Catheter traction device, system, and method

Abstract

A catheter traction system for traction of an intravenous catheter. The catheter traction system may include a rotation device and an extension member. The extension member may be configured to extend from the rotation device and couple to the catheter assembly. In response to actuation of the rotation device, the extension member may be configured to apply a traction force to the catheter assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 149,988, filed on February 16, 2021, entitled "Catheter Traction Device, System, and Method", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Background Catheters are commonly used to inject fluids into a patient's vascular system. For example, catheters may be used to inject normal saline, various pharmaceuticals, or total parenteral nutrition. Catheters may also be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0003] Catheters may include over - the - needle peripheral intravenous ( "IV") catheters. In this case, the catheter may be placed over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The catheter and the introducer needle may 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 upward away from the patient's skin. The catheter and the introducer needle are inserted as a whole into the patient's vascular system at a shallow angle from the skin.

[0004] To confirm that the introducer needle and / or catheter are properly positioned within the blood vessel, the operator generally checks for a "flash - back" of blood within a flash - back chamber. After the placement of the introducer needle is confirmed, the operator may remove the introducer needle and leave the catheter in place for future blood withdrawal or fluid injection.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] If the prescribed time is exceeded, the tip of the catheter may become occluded due to the presence of fibrin sheaths, thrombi, venous walls, or valves. Occlusion may limit the functionality of the catheter for infusion and / or blood collection. The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that resolve the shortcomings or embodiments capable of the operations described above. Rather, this background is provided merely to illustrate an example of the technical domain in which some of the embodiments described herein may be carried out.

[0006] This disclosure generally relates to catheter traction devices, systems, and methods for facilitating the application of traction force to a catheter. In some cases, catheters, such as peripheral intravenous catheters, midline catheters, or peripherally inserted central catheters, may be occluded at the catheter tip due to the presence of fibrin sheaths, thrombi, or venous walls or valves. Occlusion can limit the function of the catheter for fluid infusion and / or blood collection. In some embodiments, traction force may be applied to the catheter tip to reposition it in the vein, thereby mitigating occlusion and facilitating successful blood collection. In some embodiments, applying traction force may include pulling the catheter proximal. In some embodiments, traction force may be applied to the catheter by moving the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter traction system may apply traction force to the catheter tip by rotational movement, thereby facilitating blood collection and infusion by opening a fluid pathway through the catheter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the catheter traction system for applying traction force to a venous catheter may include a rotating device. In some embodiments, the catheter traction system may include an extension member, which may extend from the rotating device and be configured to be coupled to a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the extension member may be configured to apply traction force to the catheter assembly in response to the operation of the rotating device. In some embodiments, the extension member may be rigid. In other embodiments, the extension member may be flexible.

[0008] The extension member may be coupled to the catheter assembly in various ways. In some embodiments, the catheter traction system may include a spring hose clamp positioned at the end of the extension member and configured to couple to the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter traction system may include a connector positioned at the end of the extension member, the connector may include a housing, a pushable button within the housing, and a spring positioned between the inner surface of the housing and the button. In some embodiments, the button may include an arm, and the housing may include another arm. In some embodiments, the arm and the other arm may form a mouth configured to grip the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the spring may bias the button to a first position with the mouth closed to facilitate coupling to the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, pushing the button from the first position to a second position may open the mouth to facilitate disengaging the connector from the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter traction system may include a connector positioned at the end of the extension member and configured to snap onto the catheter assembly.

[0009] In a first set of embodiments, the rotating device may include a base, a groove, and a rotating element. In some embodiments, the rotating element may include a peg. In some embodiments, the rotating element may be configured to rotate relative to the base. In some embodiments, the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base may be reduced in response to the peg being pushed into the groove. In some embodiments, the extension member may be configured to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly in response to the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base.

[0010] In some embodiments, the groove may be located within the base. In some embodiments, the groove may be circular. In some embodiments, the groove may be C-shaped. In some embodiments, the peg may be located within the groove. In some embodiments, the outer portion of the groove may be narrower than the inner portion of the groove, forming an interlocking fit with the peg in response to the peg being pushed into the groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the groove may be located within the base and may include a disc-shaped body. In some embodiments, the peg may extend downward from the bottom of the disc-shaped body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the rotating device may include a cover that covers the base. In some embodiments, the groove may be located inside the cover. In some embodiments, the rotating element may include a disc-shaped body, and the peg may extend upward from the top of the disc-shaped body. In some embodiments, the rotating device may include a cover, which may be coupled to the base, and the rotating element may include a neck portion extending through the cover. In some embodiments, the cover may hold the peg in a groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the groove may include one or more notches. In some embodiments, the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base may be reduced in response to the peg being pushed into the notches.

