Extension set for improving patency of vascular access devices

Abstract

The extension set is configured to improve patency of the vascular access device. The extension set may include a probe that can be selectively advanced through the vascular access device to which the extension set is connected. The extension set may include or be configured to receive an integrated device for withdrawing blood from or infusing fluid into a patient's vascular system. Because the probe can be selectively advanced into the patient's vascular system, blood withdrawal or fluid injection can be performed through the vascular access device even when an occlusion has formed blocking a fluid pathway through the vascular access device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an extension set, an extension tube, and a method for collecting blood. [Background technology]

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

[0003] A common type of catheter is the outer-needle peripheral intravenous ("IV") catheter. As the name suggests, an outer-needle catheter can be mounted over an introducer needle with 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 bevel of the needle 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] To verify proper placement of the introducer needle and / or catheter within the blood vessel, the clinician typically confirms the presence of a "flashback" of blood within the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. Once needle placement is confirmed, the clinician can temporarily occlude flow within the vasculature and withdraw the introducer needle, leaving the catheter in place for later blood collection or transfusion.

[0005] Blood collection using a peripheral venous IV catheter can be difficult for several reasons, particularly when the catheter is left in place for more than a day. For example, if the catheter is left in place for a long period of time in a patient, the catheter may become more susceptible to stenosis, breakage, kinking, blockage by debris (e.g., fibrin or platelet clots), and adhesion of the catheter tip to the vasculature. For this reason, the catheter may be used more frequently to collect blood samples at the time of catheter placement and less frequently to collect blood samples during the catheterization period. Thus, when a blood sample is needed, an additional needlestick is required to provide venous access for collection, which can be painful for the patient and results in higher equipment costs.

[0006] 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

[0007] The present disclosure generally relates to an extension set, and related systems and methods, for improving or promoting the patency of a vascular access device. The extension set may include a probe that can be selectively advanced through a vascular access device to which the extension set is connected. The extension set may include an integrated device or be configured to receive a device for withdrawing blood from or infusing fluid into a patient's vascular system. Because the probe can be selectively advanced into the patient's vascular system, blood withdrawal or fluid injection can be performed through the vascular access device even when an occlusion has formed blocking a fluid pathway through the vascular access device.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the extension set may include one or more of a distal connector, an extension tube coupled to the distal connector, a fluid pathway formed through the distal connector and the extension tube, a probe having a proximal end and a distal end, and a handle that slides along the extension tube to distally extend the distal end of the probe from the distal connector. The extension set may also include a sleeve extending between the distal connector and the handle with the probe contained within the sleeve. In such a case, the extension set may include one or more rails disposed within the sleeve, the one or more rails extending proximally from the distal connector. The extension set may also include a proximal connector coupled to the extension tube opposite the distal connector where the fluid pathway extends through the proximal connector. Alternatively, the extension set may include an integrated device coupled to the extension tube opposite the distal connector where the fluid pathway extends into the integrated device.

[0009] In any of these embodiments, the proximal end of the probe may be disposed in the distal connector, and the probe may be routed through the handle. Also, in any of these embodiments, the handle may surround the extension tube. In embodiments that include a sleeve, the sleeve may be configured to compress when the handle is slid toward the distal connector.

[0010] In some embodiments, the probe may include a fluid-permeable distal portion. By way of example, the fluid-permeable distal portion may include a coil. In embodiments in which the probe includes a coil, the coil may have a distal portion that extends distally beyond the distal end of the probe. In any of these embodiments, the probe may include a sensor.

[0011] In some embodiments, the distal connector may include one or more seals. The probe may extend through the one or more seals. In some embodiments, a primary seal and a secondary seal disposed proximal to the primary seal may be included in the distal connector. The secondary seal may have a distally facing pocket configured to collect fluid that may remain on the surface of the probe when the probe is withdrawn.

[0012] In other exemplary embodiments, the extension set can include one or more of the following: a distal connector; a proximal connector; an extension tube extending between the distal connector and the proximal connector, the extension tube having a fluid passageway formed therethrough; a handle disposed between the distal connector and the proximal connector, the handle configured to slide along the extension tube; a sleeve extending between the distal connector and the handle; and a probe interfaced with the handle such that the probe extends distally from the distal end when the handle is slid toward the distal connector.

