Sensing Catheter

Abstract

To provide a vascular access device, and associated system and method.SOLUTION: A catheter system can include a catheter including a catheter lumen having a proximal end, a distal end, a luminal surface, and an outer luminal surface. The catheter can also include first and second electrodes. A blood sensor can communicate with the first and second electrodes. The distal end of the catheter lumen can be inserted into a blood vessel of a patient in the following manner: (1) At least part of the first and second electrodes is buried in the blood vessel of the patient. (2) The first and second electrodes communicate with each other through the blood present in the blood vessel of the patient. (3) The blood sensor detects insertion of the distal end of the catheter lumen into the blood vessel of the patient by sensing at least one characteristic associated with the blood present in the blood vessel of the patient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A common type of catheter is the over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As the name implies, 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 such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. The PIVC and introducer needle are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into a patient's blood vessel, such as an artery, vein, or other vascular system of the patient.

[0003] To confirm proper placement of the introducer needle and / or PIVC within the blood vessel, clinicians typically observe blood "flashback" occurring within the PIVC. Blood flashback occurs when blood travels proximally between the outer surface of the introducer needle and the inner surface of the PIVC, which may be transparent. Thus, clinicians can visualize the blood and confirm placement of the introducer needle within the vasculature. Once needle placement is confirmed, clinicians can temporarily occlude flow in the vasculature and remove the introducer needle, leaving the PIVC in place for future blood collection or transfusion.

[0004] However, false positives can occur with the blood flashback technique due to capillaries in the soft tissue surrounding the vessel, which can provide a false signal to the clinician before the introducer needle and / or PIVC are properly positioned within the vessel.

[0005] Furthermore, when a PIVC is placed in a blood vessel and a drug is delivered to the blood vessel via the PIVC, extravasation of the drug from the blood vessel into the soft tissue adjacent to the blood vessel may occur. A sensor may be attached to the patient's skin near the catheter insertion site to monitor the patient for drug extravasation events. However, this detection method may only work after a significant amount of the drug has leaked out of the catheter / blood vessel and migrated near the patient's skin. Furthermore, a sensor placed on the patient's skin represents an additional attachment (and cost) to the patient and must be removed and reattached periodically (e.g., when the patient needs to go to the bathroom).

[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 [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access devices and associated systems and methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter that may include a catheter lumen having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner lumen surface, and an outer lumen surface. The catheter may also include first and second electrodes coupled to the catheter lumen. The drug sensor may also be in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes. The distal end of the catheter lumen may be inserted into a patient's blood vessel as follows: (1) at least a portion of the first and second electrodes are embedded in the patient's soft tissue adjacent to the blood vessel; (2) the first and second electrodes are in electrical communication with each other through the patient's soft tissue between the first and second electrodes; and (3) the drug sensor detects whether extravasation of the drug from the blood vessel into the patient's soft tissue has occurred by sensing impedance associated with the patient's soft tissue.

[0009] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a first attachment feature configured to electrically couple the drug sensor to a first electrode and a second attachment feature configured to electrically couple the drug sensor to a second electrode.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first and second electrodes may comprise a conductive material deposited on the luminal surface of the catheter, and the first and second electrodes may be spaced apart from one another along the luminal surface of the catheter.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first electrode may include a conductive material disposed within a first channel formed along the catheter lumen, the second electrode may include a conductive material disposed within a second channel formed along the catheter lumen, and the first and second electrodes may be spaced apart from one another along the abluminal surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first and second channels may comprise open channels, and distal portions of the first and second channels may comprise electrically insulating covers configured to electrically isolate portions of the first and second electrodes present within the patient's blood vessel when the distal end of the catheter lumen is inserted into the patient's blood vessel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first and second channels may comprise closed channels, and the first and second channels are at least partially skived to allow the first and second electrodes to electrically communicate with each other through the soft tissue between the first and second electrodes.

[0014] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a third electrode including a conductive material disposed within a third channel formed along the catheter lumen, and the first, second, and third electrodes may be spaced apart from one another along the luminal surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter including a catheter lumen having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner lumen surface, and an outer lumen surface. The catheter may also include first and second electrodes. A blood sensor may be in communication with the first and second electrodes. The distal end of the catheter lumen may be inserted into a patient's blood vessel as follows: (1) at least a portion of the first and second electrodes are embedded within the patient's blood vessel; (2) the first and second electrodes are in communication with each other via blood present in the patient's blood vessel; and (3) the blood sensor detects insertion of the distal end of the catheter lumen into the patient's blood vessel by sensing at least one characteristic associated with blood present in the patient's blood vessel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the at least one characteristic associated with blood present in a patient's blood vessel includes at least one of impedance, capacitance, pressure, and electromagnetic signals.