[0014] In a second set of embodiments, the rotating device may include a base which may include an opening, a notch, and a compliant portion. In some embodiments, the opening may be spaced apart from the notch by the compliant portion. In some embodiments, the compliant portion may include a first shape. In some embodiments, the rotating element may be positioned within the opening and configured to rotate relative to the base. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the rotating element may include a second shape complementary to the first shape and configured to fit within the first shape. In some embodiments, the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base may be reduced in response to the positioning of the second shape within the first shape. In some embodiments, in response to the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base, the extension member may be configured to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly.

[0015] In a third set of embodiments, the rotating device may include a base, which may include a shaft. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the shaft may include a plurality of teeth. In some embodiments, the rotating device may include a tab, which may be located within a slot of the rotating element. In some embodiments, the tab may include an opening, through which the shaft extends. In some embodiments, the end of the opening may include a plurality of other teeth.

[0016] In some embodiments, the rotating device may include a spring, which may be located in a slot between the inner surface of the rotating element and the tab. In some embodiments, the spring may bias the tab to a first position. In some embodiments, in response to the tab being in the first position, several teeth may engage with other teeth. In some embodiments, in response to the compression of the spring and the tab being in a second position, the teeth may not engage with other teeth, and the rotating element may be configured to rotate relative to the base. In some embodiments, in response to the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base, the extension member may be configured to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly.

[0017] In a fourth set of embodiments, the rotating device may include a ratchet, which may include a gear and a pawl. In some embodiments, the extension member may be coupled to the ratchet. In some embodiments, the extension member may be configured to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly in response to the rotation of the gear.

[0018] In some embodiments, the rotating device may include a base, and the gears and pawls may be mounted on the base. In some embodiments, the rotating device may include a handle, which may extend upward from the gears. In some embodiments, an extension member may be wrapped around the handle.

[0019] In a fifth set of embodiments, the rotating device may include a rotating element configured to rotate around an axis between a plurality of preset positions. In some embodiments, the rotating device may include a connector located at the terminal end of the extension member. In some embodiments, the connector may be configured to connect to a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the rotating element may include a pivot point located between the terminal end of the extension member and the connector. In some embodiments, the rotating element may include another pivot point located between the proximal end of the extension member and the rotating element.

[0020] In a sixth set of embodiments, the rotating device may include a cut portion, which may include a fan and / or a channel. In some embodiments, the extension member may be flexible and fixed within the channel of the cut portion. In some embodiments, in response to the rotation of the rotating device, the extension member may contact the edge of the fan and apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly.

[0021] In a seventh set of embodiments, the method of applying traction to the catheter assembly may include coupling a tethering device to the patient and the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the tethering device may include a base, a housing coupled to the base, a pushable button within the housing, a spring, and a tethering portion. In some embodiments, the spring may be positioned between the inner surface of the housing and the button. In some embodiments, the spring may bias the button to a first position. In some embodiments, the button may include a hole through which it passes. In some embodiments, the housing may include two other holes, which may face each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, the mooring portion may extend through a hole and two other holes. In some embodiments, the mooring portion may be locked within the mooring device in response to the button being in a first position. In some embodiments, the mooring portion may be configured to be pulled through the mooring device in response to the button being pushed down from the first position to a second position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method may include pressing a button and, while the button is pressed, pulling the anchoring portion through the anchoring device to the proximal end, so that the anchoring portion between the anchoring device and the catheter assembly is taut. In some embodiments, the method may include releasing the button after pulling the anchoring portion through the anchoring device to the proximal end, so that the anchoring portion between the anchoring device and the catheter assembly is taut. In some embodiments, in response to releasing the button, the anchoring portion may be locked within the anchoring device. In some embodiments, after releasing the button, the method may include moving the base to the proximal end. In some embodiments, in response to moving the base to the proximal end, the anchoring portion may exert a tensile force on the catheter assembly.

[0024] In an eighth set of embodiments, a method of applying a pulling force to a catheter assembly may include coupling a mooring device to the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the mooring device may include a base and a mooring portion. In some embodiments, the base may include a plurality of holes, and the proximal end portion of the mooring portion may include a peg configured to fit within the holes. In some embodiments, the method may include moving the peg from a first one of the holes to a second one of the holes. In some embodiments, the first one of the holes may be proximate to the second one of the holes. In some embodiments, in response to moving the peg from the first one of the holes to the second one of the holes, the mooring portion may apply a pulling force to the catheter assembly.

