Probe delivery device for facilitating probe advancement within an intravenous catheter

Abstract

The probe delivery device may include a probe delivery mechanism that facilitates advancing a probe through an IV catheter. The probe delivery mechanism may be housed within a compartment of the probe delivery device and may include a probe extending from the compartment into a fluid pathway formed within the probe delivery device. A portion of the probe delivery mechanism may extend from the housing to allow a clinician to advance and retract the probe. The probe delivery device may include a vacuum blood collection tube receiver or connector to allow blood collection or fluid injection to be performed using the probe delivery device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a probe delivery device for facilitating the advancement and / or retraction of a probe within an IV catheter, as well as related systems and methods.

Background Art

[0002] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 135,393, filed on January 8, 2021, titled "Probe Delivery Device for Facilitating Advancement of a Probe within an Intravenous Catheter", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0003] Catheters are commonly used to inject fluids into a patient's vasculature. For example, a catheter can be used to inject saline, various drugs, or total parenteral nutrition. A catheter may also be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0004] Catheters can include an over - the - needle peripheral intravenous ( "IV") catheter. In this case, the catheter can be attached over a introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The catheter and the introducer needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter and the bevel of the needle faces away from the patient's skin. The catheter and the introducer needle are typically inserted into the patient's vasculature at a shallow angle from the skin.

[0005] To verify proper placement of the introducer needle and / or catheter within a blood vessel, a clinician generally confirms that there is a "flashback" of blood within the flashback chamber of a catheter assembly that includes the catheter. After needle placement is confirmed, the clinician can remove the needle and leave the catheter in place for future blood draws or infusions.

[0006] A catheter typically provides an access port that allows another device to access the catheter while the catheter is positioned within the patient's vascular system. These other devices may be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as obtaining blood samples, injecting fluids, performing measurements, and monitoring. Often, the catheter in an IV catheter device can become blocked (e.g., due to a thrombus or fibrin sheath), which can prevent the performance of such tasks. If a catheter becomes blocked, a clinician may attempt to remove the blockage by inserting another structure through the catheter, such as a needle, wire, or other means. However, removing blockages using currently available techniques is not always effective, is often difficult to perform, and can cause trauma to the patient's vascular system.

[0007] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that resolve any shortcomings or embodiments that operate only in the environments described above. Rather, this background art is provided merely to illustrate an example of the technical area in which some of the embodiments described herein can be carried out. [Overview of the project]

[0008] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a housing that may have a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing may be configured to connect to an intravenous (IV) catheter device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include a stop member. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a spool disposed within the housing and a probe wound around the spool. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a forward wheel. In some embodiments, the forward wheel may extend from the housing. In some embodiments, the spool may rotate in response to the rotation of the forward wheel, thereby advancing the probe through the distal end of the housing. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the forward wheel may include another stop member configured to contact the stop member and stop the rotation of the forward wheel beyond its full rotation.

[0010] In some embodiments, the stop member and / or another stop member may include a projection. In some embodiments, the housing may include fluid paths extending through the distal and proximal ends of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing may include a probe channel extending from the spool into the fluid path. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a seal that isolates the probe channel from the fluid path, and the probe may extend through the seal. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the housing may include a Luer connector or another suitable type of connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a housing that may have a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing may be configured to connect to an intravenous catheter device. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include a housing stop member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a first wheel. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first wheel may include a first wheel stop. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a second wheel which may include a tab. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being arranged in a first configuration, the first wheel and / or the second wheel may be prevented from rotating in a first direction. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being arranged in a first configuration, the first wheel and / or the second wheel may be configured to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate one or more times in the second direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gap may be located between the housing stop and the first wheel stop. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being configured in a first configuration, the tab may bridge the gap between the housing stop and the first wheel stop. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being configured in a first configuration, the tab may be located between the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member and may contact the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being configured in a first configuration, the first wheel may be configured to rotate independently of the housing and the second wheel in a second direction until the first wheel stop member contacts the tab.

[0014] In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel rotating independently in a second direction from the housing and the second wheel until the first wheel contacts the tab, the first and second wheels are configured to rotate further together in a second direction until the probe delivery device is positioned in the second configuration. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the tab may be positioned between the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member and may contact the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a probe. In some embodiments, the probe may be in a fully retracted position in response to the probe delivery device being in a first configuration. In some embodiments, the probe may be in a fully advanced position in response to the probe delivery device being in a second configuration. In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate in a second direction to advance the probe distally through the distal end of the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a housing that may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end may be configured to connect to an IV catheter device. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include a housing stop member and a housing return stop. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include an axis. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a first wheel configured to rotate with the axis. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first wheel may include a first wheel stop member and a first wheel return stop.

[0017] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a second wheel positioned on an axis, configured to rotate with the axis, and to move axially along the axis. In some embodiments, the second wheel may include a tab. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being in a first configuration, the tab may be positioned within a housing stopper and a first wheel stopper. In these embodiments, the first wheel may be prevented from rotating in a first direction but may be configured to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate one or more times in the second direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a probe. In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate in a second direction to advance the probe distally through the distal end of the housing. In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel rotating from a first configuration to a second direction, the tab may be released from the first wheel retainer before the tab is released from the housing retainer. In some embodiments, the tab may be released from the housing retainer in response to the tab sliding toward the inner surface of the first wheel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include another housing stopper. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first wheel may include a first wheel inclined surface. In some embodiments, the first wheel stopper may be positioned between the first wheel stopper and the first wheel inclined surface. In some embodiments, the first wheel inclined surface may be inclined toward the first wheel stopper.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate from a first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, the tab may be located in a separate housing stopper and a first wheel stopper in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the tab may contact a housing stopper member in order to move from the first configuration to the second configuration. In some embodiments, in response to the tab contacting the housing stopper member and the first wheel rotating further in the second direction, the tab may move along the first wheel inclined surface and be pushed toward the inner surface of the housing by the first wheel inclined surface toward a separate housing stopper.

[0021] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include a housing inclined surface and another housing inclined surface. In some embodiments, a housing stopper may be positioned between the housing stopper and the housing inclined surface. In some embodiments, another housing stopper may be positioned between the housing stopper and the other inclined surface, and on the opposite side of the housing stopper as a housing stopper.

[0022] In some embodiments, the housing inclined surface may be inclined toward the housing stopper. In some embodiments, the first wheel inclined surface may be inclined toward the first wheel stopper. In some embodiments, the housing inclined surface and the first wheel inclined surface may be inclined in different or opposite directions. In some embodiments, the housing stopper may be located opposite the first wheel stopper in the first configuration.