[0017] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a first mounting feature configured to electrically couple the blood sensor to a first electrode and a second mounting feature configured to electrically couple the blood sensor to a second electrode.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first and second electrodes comprise a conductive material deposited on the luminal surface, at least a portion of the first and second electrodes are positioned proximate a distal end of the catheter lumen, and the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from one another at the luminal surface of the catheter lumen.

[0019] In some embodiments, the conductive material comprises a conductive ink.

[0020] In some embodiments, the catheter lumen is made of a conductive plastic, the catheter lumen includes a first electrode, and the catheter system further includes an introducer needle, the introducer needle including a second electrode.

[0021] In some embodiments, the blood sensor is configured to detect insertion of the distal end of the catheter lumen into the patient's blood vessel by sensing an electrical characteristic associated with blood present in the patient's blood vessel between the catheter lumen and the introducer needle.

[0022] In some embodiments, the luminal surface of the catheter lumen further includes an electrically insulating layer, and the blood sensor is configured to detect insertion of the distal end of the catheter lumen into the patient's blood vessel by sensing an electrical characteristic associated with blood present in the patient's blood vessel between the distal end of the catheter lumen and the distal portion of the introducer needle.

[0023] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter including a catheter lumen having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner lumen surface, and an outer lumen surface. The catheter may also include a drug-sensing chip coupled to the catheter lumen. When the distal end of the catheter lumen is inserted into a patient's blood vessel: (1) at least a portion of the drug-sensing chip may be embedded in the patient's soft tissue adjacent to the blood vessel; and (2) the drug-sensing chip may detect whether extravasation of the drug from the blood vessel into the patient's soft tissue has occurred.

[0024] In some embodiments, the drug sensing chip is configured to detect extravasation of the drug from a blood vessel into the patient's soft tissue by sensing impedance associated with the patient's soft tissue.

[0025] In some embodiments, the drug sensing chip is configured to detect extravasation of the drug from a blood vessel into the patient's soft tissue by sensing at least one of a pressure associated with the patient's soft tissue, an electrical capacitance associated with the patient's soft tissue, and an infrared signal associated with the patient's soft tissue.

[0026] In some embodiments, the drug sensing chip includes an output configured to provide an indication when extravasation of the drug from the blood vessel into the patient's soft tissue is detected, hi some embodiments, the output includes an LED.

[0027] It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the embodiments of the present disclosure as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure 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. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0029] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter system 10, according to some embodiments.

[0030] [Figure 1B]FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional top view of the catheter system 10 of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments.

[0031] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 200 inserted into tissue, according to some embodiments.

[0032] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 300 inserted into tissue, according to some embodiments.

[0033] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 400 inserted into tissue, according to some embodiments.

[0034] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of an exemplary catheter 500, according to some embodiments.

[0035] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of an exemplary catheter 600, according to some embodiments.

[0036] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 700 including the catheter 600 of FIG. 6 inserted into tissue, according to some embodiments.

[0037] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary catheter system 800 inserted into tissue, according to some embodiments.

[0038] It should be understood that these figures are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and may not be drawn to scale. Furthermore, the figures depict illustrative embodiments and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the present application are best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the figures of the present application, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of device and system embodiments, as illustrated in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed in this application or any other application claiming priority to this application, but is merely representative of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0040] 1A and 1B, in some embodiments, a catheter system 10 may include a needle assembly 12 and a catheter assembly 14. FIGS. 1A and 1B show the catheter system 10 in an insertion position and ready for insertion into a patient's vein (not shown), according to some embodiments. 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 a catheter assembly lumen 21 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 comprise a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). In some embodiments, the proximal end 26 of the catheter 22 may be secured within the catheter adapter 16.

[0041] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 may include a needle hub 28 that may be removably coupled to the catheter adapter 16. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 may include an introducer needle 30. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle 30 may be secured within the needle hub 28. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 30 may extend through the catheter 22 when the catheter system 10 is in an insertion position ready for insertion into a patient's vasculature, as illustrated in, for example, FIGS. 1A and 1B .

[0042] In some embodiments, the needle assembly 12 may include a needle grip 32 that the clinician may grip and move proximally to withdraw the introducer needle 30 from the vein once placement of the catheter 22 within the vein is confirmed. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include an extension tube 34. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube 34 may be coupled to the catheter adapter 16, and the proximal end of the extension tube 34 may be coupled to the adapter 36.