[0013] In such embodiments, the probe may have a proximal end disposed at the distal connector and routed through the handle. The sleeve may surround the extension tube and a portion of the probe disposed between the distal connector and the handle. The probe may include a coil that forms a fluid-permeable distal portion of the probe.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for collecting blood is disclosed. In this method, an extension set is attached to a vascular access device inserted into a patient's vasculature. The extension set includes a distal connector at which the extension set is attached to the vascular access device, an extension tube coupled to the distal connector, a vacuum tube receiver coupled to the extension tube opposite the distal connector, the vacuum tube receiver forming a fluid pathway through the distal connector, the extension tube, and the vacuum tube receiver, a probe having a proximal end and a distal end, and a handle that slides along the extension tube to extend the distal end of the probe from the distal connector. With the extension set attached to the vascular access device, a vacuum tube is inserted into the vacuum tube receiver. The handle is then moved toward the distal connector to extend the distal end of the probe through the vascular access device and into the patient's vasculature, thereby removing an occlusion preventing blood from flowing through the fluid pathway to the vacuum tube.

[0015] It is to 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 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 invention, unless so claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an extension set configured in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 1B]FIG. 1B illustrates an extension set with a probe extending distally therefrom. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C illustrates the distal portion of the probe. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D provides a cross section through the distal connector of the extension set. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E provides a cross section through the handle of the extension set. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1F provides a cross section of another handle configuration that can be used with the extension set. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1G provides a cross section of another handle configuration that can be used with the extension set. [Figure 1H] FIG. 1H provides a cross section of another handle configuration that can be used with the extension set. [Figure 1I] FIG. 11 provides a cross section of another handle configuration that can be used with the extension set. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates how the extension set can be coupled to the vascular access device. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows various examples of how the distal portion of the probe can be configured to be fluid permeable. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows various examples of how the distal portion of the probe can be configured to be fluid permeable. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows various examples of how the distal portion of the probe can be configured to be fluid permeable. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D shows various examples of how the distal portion of the probe can be configured to be fluid permeable. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E shows various examples of how the distal portion of the probe can be configured to be fluid permeable. [Figure 3F] FIG. 3F shows various examples of how the distal portion of the probe can be configured to be fluid permeable. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an extension set configured in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an extension set configured in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A illustrates another example of an extension set configured in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B illustrates another example of an extension set configured in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In this specification and claims, the term "vascular access device" should be interpreted as any device configured to be inserted into an individual's vascular system to allow access for blood withdrawal, fluid infusion, or other similar purposes. A peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) is one common example of a vascular access device. The term "extension set" should be interpreted as any device connectable to a vascular access device. In this context, the present disclosure can be considered to encompass various configurations of extension sets that can be used to improve the patency of a vascular access device.

[0018] 1A and 1B each show an example of an extension set 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The extension set 100 includes a distal connector 110 at a distal end 100a of the extension set 100, a proximal connector 130 at a proximal end 100b of the extension set 100, an extension tube 120 extending between the distal connector 110 and the proximal connector 130 and providing a fluid pathway 121 therethrough, a collapsible sleeve 140 surrounding the extension tube 120 and having a distal end coupled to the distal connector 110, a handle 160 coupled to the proximal end of the collapsible sleeve 140, and a probe 150 configured to be disposed primarily within the collapsible sleeve 140 and extend distally from the distal connector 110.

[0019] The distal connector 110 may be configured in any form that allows it to be coupled to a vascular access device (e.g., a blunt cannula snap connection, a threaded male luer, a slip luer, a threaded male luer with a removably attached blunt cannula snap connection, etc.). In the depicted embodiment, the distal connector 110 has a cannula 111 that can be inserted into a port of the vascular access device, an arm 112 disposed opposite the cannula 111 that can secure the distal connector 110 to the port, and a tab 113 for actuating the arm 112. The cannula 111 may be fluidly coupled to an extension tube 120 (e.g., via a lumen of the distal connector 110 into which the distal end of the extension tube 120 extends). A proximal portion 114 of the distal connector 110 may contain one or more seals 115 to prevent proximal flow of fluid (e.g., blood) from the distal connector 110 except through the extension tube 120. 1D, the probe 150 may pass through such seal(s) 115. The proximal connector 130 may also be configured in any form that allows another device to be connected to the extension set 100. For example, the proximal connector 130 may form a female luer adapter 131.

