Obturator for facilitating catheter line drawing

Abstract

A vascular access device for passively opening fluid pathways in a blood vessel may include a catheter and an obturator slidably disposed within a lumen of the catheter. The catheter may have a proximal end, a distal tip with an opening having an inner diameter, and a sidewall defining a lumen between the proximal end and the distal tip. The obturator may have a distal end with an outer diameter configured to provide an interference fit with the inner diameter of the distal end. The obturator may be disposed within the lumen to open various fluid pathways. The obturator may be repositioned to move the catheter tip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 065,773, entitled "Obturator to Facilitate Catheter Line Routing," filed on August 14, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Background Catheters are commonly used to inject fluids into a patient's vasculature. For example, a catheter may be used to inject normal saline, various pharmaceuticals, or total parenteral nutrition. Also, a catheter may be used to withdraw blood from a patient.

[0003] The catheter may include an over - the - needle peripheral intravenous ("IV") catheter. In this case, the catheter may be mounted on a introducer needle having a sharp distal end. The catheter and the introducer needle may be assembled such that the distal end of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter and the bevel of the needle faces away from the patient's skin. The catheter and the introducer needle are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vasculature.

[0004] [[ID=2三十三]] To confirm that the introducer needle and / or catheter is properly positioned within the blood vessel, the operator generally checks for a "flash - back" of blood within the flash - back chamber of the catheter assembly. Once the needle placement is confirmed, the operator may temporarily occlude the flow of the vasculature, remove the needle, and leave the catheter in place for future blood withdrawal or fluid injection. [[ID=二十六]]

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the function of a catheter can be impaired for several reasons, especially if the catheter is left in a blood vessel for an extended period. For example, if a catheter remains inserted in a patient for longer than a day, it may become more susceptible to complications and occlusions that obstruct fluid flow. For instance, a catheter may become occluded at its tip due to the presence of fibrin sheaths, thrombi, venous walls, or valves. Furthermore, if the catheter is fenestrated (i.e., has a hole near its tip to reduce fluid velocity at the tip and improve the success rate of blood collection), it tends to occlude more quickly than a non-fenestrated catheter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The subject matter asserted herein is not limited to embodiments that resolve any particular shortcomings or embodiments that operate only in the environments described above. Rather, this background is provided to illustrate an example of a technical area in which some of the embodiments described herein may be put into practice.

[0007] overview This disclosure generally relates to vascular access devices, systems, and methods for injecting fluids and / or collecting blood from a patient's vascular system. In particular, this disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for enhancing the functionality of a catheter and the success of blood collection. In some embodiments, various functions of the vascular access device may facilitate one or more of the following: repositioning the distal tip of a catheter within the vascular system to open a fluid pathway, selectively opening and closing the distal tip, and selectively opening and closing one or more fenestrations. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] In some embodiments, the vascular access device may include a catheter and an obturator slidably positioned within the lumen of the catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a proximal end, a terminal end, a side wall defining the lumen between the proximal and terminal ends, and a first fluid path through an opening. In some embodiments, the terminal end may include an opening. In some embodiments, the side wall of the catheter may include a window forming a second fluid path, which may extend through the window.

[0009] In some embodiments, the obturator may include a terminal end having an outer diameter configured to form an interference fit with the inner diameter of the terminal tip of the catheter, which may correspond to the inner diameter of the opening of the terminal tip. In some embodiments, the obturator may include a tubular shaft and a third fluid path extending through a length portion of the tubular shaft.

[0010] In some embodiments, the obturator may be positioned within the lumen of the catheter to block or prevent fluid from flowing through a second fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the obturator may be positioned within the lumen of the catheter to allow fluid to flow through the second fluid pathway. In some embodiments, fluid is allowed to flow through first and third fluid pathways. In some embodiments, a specific fluid pathway, such as the first or second fluid pathway, can be cleaned by repositioning the obturator within the lumen of the catheter.

[0011] In some embodiments, the obturator may include a tubular shaft having a hole formed through the side wall of the tubular shaft and a fourth fluid path through the hole. In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to allow fluid to flow through the second and fourth fluid paths. In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to block or prevent fluid from flowing through the second and fourth fluid paths. In some embodiments, fluid is allowed to flow through the first and third fluid paths. In some embodiments, the terminal tip of the catheter is moved by moving or repositioning the obturator within the lumen of the catheter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the terminal end of the obturator may be solid or closed to block or prevent fluid from flowing through the terminal end of the obturator. In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to block or prevent fluid from flowing through a first or second fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to allow fluid to flow through a second fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to allow fluid to flow through both the first and second fluid pathways.

