece. In some embodiments, blood exiting the distal end of the needle port may be collected within the capillaries, thereby preventing the blood from exiting the nose piece.

[0020] In some embodiments, the nose portion may include multiple distally extending arms. In some embodiments, the distally extending arms and the proximal end of the catheter adapter may be engaged in an interference fit. In some embodiments, the distal end of each distally extending arm may include a flange, and the flange may be configured to grip an edge of the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the proximal end of the catheter adapter may be slightly larger than the inner diameter between the flanges of the first and second distally extending arms.

[0021] In some embodiments, the needle shield device may include a flexible arm, and the flexible arm may be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the flexible arm may extend from the needle grip. In some embodiments, the nose portion may include a tab. In some embodiments, in response to depression of the tab, the flexible arm may be configured to release from the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the distal end of the flexible arm may include a flange, and the flange may be configured to grip an edge of the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, in response to depression of the tab, the flange may release from the edge of the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

[0022] In some embodiments, the tabs may extend further from the longitudinal axis of the catheter system than the distal end of the needle grip and the proximal end of the catheter adapter, which may facilitate access to the tabs by the user. In some embodiments, the tabs may extend outward from the plate and / or may be generally perpendicular to the extension.

[0023] In some embodiments, the flexible arm may extend from the elongate body. In some embodiments, a proximal portion of the flexible arm may be disposed between the elongate body and the needle grip. In some embodiments, the flexible arm may be deflected toward the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the needle assembly to a proximal position, the flexible arm may move away from the catheter adapter to an undeflected position, releasing the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

[0024] 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 invention, as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural changes not so claimed may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0025] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter system having an exemplary needle shield apparatus, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary needle assembly of a needle shield device, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a needle assembly taken along line 1C-1C of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1D] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a needle assembly according to some embodiments. [Figure 1E] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a needle shield device with a needle assembly coupled to an exemplary needle housing, according to some embodiments, showing the nose portion detached and the needle assembly in a distal position relative to the needle housing. [Figure 1F] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a needle shield apparatus, showing the nose portion removed and the needle assembly in a proximal position relative to the needle housing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a needle shield apparatus, illustrating an exemplary nose portion including an exemplary extension protrusion, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 2B is a bottom perspective view of a needle shield apparatus according to some embodiments, showing the nose portion of FIG. 2A and illustrating the needle assembly in a proximal position. FIG. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system showing the nose portion of FIG. 2A and illustrating the needle assembly in a distal position relative to the needle housing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2D] 2B is a cross-sectional view of a needle shield apparatus according to some embodiments, showing the nose portion of FIG. 2A and illustrating the needle assembly in a proximal position relative to the needle housing. [Figure 2E] 2B is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system showing the nose portion of FIG. 2A and illustrating an exemplary adapter protrusion, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another exemplary nose portion, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nose portion of FIG. 3A coupled to an exemplary catheter adapter, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system showing an exemplary septum protrusion and an exemplary distally extending arm, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a needle shield apparatus, illustrating an exemplary flexible arm, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system showing the flexible arm of FIG. 5A and illustrating the needle assembly in a distal position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system showing the flexible arm of FIG. 5A deflected outward, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system showing another flexible arm and illustrating the needle assembly in a distal position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter system showing the flexible arm of FIG. 6A deflected outward, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter system illustrating an exemplary groove disposed within a catheter adapter, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7B] 7B is a cross-sectional view of a needle shield device showing the extension protrusion removed from the groove of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 1A , in some embodiments, a catheter system 10 may include a needle shielding device 12 and a catheter assembly 14. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 14 may include a catheter adapter 16, which may include a distal end 18, a proximal end 20, and an inner wall forming a lumen extending through the distal end 18 and the proximal end 20. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 14 may include a catheter 22, which may include a distal end 24 and a proximal end 26. In some embodiments, the catheter 22 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC") or another suitable catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end 26 of the catheter 22 may be secured within the catheter adapter 16.