[0043] In some embodiments, a fluid injection device (not shown) may be coupled to the adapter 36 for delivering fluid to the patient through the intravenously inserted catheter 22 once the introducer needle 30 is removed from the catheter system 10. In some embodiments, a blood withdrawal device (not shown) may be coupled to the adapter 36 for withdrawing blood from the patient through the intravenously inserted catheter 22.

[0044] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be integrated with an extension tube 34 integrated into the catheter adapter 16, such as, for example, the BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV Catheter System, the BD NEXIVA™ DIFFUSICS™ Closed IV Catheter System, the BD PEGASUS™ Safety Closed IV Catheter System, or another integrated catheter system. An example of an integrated catheter system 10 is shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may not be integrated without the extension tube 34.

[0045] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be vented to monitor blood and promote proximal flow of blood within the introducer needle 30 and / or catheter 22. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may be vented in any suitable manner. For example, the vent plug 38 may be coupled to the adapter 36 during insertion of the catheter assembly 14 into a patient. In some embodiments, the vent plug 38 may be permeable to air but impermeable to blood. In some embodiments, the catheter 22, catheter adapter 16, extension tube 34, adapter 36, and vent plug 38 may be in fluid communication. As another example, in some embodiments, the needle hub 28 may include a flash chamber.

[0046] 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 200 inserted into tissue, according to some embodiments. The catheter system 200 may generally include a catheter 223, a catheter adapter 216, an introducer needle 230, and a sensor 250. As shown in FIG. 2 , the catheter 223 may be inserted through the skin 81 into the soft tissue 80 until a distal portion of the catheter 223 enters a blood vessel 70.

[0047] Catheter 223 may include a catheter lumen 222 having a proximal end 226, a distal end 224, a luminal surface 225, and an outer luminal surface 227. Although not shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, distal end 224 of catheter 223 may also be tapered, similar to the tapered distal end 24 of catheter 22 shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

[0048] The catheter system 200 may also include a first electrode 241 and a second electrode 242. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first and second electrodes 241, 242 may be coupled to an outer luminal surface 227 of the catheter 223, extending along the length of the catheter 223. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments (not shown), the first and second electrodes 241, 242 may alternatively or additionally be coupled to an inner luminal surface 225 of the catheter 223. The first and second electrodes 241, 242 may also be spaced apart from one another along the outer luminal surface 227 and / or along the inner luminal surface 225. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first electrode 241 and a portion of the second electrode 242 may be positioned proximate the distal end 224 of the catheter 223. In some embodiments, portions of the first and second electrodes 241, 242 located proximate the distal end 224 of the catheter 223 may extend toward each other to create an electrode gap 243 proximate the distal end 224 of the catheter 223. In some embodiments, the orientation, direction, or distance of the electrode gap 243 may vary. In some embodiments, the first and second electrodes 241, 242 may include a conductive material deposited on a surface of the catheter 223, such as the outer luminal surface 227 and / or the inner luminal surface 225. In some embodiments, the conductive material may include a conductive ink.

[0049] The catheter system 200 may also include a first attachment feature 291 configured to couple the first electrode 241 to the sensor 250 and a second attachment feature 292 configured to couple the second electrode 242 to the sensor 250. The first and second attachment features 291, 292 may be coupled to and / or integrated into the catheter adapter 216. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the first and second attachment features 291, 292 may be directly coupled to and / or integrated into the catheter 223. In some embodiments, the first and second attachment features 291, 292 may traverse between an outer surface of the catheter adapter 216 and an inner surface of the catheter adapter 216. In some embodiments, the first attachment feature 291 may directly or indirectly contact the first electrode 241, and the second attachment feature 292 may directly or indirectly contact the second electrode 242. In some embodiments, the first and second mounting features 291 , 292 can be configured to electrically couple the first and second electrodes 241 , 242 to the sensor 250 .

[0050] In some embodiments, sensor 250 may be a blood sensor 250 configured to sense a large volume of blood within blood vessel 70. In this manner, blood sensor 250 may detect that distal end 224 of catheter 223 has been successfully inserted into blood vessel 70, and an indication of successful insertion may be provided to the clinician via any suitable output device known in the art. For example, a large volume of blood within blood vessel 70 may exhibit different electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties compared to capillaries dispersed within soft tissue 80 adjacent to blood vessel 70. These differences in electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties may be utilized to indicate whether catheter 223 has been properly inserted into blood vessel 70 to reduce false positives indicating successful insertion compared to utilizing a blood flashback method alone.

[0051] In some embodiments, blood sensor 250 may communicate with first and second electrodes 241, 242, such as when distal end 224 of catheter lumen 222 is successfully inserted into blood vessel 70, where (1) at least a portion of first and second electrodes 241, 242 are embedded within blood vessel 70; (2) first and second electrodes 241, 242 are in communication with each other via blood present in blood vessel 70; and (3) blood sensor 250 detects successful insertion of distal end 224 of catheter lumen 222 within blood vessel 70 by sensing at least one characteristic associated with blood present in blood vessel 70.