[0023] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and for the purpose of explanation and are not restrictive of the claimed invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the figures. Also, it should be understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be used, 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 should not be construed in a limiting sense.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained in more specific and detailed manner by using the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a probe delivery device according to some embodiments. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is an exploded rear view of an exemplary probe advancement mechanism of the probe delivery device of FIG. 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a rear view of the probe advancement mechanism of the probe delivery device of FIG. 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of another probe delivery device according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device according to some embodiments. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, showing a probe delivery device in a first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device shown in Figure 10A, illustrating a second configuration of the probe delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 10C] Figure 10C is a top perspective view of the probe delivery device of Figure 10A, showing the probe delivery device of the first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 10D] Figure 10D is an exploded rear view of an exemplary probe advancement mechanism of the probe delivery device of Figure 10A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, showing a probe delivery device in a first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of Figure 11A, showing an exemplary first wheel rotating independently of a second wheel, which is exemplary in a second direction from a first configuration, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11C] Figure 11C is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of Figure 11A, showing the first wheel further rotated in a second direction from the position in Figure 11B, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11D] Figure 11D is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of Figure 11A, showing the first and second wheels rotated together in a second direction from the position in Figure 11C, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11E] Figure 11E is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, showing a second configuration of the probe delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 12A]Figure 12A is a cross-sectional front view of another probe delivery device, showing a probe delivery device in a first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device shown in Figure 12A, illustrating the probe delivery device in a first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 12C] Figure 12C is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of Figure 11A, showing an exemplary first wheel rotating independently of a second wheel, which is exemplary in a second direction from a first configuration, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12D] Figure 12D is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the first wheel rotating independently of the second wheel in a second direction from the first configuration, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12E] Figure 12E is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of Figure 11A, showing an exemplary tab moving toward the first wheel according to several embodiments. [Figure 12F] Figure 12F is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of Figure 12A, showing a tab moved toward the first wheel according to several embodiments. [Figure 12G] Figure 12G is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the tab and first wheel rotated in a second direction from the positions shown in Figures 12E-12F, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12H] Figure 12H is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the tab and first wheel further rotated in a second direction from the position of Figure 12G, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12I] Figure 12I is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the tab and first wheel further rotated in a second direction from the position of Figure 12G, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12J] Figure 12J is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of Figure 12A, showing a second configuration of the probe delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 12K] Figure 12K is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of Figure 12A, showing a second configuration of the probe delivery device according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] In this specification and in the claims, the term “IV catheter device” should be interpreted as any device including an IV catheter. The term “probe delivery device” should be interpreted as any device configured to advance and / or retract a probe within an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may be a device separate from the IV catheter device on which the probe delivery device may be used. In other embodiments, the probe delivery device may be in the form of an IV catheter device. In other words, in some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include an IV catheter. The term “probe delivery mechanism” is used to describe various mechanisms and / or configurations of a probe delivery device that facilitate the advance and / or retraction of a probe within an IV catheter according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0026] Before describing various examples of probe delivery devices, the general characteristics of some embodiments of probe delivery devices are described. A probe delivery device includes a distal end oriented toward the patient's vascular system during use and a proximal end opposite the distal end. In some embodiments, the distal end may be configured to connect to an IV catheter device. In other embodiments, the distal end may include an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the probe delivery device may be configured to allow a separate device to be connected to the probe delivery device. For example, the proximal end may include an access port or a vacuum tube receiver that forms part of a fluid pathway extending to the distal end of the probe delivery device. In other embodiments, the distal end or another part of the probe delivery device may be configured to allow a separate device to be connected to the probe delivery device. However, in some embodiments, the probe delivery device may not be configured to allow a separate device to be connected to the probe delivery device. For example, the probe delivery device may be configured to deliver a probe while not configured to inject fluid or draw blood.

[0027] Figure 1 shows an example of a probe delivery device 100 configured according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 100 may include a housing 105 having a distal end 100a and a proximal end 100b. In some embodiments, only a portion of the distal end 100a is shown, but as described above, the distal end 100a may include any type of connector to allow the probe delivery device 100 to be connected to an IV catheter device or to incorporate an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end 100b may be configured to form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver 130 having a needle 131 covered by a protective sheath 132.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fluid path 110 may extend within the probe delivery device 100 from the needle 131 to the distal end 100a. Thus, when the vacuum blood collection tube 140 is inserted into the vacuum blood collection tube receiver 130, a blood sample can be collected through the fluid path 110. In some embodiments, the proximal end 100b may include a Luer connector or any other type of connector coupled to the fluid path 110.

[0029] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 100 may include a probe delivery mechanism 150 that allows the probe 153 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, the probe 153 may include a wire made of nickel-titanium or another suitable material. In some embodiments, a compartment 120 may be formed within the probe delivery device 100 and may house the probe delivery mechanism 150. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 115 may create a probe channel 121 that extends distally from the compartment 120 and joins the fluid path 110 at the distal portion 110a of the fluid path 110.

[0030] In some embodiments, to isolate compartment 120 from the fluid path 110, a seal 122 (e.g., an elastomer partition) is positioned within the probe channel 121 and may span the probe channel 121. In some embodiments, the probe 153 may extend through a slit or another opening formed within the seal 122. In some embodiments, the seal 122 may provide support to the probe 153 to prevent it from buckling as it advances. Although the probe channel 121 is shown to be substantially wider than the probe 153, in some embodiments, at least some dimensions of the probe channel 121 may be slightly larger than those of the probe 153, and as a result, the probe channel 121 may provide support to prevent the probe 153 from buckling.

[0031] In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 150 may include a spool 155 and a forward wheel 152, both of which may be configured to rotate within a compartment 120. In some embodiments, the spool 155 may be positioned adjacent to the forward wheel 152 (i.e., toward the probe channel 121 relative to the forward wheel 152). In some embodiments, the forward wheel 152 may be positioned to partially extend from the compartment 120, thereby allowing a clinician to rotate the forward wheel 152 using their thumb or finger. In some embodiments, the spool 155 may include a gear 156 having teeth 156a. Similarly, in some embodiments, the forward wheel 152 may include teeth 152a and thus function as a gear. In some embodiments, the teeth 152a may interface with the teeth 156a so that the spool 155 rotates when the forward wheel 152 rotates. In some embodiments, the teeth 152a are formed along the outermost edge of the forward wheel 152. However, in other embodiments, the teeth 152a may be formed along a portion of the forward wheel that is inserted relative to the outermost edge.

[0032] Figure 1A provides an exploded rear view of a standalone probe delivery mechanism 150 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the spool 155 and the forward wheel 152 may each include axes 155b and 152b, respectively, on which these components are located within the compartment 120 and on which they rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 155 may include a spool drum 155a on which the probe 153 can be wound. Thus, as the spool 155 rotates, the rotation can move the probe 153 forward or backward along the probe channel 121, depending on the direction in which the forward wheel 152 rotates. In some embodiments, the gear formed by the forward wheel 152 may have a larger diameter than the gear 156, thereby moving the probe 153 forward or backward a greater distance with respect to the amount of rotation of the forward wheel 152. In contrast, in other embodiments, the gear formed by the forward wheel 152 may have a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the gear 156. In such embodiments, the probe 153 can move forward or backward a smaller distance relative to the amount of rotation of the forward wheel 152, and such forward or backward movement can be achieved by reducing the amount of force applied to the forward wheel 152.

[0033] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 100 may include a seal (not shown) within a compartment 120 that isolates the spool drum 155a and the probe 153 from the external environment. In some embodiments, a seal 122 may or may not be employed, as the seal within the compartment 120 prevents the fluid entering the probe channel 121 from escaping the compartment 120.

[0034] Figure 2 shows another example of the probe delivery device 200 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 200 may be similar to or identical to the probe delivery device 100 in terms of one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 200 may include a housing 205 having a distal end 200a which can be configured in any of the above manner, and a proximal end 200b which forms a vacuum blood collection tube receiver 230 having a needle 231 covered by a protective sheath 232. In some embodiments, a fluid path 210 may extend within the probe delivery device 200 from the needle 231 to the distal end 200a. Thus, when a vacuum blood collection tube 240 is inserted into the vacuum blood collection tube receiver 230, a blood sample may be collected via the fluid path 210. In other embodiments, the proximal end 200b may include a Luer connector or any other type of connector coupled to the fluid path 210.