[0028] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be integrated with an integrated extension tube, such as the BD Nexiva™ Closed IV Catheter System, the BD Nexiva™ Diffusix™ Closed IV Catheter System, the BD Pegasus™ Safety Closed IV Catheter System, or other integrated catheter systems. An example of an integrated catheter system 10 is shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be non-integrated. The catheter system 10 may include one or more features of the safety catheter assembly described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 012,013, filed February 1, 2016, entitled "Releasable Catheter Hub Retainer," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0029] In some embodiments, the needle shield apparatus 12 may include a needle housing 30, which may be removably coupled to the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the needle housing 30 may include an elongated body 32. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 34 may be slidably coupled to the needle housing 30.

[0030] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 34 may include an introducer needle 36, which may include a sharp distal tip 38. In some embodiments, when the catheter system 10 is in an insertion position ready for insertion into a patient's vasculature, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A , the introducer needle 36 may extend through the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 34 may include a needle grip 40, and once placement of the catheter 22 within the vasculature is confirmed, a user may grasp the needle grip 40 and move it proximally to withdraw the introducer needle 36 from the vasculature.

[0031] In some embodiments, placement of the catheter 22 within the vasculature may be confirmed via blood flashback. In some embodiments, in response to insertion of the introducer needle 36 into a patient's vasculature, blood may flashback through the sharp distal tip 38 of the introducer needle 36, out the distal notch of the introducer needle 36, and into a portion of the catheter system 10. For example, blood may flashback through the sharp distal tip 38, out the distal notch, and into the space between the outer surface of the introducer needle 36 and the inner surface of the catheter 22.

[0032] 1B, a needle assembly 34 is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 34 may include a needle hub 42. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle 36 may be secured within the needle hub 42. In some embodiments, the needle hub 42 may include a flashback chamber 44. In some embodiments, in response to the introducer needle 36 being inserted into the patient's vascular system, blood flashback may flow through the sharp distal tip 38 of the introducer needle 36 and into the flashback chamber 44. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the flashback chamber 44 and / or at least a portion of the needle housing 30 may be transparent so that a user can visualize the blood within the flashback chamber 44. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber 44 may include a material that allows air to escape from the flashback chamber 44 as blood fills it, but prevents blood from passing out of the flashback chamber 44.

[0033] In some embodiments, the needle grip 40 may include a C-shaped cross-section configured to fit around the outer surface of the needle housing 30 in a manner that prevents the needle hub 42 from easily separating from the needle housing 30, but allows the needle hub 42 and the needle housing 30 to slide relative to one another with minimal resistance as the needle assembly 34 moves from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0034] In some embodiments, needle grip 40 may include one or more protrusions or projections, which may aid a user in grasping needle grip 40. In some embodiments, needle grip 40 may include a proximal end 46 and a distal end 48. In some embodiments, introducer needle 36 may include a notch.

[0035] 1C-1D, in some embodiments, the needle hub 42 may include a protrusion 52 that may be coupled to the needle grip 40. In some embodiments, the protrusion 52 may prevent the needle hub 42 from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the needle housing 30. In some embodiments, the needle hub 42, the protrusion 52, and the needle grip 40 may be monolithically formed as a single unit.

[0036] 1E-1F, elongate body 32 may include a distal end 54, a proximal end 56, and a slot 58 disposed between distal end 54 and proximal end 56. In some embodiments, protrusion 52 may slidably fit within slot 58. In some embodiments, needle assembly 34 may be movable relative to needle housing 30 between a distal position, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1E, and a proximal position, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1F. In some embodiments, in response to movement of needle assembly 34 to the proximal position, sharp distal tip 38 may be disposed within needle housing 30, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1F.