[0025] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instruments illustrated in the drawings. Also, embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, so long as they are not so claimed. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0026] Brief Description of the Drawings Exemplary embodiments are described and explained more specifically and in detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is an upper perspective exploded view of an exemplary catheter traction system according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a side exploded view of a catheter traction system according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is an upper perspective view of a catheter traction system according to some embodiments. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D is a cross-sectional view of a catheter traction system showing an exemplary peg in an exemplary groove according to several embodiments. [Figure 1E] Figure 1E is a cross-sectional view of a catheter traction system showing a peg further pushed into a groove, according to several embodiments. [Figure 1F] Figure 1F is another upward perspective exploded view of a catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 1G] Figure 1G is an exemplary top perspective view of the base of a catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 1H] Figure 1H is a cross-sectional view of the base of Figure 1G according to several embodiments. [Figure 1I] Figure 1I is a cross-sectional view of a catheter traction system showing an exemplary notch at the base of Figure 1G and a peg aligned with it, immediately before the peg moves into the notch, according to several embodiments. [Figure 1J] Figure 1J is a cross-sectional view of a catheter traction system, showing the peg aligned with the base notch in Figure 1G after the peg has been moved into the notch, according to several embodiments. [Figure 1K] Figure 1K is an upward-angle exploded view of a catheter traction system, showing an exemplary set of notches according to several embodiments. [Figure 1L] Figure 1L is a cross-sectional view of a catheter traction system showing pegs positioned within exemplary notches of a set of notches according to several embodiments. [Figure 1M] Figure 1M is a cross-sectional view of a catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 1N] Figure 1N is an overhead perspective view of an exemplary lid of a catheter traction system showing exemplary markings according to several embodiments. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a top view of a catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 2B]Figure 2B is an overhead perspective view of an exemplary base of a catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another exemplary catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is another cross-sectional view of the catheter traction system of Figure 3A, lateral to the cross-sectional view of Figure 3A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is an enlarged top view of a portion of the catheter traction system of Figure 3A, showing an exemplary tab in a first position according to several embodiments. [Figure 3D] Figure 3D is an enlarged top view of a portion of the catheter traction system of Figure 3A, showing a tab in a second position according to several embodiments. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a top view of another exemplary catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is an upward perspective exploded view of the catheter traction system of Figure 4A, showing exemplary covers in several embodiments. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is an overhead perspective view of another catheter traction system before it is coupled to an exemplary catheter assembly, according to several embodiments. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a top view of the catheter traction system of Figure 5A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary rotating device of the catheter traction system of Figure 5A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a top view of another catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the rotating device of the catheter traction system of Figure 6A, showing an exemplary rotating element that moves between preset positions according to several embodiments. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is an overhead perspective view of the rotating device of Figure 6B, according to several embodiments. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D is an enlarged upper perspective view of an exemplary pivot point of the catheter traction system of Figure 6A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an overhead perspective view of the catheter traction system of Figure 1A, showing exemplary flexible extension members according to several embodiments. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is an overhead perspective view of another exemplary catheter traction system, showing an exemplary first position of the catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is an overhead perspective view of the catheter traction system of Figure 8A, showing an exemplary mooring device in an unlocked position and an exemplary extension member moved through the mooring device to achieve tension, according to several embodiments. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is an overhead perspective view of the catheter traction system of Figure 8A, showing, in several embodiments, a mooring device in a locked position and exemplary base movement in the proximal direction for applying traction force to an exemplary catheter assembly. [Figure 8D] Figure 8D is a cross-sectional view of a mooring device in the locked position, showing several embodiments of the mooring device. [Figure 8E] Figure 8E is a cross-sectional view of a mooring device in the unlocked position, showing several embodiments of the mooring device. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a top view of another catheter traction system, showing an exemplary rotating device in an exemplary first position according to several embodiments. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a top view of the rotating device of Figure 9B, showing an exemplary rotating device in a second position according to several embodiments. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a top view of another catheter traction system according to several embodiments. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an overhead perspective view of the catheter traction system of Figure 1A, showing exemplary spring hose clamps according to several embodiments. [Figure 12A]Figure 12A is a side view of an exemplary connector in an exemplary open position according to several embodiments. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a side view of the connector of Figure 12B in an exemplary closed position, according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Detailed explanation In some embodiments, the catheter traction system for applying traction force to an intravenous catheter may include a rotating device. In some embodiments, the catheter traction system may include an extension member, which may extend from the rotating device and be configured to be coupled to a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the extension member may be configured to apply traction force to the catheter assembly in response to the operation of the rotating device.

[0029] Referring here to Figures 1A-1E, the catheter traction system 10 may include a rotating device 12. In some embodiments, the rotating device 12 may include a base 14, a groove 16, and a rotating element 18. In some embodiments, the rotating element 18 may include a peg 20. In some embodiments, the rotating element 18 may be configured to rotate relative to the base 14. In some embodiments, the rotation of the rotating element 18 relative to the base 14 may be reduced or prevented in response to the peg 20 being pushed into the groove 16. In some embodiments, if the rotation is reduced, it may become more difficult for the user to achieve a large force for rotation or the user may need to apply a large force for rotation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may be configured to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly in response to the rotation of the rotating element 18 relative to the base 14. In some embodiments, the rotating element 18 may be configured to rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise relative to the base 14.