[0035] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 200 may include a probe delivery mechanism 250 that allows the probe 253 to advance distally through the IV catheter and / or be subsequently withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, a compartment 220 may be formed within the probe delivery device 200 and may house the probe delivery mechanism 250. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 215 may create a probe channel 221 that extends distally from the compartment 220 and joins the fluid path 210 at the distal portion 210a of the fluid path 210. In some embodiments, a seal 222 may be located within the probe channel 221 and span the probe channel 221 to isolate the probe channel 221 from the fluid path 210.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2A, a rear view of the probe delivery mechanism 250, the probe delivery mechanism 250 may include a spool 251 having an axis 251b that holds the spool 251 within the compartment 220 and allows the spool 251 to rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 251 may include a spool drum 251c on which the probe 253 is wound. In some embodiments, a portion of the spool 251 may form a forward wheel 251a extending upward from the compartment 220. Thus, a clinician can directly rotate the spool 251 by applying force to the forward wheel 251a. Such rotation can move the probe 253 forward and backward within the probe channel 221, depending on the direction of rotation.

[0037] Figure 3 shows another example of the probe delivery device 300 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 300 may be similar to or identical to the probe delivery device 100 and / or the probe delivery device 200 in terms of one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 300 may include a housing 305 having a distal end 300a and a proximal end 300b. In some embodiments, the distal end 300a may form a connector 306 to which the probe delivery device 300 can be coupled to an IV catheter device (not shown). In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 300 is an example of a probe delivery device not configured to collect blood or inject fluid. Therefore, in some embodiments, the proximal end 300b does not form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver or does not include an access port or another connector. In some embodiments, the probe channel, rather than a fluid path, may be formed within the housing 305. In some embodiments, the probe 353 may extend through the probe channel, through the distal end 300a, into the IV catheter device to which the probe delivery device 300 is connected, and eventually through the IV catheter. However, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the proximal end 300b may be configured to allow blood to be collected or fluid to be injected using the probe delivery device 300 (e.g., using any of the techniques described herein).

[0038] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 300 may include a probe delivery mechanism 350 having a spool 351 generally similar to the spool 251. In particular, the spool 351 may include an axis 351b that holds the spool 351 within the compartment 320 and allows the spool 351 to rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 351 may include a spool drum 351c on which the probe 353 is wound. In some embodiments, a portion of the spool 351 may form a forward wheel 351a extending upward from the compartment 320. Thus, a clinician can directly rotate the spool 351 by applying force to the forward wheel 351a, and such rotation can cause the probe 353 to move forward or backward.

[0039] Figure 4 shows another example of the probe delivery device 400 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 400 may be similar or identical to one or more of the probe delivery devices 100, 200, and 300 with respect to one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 400 may include a housing 405 having a distal end 400a which can be configured in any of the above-described manner and a proximal end 400b from which a tube 430 having a connector 430a extends. In some embodiments, a fluid path 410 may extend within the probe delivery device 400 from the tube 430 to the distal end 400a. Thus, a separate device can be coupled to the connector 430a to draw blood from the fluid path 410 or to inject fluid into the fluid path 410. In some embodiments, the proximal end 400b may form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver similar to those described above. In some embodiments, the tube 430 may form part of the fluid path 410 (for example, by extending distally to the distal end of the dividing wall 415).

[0040] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 400 may include a probe delivery mechanism 450 that allows the probe 453 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, distal compartments 420a and proximal compartments 420b are formed within the probe delivery device 400 and house the probe delivery mechanism 450. In some embodiments, a compartment channel 420c interconnects the distal compartment 420a and the proximal compartment 420b. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 415 may create a probe channel 421 that extends distally from the proximal compartment 420b and joins the fluid path 410 at the distal portion 410a of the fluid path 410. In some embodiments, a seal 422 is located within the probe channel 421 and spans the probe channel 421 to isolate the probe channel 421 from the fluid path 410.

[0041] In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 450 may include a spool 451 having an axis 451b that holds the spool 451 within the distal compartment 420a and allows the spool 451 to rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 451 may include a spool drum 451c on which the probe 453 is wound. In some embodiments, a portion of the spool 451 may form a forward wheel 451a extending upward from the distal compartment 420a. Thus, a clinician can directly rotate the spool 451 by applying force to the forward wheel 451a.

[0042] In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 450 may include a primary wheel 461 having an axis 461a that maintains the primary wheel 461 within the proximal compartment 420b and allows the primary wheel 461 to rotate. In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 450 may further include one or more secondary wheels 462 adjacent to the primary wheel 461 and configured to rotate within the proximal compartment 420b. In the embodiments described, there are four secondary wheels 462, but in other embodiments, there may be a single secondary wheel or any other reasonable number of secondary wheels. Also, in some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 450 may include the primary wheel 461 and may include secondary wheels.

[0043] In some embodiments, the probe 453 may be wound around a spool drum 451c, then extending proximal through a compartment channel 420c, and wound around the proximal side of a primary wheel 461. In some embodiments, each of the secondary wheels 462 may be positioned relative to the primary wheel 461 to hold the probe 453 in close proximity to the primary wheel 461 or in constant contact with it. Thus, the arrangement of the primary wheel 461 and the secondary wheels 462 may facilitate the advancement of the probe 453 by reducing the resistance that may occur when the probe is wound around the primary wheel 461. In some embodiments, more specifically, the secondary wheel 462 may hold the probe 453 in contact with the primary wheel 461 so that the advancement or retraction may rotate in conjunction with the primary wheel 461 as the spool 451 rotates and moves the probe 453 forward or backward. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the probe delivery mechanism 450 functions in a manner similar to a pulley system, and thus can reduce the amount of force that the clinician needs to apply to the spool 451 to advance or retract the probe 453.

[0044] Figure 5 shows another example of the probe delivery device 500 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 500 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the probe delivery devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 with respect to one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 500 may include a housing 505 having a distal end 500a which can be configured in any of the above-described manner and a proximal end 500b from which a tube 530 having a connector 530a extends. In some embodiments, the tube 530 may form the proximal portion of the fluid path 510 that extends to the distal portion 510a of the fluid path 510 within the probe delivery device 500. In some embodiments, since the tube 530 forms the proximal portion of the fluid path 510, a dividing wall may not be required to separate the proximal portion of the fluid path 510 from the compartment 520. However, in other embodiments, a dividing wall may be formed within the housing 505, as in the embodiments described above. In other embodiments, the connector 530a can be replaced with a vacuum blood collection tube receiver similar to that in the embodiments described above. In some embodiments, the seal 522 is obtained by being located within the housing 505 to isolate the compartment 520 from the distal portion 510a of the fluid path 510.