[0037] In some embodiments, return movement of needle assembly 34 back to the distal or usable position after placement in the proximal or secure position may be inhibited by needle lock 60. Thus, in some embodiments, needle lock 60 may be configured to interlock needle hub 42 to needle housing 30 at the proximal position. In some embodiments, needle lock 60 may be located in the proximal portion of needle housing 30 at the proximal end of slot 58 and engages protrusion 52.

[0038] In some embodiments, several different types of locking mechanisms may be used for this purpose. For example, the slot 58 may include a narrow passageway that may have a narrower width than the portion of the slot 58 adjacent to the narrow passageway. In some embodiments, the protrusion 52 of the needle hub 42 may be triangular or wedge-shaped, with the apex of the wedge facing the narrow passageway when in the distal position. In some embodiments, when an external force is applied to the needle hub 42 in an attempt to slide the needle hub 42 to a proximal position, the apex of the wedge of the protrusion 52 may contact the narrow passageway. In some embodiments, the narrow passageway may include a width narrower than the width of the protrusion 52, which may initially resist movement of the protrusion 52 through the narrow passageway. In some embodiments, with sufficient force, the protrusion 52 may cause the narrow passageway to temporarily deform, thereby allowing the protrusion 52 to pass through the narrow passageway and be locked in a proximal position relative to the needle housing 30.

[0039] In some embodiments, the slot 58 may be located at the bottom of the elongate body 32, as shown in Figures 1E-1F, for example. In some embodiments, the bottom of the elongate body 32 may face the patient's skin when the catheter system 10 is inserted into the patient's vasculature. In some embodiments, the slot 58 may be located at another position on the elongate body 32. In some embodiments, the slot 58 may be located on the top or side of the elongate body 32.

[0040] 2A-2E , in some embodiments, the needle housing 30 may include a nose portion 62, which may be coupled to the distal end 54 of the elongate body 32. In some embodiments, the nose portion 62 may be a separate piece from the elongate body 32 and may be secured to the elongate body after the projections 52 are positioned within the slots 58 during assembly. In some embodiments, the nose portion 62 may be configured to be inserted into the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the needle housing 30 may include a septum 64 disposed within the elongate body 32 and / or the nose portion 62. In some embodiments, the septum 64 may be replaced with a membrane. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 16 may include a septum 68.

[0041] In some embodiments, nose portion 62 may include a plate 70 and / or an extension 72 extending distally from plate 70. In some embodiments, extension 72 may include one or more protrusions 74 (which may be referred to in this disclosure as "extension protrusions"). In some embodiments, extension protrusions 74 may contact an inner wall 76 of the catheter adapter to facilitate securing needle shield apparatus 12 to catheter assembly 14 during insertion of catheter 22 into a patient's vasculature.

[0042] In some embodiments, the proximal end 75 of the nose portion 62 fits snugly within the distal end 54 of the elongate body 32, and a seal may be formed between the elongate body 32 and the proximal end 75 of the nose portion 62. In some embodiments, the plate 70 may be generally flat or curved. In some embodiments, the plate 70 may be flush with the distal end 54 of the elongate body 32. In these and other embodiments, the diameter of the plate 70 may be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the distal end 54. In some embodiments, the diameter of the plate 70 may be larger than the diameter of the distal end 54. In some embodiments, the inner wall 76 of the catheter adapter may seal against the extension 72.

[0043] In some embodiments, the maximum outer diameter 78 of the extension 72 can be larger than the inner diameter of the inner wall 76 of the catheter adapter 16, and the extension 72 is disposed within the catheter adapter 16 with an interference fit. In some embodiments, the maximum outer diameter 78 of the extension 72 can be disposed at an extension protrusion 74, which can interfere with the inner wall 76 of the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the maximum outer diameter 78 of the extension 72 can be disposed at two opposing extension protrusions 74, which can interfere with the inner wall 76 of the catheter adapter 16, for example, as shown in Figures 2C-2D.