[0013] In some embodiments, the obturator may include a body having an outer diameter configured to slide within the lumen of the catheter. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the body forms an interference fit with the inner diameter of the catheter's terminal tip. In some embodiments, the body is significantly smaller than the inner diameter of the catheter's terminal tip. In some embodiments, the body is rounded or spherical to prevent damage to the vascular system when the body is moved to the end of the catheter's terminal tip. In some embodiments, the body is a flexible spring with good conformability. In some embodiments, the obturator may further include a guidewire attached to the terminal end of the body. In some embodiments, the guidewire is attached to a location other than the center of the body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the guidewire may include a shaped portion having a maximum height greater than the inner diameter of the catheter's terminal tip. In some embodiments, the shaped portion of the guidewire is configured to contact the inner wall surface forming the lumen of the catheter, thereby temporarily deforming the static structure of the catheter at the point of contact between the shaped portion of the guidewire and the inner wall surface forming the lumen of the catheter.

[0015] In some embodiments, the obturator may cause the distal end of the catheter to move away from the medial sidewall of the patient's vein. In some embodiments, the distal end of the catheter may be moved or repositioned to move away from any object or surface obstructing the distal end of the catheter. In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to block or prevent fluid from flowing through a first lumen. In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to allow fluid to flow through a first fluid pathway.

[0016] In some embodiments, the distal tip of the catheter is moved by moving or repositioning the guidewire to the distal, proximal, and / or rotational direction. In some embodiments, the body of the obturator may include a tubular shaft and a third fluid path extending through a length portion of the tubular shaft. In some embodiments, the body of the obturator includes a hole provided in the side wall of the tubular shaft and a fourth fluid path through the hole. In some embodiments, the body comprises a proximal portion having an outer diameter configured to form an interference fit with the inner diameter of the distal tip of the catheter, and an distal portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the proximal portion. In some embodiments, the body comprises a metal portion and a plastic portion. In some embodiments, the guidewire is attached to the metal portion. In some embodiments, the guidewire is welded to the metal portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the obturator body is moved or repositioned by moving or repositioning the obturator's guidewire. In some embodiments, moving or repositioning the obturator's guidewire moves or repositions the obturator body, resulting in the movement or repositioning of the catheter's terminal tip where the obturator may be positioned. In some embodiments, pulling the guidewire towards the proximal end causes the catheter to bend, thereby moving the tip away from the occlusion. In some embodiments, rotating the guidewire causes the obturator to rotate, thereby rotating the catheter's terminal tip.

[0018] In some embodiments, the fluid is permitted to flow through first and third fluid paths. In some embodiments, the fluid is permitted to flow through first, third, and fourth fluid paths.

[0019] In some embodiments, the obturator may close one or more longitudinally formed slits that pass through the side wall of the tubular shaft and are close to the terminal tip of the obturator. In some embodiments, the slits may have a closed configuration that blocks or prevents fluid from flowing through the slits. In some embodiments, the slits may have an open configuration that allows fluid to flow through the slits. In some embodiments, the slits may have a closed configuration when the slits are located within the lumen of the catheter. In some embodiments, the slits may have an open configuration when the slits are located at the terminal tip of the catheter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the open configuration of the slit may provide a fifth fluid path through the slit. In some embodiments, one or more strips or bands of obturator material may be interposed between the slits and biased outward. In some embodiments, the strips or bands of obturator material interposed between the slits may include an elastic material such as memory material. In some embodiments, when the slit is positioned at the end of the catheter's terminal tip, the slit may be opened to cause the terminal tip to drop inward toward the proximal end.

[0021] In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to block or prevent fluid from flowing through the second, fourth, and fifth fluid pathways. In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to allow fluid to flow through the fifth fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the obturator may be located within the lumen of the catheter to allow fluid to flow through the second, fourth, and fifth fluid pathways.