[0052] In some embodiments, the at least one property associated with blood present in blood vessel 70 includes at least one of impedance, capacitance, conductance, inductance, an electromagnetic signal, pressure, and temperature. In some embodiments, the at least one property may be measured directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, a determination of successful insertion may be based on a threshold value associated with the at least one property, a change detected in the at least one property when distal end 224 of catheter lumen 222 is inserted into blood vessel 70, and / or a relative difference detected in the at least one property when distal end 224 of catheter lumen 222 is inserted into blood vessel 70.

[0053] 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 300 inserted into soft tissue 80, according to some embodiments. The catheter system 300 may generally include a catheter 323, a catheter adapter 316, an introducer needle 330, and a sensor 350. As shown in FIG. 3 , the catheter 323 may be inserted through the skin 81 into the soft tissue 80 until a distal portion of the catheter 323 enters a blood vessel 70.

[0054] Catheter 323 may include a catheter lumen 322 having a proximal end 326, a distal end 324, a luminal surface 325, and an outer luminal surface 327. Although not shown in Figure 3, in some embodiments, distal end 324 of catheter 323 may also be tapered, similar to tapered distal end 24 of catheter 22 shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

[0055] The catheter system 300 may also include a first electrode 341 and a second electrode 342. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the catheter lumen 322 may include the first electrode 341, and the introducer needle 330 may include the second electrode 342. For example, in some embodiments, the catheter lumen 322 may be made of a conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive material of the catheter lumen 322 may include a conductive plastic. In some embodiments, the catheter lumen 322 may also include a radiopaque material. Additionally, in some embodiments, the introducer needle 330 may include a conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive material of the introducer needle 330 may include a conductive metal. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first electrode 341 and a portion of the second electrode 342 may be disposed proximate the distal end 324 of the catheter 323.

[0056] In some embodiments, the luminal surface 325 of the catheter lumen 322 may include an electrically insulating layer 329 or material. This electrically insulating layer 329 may be configured to electrically insulate the first electrode 341 (e.g., the catheter 323) from the second electrode 342 (e.g., the introducer needle 330). In some embodiments, the electrically insulating layer 329 may be bonded to the luminal surface 325 of the catheter lumen 322 via a coating process. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating layer 329 may be integrated with the catheter 323 via a co-extrusion process.

[0057] The catheter system 300 may also include a first attachment feature 391 configured to couple the first electrode 341 to the sensor 350 and a second attachment feature 392 configured to couple the second electrode 342 to the sensor 350. The first and second attachment features 391, 392 may be coupled to and / or integrated with the catheter adapter 316 and / or needle assembly / hub (not shown in FIG. 3 ). However, in other embodiments (not shown), the first and second attachment features 391, 392 may be directly coupled to and / or integrated with the catheter 323 and introducer needle 330. In some embodiments, the first and second attachment features 391, 392 may traverse between an outer surface of the catheter adapter 316 (and / or needle assembly / hub) and an inner surface of the catheter adapter 316 (and / or needle assembly / hub). In some embodiments, the first mounting feature 391 may directly or indirectly contact the first electrode 341, and the second mounting feature 392 may directly or indirectly contact the second electrode 342. In some embodiments, the first and second mounting features 391, 392 may be configured to electrically couple the first and second electrodes 341, 342 to the sensor 350.

[0058] In some embodiments, sensor 350 may be a blood sensor 350 configured to sense a large volume of blood within blood vessel 70. In this manner, blood sensor 350 may detect that distal end 324 of catheter 323 has been successfully inserted into blood vessel 70, and an indication of successful insertion may be provided to the clinician via any suitable output device known in the art. As previously discussed, a large volume of blood within blood vessel 70 may exhibit different electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties compared to capillaries dispersed within soft tissue 80 adjacent to blood vessel 70. These differences in electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties may be utilized to indicate whether catheter 323 has been properly inserted into blood vessel 70 to reduce false positives indicating successful insertion compared to utilizing a blood flashback method alone.

[0059] In some embodiments, blood sensor 350 may communicate with first and second electrodes 341, 342, such as when distal end 324 of catheter lumen 322 is successfully inserted into blood vessel 70, where (1) at least a portion of first and second electrodes 341, 342 are embedded within blood vessel 70; (2) first and second electrodes 341, 342 are in communication with each other via blood present in blood vessel 70; and (3) blood sensor 350 detects successful insertion of distal end 324 of catheter lumen 322 within blood vessel 70 by sensing at least one characteristic associated with blood present in blood vessel 70.