[0031] In some embodiments, the groove 16 may be located within the base 14. In some embodiments, the groove 16 may be circular, which may facilitate 360° rotation of the rotating element 18. In some embodiments, the groove 16 may include an inner circumference and an outer circumference.

[0032] In some embodiments, the peg 20 may be positioned within the groove 16. In these embodiments and other embodiments, the peg 20 may be further pushed into the groove 16 to reduce or prevent rotation of the rotating element 18 relative to the base 14. In some embodiments, the rotating element 18 may include a disc-shaped body 24. In some embodiments, the shape of the rotating element 18 may vary and include any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the peg 20 may extend downward from the bottom of the disc-shaped body 24.

[0033] In some embodiments, the peg 20 may fit tightly into the groove 16. Therefore, in some embodiments, the rotating element 18 may be positioned in a locked position in response to the peg 20 being pushed into the groove 16 to prevent rotation. In some embodiments, as shown, for example in Figure 1D-1E, the outer portion of the groove 16 may be narrower than the inner portion of the groove 16, so as to form an interlocking fit with the peg 20 in response to the peg 20 being pushed into the groove 16. In these embodiments and other embodiments, the peg 20 may be pinched or compressed when forced, such as by being pushed into the inner portion of the groove 16. In some embodiments, the width of the peg 20 may be slightly larger than or equal to the inner portion of the groove 16.

[0034] In some embodiments, the rotating device 12 may include a cover 26 which may be coupled to the base 14, and the rotating element 18 may include a neck 28 extending through the cover 26. In some embodiments, the cover 26 may include an opening 30 through which the neck 28 may extend. In some embodiments, the cover 26 may hold the peg 20 in the groove 16, as shown in Figure 1D-1E, for example, to prevent the peg 20 from being removed from the groove 16.

[0035] In some embodiments, the lid 26 and the base 14 may be joined together. In some embodiments, the lid 26 and the base 14 may be formed monolithically as a single unit. In some embodiments, the base 14 may include one or more pins that extend into one or more slots in the lid 26 to facilitate fastening between the lid 26 and the base 14. In some embodiments, the lid 26 may include pins and the base 14 may include slots.

[0036] In some embodiments, the rotating device 12 may be secured to the patient's skin via adhesive, bandage, tape, or any other suitable method. In some embodiments, the securing of the rotating device 12 may reduce or prevent its movement relative to the patient's skin.

[0037] In some embodiments, the rotating element 18 may include a handle 32 which may extend outward from the neck 28 and / or perpendicular to the neck 28, allowing the rotating element 18 to be rotated relative to the base 14 and / or the lid 26 to facilitate gripping by the user. In some embodiments, an extension member 22 may extend from the rotating element 18. In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may extend from the handle 32 or the neck 28. In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may extend from the disc-shaped body 24 through a slot (not shown) in the lid 26. In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may be coupled to the rotating element 18 or formed monolithically with the rotating element 18 as a single unit.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1F, in some embodiments, the groove 16 may be C-shaped, which may prevent the rotating element 18 from completing a full rotation. In these embodiments, the rotating element 18 may rotate less than 360°. In some embodiments, the groove 16 may include part of the inner circumference and part of the outer circumference.

[0039] Referring next to Figure 1G-1J, in some embodiments the groove 16 may include one or more notches 34, which may be located at the bottom of the groove 16. In some embodiments the rotation of the rotating element 18 relative to the base 14 may be prevented or reduced in response to the peg 20 being positioned in one of the notches 34. In some embodiments the peg 20 may be automatically pushed into the notch 34 by gravity once it is aligned with the notch 34.

[0040] Referring next to Figure 1K-1L, in some embodiments the rotating element 18 may include a disk-shaped body, and the peg 20 may extend outward from the side of the disk-shaped body. In these embodiments, the notch 34 may be located on the side of a circular cutout 36. In some embodiments the peg 20 may contact the outer circumference 38 of the circular cutout 36 as the rotating element 18 rotates, and in response to the peg 20 aligning with a particular one of the notches 34, the peg 20 may be moved by the user into a particular one of the notches 34 to lock the rotating element 18 in place.