[0022] It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instruments illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that 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 present disclosure, unless so claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0023] Brief Description of Some of the Drawings Exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated with greater specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings therein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary catheter with an opening window and an exemplary obturator, illustrating the obturator in the first or distal position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter with an opening window and an obturator, illustrating the obturator in the second or proximal position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter with an opening window and an obturator, according to some embodiments, illustrating an exemplary hole in the obturator and the obturator in the first position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter with an opening window and an obturator, showing the obturator in the second position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter with an opening window and another exemplary obturator, showing an exemplary closed configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fenestrated catheter and obturator of Figure 5, arranged to allow fluid flow through an exemplary fenestration of the catheter, according to several embodiments. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fenestrated catheter and obturator of Figure 5, with an exemplary terminal tip of the catheter and fenestrated opening in a different position to allow fluid flow through the fenestration, according to several embodiments. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary obturator showing an exemplary body and an exemplary guide wire according to several embodiments. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary vascular access device in a patient's vascular system, showing the obturator of Figure 8 in a proximal position according to several embodiments. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a vascular access device in a patient's vascular system, showing the obturator of Figure 8 at a distal position according to several embodiments. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary obturator showing an exemplary tubular shaft body and an exemplary guide wire according to several embodiments. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary catheter and the obturator of Figure 11, according to several embodiments. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary obturator, showing an exemplary tubular shaft body having a hole in the side wall of the tubular shaft and an exemplary guide wire, according to several embodiments. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary catheter at the proximal position and the obturator of Figure 13, according to several embodiments. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary catheter and obturator of Figure 13 at the terminal position according to several embodiments. [Figure 16]Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a fenestrated catheter and another example of an obturator showing multiple slits in a closed configuration according to several embodiments, preventing fluid from flowing through exemplary holes in the obturator. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the open-window catheter and obturator of Figure 16, showing multiple slits in a closed configuration according to several embodiments, allowing fluid to flow through the holes in the obturator. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the fenestrated catheter and obturator of Figure 16, showing multiple slits in an exemplary open configuration according to several embodiments.

[0025] Detailed explanation As used in this disclosure, the term “terminal” refers to the direction away from the practitioner who positions the device in contact with the patient, and the direction closer to the patient. As used in this disclosure, the term “proximal” refers to the direction closer to the practitioner who positions the device in contact with the patient, and the direction away from the patient.

[0026] As mentioned above, the functionality of a catheter can be impaired for several reasons, particularly when the catheter resides for an extended period within the vascular system. For example, a catheter may become occluded at its terminal tip and its fenestration due to the presence of fibrin sheaths, thrombi, venous walls, or valves. Applying traction to move or reposition the terminal tip within the vein can significantly improve blood collection success and catheter functionality by avoiding such occlusions and obstructions. Furthermore, occlusion may be prevented by selectively opening and closing the catheter tip and / or one or more sheaths. Embodiments described herein disclose a vascular access device that enables aspiration, blood collection, and / or infusion by passively repositioning the catheter tip to open a fluid pathway and / or by selectively opening and closing the catheter tip and / or at least one of one or more sheaths.

[0027] Referring here to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments the vascular access device 10 may be configured to prevent occlusion. In some embodiments, the vascular access device 10 may include a catheter 20 and an obturator 50 slidably positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, the catheter 20 may include a proximal end 22, a terminal end 24, and a side wall 26 defining the lumen 32 between the proximal end 22 and the terminal end 24. In some embodiments, the terminal end 24 may include an opening 28 having an inner diameter 30. In some embodiments, the catheter 20 may also include a first fluid path 36 through the opening 28. In some embodiments, the side wall 26 of the catheter 20 has a window 34, which forms a second fluid path 38 through the window 34.

[0028] In some embodiments, the obturator 50 may include a terminal end 52 having an outer diameter 54 configured to be slidably positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 and to form an interference fit with the inner diameter 30 of the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 may include a tubular shaft 56 and a third fluid path 60 extending through a length portion of the tubular shaft 56.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be located within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 to block or prevent the fluid from flowing through the second fluid path 38. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 may also be located within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 to allow the fluid to flow through the first fluid path 36 and the third fluid path 60.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be located within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 to allow fluid to flow through the second fluid path 38. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be located within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 to allow fluid to flow through the first fluid path 36 and the third fluid path 60.