[0060] In some embodiments, the at least one property associated with blood present in blood vessel 70 includes at least one of impedance, capacitance, conductance, inductance, an electromagnetic signal, pressure, and temperature. In some embodiments, the at least one property may be measured directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, a determination of successful insertion may be based on a threshold associated with the at least one property, a change detected in the at least one property when distal end 324 of catheter lumen 322 is inserted into blood vessel 70, and / or a relative difference detected in the at least one property when distal end 324 of catheter lumen 322 is inserted into blood vessel 70.

[0061] In some embodiments, the blood sensor 350 is configured to detect insertion of the distal end of the catheter lumen 322 into the patient's blood vessel 70 by sensing an electrical characteristic associated with blood present in the patient's blood vessel 70 between the catheter lumen 322 and the introducer needle 330.

[0062] In some embodiments, the blood sensor 350 is configured to detect insertion of the distal end 324 of the catheter lumen 322 into the blood vessel 70 by sensing an electrical characteristic associated with blood present in the blood vessel 70 between the distal end 324 of the catheter lumen 322 and the distal portion of the introducer needle 330.

[0063] 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 400 inserted into soft tissue, according to some embodiments. The catheter system 400 may generally include a catheter 423, a catheter adapter 416, and a sensor 460. As shown in FIG. 4 , the catheter 423 may be inserted through the skin 81 into the soft tissue 80 until a distal portion of the catheter 423 enters a blood vessel 70.

[0064] Catheter 423 may include a catheter lumen 422 having a proximal end 426, a distal end 424, a luminal surface 425, and an outer luminal surface 427. Although not shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, distal end 424 of catheter 423 may also be tapered, similar to tapered distal end 24 of catheter 22 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0065] The catheter system 400 may also include a first electrode 441 and a second electrode 442. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first and second electrodes 441, 442 may be coupled to an outer luminal surface 427 of the catheter 423, extending along the length of the catheter 423. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments (not shown), the first and second electrodes 441, 442 may alternatively or additionally be coupled to an inner luminal surface 425 of the catheter 423. The first and second electrodes 441, 442 may also be spaced apart from one another along the outer luminal surface 427 and / or along the inner luminal surface 425 by one or more distances.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the distal end 424 of the catheter lumen 422 is inserted into the blood vessel 70, at least a portion of the first electrode 441 and a portion of the second electrode 442 may be embedded in the soft tissue 80 adjacent to the blood vessel 70. In some embodiments, portions of the first and second electrodes 441, 442 may extend toward each other to create an electrode gap 443 located intermediate the proximal end 426 and the distal end 424 of the catheter 423. In some embodiments, the orientation, direction, or distance of the electrode gap 443 may vary. In some embodiments, the first and second electrodes 441, 442 may include a conductive material deposited on a surface of the catheter 423, such as the extraluminal surface 427 and / or the intraluminal surface 425. In some embodiments, the conductive material may include a conductive ink.

[0067] The catheter system 400 may also include a first attachment feature 491 configured to couple the first electrode 441 to the sensor 460 and a second attachment feature 492 configured to couple the second electrode 442 to the sensor 460. The first and second attachment features 491, 492 may be coupled to and / or integrated into the catheter adapter 416. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the first and second attachment features 491, 492 may be directly coupled to and / or integrated into the catheter 423. In some embodiments, the first and second attachment features 491, 492 may traverse between an outer surface of the catheter adapter 416 and an inner surface of the catheter adapter 416. In some embodiments, the first attachment feature 491 may directly or indirectly contact the first electrode 441, and the second attachment feature 492 may directly or indirectly contact the second electrode 442. In some embodiments, the first and second mounting features 491 , 492 can be configured to electrically couple the first and second electrodes 441 , 442 to the sensor 460 .

[0068] In some embodiments, the sensor 460 may be a drug sensor 460 configured to sense when the drug 85 has leaked from the blood vessel 70 into the soft tissue 80 adjacent to the blood vessel 70 via the process of extravasation. In this manner, the drug sensor 460 may detect when extravasation of the drug 85 has occurred, and an indication of the drug extravasation may be provided to a clinician via any suitable output device known in the art. For example, soft tissue containing extravasated drug may exhibit different electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties compared to soft tissue not containing extravasated drug. These differences in electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties may be utilized to indicate whether the soft tissue contains extravasated drug to alert a clinician to a potentially dangerous situation.