[0041] Referring next to Figure 1M, in some embodiments the groove 16 may be located within the lid 26. In some embodiments the rotating element 18 may include a disc-shaped body 24, and the peg 20 may extend upward from the top of the disc-shaped body 24. In some embodiments the outer portion of the groove 16 may be narrower than the inner portion of the groove 16 to form an interlocking fit with the peg 20 in response to the peg 20 being pushed into the groove 16. In some embodiments the peg 20 may be tightly fitted into the groove 16 to lock the rotating element 18 in a locked position and prevent rotation. In some embodiments the user may pull the rotating element 18 upward to push the peg 20 into the groove, or further into the groove.

[0042] Referring next to Figure 1N, in some embodiments the lid 26 may include one or more graduated markings 40 which indicate how much the rotating element 18 has been rotated and how much tensile force has been applied to the catheter assembly.

[0043] Referring next to Figures 2A-2B, the rotating device 12 may include a base 14, which may include an opening 46, a notch 48, and a dependent portion 50. In some embodiments, the opening 46 may be spaced apart from the notch by the dependent portion. In some embodiments, the dependent portion 50 may include a first shape. In some embodiments, the rotating element 18 may be located within the opening 30 and configured to rotate relative to the base 14.

[0044] In some embodiments, the outer edge of the rotating element 18 may include a second shape complementary to the first shape and be configured to fit into the first shape. In some embodiments, rotation of the rotating element 18 relative to the base 14 is reduced or prevented in response to the second shape being positioned within the first shape. In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may be configured to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly in response to the rotation of the rotating element 18 relative to the base 14. In some embodiments, the first and second shapes may include a series of ridges. In some embodiments, the shape of the notch 48 may correspond to the first shape, which may facilitate the movement of the dependent portion 50 toward the outer edge of the notch 48 between the alignment of the first and second shapes.

[0045] In some embodiments, the dependent portion 50 may be made of a first material, and the rest of the base 14 may be made of a second material which is more rigid than the first material. In some embodiments, the dependent portion 50 may be made of an elastomer or other suitable material.

[0046] Referring here to Figures 3A-3D, the rotating device 52 may include a base 14, which may include a shaft 54. In some embodiments, the rotating device 52 may be similar to or identical to the rotating device 12 in one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the shaft 54 ​​may include a plurality of teeth 56. In some embodiments, the rotating device 52 may include a rotating element 58, which may include a slot 60. In some embodiments, the rotating device 52 may include a tab 62, which may be located within the slot 60 of the rotating element 58. In some embodiments, the tab 62 may include an opening 64, and the shaft 54 ​​may extend through the opening 64. In some embodiments, the end of the opening 64 may include a plurality of other teeth 66.

[0047] In some embodiments, the rotating device 52 may include a spring 68 or other biasing member, which may be located in a slot 60 between the inner surface of the rotating element 58 and the tab 62. In some embodiments, the spring 68 may bias the tab 62 to a first position. In some embodiments, in response to the tab 62 being in the first position, the teeth 56 may engage with other teeth 66, as shown, for example, in Figures 3A-3C.

[0048] In some embodiments, in response to the compression of the spring 68 and the tab 62 being in a second position, the teeth 56 may not be engaged with other teeth 66, and the rotating element 58 may be configured to rotate relative to the base 14. In some embodiments, in response to the rotation of the rotating element 58 relative to the base 14, the extension member 22 may be configured to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may extend from the rotating element 58 and / or through an elongated slot 70 in the base 14, which may allow for lateral movement of the extension member 22.

[0049] Referring next to Figures 4A-4B, in some embodiments, the rotating device 72 may include a ratchet 74, which may include a gear 76 and a pawl 78. In some embodiments, the rotating device 72 may be similar to or identical to the rotating device 12 and / or the rotating device 52 in one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may be coupled to the gear 76. In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may be configured to apply a traction force to the catheter assembly in response to the rotation of the gear 76.

[0050] In some embodiments, the gear 76 and pawl 78 may be mounted on the base 14. In some embodiments, the rotating device 72 may include a shaft or handle 79 which may extend upward from the gear 76. In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may be wrapped around the handle 79.

[0051] In some embodiments, the gear 76 may rotate in a first direction to retract and / or wrap the extension member 22 around the handle 79, which may apply a traction force to the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the pawl 78 may engage with the teeth of the gear 76 to prevent rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the pawl 78 may prevent the extension member 22 from advancing toward the end.

[0052] Next, referring to Figures 5A-5B, rotating devices 80 and extension members 22 according to several embodiments are shown. In some embodiments, the rotating device 80 may be similar or identical in respect to one or more features of the rotating device 12, rotating device 52, and rotating device 72. As shown in Figures 5A-5C, in some embodiments, the extension member 22 may be rigid, which may facilitate the application of traction force to the catheter assembly 84. For example, the extension member 22 may include metal, plastic, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the connector 82 may be located at the terminal end of the extension member 22 and may be configured to snap onto the catheter assembly 84 or fixed to the catheter assembly 84 in another suitable manner. In some embodiments, the rigid extension member 22 may include or correspond to the extension member 22 in other catheter traction systems described herein.