[0031] Referring here to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments the obturator 50 may further include a hole 58 provided in the side wall of the tubular shaft 56 and a fourth fluid path 62 passing through the hole 58. As shown in Figure 3, in some embodiments the obturator 50 may be located within the lumen of the catheter so that the hole 58 is offset from the window 34, thereby blocking or preventing fluid from flowing through the second fluid path 38 and the fourth fluid path 62. In some embodiments the obturator 50 may be located within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20, as shown in Figure 4, so as to allow fluid to flow through the first fluid path 36 and the third fluid path 60.

[0032] Referring here to Figures 5, 6, and 7, in some embodiments, the terminal end 52 of the obturator 50 is solid or closed. Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 so as to block the opening 28 and window 34 of the catheter 20, thereby preventing fluid from flowing through the first fluid path 36 and the second fluid path 38.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 so as to block the catheter opening 28 (i.e., the first fluid path 36) but leave the opening 34 open, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the second fluid path 38.

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20, with an opening 28 and a window 34 that open to allow fluid to flow through the first fluid path 36 and the second fluid path 38. In some embodiments, the obturator is advanced terminally and proximally within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20, selectively allowing fluid flow through the first fluid path 36 and the second fluid path 38.

[0035] Referring here to Figures 8, 9, and 10, in some embodiments the obturator 50 may include a body 53 having an outer diameter 55 configured to slide within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 55 of the body 53 is configured to form an interference fit with the inner diameter 30 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 55 of the body 53 is configured to form an interference fit with the inner diameter 30 at the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments the obturator 50 may include a guidewire 64 attached to the terminal end of the body 53. In some embodiments, the body 53 is the coiled portion of the guidewire 64. In some embodiments, the guidewire 64 may further include a shaped portion 66.

[0036] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in some embodiments, the shaped portion 66 of the guidewire 64 has a maximum height 67 that is greater than the inner diameter 30 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, the shaped portion 66 of the guidewire 64 is configured to contact the inner wall surface of the lumen 32 of the catheter 20, thereby temporarily deforming the static structure of the catheter 20 at the point of contact between the shaped portion 66 of the guidewire 64 and the inner wall surface of the lumen 32 of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, the contact point between the shaped portion 66 and the inner wall surface of the lumen contacts the inner wall surface of the lumen 32 at two or more points.

[0037] In some embodiments, the shaped portion 66 of the guidewire 64 is S-shaped. In some embodiments, the shaped portion 66 of the guidewire 64 is V-shaped. In some embodiments, the shaped portion 66 of the guidewire 64 is Z-shaped, M-shaped, N-shaped, or an equivalent shape that contacts the inner surface of the catheter lumen at two or more points. In some embodiments, the shaped portion 66 of the guidewire 64 is coiled. In some embodiments, the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20 is moved by moving or repositioning the guidewire 64 in the terminal, proximal, and / or rotational directions. In some embodiments, the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20 is moved away from the inner side wall of the patient's vein 68 by moving or repositioning the obturator 50. In some embodiments, the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20 is moved away from an object or surface that occludes the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20 by moving or repositioning the obturator 50.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 to block or prevent fluid from flowing through the first fluid pathway 36. As the body 53 of the obturator is advanced to the end through the lumen 32 of the catheter 20, the shaped portion 66 of the guidewire 64 contacts the inner surface of the lumen 32, temporarily deforming the catheter 20. As the body 53 is advanced toward and through the terminal tip 24 to the end, the shaped portion 66 may lift and reposition the terminal tip 24, as shown in Figure 10. For example, the shaped portion 66 may lift and reposition the terminal tip 24 away from the inner wall of the patient's vein 68 or other surfaces that could occlude one or more fluid pathways of the catheter 20. In some embodiments, the body 53 is advanced to the end through the opening 28 of the terminal tip 24 to clean out any obstruction from the first fluid pathway 36.

[0039] Referring here to Figures 11 and 12, in some embodiments, the body 53 of the obturator 50 may include a tubular shaft 56 and a third fluid path 60 extending through a length portion of the tubular shaft 56. In some embodiments, the body 53 of the obturator 50 is moved or repositioned relative to the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20 by moving or repositioning the guidewire 64 of the obturator 50. In some embodiments, by advancing the guidewire 64 of the obturator 50 to the terminal within the catheter 20, the body 53 is advanced beyond the terminal tip 24 of the catheter, thereby substantially extending the length portion of the catheter 20 in the patient's vein without requiring the portion located outside the catheter 20 to be advanced into the patient. Thus, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may lengthen the insertion portion of the catheter 20 without advancing the catheter 20 further into the patient.