[0045] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 500 may include a probe delivery mechanism 550 that allows the probe 553 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, the compartment 520 may be formed as the hollow interior of the housing 505. In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 550 may include a first guide wheel 555 having a gear 556 having teeth 556a, and a forward wheel 552 having teeth 552a along its outermost edge so that the forward wheel 552 acts as a gear that drives the gear 556. In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 550 may further include a second guide wheel 561 that may be located below the first guide wheel 555 but may be located adjacent to the first guide wheel 555. In some embodiments, the probe 553 may include an end 553a fixed to a portion of the housing 505 (e.g., the portion adjacent to the forward wheel 552). In some embodiments, the probe 553 may be straight, curved, loop-shaped, or configured in any way to facilitate easy advancement. In some embodiments, the probe 553 may be advanced first proximal within the compartment 520, and then distally through the space between the first guide wheel 555 and the second guide wheel 561 and through the seal 522.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first guide wheel 555 and the second guide wheel 561 can be positioned close to each other so that the probe 553 remains in contact with both guide wheels when the probe 553 moves forward or backward. For example, the second guide wheel 561 can be biased relative to the first guide wheel 555. Thus, when a clinician rotates the forward wheel 552, the gear formed by the forward wheel 552 can rotate the first guide wheel 555. In some embodiments, since the probe 553 is sandwiched between the first guide wheel 555 and the second guide wheel 561, the rotation of the first guide wheel 555 can move the probe 553 forward or backward depending on the direction of rotation. In some embodiments, the second guide wheel 561 may be configured to rotate in such a way as to reduce any resistance caused when the probe 553 moves forward or backward. In some embodiments, one or both of the first guide wheel 555 and the second guide wheel 561 may be formed or coated with a high-friction material so that the probe 553 does not slide against the wheel (i.e., friction ensures that the wheel rotates as the probe moves forward or backward).

[0047] In some embodiments, including the embodiments described, the housing 505 may include a window 570 (e.g., a transparent section of the housing) that allows a clinician to view into the compartment 520. In some embodiments, the window 570 may allow a clinician to monitor the distance the probe 553 has advanced. For example, the clinician can see through the window 570 where the curved portion of the probe 553 is positioned. In some embodiments, when this curved portion is positioned toward the proximal end 500b, the clinician can determine that the probe 553 has fully retracted. In contrast, when the curved portion is positioned toward the distal end of the compartment 520, the clinician can determine that the probe 553 has fully advanced. In some embodiments, the window 570 or another portion of the compartment 520 may include a ruler or another marking that indicates the distance the probe 553 has advanced when the curved portion of the probe 553 aligns with a particular marking. In some embodiments, the probe 553 may be colored to increase its visibility within the window 570. In some embodiments, the coloring of the probe 553 may vary along its length, and as a result, the coloring can represent the distance the probe 553 has advanced.

[0048] Figure 6 shows another example of the probe delivery device 600 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 600 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the probe delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 with respect to one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 600 may include a housing 605 having a distal end 600a which can be configured in any of the above-described manner and a proximal end 600b from which a tube 630 having a connector 630a extends. In some embodiments, a fluid path 610 may extend within the probe delivery device 600 from the tube 630 to the distal end 600a.

[0049] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 600 may include a probe delivery mechanism 650 that allows the probe 653 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, compartments 620 / 620a / 620b are formed within the probe delivery device 600 to house the probe delivery mechanism 650. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 615 may extend distally from compartment 620 to create a probe channel 621 that connects the fluid path 610 at the distal portion 610a of the fluid path 610. In some embodiments, a seal 622 may be located within the probe channel 621 and span the probe channel 621 to isolate it from the fluid path 610.

[0050] In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 650 may include a pinion 655 configured to rotate within a compartment 620. In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 650 may also include a rack mechanism 652 having a rack 652b and an actuator portion 652a. In some embodiments, the actuator portion 652a may extend from the proximal portion 620b of the compartment 620, thereby allowing a clinician to slide the rack mechanism 652 along the proximal portion 620b and distal portion 620a of the compartment 620 using his or her thumb or finger. In some embodiments, the rack 652b may be positioned to interface with the pinion 655 such that the pinion 655 rotates when the rack 652b slides laterally. In some embodiments, the pinion 655 may include a spool drum (not visible) on which the probe 653 may be wound. This spool drum of the pinion 655 may be similar to those described above. Therefore, when the rack mechanism 652 slides distally, the probe 653 can advance distally. Similarly, when the rack mechanism 652 slides proximal, the probe 653 can be pulled proximal. Thus, in some embodiments, the position of the actuator portion 652a can represent the distance the probe 653 advances. In some embodiments, a ruler or other marking may be formed on the portion of the housing 605 on which the actuator portion 652a slides.

[0051] Figure 7 shows another example of the probe delivery device 700 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 700 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the probe delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 with respect to one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 700 may include a housing 705 having a distal end 700a forming a connector 706 and a proximal end 700b from which a tube 730 having a connector 730a extends. In some embodiments, a fluid path 710 may extend within the probe delivery device 700 from the tube 730 to the distal end 700a.

[0052] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 700 may include a probe delivery mechanism 750 that allows the probe 753 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, a compartment 720 is formed within the probe delivery device 700 to house the probe delivery mechanism 750. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 715 extends distally from the compartment 720 and creates a probe channel 721 that joins the fluid path 710 at the distal portion 710a of the fluid path 710. In some embodiments, a seal 722 is located within the probe channel 721 and may span the probe channel 721 to isolate it from the fluid path 710.

[0053] In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 750 may include a shaft 751 positioned at the proximal end of the probe channel 721 and a forward wheel 752 positioned within a compartment 720 and extending from a housing 705. In some embodiments, the forward wheel 752 may include teeth 752a that interface with the teeth 751a of the shaft 751. Thus, when a clinician rotates the forward wheel 752, the shaft 751 is moved linearly within the probe channel 721. In some embodiments, a probe 753 may be fixed within the shaft 751 such that, when the shaft 751 is moved linearly, the probe 753 advances distally or retracts proximal to the forward wheel 752 depending on the direction of rotation.

[0054] Figure 8 shows another example of the probe delivery device 800 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 800 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the probe delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 with respect to one or more features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 800 may include a housing 805 having a distal end 800a which can be configured in any of the above manner, and a proximal end 800b which forms a vacuum blood collection tube receiver 830 having a needle 831 covered by a protective sheath 832. In some embodiments, a fluid path 810 may extend within the probe delivery device 800 from the needle 831 to the distal end 800a.

[0055] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 800 may include a probe delivery mechanism 850 that allows the probe 853 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, a compartment 820 is formed within the probe delivery device 800 to house the probe delivery mechanism 850. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 815 may extend distally from the compartment 820 to create a probe channel 821 that connects the fluid path 810 at the distal portion 810a of the fluid path 810. In some embodiments, a seal 822 may be located within the probe channel 821 and span the probe channel 821 to isolate it from the fluid path 810.

[0056] In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 850 may include a slide member 851 having an actuator portion 851a extending from a compartment 820 and a wheel 851b connected to the actuator portion 851a. In some embodiments, the compartment 820 may be configured to allow the slide member 851 to slide distally and proximal within the compartment 820 when a clinician applies force to the actuator portion 851a. In some embodiments, the end 853a of the probe 853 may be fixed to the housing 805 toward the distal end of the compartment 820. In some embodiments, the probe 853 is first delivered proximally around the wheel 851b and then distally through the probe channel 821. In some embodiments, the wheel 851b may be configured to keep the probe 853 in contact with the wheel 851b even while the slide member 851 is sliding within the compartment 820 (for example, using a retaining bar (not shown) that performs a similar function to a secondary wheel 462). Therefore, when the sliding member 851 is slid distally, the wheel 851b rotates, thereby allowing the probe 853 to advance distally. In some embodiments, the probe 853 "folds back" to itself so that the probe 853 advances / retracts twice the distance the sliding member 851 advances / retracts.