[0053] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 84 may include a catheter adapter 86, which may include a terminal end 88, a proximal end 90, and a lumen extending through the terminal end 88 and the proximal end 90. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 84 may include any suitable catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 84 may include a catheter 92 extending from the terminal end 88. In some embodiments, the catheter 92 may include a peripheral venous catheter, a midline catheter, or a peripherally inserted central catheter. In some embodiments, an introduction needle (not shown) may extend through the catheter 92 and may be removed from the catheter assembly 84 after the catheter 92 has been inserted into the patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, after the introduction needle has been removed from the catheter assembly 84, a connector 82 may be coupled to the proximal end 90 of the catheter adapter 86. In some embodiments, the connector 82 may include one or more flexible arms configured to snap into one or more grooves in the proximal end 90 of the catheter adapter 86.

[0054] In some embodiments, the rotating device 80 may be secured to the patient's skin via adhesive, bandage 94, tape, or any other suitable method. In some embodiments, the securing of the rotating device 80 may reduce or prevent movement or movement of the rotating device 80 relative to the patient's skin.

[0055] In some embodiments, the rotating device 80 may include a rotating element 96 coupled to the proximal end of the extension member 22. In some embodiments, the rotating element 96 may be located within and / or screwed to the housing 98. In some embodiments, a threaded portion 100 may be located on the rotating element 96, and the rotating element 96 may not be threaded to the housing 98 in order to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly 84. In some embodiments, the rotating element 96 may not include a threaded portion 100, and may slide proximal to the housing 98 in order to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly 84. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the rotating element 96 may include a dial or handle 102 which may be rotated or pulled by the user to move the rotating element 96 relative to the housing 98 and apply a tensile force.

[0056] Referring next to Figures 6A to 6D, the rotating device 104 may include a rotating element 106 configured to rotate around an axis 108 between a plurality of preset positions. In some embodiments, the rotating device 104 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the following features and / or operations: rotating device 12, rotating device 52, rotating device 72, and rotating device 80.

[0057] In some embodiments, the rotating device 104 may include a connector 82 located at the terminal end of the extension member 22. In some embodiments, the connector 82 may be configured to connect to a catheter assembly 84. In some embodiments, the rotating element 106 may include a pivot point 110 located between the terminal end of the extension member 22 and the connector 82. In some embodiments, the rotating element 106 may include another pivot point 112 located between the proximal end of the extension member 22 and the rotating element 106. In these embodiments and other embodiments, the extension member 22 may be rigid.

[0058] In some embodiments, the rotating element 106 may rotate around an axis within the housing 116. In some embodiments, the preset position may be defined by one or more catches or bumps 114, which may be located within the housing 116. In some embodiments, the rotating element 106 may be movable between the preset positions, while the bumps 114 may provide resistance to the movement of the rotating element 106.

[0059] Referring now to Figure 7, in some embodiments the extension member 22 may be flexible. For example, the extension member 22 may include a string, an elastic body, a mooring part, a cord, or other suitable flexible member. In some embodiments the extension member 22 may be coupled to any suitable part of the rotating element 18, such as a handle 32. In some embodiments the extension member 22 may be coupled to the rotating element 18 by knots, adhesives, fasteners, or any other suitable method. In some embodiments the flexible extension member 22 may include or correspond to the extension member 22 in other catheter traction systems described herein.

[0060] Next, referring to Figures 8A to 8E, several embodiments of the anchoring device 118 are shown. In some embodiments, the method of applying traction force to the catheter assembly 84 may include coupling the anchoring device 118 to the patient and the catheter assembly 84. In some embodiments, the anchoring device 118 may include a base 120, a housing 122 coupled to the base 120, a pushable button 124 within the housing 122, a spring 126, and an anchoring portion 128. In some embodiments, the spring 126 may be positioned between the inner surface of the housing 122 and the button 124. In some embodiments, the spring 126 may bias the button 124 to a first position. In some embodiments, the button 124 may include a hole 130 through which it passes. In some embodiments, the housing 122 may include two other holes 132 which may face each other. In some embodiments, the anchoring portion 128 may extend through the hole 130 and the two other holes 132.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8A, 8C, and 8D, the mooring portion 128 may be locked within the mooring device 118 in response to the button 124 being in a first position. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8B and 8E, the mooring portion 128 may be configured to be pulled through the mooring device 118 in response to the button 124 being pushed down from the first position to a second position.