[0040] Referring here to Figures 13, 14, and 15, in some embodiments the body 53 of the obturator 50 may include a tubular shaft 56, a third fluid path 60 extending through a length portion of the tubular shaft 56, a hole 58 in the side wall of the tubular shaft 56, and a fourth fluid path 62 through the hole 58. In some embodiments the body 53 of the obturator 50 further includes a proximal portion 57 having an outer diameter 61 configured to form an interference fit with the inner diameter 30 of the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20, and a terminal portion 59 having an outer diameter 63 larger than the outer diameter 61 of the proximal portion 57. In some embodiments the outer diameter 63 of the terminal portion 59 of the body 53 is equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the catheter 20.

[0041] As shown in Figure 14, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 to close the hole 58, thereby preventing fluid from flowing through the fourth fluid pathway 62. As shown in Figure 15, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 to leave the hole 58 open, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the fourth fluid pathway 62. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 moves to the terminal or proximal end within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 to open and close the hole 58. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 is moved to the terminal or proximal end by moving the guidewire 64 to the terminal or proximal end, thereby opening and closing the hole 58. For example, the obturator 50 may be slid to the terminal to position the hole 58 at the terminal beyond the terminal tip of the catheter 20, thereby preventing obstruction of the fourth fluid pathway 62. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 is rotated within the lumen 32 by twisting the guidewire 64. For example, the obturator 50 may be rotated within the lumen 32 to align or misalign the hole 58 with one or more openings 34 of the catheter 20, thereby occluding or deoccluding the fluid pathways comprising the fourth fluid pathway 62 and the second fluid pathway 38. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 is positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 so that fluid flows through the first fluid pathway 36 and the third fluid pathway 60.

[0042] Referring here to Figures 16, 17, and 18, in some embodiments the obturator 50 may include a terminal end 52 having an outer diameter 54 configured to intercept and fit with the inner diameter 30 of the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20, a tubular shaft 56, and a solid terminal tip 71. In some embodiments the obturator 50 may further include one or more slits 70 formed longitudinally through the side wall of the tubular shaft 56 at the proximal end of the solid terminal tip 71. In some embodiments the obturator may further include one or more holes 58 formed through the side wall of the tubular shaft 56 of the obturator 50, thereby forming a fourth fluid path 62 through the holes 58.

[0043] In some embodiments, the slit 70 has a closed configuration that blocks or prevents fluid from flowing through the slit 70, and an open configuration that allows fluid to flow through the slit 70. In some embodiments, the slit 70 is in a closed configuration when it may be located within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. In some embodiments, the slit 70 is in an open configuration when it may be located at the end of the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20, as shown in Figure 18.

[0044] In some embodiments, the open configuration of the slit 70 provides a fifth fluid path 72 through the slit 70. In some embodiments, a strip or band of obturator material interposed between the slits 70 is biased outward so that as the slit 70 is advanced beyond the terminal tip 24 to the end, the interposed material expands outward, thereby opening the slit 70. In some embodiments, the strip or band of obturator material interposed between the slits 70 may include an elastic material such as a memory material. In some embodiments, when the slit 70 is located at the end of the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20, the slit is opened to cause the position of the solid terminal tip 71 to drop towards the proximal end.

[0045] As shown in Figure 16, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 such that the hole 58 is offset from the window 34, thereby blocking or preventing fluid from flowing through the second fluid path 38 and the fourth fluid path 62. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 may be positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 such that it blocks or prevents fluid from flowing through the fifth fluid path 72.

[0046] As shown in Figure 17, in some embodiments, the obturator 50 is positioned within the lumen 32 of the catheter 20 so that the hole 58 is aligned with the opening 34, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the second fluid path 38 and the fourth fluid path 62, while the slit 70 is configured to be closed, thereby preventing fluid from flowing through the fifth fluid path 72. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 is rotated axially within the lumen 32 to align the hole 58 with the opening 34. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 is advanced to the terminal and / or proximal end to align the hole 58 with the opening 34.