[0057] Several variations are described within the context of the specific embodiments described. It should be noted that such variations may apply to either the embodiments described above or those described, even if not explicitly stated for each embodiment described. Several additional variations can also be created, as described herein.

[0058] In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism may include a spring or another mechanism that is loaded as the probe advances. In such embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism may also include a ratchet or locking mechanism that prevents the spring from unloading until the clinician releases the ratchet or locking mechanism (e.g., by pressing a button). Once the spring is released, the probe can be automatically retracted. For example, in the context of Figure 2, the spring and ratchet mechanism can be incorporated into the spool 251, and the release button can be incorporated into the housing 205. In such a case, the spring is loaded as the spool 251 rotates to advance the probe 253. When the clinician wishes to withdraw the probe 253, he or she can release the ratchet mechanism by pressing a button. The loaded spring then rotates the spool 251 in the reverse direction, rewinding the probe 253 around the spool drum 251c. Similar techniques can be used in any embodiment using a wheel, a spool, or another rotating member. With respect to probe delivery mechanisms 650 and 850, a linear spring may be loaded when the respective actuator portion slides distally and is unloaded in response to a clinician releasing a ratchet or another locking mechanism.

[0059] In any of the embodiments described, the probe delivery device may include several types of indicators that show how far the probe has advanced. Such indicators may be passive (e.g., ruler markings, labels, colors, scales, numbers, symbols, etc.) or active (e.g., digital displays, speakers, etc.). Also in any of the embodiments described, the probe delivery mechanism may include a mechanism for preventing the probe from advancing or retracting too far. For example, embodiments employing a rotating component may include a stop that contacts the rotating component when the probe has reached its maximum advance distance. As suggested above, the embodiments described show a fluid path extending to the proximal end of the probe delivery device, but in some embodiments, the fluid path may extend from the probe delivery device at points other than the proximal end, including toward the distal end of the probe delivery device. As an example only, the fluid path 110 may extend from the probe delivery device 100 toward the distal portion 110a at a point opposite the probe delivery mechanism 150 to form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver or another connector.

[0060] In any of the embodiments described, the fluid path and the probe channel may be the same path / channel. For example, Figure 9 shows a probe delivery device 900 similar to the probe delivery device 100, except that the probe delivery device 900 does not include the fluid path 110 or seal 122. Instead, the probe channel 121 forms the distal portion of the fluid path. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 910 of the fluid path may extend from the spool 155 to the needle 131 (or any other connector / adapter that may be employed). In such embodiments, the probe 153 may be in the form of a tube so that the probe 153 forms the proximal portion 910 of the fluid path. In other words, the proximal end of the probe 153 may extend proximal (or in some other direction) from the spool 155 to connect to the needle 131. In another variation, a separate tube may extend from the probe channel or compartment housing the probe delivery mechanism to form the proximal end of the fluid path. For example, a separate tube or channel can be formed from compartment 520, 620, or 820 to form a fluid path to a vacuum blood collection tube receiver or another connector.

[0061] Figures 10A to 10C show another example of the probe delivery device 1000 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1000 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the probe delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 with respect to one or more features and / or operations.

[0062] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1000 may include a housing 1005 which may include a distal end 1000a and a proximal end 1000b. In some embodiments, the distal end 1000a may include any type of connector that allows the probe delivery device 1000 to be connected to an IV catheter device 1002 or that can incorporate an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end 1000b may be configured to form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver which may include a needle covered by a protective sheath (see, for example, Figure 1). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10B, the proximal end 1000B may include a Luer connector or another suitable type of connector that connects to a blood collection device 1012.

[0063] In some embodiments, the fluid path 1010 may extend through the distal end 1000a and proximal end 1000b of the housing 1005 within the probe delivery device 1000. Thus, when the blood collection device 1012 is coupled to the proximal end 1000b, a blood sample can be collected through the fluid path 1010. In some embodiments, the fluid path 1010 may be configured to connect the side port of the IV catheter device 1002 to the blood collection device 1012 and may be oriented laterally with respect to the cross-sections in Figures 10A-10B. In some embodiments, the fluid path 1010 may extend through a coupled and / or integrated tube connected to the side ports of the IV catheter device 1002 and the blood collection device 1012, for example, as shown in Figure 10C. In Figure 10C, according to some embodiments, the housing 1005 is transparent, which allows for the illustration of the internal components of the housing 1005.

[0064] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1000 may include a probe delivery mechanism 1050 that allows the probe 1053 to advance distally through the IV catheter 1054 and / or subsequently withdraw proximal. In some embodiments, the probe 1053 may include a wire made of nickel-titanium or another suitable material. In some embodiments, a compartment 1020 may be formed within the probe delivery device 1000 and may house the probe delivery mechanism 1050. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 1015 may create a probe channel 1021 that extends distally from the compartment 1020 and joins the fluid path 1010 at the distal portion 1010a of the fluid path 1010.

[0065] In some embodiments, to isolate compartment 1020 from fluid path 1010, a seal 1022 (e.g., an elastomer partition) is positioned within a probe channel 1021 and may span the probe channel 1021. In some embodiments, a probe 1053 may extend through a slit or another opening formed within the seal 1022. In some embodiments, the seal 1022 may provide support for the probe 1053 to prevent it from buckling as it advances.

[0066] In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism 1050 may include a spool 1055 and a forward wheel 1052, both of which may be configured to rotate within a compartment 1020. In some embodiments, the spool 1055 may be positioned adjacent to the forward wheel 1052 (for example, toward the probe channel 1021 relative to the forward wheel 1052). In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may be positioned to partially extend from the compartment 1020, thereby allowing a clinician to rotate the forward wheel 1052 using their thumb or finger. In some embodiments, the spool 1055 may include a gear 1056 having teeth 1056a. Similarly, in some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may include teeth 1052a and thus function as a gear. In some embodiments, teeth 1052a may interface with teeth 1056a so that the spool 1055 rotates when the forward wheel 152 rotates. In some embodiments, the teeth 1052a may be formed along the outermost edge of the forward wheel 1052. However, in other embodiments, the teeth 1052a may be formed along a portion of the forward wheel that is inserted relative to the outermost edge.

[0067] Figure 10D provides isolated exploded rear views of the probe delivery mechanism 1050 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the spool 1055 and the forward wheel 152 may include axes 1055b and 1052b, respectively, on which these components are located within the compartment 1020 and on which these components rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 1055 may include a spool drum 1055a on which the probe 1053 can be wound. Thus, when the spool 1055 rotates, the rotation can move the probe 1053 forward or backward along the probe channel 1021, depending on the direction in which the forward wheel 1052 rotates. In some embodiments, the gear formed by the forward wheel 1052 may have a larger diameter than the gear 1056, thereby moving the probe 1053 forward or backward by a greater distance relative to the amount of rotation of the forward wheel 1052. In contrast, in other embodiments, the gear formed by the forward wheel 1052 may have a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the gear 1056. In such embodiments, the probe 1053 can move forward or backward a smaller distance relative to the amount of rotation of the forward wheel 1052, and such forward or backward movement can be achieved by reducing the amount of force applied to the forward wheel 1052.

[0068] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1000 may include a seal (not shown) within a compartment 1020 that isolates the spool drum 1055a and the probe 1053 from the external environment. In some embodiments, a seal 1022 may or may not be used, as the seal within the compartment 1020 may prevent the fluid entering the probe channel 1021 from escaping from the compartment 1020.

