Catheter system that facilitates visualization of blood flashback

Abstract

The catheter system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter adapter and a catheter. The catheter system may also include a needle assembly, which may include a needle hub and an introducer needle. The proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub, and the distal end of the introducer needle may extend beyond the distal end of the catheter. The catheter system may include a vent plug. The distal end of the vent plug may include a male luer adapter, which may include a cannula and a collar surrounding the cannula. The cannula may include a cavity that receives blood flowing proximally through the introducer needle. The proximal end of the cavity may be formed by a wall extending across the cannula and disposed within the needle hub. The cannula may be inserted into the proximal end of the needle hub.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Background Catheters are commonly used in various infusion therapies. For example, a catheter may be used to inject fluids such as normal saline, various pharmaceuticals, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. A catheter may also be used to withdraw blood from a patient.

[0002] A common type of catheter is the over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As its name indicates, an over-the-needle PIVC may be mounted on an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The PIVC and the introducer needle may be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC and the bevel of the needle faces away from the patient's skin. The PIVC and the introducer needle are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vascular system.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] To confirm proper placement of the introducer needle and / or PIVC within a blood vessel, a user generally checks for the presence of a blood flashback within the catheter system that includes the PIVC. The user visualizes the blood flashback within the catheter system to determine that the introducer needle is within the blood vessel. Once the needle placement is confirmed, the user may temporarily occlude the flow within the vascular system, remove the introducer needle, and leave the PIVC in place for future blood withdrawal and / or fluid injection. The PIVC assembly may be coupled to an extension set, which may allow for the coupling of an injection or blood withdrawal device at a location removed from the PIVC insertion site.

[0004] The subject matter asserted herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any particular shortcoming or embodiments that operate only in the environments described above. Rather, this background is provided merely to illustrate one example of a technical area in which some of the implementations described herein may be put into practice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] overview This disclosure, as a whole, relates to vascular access systems and related devices and methods. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a terminal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter extending from the terminal end of the catheter adapter to the terminal end. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a terminal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter.

[0006] In some embodiments, the catheter system may also include a needle assembly, which may include a needle hub. In some embodiments, the needle hub may include a terminal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include an introduction needle, which may include a terminal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introduction needle may be fixed within the needle hub. In some embodiments, the terminal end of the introduction needle may be sharp and extend beyond the terminal end of the catheter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a vent plug, which may include a terminal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the terminal end of the vent plug may include a male Luer adapter, which may include a cannula and a collar surrounding the cannula. In some embodiments, the cannula may include a cavity for receiving blood flowing through the introduction needle to the proximal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the cavity may be formed by a wall extending across the cannula and positioned within the needle hub. In some embodiments, the cannula may be inserted into the proximal end of the needle hub.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the cavity may extend terminally to the proximal end of the introduction needle. In some embodiments, the cannula portion at the end of the wall may be semi-annular, with a gap oriented above the introduction needle to facilitate visualization by the user of blood flowing from the proximal end of the introduction needle. In some embodiments, the wall may include a permeable membrane that allows air to pass through but not blood.

[0009] In some embodiments, in response to the user inserting the introduction needle into the patient's vascular system, blood may flow through the introduction needle to the proximal end and into the cavity. In some embodiments, in response to the blood flowing through the introduction needle to the proximal end, air may move through the ventilation membrane to the proximal end and / or out of the catheter system via another suitable pathway. In some embodiments, the catheter system may facilitate the user's visualization of the blood. In some embodiments, in response to the user's visualization of the blood, the user may remove the needle assembly from the catheter assembly, which may remain in the vascular system for future blood withdrawal and / or fluid injection.

[0010] In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a cap coupled to the proximal end of the vent plug. In some embodiments, the wall may be spaced apart from the proximal end of the cap. In some embodiments, the vent plug may include an annular channel, which may extend from the wall to the proximal end of the cap. In some embodiments, the cap may include another male Luer connector. In some embodiments, the other male Luer connector may include another cannula and another collar surrounding the other cannula. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the cap may include another cannula.

[0011] In some embodiments, the thickness of the needle hub may allow visualization of blood flowing from the proximal end of the introduction needle. In some embodiments, the needle hub may include an annular wall. In some embodiments, the apical portion of the annular wall may include a pocket with reduced thickness at the top of the annular wall. In some embodiments, the cannula portion at the end of the wall is semi-annular and has a gap oriented above the introduction needle to facilitate visualization of blood flowing from the proximal end of the introduction needle by the user.

[0012] It will be understood that both the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and descriptive, and do not limit the claimed invention. It should be understood that various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and fixtures shown in the drawings. Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise claimed. Therefore, the detailed description below should not be taken as restrictive.