[0047] As shown in Figure 18, the slit 70 takes an open configuration when advanced terminally beyond the terminal tip 24 of the catheter 20, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the fifth fluid path 72. In some embodiments, the obturator 50 is advanced terminally within the lumen 32 to advance the slit 70 beyond the terminal tip 24. In some embodiments, the velocity of the fluid flow through the fifth fluid path 72 may be adjusted by selectively positioning the slit 70 within the opening 28. For example, in some embodiments, the slit 70 is partially positioned within the opening 28 so that the terminal portion of the slit 70 is positioned terminally beyond the opening 28, and the proximal portion of the slit 70 is positioned within the lumen 32 so that the slit is only partially open, thus allowing a restricted fluid flow through the fifth fluid path 72.

Claims

1. A vascular access device, A catheter comprising a proximal end, a terminal end having an opening with an inner diameter, a side wall defining the lumen between the proximal end and the terminal end, and a first fluid path passing through the opening, wherein the side wall has an opening that forms a second fluid path passing through the opening, An obturator having a terminal end having an outer diameter configured to be slidably positioned within the lumen of the catheter and to form an interference fit with the inner diameter of the terminal tip, Equipped with, A vascular access device comprising an obturator having a tubular shaft having an open terminal opening, a third fluid path extending through a length portion of the tubular shaft, and the obturator being movable within the lumen between a first position in which the second fluid path is open and a second position in which the second fluid path is closed.

2. The vascular access device according to claim 1, further comprising a first position of the obturator in the lumen where the second fluid pathway is open, and a second position of the obturator in the lumen where the second fluid pathway is closed.

3. The vascular access device according to claim 2, wherein the obturator is slid to its terminal and proximal ends within the lumen to move the obturator between the first and second positions.

4. The vascular access device according to claim 2, wherein the obturator is rotated within the lumen to move the obturator between the first and second positions.

5. The vascular access device according to claim 3, further comprising a hole in the side wall of the tubular shaft, the hole forming a fourth fluid path through the hole, the hole and the opening being offset when the obturator is in the second position, and the hole and the opening being aligned when the obturator is in the first position, providing fluid communication through the second and fourth fluid paths.

6. A vascular access device, A catheter comprising a proximal end, a terminal end having an opening with an inner diameter, a side wall defining a lumen having an inner wall surface between the proximal end and the terminal end, and a first fluid path passing through the opening, An obturator comprising a body having an outer diameter configured to be slidably positioned within the lumen of the catheter and to form an interference fit with the inner diameter of the terminal tip, and a guide wire attached to the terminal end of the body, Equipped with, A vascular access device wherein the guidewire further comprises a shaped portion, the shaped portion having a maximum height greater than the inner diameter, and is configured to temporarily deform the static structure of the catheter at the point of contact between the shaped portion and the inner wall surface of the lumen.

7. The vascular access device according to claim 6, further comprising a first position of the obturator in the lumen where the first fluid path is closed, and a second position of the obturator in the lumen where the first fluid path is open.

8. The vascular access device according to claim 6, wherein the main body further comprises the tubular shaft having a second fluid path passing through the length portion of the tubular shaft.

9. A vascular access device, A catheter comprising a proximal end, a terminal end having an opening with an inner diameter, a side wall defining the lumen between the proximal end and the terminal end, and a first fluid path passing through the opening, wherein the side wall has an opening that forms a second fluid path passing through the opening, and An obturator comprising: a terminal end having an outer diameter configured to be slidably positioned within the lumen of the catheter and to form an interference fit with the inner diameter of the terminal end; a tubular shaft; a solid terminal tip; a slit formed longitudinally through the side wall of the tubular shaft adjacent to the solid terminal tip; a third fluid path through the slit; a hole in the side wall of the tubular shaft; and a fourth fluid path through the hole. Equipped with, A vascular access device wherein the slit is configured to be closed when positioned within the lumen of the catheter and to be configured to be open when positioned beyond the terminal tip of the catheter.

10. The vascular access device according to claim 9, comprising a first position of the obturator in the lumen where the third and fourth fluid pathways are closed, a second position of the obturator in the lumen where the third fluid pathway is closed and the fourth fluid pathway is open, a third position of the obturator in the lumen where the third fluid pathway is open and the fourth fluid pathway is closed, and a fourth position of the obturator in the lumen where the third and fourth fluid pathways are open.

11. The vascular access device according to claim 10, wherein the obturator is slid terminally and proximal to the lumen and / or rotated to move the obturator to the first, second, third, and fourth positions.

12. The vascular access device according to claim 9, further comprising an elastic material interposed between the slits.

Images