[0044] 2E, in some embodiments, the inner wall 76 of the catheter adapter 16 may include one or more other protrusions 80 (which may be referred to in this disclosure as "adapter protrusions"). In some embodiments, each of the adapter protrusions 80 may contact the extension 74 of the nose portion 62. In some embodiments, the adapter protrusions 80 may be positioned proximal to the extension protrusions 74 and may provide resistance in response to proximal movement of the nose portion 62.

[0045] In some embodiments, the extension protrusions 74 and / or the adapter protrusions 80 may facilitate securing the needle shield device 12 to the catheter adapter 16 during insertion of the catheter 22 and introducer needle 36 into the patient's vasculature. In some embodiments, the extension protrusions 74 and / or the adapter protrusions 80 may prevent or inhibit premature disengagement of the needle shield device 12 from the catheter adapter 16. For example, the extension protrusions 74 and / or the adapter protrusions 80 may prevent or inhibit the needle shield device 12 from disengaging from the catheter adapter 16 before enclosing the sharp distal tip 38 of the introducer needle 36 within the needle shield device 12.

[0046] 3A-3B, in some embodiments, the nose piece can include one or more capillaries. In some embodiments, each of the capillaries can include a distal opening proximal to the distal opening of the needle port, which can extend through the nose piece. In some embodiments, blood exiting the distal end of the needle port can be collected within the capillaries, thereby preventing the blood from exiting the nose piece.

[0047] In some cases, the nose piece 62 and needle shield device 12 may eventually be removed from the catheter adapter 16, providing an opportunity for blood in, on, and / or around the nose piece 62 to spill and potentially contaminate and / or harm the user. In some embodiments, the nose piece 62 may include a distal vent 82, which may include a space through which blood travels through the nose piece 62. In some embodiments, one or more capillaries 84 may be formed within the nose piece 62 to retain, via surface tension, blood that contacts the nose piece 62 after the nose piece 62 is released from the catheter adapter 16.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the needle shield apparatus 12 is coupled to the catheter adapter 16, the capillary tube 84 may be surrounded by a sealing surface 86 that may contact the catheter adapter 16 to ensure that blood does not leak between the sealing surface 86 and the catheter adapter 16. Thus, blood will travel from the interior of the catheter adapter 16 to the capillary tube 84 and distal vent 82 between the introducer needle 36 and the interior surface of the needle port 88 in the nose piece 62. In some embodiments, as blood travels through the catheter adapter 16 and into the nose piece 62, the process of capillary action will draw the blood into the capillary tube 84.

[0049] In some embodiments, the nose piece 62 may include six capillaries 84. In some embodiments, the nose piece 62 may include fewer than six capillaries 84 or more than six capillaries 84. In some embodiments, the capillaries 84 may include any material and / or configuration of materials useful for preventing unintended exposure to blood or other liquids when such exposure is undesirable. For example, the capillaries 84 may include tubes molded into the material of the nose piece 62. However, in other embodiments, the capillaries 84 may include a configuration of fibrous material having wicking properties, the fibrous material being arranged such that upon separation of the nose piece 62 from the catheter assembly 14, the fibrous material absorbs and / or retains residual liquid not contained within the nose piece 62 and / or catheter adapter 16.

[0050] In some embodiments, the capillary tube 84 may surround the distal vent 82 through which blood may travel through the nose portion 62. In some embodiments, the sealing surface 86 may interact with the inner wall 76 of the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the sealing surface 86 may include a smooth surface against which the inner surface of the catheter adapter 16 may seal to ensure that no air or blood travels between the inner surface of the catheter adapter 16 and the sealing surface 86.

[0051] 4 , in some embodiments, the catheter adapter 16 may include a septum 68 disposed within a lumen 90 of the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the extension protrusion 74 may contact an inner surface 92 of the septum 68. In some embodiments, the inner surface 92 of the septum 68 may include one or more other protrusions 94 (which may be referred to in this disclosure as “septum protrusions”). In some embodiments, the septum protrusion 94 may contact the extension 72. In some embodiments, the septum protrusion 94 may be disposed proximal to the extension protrusion 74 and may provide resistance in response to proximal movement of the nose portion 62. In some embodiments, the septum protrusion 94 may facilitate securement of the needle shield apparatus 12 to the catheter adapter 16 during insertion of the catheter 22 into the patient's vasculature.