[0013] A brief explanation of some of the figures in the drawing. Exemplary embodiments are described and elaborated with further specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a conventional catheter system according to several embodiments. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is an overhead perspective view of an exemplary catheter system according to several embodiments. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system shown in Figure 2A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of Figure 2A along line 2C-2C in Figure 2A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exemplary top perspective view of a needle hub according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Description of the Embodiment The term "proximal end" refers to the part of the structure closer to the user, while the term "proximal end" refers to the part further away from the user. Referring now to Figure 1, a part of a conventional catheter system 10 is illustrated. The conventional catheter system 10 includes a catheter assembly 12. The catheter assembly 12 includes a catheter adapter 14. The catheter adapter 14 includes a proximal end 16. The conventional catheter system 10 includes a needle assembly 18, which may include a needle hub 20. The needle assembly 18 includes an introduction needle 22. The introduction needle 22 includes a proximal end 24 fixed within the needle hub 20.

[0016] A conventional catheter system 10 includes a vent plug 26, which includes a terminal end 28 and a proximal end 30. The terminal end 28 of the vent plug 26 includes a male Luer adapter, which includes a cannula 32 and a collar 34 surrounding the cannula 32. The cannula 32 may include a cavity 36 for receiving blood flowing proximal through the introduction needle 22. The proximal end of the cavity 36 is formed by a wall 37, which is located outside the needle hub 20. In some embodiments, the cannula 32 is inserted into the proximal end 38 of the needle hub 20.

[0017] Referring here to Figures 2A-2B, in some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may include a catheter assembly 42, which may include a catheter adapter 44. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 44 may include an end portion 46 and a proximal end portion 48. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 44 may include a port located between the end portion 46 and the proximal end portion 48. In some embodiments, the port may be closed with a cap 45, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 2A.

[0018] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 42 may include a catheter 50 extending distally from the distal end 46 of the catheter adapter 44. In some embodiments, the catheter 50 may include a distal end 52 and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter 50 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may include the BD VENFLON® Pro Safety catheter system, available from Becton, Dickinson & Company in Franklin Lake, New Jersey, or another suitable catheter system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may include a needle assembly 56, which may include a needle hub 58. In some embodiments, the needle hub 58 may include a terminal end 60 and a proximal end 62. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 56 may include an introduction needle 64, which may include a terminal end 66 and a proximal end 68. In some embodiments, the proximal end 68 of the introduction needle 64 may be fixed within the needle hub 58. In some embodiments, the terminal end 66 of the introduction needle 64 may be sharp and extend beyond the terminal end 52 of the catheter 50. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the introduction needle 64 may be less than that of the introduction needle 22 of the prior art catheter system 10, which may facilitate the rapid flow of proximal blood through the introduction needle 64 and visualization within the cavity 78.

[0020] In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may include a vent plug 72, which may include a terminal end 74 and a proximal end 76. In some embodiments, the terminal end 74 of the vent plug 72 may include a male Luer adapter, which may include a cannula 77 and a collar 79 surrounding the cannula 77. In some embodiments, the cannula 77 may include a cavity 78 for receiving blood flowing proximal through the introduction needle 64. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the cavity 78 may be formed by a wall 80 extending across the cannula 77 and positioned within the needle hub 58. In some embodiments, the cannula 77 may be inserted into the proximal end 62 of the needle hub 58.

[0021] In some embodiments, the length of cavity 78 aligned with the longitudinal axis of introducer needle 64 may be shorter than the length of cavity 36 of needle hub 20 of prior art catheter system 10. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the depth of cavity 78 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of introducer needle 64 may be less than the depth of cavity 36 of needle hub 20 of prior art catheter system 10. Thus, in some embodiments, blood flowing through introducer needle 64 from the patient may be visualized more rapidly in catheter system 40.

[0022] In some embodiments, portion 82 of cannula 77 at the end of wall 80 may be semi-circular and there may be a gap 84 oriented over introducer needle 64 to facilitate visualization by the user of blood exiting from proximal end portion 68 of introducer needle 64. In some embodiments, portion 82 of cannula 77 may be disposed towards vent plug 72 and the bottom of catheter system 40. As used in this disclosure, the top of a particular structure may be oriented away from the patient's skin while the bottom of a particular structure may be oriented towards the patient's skin. In some embodiments, portion 82 of cannula 77 may extend distally with respect to proximal end portion 68 of introducer needle 64.

[0023] In some embodiments, wall 80 may include a vent membrane 86 which may allow air to pass through but not blood. In some embodiments, in response to insertion of introducer needle 64 into the patient's vasculature by the user, blood may flow proximally through introducer needle 64 and into cavity 78. In some embodiments, in response to blood flowing proximally through introducer needle 64 and removal of cap 88, air may move proximally through vent membrane 86 and out of catheter system 40. In some embodiments, catheter system 40 may facilitate visualization of blood by the user. In some embodiments, in response to visualization of blood by the user, the user may remove needle assembly 56 from catheter assembly 42 which may remain positioned within the vasculature for future blood withdrawal and / or fluid injection.