[0069] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1000 can facilitate needle-free delivery of the probe 1219 to the patient's vascular system for blood sampling, fluid delivery, patient or device monitoring, or other clinical needs by utilizing an existing vascular access device present in the patient's vascular system, such as an IV catheter device 1002. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1000 can reduce venous trauma, shorten filling time, overcome thrombi and fibrin sheaths in or around vascular access devices, and otherwise prevent blood sampling.

[0070] In some embodiments, the spool 1055 can be rotated, or rotated to advance the probe 1053 distally. In some embodiments, it is important that there are means for stopping the spool 1055 and / or the forward wheel 1052. More specifically, in some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may include a stop member 1059, and the housing 1005 may include another stop member 1061. In some embodiments, the stop member 1059 may be located on the outer surface of the forward wheel 1052, and / or the other stop member 1061 may be located on the inner surface 1057 of the housing 1005. In some embodiments, the stop member 1059 and / or the other stop member 1061 may include projections or other elements configured to contact or interfere with each other to stop further rotation of the forward wheel 1052. In some embodiments, the stop member 1059 and the other stop member 1061 may be configured to contact each other to stop the rotation of the forward wheel 1052 and the spool 1055.

[0071] Figure 10A shows the forward wheel 1052 and probe 1053 in a first configuration according to several embodiments. Figure 10B shows the forward wheel 1052 and probe 1053 in a second configuration in which the probe 1053 moves forward, according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may rotate between the first and second configurations, but may be prevented from completing a full rotation by contact between a stop member 1059 and another stop member 1061, which may stop the rotation of the forward wheel 1052. In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may be rotated in the opposite direction from the second configuration to the first configuration in order to retract the probe 1053 after use. In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may be prevented from rotating more than 360 degrees due to contact between a stop member 1059 and another stop member 1061.

[0072] In some embodiments, the forward wheel can be rotated in a first direction from a first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, in the first configuration, stop member 1059 and another stop member 1061 can come into contact with each other to stop the forward wheel 1052 from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, stop member 1059 and another stop member 1061 can be configured to come into contact with each other to prevent further rotation of the forward wheel 1052 in the first direction, thereby stopping the distal forward movement of the probe 1053.

[0073] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the forward wheel 1052 may include a bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065 that can be spaced apart from the stop member 1059. In some embodiments, the width of the other stop member 1061 may be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the space between the bump 1063 and the stop member 1059 and / or the space between the other bump 1065 and the stop member 1059. Thus, in some embodiments, the other stop member 1061 may fit snugly between the bump 1063 and the stop member 1059 and / or between the other bump 1065 and the stop member 1059. In some embodiments, the bump 1063 and / or the other bump 1065 may provide some fixation of the probe 1053 in the forward position and / or the reverse position.

[0074] In some embodiments, bump 1063 may provide resistance to the movement and rotation of the forward wheel 1052 when the forward wheel 1052 is in a first configuration. In some embodiments, another bump 1065 may provide resistance to the movement and rotation of the forward wheel 1052 when the forward wheel 1052 is in a second configuration. In some embodiments, bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065 may each have a width and / or height smaller than the width and / or height of stop member 1059 so as to overcome the resistance to the movement and rotation of the forward wheel 1052 provided by bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065, allowing the forward wheel 1052 to be turned, for example, from a first configuration to a second configuration and from a second configuration to a first configuration. In some embodiments, stop member 1059 may extend further inward than another stop member 1061 to facilitate blocking the passage of another stop member 1061.

[0075] In some embodiments, it is understood that bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065 may be positioned on the inner surface of the housing 1005 to perform the same or similar function. In these embodiments, bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065 may be spaced apart from another stop member 1061, and the width of the stop member 1059 may be approximately equal to or slightly less than the space between bump 1063 and the other stop member 1061 and / or the space between another bump 1065 and the other stop member 1061. It is also understood that bump 1063, another bump 1065, or an additional one or more bumps may be positioned alternately on the outer surface of the forward wheel 1052 and / or the inner surface of the housing 1005. In these embodiments, bump 1063, another bump 1065, and an additional one or more bumps may signal to the clinician that the forward wheel 1052, and therefore the spool 1055, and the probe 1053 are in a particular position.

[0076] Figures 11A to 11E show other examples of the probe delivery device 1100 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1100 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the probe delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 with respect to one or more features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1100 may move from Figure 11A to Figure 11B, 11C, 11D, and 11E.

[0077] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1100 may include a first wheel 1102 and a second wheel 1104. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 of the probe delivery device 1100 may include, or correspond to, the forward wheel 152 in Figure 1, the spool 155 in Figure 1, the spool 251 in Figure 2, the spool 351 in Figure 3, the spool 451 in Figure 4, the forward wheel 552 in Figure 5, the first guide wheel 555 in Figure 5, the pinion 655 in Figure 6, the forward wheel 752 in Figure 7, or the forward wheel 1052 in Figure 10.

[0078] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1100 may include a housing 1105 which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing 1105 may be configured to connect to an IV catheter device. In some embodiments, the housing 1105 of the probe delivery device 1100 may include, or correspond to, the housing 105 in Figure 1, the housing 205 in Figure 2, the housing 305 in Figure 3, the housing 405 in Figure 4, the housing 505 in Figure 5, the housing 605 in Figure 6, the housing 705 in Figure 7, the housing 805 in Figure 8, or the housing 1005 in Figure 10.

[0079] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1107 of the housing 1105 may include a housing stop member 1109 which may include a projection. In some embodiments, the housing stop member 1109 may include a first side surface 1109a and a second side surface 1109b which may be opposite to the first side surface 1109a.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may rotate on the axle 1111. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may include a projection or rod 1110 that can rotate on the axle 1111. In some embodiments, the axle 1111 may be aligned with the central axis of the first wheel 1102. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1104 may be positioned on the rod 1110 and configured to slip relative to the rod 1110 and / or rotate independently of the rod 1110. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1104 may ride directly on the axle 1111 together with the first wheel 1102. In some embodiments, the axle 1111 may extend inward from the housing 1105. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 may rotate about the same axis, and / or the second wheel 1104 may be positioned within the first wheel 1102.

[0081] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1113 of the first wheel 1102 may include a first wheel stop member 1115 which may include a projection. In some embodiments, a gap may be located between the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1104 may include a tab 1117 which may be configured to bridge the gap between the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115.

[0082] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1100 may include probes. In some embodiments, the housing probe of the probe delivery device 1100 may include, or correspond to, probe 153 in Figure 1, probe 253 in Figure 2, probe 353 in Figure 3, probe 453 in Figure 4, probe 553 in Figure 5, probe 653 in Figure 6, probe 753 in Figure 7, probe 853 in Figure 8, or probe 1053 in Figure 10.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate so as to advance the probe distally through the distal end of the housing 1105. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate one or more times. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1100 may be arranged in the first configuration, for example, as shown in Figure 11A.

[0084] In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device 1100 being arranged in a first configuration, the tab 1117 may be positioned between the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115 and may contact the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115. In these embodiments, the first side 1117a of the tab 1117 may contact the first side 1109a of the housing stop member 1109, and the second side 1117b of the tab 1117 may contact the first side 1115a of the first wheel stop member 1115. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device 1100 being arranged in a first configuration, the first wheel 1102 and / or the second wheel 1104 may be prevented from rotating in a first direction 1121 toward the housing stop member 1109, but may be configured to rotate in a second direction 1123 opposite to the first direction 1121. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate one or more times in the second direction.