[0069] In some embodiments, the drug sensor 460 may communicate with first and second electrodes 441, 442 coupled to the catheter lumen 422 when the distal end 424 of the catheter lumen 422 is successfully inserted into the blood vessel 70. (1) At least a portion of the first and second electrodes 441, 442 are embedded in the soft tissue 80 adjacent to the blood vessel 70. (2) The first and second electrodes 441, 442 communicate with each other through the soft tissue 80 between the first and second electrodes 441, 442. (3) The drug sensor 460 detects whether extravasation of the drug 85 from the blood vessel 70 into the soft tissue 80 has occurred by sensing a property associated with the soft tissue 80.

[0070] In some embodiments, the at least one property associated with the soft tissue 80 containing the extravasated drug 85 includes at least one of impedance, capacitance, conductance, inductance, an electromagnetic signal, pressure, and temperature. In some embodiments, the at least one property may be measured directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, the determination of extravasation of the drug 85 may be based on a threshold associated with the at least one property, a change detected in the at least one property when the soft tissue 80 is infused with the drug 85, and / or a relative difference detected in the at least one property when the soft tissue 80 is infused with the drug 85.

[0071] 5 shows a perspective side view of an exemplary catheter 500 that may be utilized to detect drug extravasation, according to some embodiments. Catheter 500 may include a catheter lumen 522 having a proximal end 526, a distal end 524, a luminal surface 525, and an outer luminal surface 527. Although not shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, distal end 524 of catheter 500 may also be tapered, similar to tapered distal end 24 of catheter 22 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0072] Catheter 500 may include a first electrode 541, a second electrode 542, and a third electrode 543. However, in other embodiments (not shown), catheter 500 may include only two electrodes. In still other embodiments (not shown), catheter 500 may include four or more electrodes.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543 can comprise a conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive material can comprise a conductive metal. The first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543 can also be spaced apart from one another along the catheter 500 and / or the outer luminal surface 527.

[0074] 5, the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543 may be coupled to the catheter within a first channel 561, a second channel 562, and a third channel 563, respectively. The first, second, and third channels 561, 562, 563 may also extend along the length of the catheter 500. The first, second, and third channels 561, 562, 563 may comprise closed channels formed within the body of the catheter lumen 522 to electrically isolate the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543 from one another.

[0075] The first, second, and third electrodes / channels 541, 542, 543, 561, 562, 563 may be formed by co-extruding the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543 with the catheter 500. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third channels 561, 562, 563 may then undergo a skiving process to expose portions of the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543. This skiving process may include removing catheter material overlying the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543 to expose them and allow the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543 to electrically communicate with each other through the soft tissue 80 between the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the catheter 500 may not be skived to keep the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543 electrically isolated from one another at the distal portion of the catheter 500. In this way, the first, second, and third electrodes 541, 542, 543 at the distal portion of the catheter 500 (where they enter the blood vessel) do not sense the drug within the blood vessel and do not generate a false positive indication of drug extravasation.

[0076] Figure 6 shows a perspective side view of an exemplary catheter 600 that may be utilized to detect drug extravasation, according to some embodiments. Catheter 600 may include a catheter lumen 622 having a proximal end 626, a distal end 624, a luminal surface 625, and an outer luminal surface 67. Although not shown in Figure 6, in some embodiments, distal end 624 of catheter 600 may also be tapered, similar to tapered distal end 24 of catheter 22 shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

[0077] Catheter 600 may include a first electrode 641, a second electrode 642, and a third electrode 643. However, in other embodiments (not shown), catheter 600 may include only two electrodes. In still other embodiments (not shown), catheter 600 may include four or more electrodes.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third electrodes 641, 642, 643 can comprise a conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive material can comprise a conductive metal. The first, second, and third electrodes 641, 642, 643 can also be spaced apart from one another along the catheter 600 and / or the outer luminal surface 627 by any distance.

[0079] 6, the first, second, and third electrodes 641, 642, 643 may be coupled to the catheter within a first channel 661, a second channel 662, and a third channel 663, respectively. The first, second, and third channels 661, 662, 663 may similarly extend along the length of the catheter 600. The first, second, and third channels 661, 662, 663 may comprise open channels formed within the body of the catheter lumen 622 that open to the outer luminal surface 627 to allow electrical communication between the first, second, and third electrodes 641, 642, 643 through the soft tissue between them.

[0080] The first, second, and third electrodes / channels 641, 642, 643, 661, 662, 663 may also be formed via a co-extrusion process or any other suitable manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the distal portions of the first, second, and third electrodes 641, 642, 643 may be electrically insulated from one another by a cover, coating, sleeve, or cap. For example, in some embodiments, a cover 665 may be coupled to the distal end 624 of the catheter 600. The cover 665 may be configured to electrically insulate the portions of the first, second, and third electrodes 641, 642, 643 that reside within the blood vessel from one another. In this way, the first, second, and third electrodes 641, 642, 643 at the distal portion of the catheter 600 (which may enter the blood vessel) do not sense the drug within the blood vessel and generate a false positive indication of drug extravasation.