[0052] In some embodiments, the septum 68 may include a distal end 96, a proximal end 98, and a barrier 100 disposed between the distal end 96 and the proximal end 98. In some embodiments, the barrier 100 may include a slit. In some embodiments, the septum 68 may include a substantially H-shaped cross-section. In some embodiments, a portion of the inner surface 92 of the septum 68 proximal to the barrier 100 may include a septum protrusion 94.

[0053] In some embodiments, the septum actuator 102 may be fixed within the lumen 90 of the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the septum actuator 102 may be connected to the catheter 28. In some embodiments, the septum 68 may be configured to move between a proximal position and a distal position in response to insertion of a separate device into the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 16 after the needle shield device 12 has been removed from the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the septum actuator 102 may pierce a slit in response to movement of the septum 68 from the proximal position to the distal position.

[0054] In some embodiments, the nose portion 62 may include one or more distally extending arms 104. In some embodiments, the distally extending arms 104 and the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 16 may be engaged with an interference fit. In some embodiments, the distal end of each of the distally extending arms 104 may include a flange 106, which may be configured to grip the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 16 may be slightly larger than the inner diameter between the first flange 106a and the second flange 106b. In some embodiments, the distally extending arms 104 may facilitate securing the needle shield device 12 to the catheter adapter 16 during insertion of the catheter 22 into the patient's vasculature.

[0055] Although illustrated together, it is understood that in some embodiments, the distally extending arm 104 may be present without the septum protrusion 94 and / or the extension protrusion 74. In some embodiments, the septum protrusion 94 and / or the extension protrusion 74 may be present without the distally extending arm 104.

[0056] In some embodiments, the needle shield device 12 may include a flexible arm 108 that may be coupled to the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the flexible arm 108 may extend from the needle grip 40. In some embodiments, the nose portion 62 may include a tab 110. In some embodiments, the flexible arm 108 may be configured to release from the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 16 in response to depression of the tab 110, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C . In some embodiments, the distal end of the flexible arm 108 may include a flange 112 that may be configured to grip an edge of the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, in response to depression of the tab 110, the nose portion 62 may contact the flexible arm 108 and / or move the flexible arm 108 away from the longitudinal axis 114 of the catheter system 10. In some embodiments, in response to depression of tab 110, flange 112 can be released from the edge of proximal end 20 of catheter adapter 16.

[0057] In some embodiments, the tab 110 may extend further from the longitudinal axis 114 of the catheter system 10 than the distal end 48 of the needle grip 40 and the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 16, which may facilitate access to the tab 110 by a user. In some embodiments, the tab 110 may extend outward from the plate 70 and / or may be approximately perpendicular to the extension 72.

[0058] 6A-6B, in some embodiments, the flexible arm 108 may extend from the elongate body 32. In some embodiments, a proximal portion 116 of the flexible arm 108 may be disposed between the elongate body 32 and the needle grip 40. In some embodiments, the flexible arm 108 may be biased toward the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the needle assembly 34 to a proximal position, the flexible arm 108 may move to a non-biased position away from the catheter adapter 16, releasing the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 16, as shown, for example, in FIG.

[0059] 7A-7B , in some embodiments, the inner wall 76 of the catheter adapter 16 may include one or more grooves 120, which may be configured to receive the extension protrusions 74. In some embodiments, the extension protrusions 74 may be disposed within the grooves 120 to facilitate securing the needle shield apparatus 12 to the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, in response to proximal withdrawal of the introducer needle 36 beyond the grooves 120, the extension protrusions 74 may move toward the longitudinal axis 114 and be removed from the grooves 120, facilitating removal of the needle assembly 34 from the catheter adapter 14.