[0062] In some embodiments, the anchoring portion 128 may initially be loose and untightened, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 8A. In some embodiments, the method may include pressing a button 124 and, while the button 124 is pressed, pulling the anchoring portion 128 to its proximal end through the anchoring device 118 so that the anchoring portion 128 between the anchoring device 118 and the catheter assembly 84 becomes taut. In some embodiments, the method may include releasing the button 124 after the anchoring portion 128 has been pulled to its proximal end through the anchoring device 118 to achieve tension. In some embodiments, in response to releasing the button 124, the anchoring portion 128 may be locked within the anchoring device 118. In some embodiments, after releasing the button 124, the method may include moving the base 120 to its proximal end. In some embodiments, in response to moving the base 120 to its proximal end, the anchoring portion 128 may exert a tensile force on the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the base 120 may be positioned on an armband, which may be slidable in the proximal direction to apply traction. In some embodiments, fasteners such as bandages, tape, or adhesives may be moved in the proximal direction along with the base 120, and may be removed and reapplied.

[0063] Referring next to Figures 9A-9B, in some embodiments, the rotating device 134 may include a cutting portion. In some embodiments, the rotating device 134 may be similar or identical in one or more features and / or operation to one or more of the following: rotating device 12, rotating device 52, rotating device 72, rotating device 80, and rotating device 104.

[0064] In some embodiments, the cut portion may include a fan-shaped portion 136 and / or a channel 138 extending from the fan-shaped portion 136. In some embodiments, the extension member 22 may be flexible and fixed within the channel 138 of the cut portion via a narrowed diameter portion 140 of the channel 138 or any other suitable method. In some embodiments, in response to the rotation of the rotating device 134, the extension member 22 may contact the end of the fan-shaped portion 136 and apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly 84. In some embodiments, the rotating device 134 may be rotated, for example, from a first position shown in Figure 9A to a second position shown in Figure 9B to apply the tensile force.

[0065] Referring now to Figure 10, several embodiments of the anchoring device 142 are shown. In some embodiments, the method of applying a tensile force to the catheter assembly 84 may include coupling the anchoring device 142 to the catheter assembly 84. In some embodiments, the anchoring device 142 may include a base 144 and an anchoring portion 146. In some embodiments, the base 144 may include a plurality of holes 148, and the proximal end of the anchoring portion 146 may include a peg 150 configured to fit into the holes 148. In some embodiments, the method may include moving the peg 150 from a first hole of the hole 148 to a second hole of the hole 148. In some embodiments, the first hole of the hole 148 may be the proximal end relative to the second hole of the hole 148. In some embodiments, in response to moving the peg 150 from the first hole of the hole 148 to the second hole of the hole 148, the anchoring portion 146 may apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly 84.

[0066] In some embodiments, the connector 82 may be coupled to the extension member 22 or may be monolithically formed with the extension member 22. In some embodiments, the connector 82 may include a snap connector or any suitable connector. In some embodiments, the connector 82 shown in Figure 10 may be used with any of the catheter traction systems described herein.

[0067] Referring to Figure 11, in some embodiments, the connector 82 may include a spring hose clamp 152, which may be configured to clamp onto the proximal end 90 of the catheter adapter 86. In some embodiments, the connector 82 shown in Figure 11 may be used with any of the catheter traction systems described in this disclosure.

[0068] Referring next to Figures 12A-12B, in some embodiments the connector 82 may include a housing 154, a button 156 that can be pushed down into the housing 154, and a spring 158 positioned between the inner surface of the housing 154 and the button 156. In some embodiments the button 156 may include an arm 160, and the housing 154 may include another arm 162. In some embodiments the arm 160 and the other arm 162 may form a mouth 164 configured to grip the catheter assembly 84. In some embodiments the connector 82 shown in Figure 12 may be used in conjunction with any of the catheter traction systems described in this disclosure.

[0069] In some embodiments, the spring 158 may bias the button 156 to a first position with the opening 164 closed, as shown, for example in Figure 12B, to facilitate coupling to the catheter assembly 84. In some embodiments, pressing the button 156 from the first position to a second position may open the opening 164, as shown, for example in Figure 12A, to facilitate disconnection of the connector 82 from the catheter assembly 84.

[0070] All embodiments and conditional statements incorporated herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the concepts to which the inventors have contributed to further the invention and the art, and are not limited to such specifically incorporated embodiments and conditions. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A catheter traction system for applying traction force to a catheter assembly including a catheter adapter and an intravenous catheter, wherein the catheter traction system is Rotating device, and A catheter traction system comprising an extension member extending from the rotating device and configured to be coupled to the proximal end of a catheter adapter, wherein the extension member is configured to apply a traction force to the catheter assembly in response to the operation of the rotating device, thereby pulling the intravenous catheter in the proximal direction.