[0024] In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may include a cap 88 coupled to the proximal end portion 76 of the ventilation plug 72. In some embodiments, the wall 80 may be spaced from the proximal end portion 90 of the cap 88. In some embodiments, the ventilation plug 72 may include an annular channel 92, which may extend from the wall 80 to the proximal end portion 90 of the cap 88. In some embodiments, the cap 88 may include another male luer. In some embodiments, the another male luer may include and surround another cannula 94. In some embodiments, the proximal end portion 90 of the cap 88 may include another cannula 94.

[0025] In some embodiments, the thickness of the needle hub 58 may enable visualization of blood emerging from the proximal end portion of the introducer needle 64. In some embodiments, the thickness of the needle hub 58 may be less than the thickness of the needle hub 20 of the prior art catheter system 10.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the needle hub 58 may include an annular wall 98. In some embodiments, the top portion of the annular wall 98 may include a pocket 100 with a reduced thickness of the top portion of the annular wall 98, which may facilitate visualization by the user of blood moving from the proximal end portion 68 of the introducer needle 64. In some embodiments, the pocket 100 may include a groove or portion of the annular wall 98 that is cut away or thinned, enabling the user to see the blood within the needle assembly 56 through the annular wall 98. Since the pocket 100 is not an opening, blood cannot flow through the pocket 100. In some embodiments, the needle hub 58 may include a push tab 102, which may be aligned with the pocket 100 as a whole.

[0027] All examples and conditional statements set forth herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the concepts to which the inventors have contributed to advance the invention and the art, and are construed as not being limited to the examples and conditions set forth herein. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. The catheter system A catheter assembly is provided, and the catheter assembly is A catheter adapter comprising a terminal end and a proximal end, The catheter adapter comprises a catheter extending from the terminal end to the terminal end, The needle assembly comprises, A needle hub having an end end and a base end, An introduction needle having a terminal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the introduction needle is fixed within the needle hub, and the terminal end of the introduction needle extends beyond the terminal end of the catheter, and A vent plug comprising a terminal end and a proximal end, wherein the terminal end of the vent plug comprises a male Luer adapter, the male Luer adapter comprises a cannula and a collar surrounding the cannula, the cannula comprises a cavity for receiving blood flowing through the introduction needle to the proximal end, the proximal end of the cavity is formed by a wall extending across the cannula and is located within the needle hub, and the cannula is inserted into the proximal end of the needle hub, Equipped with, A catheter system in which the portion of the cannula defining the bottom of the cavity is semi-annular, extends distally relative to the proximal end of the introduction needle, and has a gap oriented above the introduction needle to facilitate visualization of blood exiting the proximal end of the introduction needle.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a permeable membrane.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1, further comprising a cap coupled to the proximal end of the vent plug, wherein the wall is spaced apart from the proximal end of the cap.

4. The catheter system according to claim 3, wherein the vent plug comprises an annular channel extending from the wall to the proximal end of the cap.

5. The catheter system according to claim 4, wherein the cap comprises another male luer, the other male luer comprises another cannula and another collar surrounding the other cannula, and the proximal end of the cap comprises the other cannula.

6. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the needle hub enables visualization of the blood exiting the proximal end of the introduction needle.

7. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the needle hub has an annular wall, and the top portion of the annular wall has a pocket in which the thickness of the top portion of the annular wall is reduced.

8. The catheter system A catheter assembly is provided, and the catheter assembly is A catheter adapter comprising a terminal end and a proximal end, The catheter adapter comprises a catheter extending from the terminal end to the terminal end, The needle assembly comprises, A needle hub comprising a terminal end, a proximal end, and an annular wall, wherein the top portion of the annular wall comprises a pocket formed by reducing the thickness of the top portion of the annular wall, An introduction needle having a terminal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the introduction needle is fixed within the needle hub, and the terminal end of the introduction needle extends beyond the terminal end of the catheter, and A vent plug having an end portion and a proximal end portion, wherein the end portion of the vent plug is equipped with a male Luer adapter, and the male Luer adapter is equipped with a cannula and a collar surrounding the cannula, Equipped with, The cannula comprises a cavity for receiving blood flowing through the introduction needle to its proximal end, the proximal end of the cavity is formed by a wall extending across the cannula and is located within the needle hub, and the cannula is inserted into the proximal end of the needle hub. A catheter system in which the portion of the cannula defining the bottom of the cavity is semi-annular, extends distally relative to the proximal end of the introduction needle, and has a gap oriented above the introduction needle to facilitate visualization of blood exiting the proximal end of the introduction needle.

9. The catheter system according to claim 8, wherein the wall comprises a permeable membrane.

10. The catheter system according to claim 8, further comprising a cap coupled to the proximal end of the vent plug, wherein the wall is spaced apart from the proximal end of the cap.

11. The catheter system according to claim 10, wherein the vent plug comprises an annular channel extending from the wall to the proximal end of the cap.

12. The catheter system according to claim 11, wherein the cap comprises another male luer, the other male luer comprises another cannula and another collar surrounding the other cannula, and the proximal end of the cap comprises the other cannula.

13. The catheter system according to claim 8, wherein the catheter comprises a peripheral intravenous catheter.

Images