[0020] The configuration of the extension tube 120 may be optimized to minimize hemolysis while providing an adequate flow rate through the extension set 100. For example, the extension tube 120 may be constructed in accordance with techniques described in co-pending U.S. patent applications. For example, the extension tube 120 may be constructed in accordance with techniques described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 951,736, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0021] The compressible sleeve 140 may be formed of any suitable material, including, for example, a tubular polymer film, a tubular polymer film with a light coil spring, a baffle material, a foldable elastomeric or polymer sleeve, etc. In some embodiments, the compressible sleeve 140 may be formed of a translucent or fully transparent material to allow a clinician to view the probe 150 during use. The handle 160 may also be formed of a translucent or fully transparent material.

[0022] In some embodiments, probe 150, which may be in the form of a guidewire, includes proximal end 150a, which may be secured to proximal portion 114 of distal connector 110, and distal end 150b, which may be initially housed within distal connector 110 (e.g., toward the distal end of cannula 111). As shown in FIG. 1B, distal end 150b of probe 150 may extend from cannula 111, thereby allowing distal end 150b to pass into and possibly through a vascular access device to which extension set 100 may be coupled.

[0023] As shown, the probe 150 can be routed through the handle 160 (e.g., via a channel 161), thereby allowing the probe 150 to extend distally when the handle 160 is moved distally toward the distal connector 110 (e.g., as the handle 160 slides along the extension tube 120). For example, the handle 160 can include a channel through which the probe 150 slides as distal movement of the handle 160 advances the probe 150 out of the cannula 111. This channel can be lubricated or otherwise configured to minimize friction on the probe 150.

[0024] FIG. 1E provides a cross-section through the handle 160 and illustrates how the probe 150 and extension tube 120 may extend therethrough. FIGS. 1F-1I each show variations of the handle 160 that may be used with embodiments of the extension set, including the extension set 100. As shown, in some embodiments, the handle 160 need not surround the extension tube 120. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1F-1I, a sleeve is not shown, but may be configured to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the handle 160 to accommodate the probe 150 and possibly the extension tube 120.

[0025] Because the probe 150 folds back on itself (or, more specifically, because the probe 150 extends proximally from the proximal end 150a, through the handle 160, and then returns distally), there is a 2:1 ratio between the distance the probe 150 extends and the distance the handle 160 travels. This allows the length of the extension set 100 to be shortened. Note, however, that the distal end 150a can be secured to the handle 160 to provide a 1:1 ratio (the probe 150 need not fold back). Similarly, a 3:1 ratio can be achieved by securing the distal end 150a to the handle 160, then threading the probe 150 through a channel in the distal connector 110, and then threading the probe 150 through a channel in the handle 160.

[0026] In an exemplary use case, a clinician may connect extension set 100 to a vascular access device when extension set 100 is in the position shown in FIG. 1A . The clinician can then grasp handle 160 and slide it toward distal connector 110 to extend probe 150 into, and typically through, the vascular access device so that distal end 150 b is positioned within the patient's vasculature. In some embodiments, one or more markings may be formed on extension tube 120 to represent the position of distal end 150 b of probe 150 relative to the position of handle 160. For example, sliding handle 160 may expose a marking that indicates when distal end 150 b reaches the catheter opening on a known vascular access device.