2. The aforementioned rotating device Base, groove, and A catheter traction system according to claim 1, comprising a rotating element having a peg, wherein the rotating element is configured to rotate relative to the base, the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base is reduced in response to the peg being pushed into the groove, and the extension member is configured to apply a traction force to the catheter assembly in response to the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base.

3. The catheter traction system according to claim 2, wherein the groove is located within the base.

4. The catheter traction system according to claim 2, wherein the groove is circular.

5. The catheter traction system according to claim 2, wherein the groove is C-shaped.

6. The catheter traction system according to claim 2, wherein the peg is positioned in the groove, and in response to the peg being pushed into the groove, the portion of the groove forms an interference fit with the peg.

7. The catheter traction system according to claim 2, wherein the groove is located at the base, the rotating element comprises a disc-shaped body, and the peg extends downward from the bottom of the disc-shaped body.

8. The catheter traction system according to claim 2, wherein the rotating device further comprises a cover that covers the base, and the groove is located inside the cover.

9. The catheter traction system according to claim 8, wherein the rotating element comprises a disc-shaped body and the peg extends upward from the top of the disc-shaped body.

10. The traction system according to claim 2, wherein the rotating device further comprises a lid coupled to the base, the rotating element comprises a neck portion extending through the lid, and the lid holds the peg in the groove.

11. The catheter traction system according to claim 2, wherein the groove comprises a plurality of notches, and the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base is reduced in response to the peg being pushed into the plurality of notches.

12. The aforementioned rotating device A base comprising an opening, a notch, and a dependent portion, wherein the opening is spaced apart from the notch by the dependent portion, and the dependent portion has a first shape, A rotating element disposed within the opening and configured to rotate relative to the base, wherein the outer edge of the rotating element has a second shape complementary to the first shape and configured to fit within the first shape, the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base is reduced in response to the second shape being positioned within the first shape, and the extension member is configured to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly in response to the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base. A catheter traction system according to claim 1, comprising:

13. The aforementioned rotating device A base comprising a shaft, the outer surface or the shaft having a plurality of teeth, A rotating element having a slot, A tab disposed within the slot of the rotating element, having an opening, the shaft extending through the opening, and the edge of the opening having a plurality of other teeth, and A spring disposed in the slot between the inner surface of the rotating element and the tab, wherein the spring biases the tab to a first position, and in response to the tab being in the first position, the plurality of teeth engage with the plurality of other teeth, and in response to compression of the spring and the tab being in a second position, the plurality of teeth disengage from the plurality of teeth, and the rotating element rotates relative to the base, and in response to the rotation of the rotating element relative to the base, the extension member is configured to apply a tensile force to the catheter assembly. A catheter traction system according to claim 1, comprising:

14. The aforementioned rotating device A ratchet comprising a gear and a pawl, wherein an extension member is coupled to the ratchet, and the extension member is configured to apply a traction force to the catheter assembly in response to the rotation of the gear, A catheter traction system according to claim 1, comprising:

15. The aforementioned rotating device A base on which the gear and the pawl are mounted, and A handle extending upward from the gear, The catheter traction system according to claim 14, further comprising the following:

16. The catheter traction system according to claim 15, wherein the extension member is wrapped around the handle.

17. The catheter traction system according to claim 1, wherein the extension member is rigid.

18. The catheter traction system according to claim 1, wherein the extension member is flexible.

19. The aforementioned rotating device A rotation element configured to rotate around an axis between multiple preset positions, A connector positioned at the terminal end of the extension member, wherein the connector is configured to connect to the catheter assembly, A pivot point positioned between the end of the extension member and the connector, and The catheter traction system according to claim 1, further comprising: another pivot point positioned between the proximal end of the extension member and the rotating element;

20. The catheter traction system according to claim 1, wherein the rotating device comprises a cutting portion, the cutting portion comprises a fan portion and a channel, the extension member is flexible and fixed within the channel of the cutting portion, and in response to the rotation of the rotating device, the extension member contacts the edge of the fan portion to apply a traction force to the catheter assembly.

21. The catheter traction system according to claim 1, further comprising a spring hose clamp positioned at the terminal end of the extension member and configured to be coupled to the catheter assembly.

22. The catheter traction system according to claim 1, further comprising a connector disposed at the terminal end of the extension member, the connector comprising a housing, a button that can be pushed down into the housing, and a spring disposed between the inner surface of the housing and the button, the button comprising an arm, the housing comprising another arm, the arm and the other arm forming a mouth configured to grasp the catheter assembly, the spring biasing the button to a first position in which the mouth is closed, and the downward pushing of the button from the first position to a second position opening the mouth.

23. The catheter traction system according to claim 1, further comprising a connector positioned at the terminal end of the extension member and configured to be snapped onto the catheter assembly.

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