[0081] 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary catheter system 700 including the catheter 600 of FIG. 6 inserted into tissue, according to some embodiments. The catheter system 700 may generally include the catheter 600, a catheter adapter 716, and a sensor 760. As shown in FIG. 7 , the catheter 600 may be inserted through the skin 81 and into the soft tissue 80 until a distal portion of the catheter 600 enters a blood vessel 70.

[0082] The catheter system 700 may also include a first attachment feature 791 configured to couple the first electrode 641 to the sensor 760 and a second attachment feature 792 configured to couple the second electrode 642 to the sensor 760. The first and second attachment features 791, 792 may be coupled to and / or integrated into the catheter adapter 716. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the first and second attachment features 791, 792 may be directly coupled to and / or integrated into the catheter 600. In some embodiments, the first and second attachment features 791, 792 may traverse between an outer surface of the catheter adapter 716 and an inner surface of the catheter adapter 716. In some embodiments, the first attachment feature 791 may directly or indirectly contact the first electrode 641, and the second attachment feature 792 may directly or indirectly contact the second electrode 642. In some embodiments, the first and second mounting features 791 , 792 can be configured to electrically couple the first and second electrodes 641 , 642 to the sensor 760 .

[0083] In some embodiments, the sensor 760 may be a drug sensor 760 configured to sense when the drug 85 has leaked from the blood vessel 70 into the soft tissue 80 adjacent to the blood vessel 70 via the process of extravasation. In this manner, the drug sensor 760 may detect when extravasation of the drug 85 has occurred, and an indication of the drug extravasation may be provided to a clinician via any suitable output device known in the art. As previously discussed, soft tissue containing extravasated drug may exhibit different electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties compared to soft tissue not containing extravasated drug. These differences in electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties may be utilized to indicate whether the soft tissue contains extravasated drug to alert a clinician to a potentially dangerous situation.

[0084] In some embodiments, the drug sensor 760 may communicate with the first and second electrodes 641, 642 when the distal end 624 of the catheter lumen 622 is successfully inserted into the blood vessel 70. (1) At least a portion of the first and second electrodes 641, 642 are embedded in the soft tissue 80 adjacent to the blood vessel 70. (2) The first and second electrodes 641, 642 are in communication with each other through the soft tissue 80 between the first and second electrodes 641, 642. (3) The drug sensor 760 detects whether extravasation of the drug 85 from the blood vessel 70 into the soft tissue 80 has occurred by sensing a property associated with the soft tissue 80.

[0085] In some embodiments, the at least one property associated with the soft tissue 80 containing the extravasated drug 85 includes at least one of impedance, capacitance, conductance, inductance, an electromagnetic signal, pressure, and temperature. In some embodiments, the at least one property may be measured directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, the determination of extravasation of the drug 85 may be based on a threshold associated with the at least one property, a change detected in the at least one property when the soft tissue 80 is infused with the drug 85, and / or a relative difference detected in the at least one property when the soft tissue 80 becomes infused with the drug 85.

[0086] 8 shows an exemplary catheter system 800 inserted into tissue, according to some embodiments. The catheter system 800 may generally include a catheter 823 and a sensor 860. As shown in FIG. 8 , the catheter 823 may be inserted through the skin 81 into the soft tissue 80 until a distal portion of the catheter 823 enters the blood vessel 70.

[0087] Catheter 823 may include a catheter lumen 822 having a proximal end 826, a distal end 824, a luminal surface 825, and an outer luminal surface 827. Although not shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, distal end 824 of catheter 823 may also be tapered, similar to tapered distal end 24 of catheter 22 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0088] In some embodiments, the sensor 860 may include a drug-sensing chip 860 coupled to the luminal surface 827. The drug-sensing chip 860 may include one or more sensors and / or one or more electrodes (not shown) disposed along its surface, which may be spaced apart from one another by one or more distances.

[0089] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the drug sensing chip 860 may be embedded in the soft tissue 80 adjacent to the blood vessel 70 when the distal end 824 of the catheter lumen 822 is inserted into the blood vessel 70. In this manner, the drug sensing chip 860 may detect when extravasation of the drug 85 from the blood vessel 70 into the soft tissue 80 occurs by sensing a characteristic associated with the soft tissue 80. If extravasation of the drug 85 is detected, an indication of the drug extravasation event may be provided to the clinician via any suitable output device known in the art. In some embodiments, the output device may include an LED light 868 that may be configured to indicate the presence and / or absence of extravasated drug 85 in the soft tissue 80.