[0027] With the probe 150 extended, the extension set 100 may then be used to draw blood, inject fluid, or perform some other procedure (e.g., by connecting a blood collection set or syringe to the proximal connector 130). As described above, the proximal portion 114 may include one or more seals 115 configured to allow fluid to flow between the cannula 111 and the extension tube 120 while preventing proximal flow of fluid outside the extension tube 120. The clinician may then slide the handle 160 proximally to store the probe 150 within the extension set 100. The probe 150 is contained within the collapsible sleeve 140, thereby preventing exposure to blood or other fluids. In some embodiments, the handle 160 can form a fluid-tight seal around the extension tube 120 to prevent fluid from escaping from the collapsible sleeve 140 after the probe 150 is withdrawn.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1C , in some embodiments, the probe 150 may be configured with a fluid-permeable distal portion. In the depicted embodiment, this fluid-permeable distal end is formed using a coil 151 (e.g., a nitinol guidewire core) that extends around the distal end of the probe 150. The inner surface of the coil 151 may be spaced apart from the probe 150, thereby allowing fluid to flow between the probe 150 and the coil 151. Thus, when the probe 150 extends into the vasculature through the catheter of a vascular access device, the spacing between the coil 151 and the probe 150 ensures that a fluid path exists within the catheter, even though the probe 150 extends from the catheter. FIG. 1C also shows that in some embodiments, the distal end 150 b of the probe 150 may include a cap 152. The cap 152 may have a distally-facing rounded surface to facilitate insertion of the probe 150 through the vascular access device and minimize trauma to the vasculature. In some embodiments, the cap 152 may include sensors for measuring pressure, temperature, pH, blood chemistry, SPO2, flow rate, and the like.

[0029] FIG. 2 provides an example of how the extension set 100 can be connected to the PIVC 200 to enable blood collection using a vacuum tube adapter 220 and a vacuum tube 230. The PIVC 200 includes a catheter 211 that, during use, is placed in the vasculature. As shown, the probe 150 extends from the catheter 211 into the vasculature with the handle 160 slid distally. In some embodiments, the length of the fluid-permeable distal portion may be configured such that a portion of the coil 151 remains within the catheter 211 when the handle 160 is fully slid toward the distal connector 110. During the placement time of the catheter 211, the opening in the catheter 211 may become occluded (e.g., by fibrin material, a blood clot, a vein wall, a valve, etc.), the likelihood of which typically increasing with placement time. In such cases, advancement of the probe 150 through the catheter 211 clears the occlusion, thereby opening a fluid path through the catheter 211 and ultimately into the vacuum tube 230. In contrast, it is much more likely that the PIVC 200 will need to be replaced due to blockage if the extension set 100 is not used. The advancement of the probe 150 can also open any downstream valves located anywhere in the system.

[0030] In addition to using the PIVC 200 and extension set 100 combination to collect blood, the combination can also be used to inject fluids. For example, a syringe or other device can be connected to the proximal connector 130, thereby injecting fluid into the extension tube 120. Because the probe 150 extends into the vasculature, fluid can flow freely within the vasculature even if an occlusion forms around the opening of the catheter 211.

[0031] 3A-3F illustrate various examples of how the fluid-permeable distal portion can be formed on the probe 150. As illustrated, the coil 151 can have a constant pitch along its length (i.e., a constant spacing between the centers of adjacent coils) or a variable pitch. For example, in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the pitch of the coil 151 is constant along most of its length but decreases at the distal end 150b. In FIG. 3D, the coil 151 has repeating sections of reduced pitch. FIGS. 3E and 3F show embodiments in which the coil 151 includes a distal portion 151a that extends beyond the distal end 150b of the probe 150. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F, the probe 150 does not include a cap 152, although a cap 152 can be included on a coil having a distal portion 151a. 3A-3F also show that a vascular access device designed for use with the extension set 100 may include a catheter 211 having one or more side wall openings 211a that provide alternative fluid pathways for the catheter 211.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates another example of an extension set 400 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The extension set 400 is substantially similar to the extension set 100 but exhibits several variations. For example, the extension set 400 does not include a sleeve such that the probe 150 is exposed between the distal connector 110 and the handle 160. In such an embodiment, a primary seal 410 and a secondary seal 420 may be disposed within the distal connector 110 to prevent exposure to fluids that may be present on the probe 150 after the probe 150 is withdrawn. The primary seal 410 may be similar to the seal 115 described above. The secondary seal 420 may be disposed proximal to the primary seal 410 and may include a distally facing pocket 421. The extension tube 120 may extend through the primary seal 410 and the secondary seal 410. In the depicted embodiment, the extension tube 120 does not extend through the pocket 421. For example, the pocket 421 may be formed on one side of the secondary seal 420, and the extension tube 120 may extend through the opposite side of the secondary seal 420. However, in other embodiments, the extension tube 120 may pass through the pocket 421.