[0085] In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device 1100 being arranged in a first configuration, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate in a second direction 1123 independently of the housing 1105 and the second wheel 1104 until the first wheel stop member 1115 contacts the tab 1117. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate in a second direction 1123 opposite to the first direction 1121 independently of the housing 1105 and the second wheel 1104 until the second side 1115b of the first wheel stop member 1115 contacts the first side 1117a of the tab 1117, and the tab 1117 may be positioned on the opposite side of the tab 1117 as the second side 1117b. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate approximately one full turn independently of the housing 1105 and the second wheel 1104.

[0086] In some embodiments, the probe may be in a retracted or fully retracted position in response to the probe delivery device 1100 being in a first configuration. In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel 1102 rotating in a second direction 1123 independently of the housing 1105 and the second wheel 1104 until the first wheel stop member 1115 contacts the second side surface 1117b of the tab 1117, the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 are configured to rotate further together in the second direction 1123 until the probe delivery device 1100 is positioned in a second configuration. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 may be configured to rotate together approximately one full rotation.

[0087] In some embodiments, the probe may be in an advanced position or fully advanced position in response to the probe delivery device 1100 being in a second configuration. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the tab 1117 may be positioned between the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115 and may contact the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115. In these embodiments, the second side 1117b of the tab 1117 may contact the second side 1109b of the housing stop member 1109, for example, as shown in Figure 11E, and the first side 1117a of the tab 1117 may contact the second side 1115b of the first wheel stop member 1115.

[0088] In some embodiments, Figure 11B shows a first wheel 1102 that rotates in a second direction 1123 independently of the first configuration. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may rotate in a second direction 1123 independently of the first configuration until the first side surface 1115a of the first wheel stop member 1115 contacts the first side surface 1117a of the tab 1117, for example, as shown in Figure 11C. In some embodiments, Figure 11D shows that the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 may rotate further together in a second direction 1123, for example, as shown in Figure 11D. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 may rotate together until, for example, as shown in Figure 11E, the second side 1117b of the tab 1117 contacts the second side 1109b of the housing stop member 1109, preventing further rotation in the second direction 1123.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate approximately two times from a first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, it is understood that the probe delivery device 1100 has one or more additional wheels, each operating in a similar manner to the second wheel 1104, to allow for approximately another complete rotation of the first wheel 1102. In these embodiments, one or more additional wheels may be positioned between the second wheel 1104 and the housing stop member 1109.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may extend from the housing 1105, which may facilitate rotation of the first wheel 1102 by the clinician's fingers. In some embodiments, to advance the probe, the clinician may rotate the exposed portion of the first wheel 1102 from the housing 1105 toward the distal end 1100a of the housing 1105, or in a second direction 1123 to advance the probe distally. In some embodiments, the clinician may retract the probe proximal by rotating the portion of the first wheel 1102 exposed from the housing 1105 away from the distal end 1100a of the housing 1105, or in a first direction 1121.

[0091] However, it is understood that in some embodiments, the positions of the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115 may be reversed. In these embodiments, the clinician may advance the probe distally by moving the portion of the first wheel 1102 exposed from the housing 1105 away from the distal end 1100a of the housing 1105 or by rotating it in a first direction 1121, and / or the clinician may retract the probe proximal by moving the portion of the first wheel 1102 exposed from the housing 1105 away from the distal end 1100a of the housing 1105 or by rotating it in a first direction 1121. In some embodiments, the positions of the housing stop member 1109, the tab 1117, and the first wheel stop member 1115 in the first configuration may vary.

[0092] In some embodiments, additional geometry can be added to the first wheel 1102 and / or housing 1105 so that there are stoppers at the start and / or end of the rotation or movement of the first wheel 1102. In some embodiments, multiple stoppers may act on the second wheel 1104, which may slide axially to allow one stopper to act at a time. The additional geometry may include different ramp angles to encourage one ramp to act before the other. An example of additional geometry is shown in Figure 12.

[0093] Figures 12A–12K show other examples of the probe delivery device 1200 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1200 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the probe delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 with respect to one or more features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1200 may move from the position in Figures 12A / 12B to Figures 12C / 12D, 12E / 12F, 12G, 12H / 12I, and 12J / 12K.

[0094] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1200 may include a first wheel 1202 and a second wheel 1204. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 of the probe delivery device 1200 may include, or correspond to, the forward wheel 152 in Figure 1, the spool 155 in Figure 1, the spool 251 in Figure 2, the spool 351 in Figure 3, the spool 451 in Figure 4, the forward wheel 552 in Figure 5, the first guide wheel 555 in Figure 5, the pinion 655 in Figure 6, the forward wheel 752 in Figure 7, the forward wheel 1052 in Figure 10, or the first wheel 1102 in Figure 11.

[0095] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1200 may include a housing 1205 which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing 1205 may be configured to connect to an intravenous catheter device. In some embodiments, the housing 1205 of the probe delivery device 1200 may include, or correspond to, the housing 105 in Figure 1, the housing 205 in Figure 2, the housing 305 in Figure 3, the housing 405 in Figure 4, the housing 505 in Figure 5, the housing 605 in Figure 6, the housing 705 in Figure 7, the housing 805 in Figure 8, or the housing 1005 in Figure 10, or the housing 1105 in Figure 11.

[0096] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include a housing stop member 1209 which may include a projection. In some embodiments, the housing stop member 1209 may include a first side surface 1209a and a second side surface 1209b, which may be opposite the first side surface 1209a.

[0097] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1200 may include an axis 1211, a first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate with the axis 1211, and the axis 1211 may be concentric with the first wheel 1202. In some embodiments, the inner surface 1213 of the first wheel 1202 may include a first wheel stop member 1215 which may include a projection. In some embodiments, a gap may be located between the housing stop member 1209 and the first wheel stop member 1215. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1204 may include a tab 1217 configured to bridge the gap between the housing stop member 1209 and the first wheel stop member 1215. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1204 may be located on the axis 1211. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1204 may be configured to rotate with the axis 1211 and to move axially along the axis 1211.

[0098] In some embodiments, the probe delivery device 1200 may include a probe. In some embodiments, the housing probe of the probe delivery device 1100 may include, or correspond to, probe 153 in Figure 1, probe 253 in Figure 2, probe 353 in Figure 3, probe 453 in Figure 4, probe 553 in Figure 5, probe 653 in Figure 6, probe 753 in Figure 7, probe 853 in Figure 8, or probe 1053 in Figure 10. In some embodiments, the probe may include a wire made of nickel-titanium or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate so as to advance the probe 1219 distally through the distal end of the housing 1205. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate one or more times.

[0099] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include a housing stopper 1225. In some embodiments, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include a housing inclined surface 1127. In some embodiments, the housing stopper 1225 may be positioned between the housing stop member 1209 and the housing inclined surface 1227. In some embodiments, the inner surface 1213 of the first wheel 1202 may include a first wheel stopper 1229. In some embodiments, the inner surface 1213 may include a first wheel inclined surface 1231. In some embodiments, the first wheel stopper 1229 may be positioned between the first wheel stop member 1215 and the first wheel inclined surface 1231.