[0060] All examples and conditional language set forth herein are intended for educational purposes to assist the reader in understanding the invention and concepts provided by the inventors to further the art, and should not be construed as being limited to such specifically set forth examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A catheter system, comprising: a catheter adapter including a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner wall forming a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter; a needle shield device coupled to the catheter adapter, the needle shield device comprising: A needle housing comprising: an elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot disposed between the distal end of the elongate body and the proximal end of the elongate body; the needle shield device including the needle housing including a nose portion coupled to the distal end of the elongate body and extending into the lumen of the catheter adapter, the nose portion including a plate and an extension extending distally from the plate, the plate covering the distal end of the elongate body and proximal to the slot; a needle assembly slidably coupled to the needle housing, the needle assembly comprising: an introducer needle including a sharp distal tip and a proximal end; Needle grip and a needle hub having a protrusion, the proximal end of the introducer needle secured within the needle hub, the protrusion coupled to the needle grip, the protrusion slidably receiving within the slot, the needle grip partially surrounding the needle housing, the needle hub and the needle housing configured to slide relative to one another, the needle assembly movable between a distal position and a proximal position relative to the needle housing, and the sharp distal tip disposed within the needle housing in response to movement of the needle assembly to the proximal position; the needle assembly comprising: Including, a needle shield device coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the flexible arm extending from the needle grip, the nose portion including a tab extending from the plate, the tab radially opposing the flexible arm relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system, and configured such that in response to depression of the tab, the plate contacts the flexible arm opposing the tab and the flexible arm is released from the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

2. 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the tab extends further from the longitudinal axis of the catheter system than the distal end of the needle grip and the proximal end of the catheter adapter, facilitating user access to the tab.

3. 10. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the needle grip comprises a C-shaped cross section.

4. 1. A needle shield device, comprising: a needle housing configured to couple to a proximal end of a catheter adapter, the needle housing comprising: an elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot disposed between the distal end of the elongate body and the proximal end of the elongate body; a nose portion coupled to the distal end of the elongate body, the nose portion including a plate and an extension, the extension being inserted into the catheter adapter, the extension including a cylindrical shape extending distally from the plate to the distal end of the extension, the extension further including two protrusions on opposite sides of the cylindrical shape spaced apart from the plate and the distal end of the cylindrical shape, each of the two protrusions contacting a portion of an inner wall of the catheter adapter, when the needle housing is separated from the catheter adapter, the maximum outer diameter of the extension is greater than the inner diameter of the portion of the inner wall of the catheter adapter located at the positions of the two protrusions and contacting the two protrusions, when the needle housing is coupled to the catheter adapter, the extension is positioned within the catheter adapter with an interference fit, contacts the two protrusions, and extends through the proximal end of the catheter adapter, the surface of the portion of the inner wall of the catheter adapter being smooth; a needle assembly slidably coupled to the needle housing, the needle assembly comprising: an introducer needle including a sharp distal tip and a proximal end; Needle grip and and a needle assembly comprising: a needle hub having a protrusion, the proximal end of the introducer needle secured within the needle hub, the protrusion coupled to the needle grip, the protrusion slidably receiving within the slot, the needle grip partially surrounding the needle housing, the needle hub and the needle housing configured to slide relative to one another, the needle assembly movable between a distal position and a proximal position relative to the needle housing, and the sharp distal tip disposed within the needle housing in response to movement of the needle assembly to the proximal position.

5. 5. The needle shield device of claim 4, wherein the nose portion includes a plurality of capillaries, each of the capillaries including a distal opening proximal to a distal opening of a needle port extending through the nose portion, such that blood exiting the distal end of the needle port is collected within the capillaries, thereby preventing blood from exiting the nose portion.

6. 5. The needle shield device of claim 4, wherein the nose portion includes a plurality of distally extending arms, the distally extending arms and the proximal end of the catheter adapter configured to engage in an interference fit.

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