[0033] As the probe 150 is withdrawn proximally, the primary seal 410 can wipe fluid from the surface of the probe. The secondary seal 420 can wipe any remaining fluid and allow it to collect in the pocket 421. Thus, although a portion of the probe 150 that was in contact with the fluid may be retracted proximally beyond the secondary seal 420, any fluid is removed from the surface of the probe 150, thereby minimizing or eliminating the risk of contact with the fluid. Given that the primary seal 410 and secondary seal 420 prevent fluid from passing proximally from the distal connector 110, except through the extension tube 120, the handle 160 need not provide any form of seal around the extension tube 120 in such embodiments.

[0034] 5 illustrates another example of an extension set 500 similar to extension set 100, but including an integrating device 510 as opposed to proximal connector 130. In this case, integrating device 510 is a vacuum tube adapter, although other integrating devices can be used.

[0035] 6A and 6B illustrate another example of an extension set 600 similar to extension sets 100 and 500, but including a rail 610 extending proximally from the distal connector 110 and disposed within the sleeve 140. In the depicted embodiment, the rail 610 also connects to the distal end of the integrated device 510. The rail 610 can function to reinforce the extension set 600 and can also function as a guide for the sliding handle 160. In embodiments that do not include the integrated device 510, the rail 610 can connect to the proximal connector 130. However, in other embodiments, the proximal end of the rail 610 can be spaced apart from or not connected to the integrated device 510 or the proximal connector 130. For example, the proximal end of the rail 610 can be disposed within the handle 160 when the handle 160 is in its most proximal position.

[0036] In some embodiments, a unique method for collecting blood may be implemented using an extension set that includes an integrated or pre-attached vacuum tube receiver (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6). For example, a clinician can connect the extension set 100 to the vacuum tube receiver 220 that is pre-attached to the PIVC 200. The clinician can then insert the vacuum tube 230 into the vacuum tube 220. If blood is flowing, the clinician can begin collecting blood into the vacuum tube(s) 230. However, if blood is not flowing or stops flowing at any time, the clinician can slide the handle 160 distally to extend the probe 150 into the patient's vasculature, remove the occlusion, and then complete the collection. Once blood is collected, the clinician can slide the handle 160 to withdraw the probe 150 and then remove the extension set 100 from the PIVC 200.

[0037] In some embodiments, the length of the extension tube 120 may be selected based on one or more of the gauge and / or length of the particular PIVC 200, the particular catheter assembly configuration, or the clinical setting. In some embodiments, the extension tube 120 may include a length L from the distal end of the extension tube 120 and the proximal connector 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, the extension tube 120 may include an inner diameter D.

[0038] For example, fluid flow within an extension tube having a tubular fluid path therethrough, such as extension tube 120, can be analyzed using Poiseuille's equation.

[0039]

number

[0040] where ΔP is the change in pressure gradient across the length of the extension tube, D and L are the inner diameter and length of the tubular fluid path through the extension tube, respectively, μ is the viscosity of the fluid,

[0041]

number

[0042] is the fluid resistance. μ is the viscosity of the fluid and is not part of the geometry of the extension tube, so the geometric factor Gf is

[0043]

number

[0044]

number

[0045] It is defined to be:

[0046] In some embodiments, the extension tube 120 may have multiple sections with lengths (L1, L2, L3) and inner diameters (D1, D2, D3), where the geometric factors are as follows:

[0047]

number

[0048] In some embodiments, the extension tube 120 may have an inner diameter that varies over the length of the lumen of the extension tube 120, depending on the geometric factors as follows:

[0049]

number

[0050] In some embodiments, the extension tube 120 may have a non-circular cross-section, in which case the geometric factor can be determined by measuring the flow rate (Q) at a given pressure (ΔP) with a fluid of known viscosity (μ).