[0090] As previously mentioned, if the soft tissue 80 proximate the drug sensing chip 860 contains extravasated drug 85, the soft tissue 80 may exhibit different electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties compared to soft tissue that does not contain the drug. These differences in electrical, chemical, and / or physical properties may be utilized to determine whether the soft tissue 80 contains extravasated drug in order to alert a clinician to a potentially dangerous situation.

[0091] In some embodiments, the at least one property associated with the soft tissue 80 containing the extravasated drug 85 includes at least one of impedance, capacitance, conductance, inductance, an electromagnetic signal (e.g., an infrared signal), pressure, and temperature. In some embodiments, the at least one property may be measured directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, the determination of extravasation of the drug 85 may be based on a threshold associated with the at least one property, a change detected in the at least one property when the soft tissue 80 is infused with the drug 85, and / or a relative difference detected in the at least one property when the soft tissue 80 is infused with the drug 85.

[0092] It should be understood that any of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined together in any number of different ways. As one non-limiting example, the embodiment of Figure 2 could be combined with any one of the embodiments of Figures 1A-1B and 3-8 (or any combination thereof). As another non-limiting example, the embodiment of Figure 3 could be combined with any one of the embodiments of Figures 1A-2 and 4-8 (or any combination thereof), etc.

[0093] References throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, references or variations thereof cited throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0094] Similarly, in the above description of embodiments, it should be understood that various features may be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the claims following this detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The present disclosure includes all permutations of independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0095] The recitation in a claim of the term "first" with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the presence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in means-plus-function form are intended to be construed in accordance with § 112, section 6. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made in the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles described herein.

[0096] Standard medical orientations, planes of reference, and descriptive terminology are employed in this specification. For example, anterior means toward the front of the body. Posterior means toward the back of the body. Superior means toward the head. Inferior means toward the feet. Medial means toward the midline of the body. Lateral means away from the midline of the body. Axial means toward the central axis of the body. Abaxial means away from the central axis of the body. Ipsilateral means the same side of the body. Contralateral means the opposite side of the body. The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions. The midsagittal plane divides the body into symmetrical right and left halves. The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions. These descriptive terms may be applied to animate or inanimate bodies.

[0097] The phrases "connected," "coupled," "engage," and "communicate" refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components can be functionally coupled to one another even if they are not in direct contact with one another. The term "adjacent" refers to things that are in direct physical contact with one another, but the things are not necessarily attached together. The phrase "fluid communication" refers to two features that are connected such that fluid in one feature can flow into the other feature.

[0098] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0099] While particular embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the devices and systems disclosed herein, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0100] 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 catheter system comprising: A catheter comprising: A catheter lumen, a proximal end; a distal end; and The inner surface; an outer surface of the catheter lumen; a catheter comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a blood sensor in communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; A catheter system comprising: When the distal end of the catheter lumen is inserted into a patient's blood vessel, at least a portion of the first and second electrodes are implanted within the patient's blood vessel; the first electrode and the second electrode communicate with each other via blood present in the blood vessel of the patient; the blood sensor detects insertion of the distal end of the catheter lumen into the patient's blood vessel by sensing at least one characteristic associated with the blood present in the patient's blood vessel; the first electrode is positioned in the catheter lumen; The catheter system further comprises an introducer needle; The catheter system wherein the second electrode is located on the outer surface of the introducer needle.

2. The at least one characteristic associated with the blood present in the patient's blood vessel is: impedance, inductance, capacitance, pressure, Electromagnetic signals, The catheter system of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

3. a first attachment feature configured to couple the blood sensor to the first electrode; a second attachment feature configured to couple the blood sensor to the second electrode; The catheter system of claim 1 further comprising:

4. the first electrode comprises a conductive material deposited on the outer surface; The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first electrode is positioned proximate the distal end of the catheter lumen.

5. The catheter system of claim 4 , wherein the conductive material comprises a conductive ink.

6. The catheter system of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode is made of a conductive plastic.

7. 7. The catheter system of claim 6, wherein the blood sensor is configured to detect insertion of the distal end of the catheter lumen into the patient's blood vessel by sensing an electrical property associated with the blood present in the patient's blood vessel between the catheter lumen and the introducer needle.

8. the inner surface of the catheter lumen further comprising an electrically insulating layer; 8. The catheter system of claim 7, wherein the blood sensor is configured to detect insertion of the distal end of the catheter lumen into the patient's blood vessel by sensing an electrical property associated with the blood present in the patient's blood vessel between the distal end of the catheter lumen and a distal portion of the introducer needle.

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