[0100] In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device 1200 being arranged in a first configuration, the tab 1217 may be located within a housing stopper 1225, a first wheel stopper 1229, and a first wheel 1202. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be prevented from rotating in a first direction 1221, but may be configured to rotate in a second direction 1223 opposite to the first direction 1221. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate one or more turns in the second direction 1223. In some embodiments, the housing stopper 1225 may be located opposite the first wheel stopper 1229 in the first configuration.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate in a second direction 1223 to advance the probe distally through the distal end of the housing 1205. In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel 1202 rotating from a first configuration to a second direction, the tab 1217 may be released from the first wheel retainer 1229 before the tab 1217 is released from the housing retainer 1225. In these embodiments, the tab 1217 may be released from the housing retainer 1225 in response to the tab 1217 sliding toward the inner surface 1213 of the first wheel 1202. In some embodiments, the housing retainer 1225 may be shallower than the first wheel retainer 1229, or the tab 1217 may have a shallow angle for tilting away from the housing retainer 1225, so that the tab 1217 can be removed from the first wheel retainer 1229 before the tab 1217 is removed from the housing retainer 1225.

[0102] In some embodiments, the housing inclined surface 1227 may be inclined toward the housing retainer 1225. In some embodiments, the first wheel inclined surface 1231 may be inclined toward the first wheel retainer 1229. In some embodiments, the housing inclined surface 1227 and the first wheel inclined surface 1231 may be inclined in different directions.

[0103] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include another housing stopper 1233 and / or another housing inclined surface 1235. In some embodiments, the other housing stopper 1233 may be located between the housing stop member 1209 and the other housing inclined surface 1235, and on the opposite side of the housing stopper 1225. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device 1200 being arranged in a second configuration, the tab 1217 may be located within another housing stopper 1233 and another first wheel stopper 1239.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate from a first configuration to a second configuration, and the tab 1217 may be located within another housing stopper 1233 and another first wheel stopper 1239 of the second configuration. In some embodiments, in order to move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the tab 1217 may contact a housing stop member 1209. In some embodiments, in response to the tab 1217 contacting the housing stop member 1209 and the first wheel 1202 rotating further in the second direction, the tab 1217 may move along another first wheel inclined surface 1237 and be pushed by the other first wheel inclined surface 1237 toward the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 into another housing stopper 1233.

[0105] In some embodiments, when the tab 1217 can snap in and / or snap out to the housing stopper 1225, another housing stopper 1233, and the first wheel stopper 1229, this can provide resistance to movement or rotation. In some embodiments, one or more of the housing inclined surface 1227, the first wheel inclined surface 1231, and another housing inclined surface 1235 can facilitate the guidance of the tab 1217 and the second wheel 1204, allowing the second wheel 1204 to move axially along the axis 1211.

[0106] In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel 1202 and the second wheel 1204 moving in a second direction 1223 from a first configuration to a second configuration, the tab 1217 may contact the housing stop member 1209. In some embodiments, in response to the tab 1217 contacting the housing stop member 1209 and the first wheel 1202 further rotating in the second direction 1223, the tab 1217 may move along another first wheel inclined surface 1237 and be pushed into another housing stopper 1233 by the other first wheel inclined surface 1237. In some embodiments, when the tab 1217 is inserted into the other housing stopper 1233, the tab 1217 may snap into another first wheel stopper 1239. In some embodiments, another first wheel inclined surface 1231 may be inclined toward the first wheel stopper 1229 to facilitate the guidance of the tab 1217.

[0107] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include another housing stopper 1233. In some embodiments, it is understood that the probe delivery device 1200 may be modified so that the tab 1217 first snaps out from the housing stopper 1225 before snapping out from the first wheel stopper 1229. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may include another housing stopper 1233 and / or another inclined surface 1235, which may be located opposite the first wheel stopper 1215 as the first wheel stopper 1229. In these embodiments, certain configurations on one or more of the inner surfaces 1207 of the housing inclined surface 1227, another inclined surface 1235, housing stopper 1209, housing stopper 1225, stopper, and another housing stopper 1233 shown in Figure 12 may instead be located on the inner surface of the first wheel 1202. In these embodiments, one or more of the first wheel inclined surface 1231, another first wheel inclined surface 1237, the first wheel stop member 1215, the first wheel stopper 1229, and another first wheel stopper 1239 may instead be located on the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205. In some embodiments, in a second configuration, the tab 1217 may be located within another housing stopper 1233 on the inner surface 1213 of one of the first wheel and housing stoppers and the first wheel stopper. In these and other embodiments, the first direction 1221 and the second direction 1223 may be reversed.

[0108] All examples and conditional statements set forth herein are intended for educational purposes to help readers understand the invention and the concepts provided by the inventors in order to advance the Art, and should be construed as not being limited to the examples and conditions specifically listed herein. While embodiments of the invention are 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. A probe delivery device, A housing comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is configured to be coupled to an intravenous catheter device, and the housing comprises a stop member, A spool disposed within the housing, A probe wound around the spool, A forward wheel comprising a forward wheel, wherein the forward wheel extends from the housing, and in response to the rotation of the forward wheel, the spool rotates to advance the probe through the distal end of the housing, and the forward wheel contacts the stop member, which is configured to stop the forward wheel from rotating one or more full revolutions, A probe delivery device equipped with the following features.

2. The probe delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the stop member has a projection, and the other stop member includes another projection.

3. The probe delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a fluid path extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the housing.

4. The probe delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the housing further comprises a probe channel extending from the spool to the fluid path.

5. The probe delivery device according to claim 4, further comprising a seal that isolates the probe channel from the fluid path, wherein the probe extends through the seal.

6. The probe delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the proximal end of the housing is provided with a Luer connector.

7. A probe delivery device for probe delivery, wherein the probe delivery device is A housing having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is configured to be coupled to an intravenous catheter device, and the inner surface of the housing is provided with a housing stop member, A first wheel, wherein the inner surface of the first wheel is provided with a first wheel stop member, A second wheel comprising a tab, Equipped with, The first wheel and the second wheel are rotatable in a first direction and a second direction, and the probe is transitioned between a first configuration in which the probe is fully retracted and a second configuration in which the probe is fully advanced. In response to the probe delivery device being arranged in the first configuration, the first wheel and the second wheel are configured to rotate in the second direction opposite to the first direction, but are prevented from rotating in the first direction, and the first wheel is configured to rotate one or more times in the second direction, the probe delivery device.

8. The probe delivery device according to claim 7, wherein, in response to the probe delivery device being positioned in the first configuration, a gap is positioned between the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member, and the tab bridges the gap between the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member.

9. The probe delivery device according to claim 7, wherein, in response to the probe delivery device being positioned in the first configuration, the tab is positioned between the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member and in contact with the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member, and in response to the probe delivery device being positioned in the first configuration, the first wheel is configured to rotate in the second direction independently of the housing and the second wheel until the first wheel stop member contacts the tab.

10. The probe delivery device according to claim 9, wherein the distal end of the probe is located within the housing when it is in the fully retracted position.

11. The probe delivery device according to claim 9, in response to the first wheel rotating independently in the second direction from the housing and the second wheel until the first wheel stop member contacts the tab, the first wheel and the second wheel are configured to rotate further together in the second direction until the probe delivery device is positioned in the second configuration, in which the tab is positioned between the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member and contacts the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member.

12. The probe delivery device according to claim 11, wherein the distal end of the probe extends distally from the housing when it is in the fully advanced position.

13. The probe delivery device according to claim 11, wherein the first wheel is configured to rotate in the second direction to advance the probe distally through the distal end of the housing.

Images