[0051]

number

[0052] The Gf value may be selected to reduce the maximum shear stress of each IV device gauge to be equal to or less than the maximum shear stress of the BD 21G VACUTAINER® UTLRATOUCH™ push-button blood collection set (available from Becton Dickinson and Company of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey), previously considered the gold standard for blood collection. In some embodiments, Gf is 3.83E+06 (1 / in) when the PIVC contains an 18G catheter. 3) or greater, which may reduce wall shear stress and decrease hemolysis. In some embodiments, Gf is 3.27E+06(1 / in) when the PIVC contains a 20G catheter. 3 ) or greater, which may reduce wall shear stress and decrease hemolysis. In some embodiments, Gf is 3.33E+06(1 / in) when the PIVC is a 22G catheter. 3 ) or greater, which may reduce wall shear stress and reduce hemolysis. In some embodiments, Gf is 1.50E+07(1 / in) when the PIVC contains a 24G catheter. 3 ), which may reduce wall shear stress and reduce welding. In some embodiments, Gf may include other values. In some embodiments, the Gf value may be selected to reduce the maximum shear stress of each catheter gauge to be the same as or less than the maximum shear stress of the BD 25G VACUTAINER® ULTRATOUCH™ Push Button Blood Collection Set (available from Becton Dickinson & Company of Franklin Lakesy).

[0053] In some embodiments, the fluid path of the blood collection system, which may include one or more of the vacuum tube adapter 220, the extension tube 120, and the PIVC 200 (which may include the extension tube), may include the entire blood collection path through which blood flows during blood collection. The system geometric factor Gfs of the fluid path of the blood collection system may be determined in a similar manner as described above. In some embodiments, the system geometric factor Gfs when the probe 150 is in the extended position or when it is not in the extended position is 7.34E+06(1 / in 3 ) or greater. In some embodiments, Gfs may include other values. In some embodiments, the system geometry factor Gfs is greater than or equal to 7.34E+06(1 / in 3) may be plus or minus 10 percent, plus or minus 25 percent, plus or minus 50 percent, or plus or minus 75 percent. In some embodiments, Gfs may include other values ​​that may be selected based on the gauge and / or length of the catheter.

[0054] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the invention and the concepts provided by the inventors to facilitate the present technology, and should be construed as not being limited to the specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An extension set, a distal connector; an extension tube coupled to the distal connector, the extension tube defining a fluid pathway through the distal connector and the extension tube; a probe having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle that slides along the extension tube to extend the distal end of the probe distally from the distal connector; the proximal end of the probe is disposed in the distal connector; An extension set, wherein the probe is routed through the handle.

2. The extension set of claim 1 , including a sleeve extending between the distal connector and the handle, the probe being housed within the sleeve.

3. The extension set of claim 2 , further comprising one or more rails disposed within the sleeve, the one or more rails extending proximally from the distal connector.

4. The extension set of claim 2 , wherein the sleeve is compressed as the handle slides toward the distal connector.

5. The extension set of claim 1 , wherein the handle surrounds the extension tube.

6. The extension set of claim 1 , including a proximal connector coupled to the extension tube opposite the distal connector, the fluid pathway extending through the proximal connector.

7. The extension set of claim 1 , including an integrating device coupled to the extension tube opposite the distal connector, the fluid pathway extending within the integrating device.

8. The extension set of claim 7, wherein the integrated device is a vacuum tube receiver.

9. The extension set of claim 1 , wherein the probe includes a fluid-permeable distal portion.

10. The extension set of claim 9 , wherein the fluid permeable distal portion comprises a coil surrounding the probe.

11. The extension set of claim 10 , wherein the coil has a distal portion that extends distally beyond the distal end of the probe.

12. The extension set of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the probe comprises a sensor.

13. The extension set of claim 1 , wherein the distal connector includes one or more seals, and the probe extends through the one or more seals.

14. The extension set of claim 13 , wherein the one or more seals include a primary seal and a secondary seal disposed proximally of the primary seal, the secondary seal having a distally facing pocket.

15. An extension set, a distal connector; a proximal connector; an extension tube extending between the distal connector and the proximal connector, the extension tube defining a fluid pathway through the distal connector, the extension tube, and the proximal connector; a handle disposed between the distal connector and the proximal connector, the handle configured to slide along the extension tube; a sleeve extending between the distal connector and the handle; a probe connected to the handle, the proximal end of the probe being fixed to the distal connector and the distal end of the probe extending distally from the distal connector when the handle is slid toward the distal connector; An extension set, wherein the probe is routed through the handle.

16. The extension set of claim 15 , wherein the sleeve surrounds the extension tube and a portion of the probe disposed between the distal connector and the handle.

17. The extension set of claim 15 , wherein the probe includes a coil that forms a fluid-permeable distal portion of the probe.

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