Systems and methods for catheter insertion and blood flashback

Abstract

The method may include priming a catheter system. The catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter, and an extension tube. The catheter system may also include a Y adapter, which may include first and second arms. The distal end of the Y adapter may be coupled to the extension tube. The catheter system may further include a vent cap, which may be coupled to the second arm. Priming the catheter system may include attaching an IV line to the first arm, delivering saline to the catheter system through the IV line such that the saline exits the distal tip of the catheter, and clamping the IV line via a roller clamp on the IV line. The method may also include activating the vent cap after priming the catheter system. The method may further include inserting the catheter into a patient's vein after activating the vent cap.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for catheter insertion and blood flashback. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Infusion therapy, a common medical procedure, may be facilitated by a vascular access device. Inpatients, home care, and other patients receive fluids, medications, and blood products via a vascular access device inserted into the vascular system. Blood sampling is another common medical procedure that can be facilitated by a vascular access device. 【0003】 Vascular access devices may access a patient's peripheral or central vascular system. Vascular access devices may be indwelling for short (days), medium (weeks), or long (months to years) periods. Vascular access devices may be used for continuous infusion therapy or intermittent therapy. 【0004】 A common type of vascular access device is an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). As its name indicates, an "over-the-needle" PIVC may be mounted over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip may be used to penetrate the patient's skin and vascular system. Insertion of the PIVC into the vascular system may follow puncture of the vascular system by the needle. The needle and PIVC are generally inserted through the patient's skin at a shallow angle into the vascular system such that the bevel of the needle faces away from the patient's skin. 【0005】 To confirm proper placement of the intravascular introduction needle and / or PIVC, the user generally checks for a “flashback” of blood in the annular space between the catheter and the needle, or in the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. Once a flashback is confirmed, the user may temporarily block the flow in the vascular system and withdraw the introduction needle, leaving the catheter in place for later blood collection or transfusion. 【0006】 In some markets, priming the PIVC before inserting it into the patient's vascular system is a common practice. To prime the PIVC, the user may fill it with saline or another priming solution to reduce or eliminate any air pockets located within it. Saline may also fill all or part of the needle lumen. For example, saline may fill not only the portion of the needle lumen adjacent to the needle notch, but also the entire length of the lumen distal to the notch, up to the distal tip of the IV needle. 【0007】 The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that resolve any disadvantages or embodiments that operate only under the circumstances described above. Rather, this background art is provided solely to illustrate an example of a technical area in which a certain implementation described herein can be carried out. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents] 【0008】 [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8066670 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 286188 [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem] 【0009】 In some embodiments, the method for placing the catheter into the patient's vein may include priming the catheter system. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, and an extension tube extending from the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a side port, and / or the extension tube may extend from the side port. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, the extension tube may extend from the proximal end of the catheter adapter. 【0010】 In some embodiments, the catheter system may also include a Y-adapter which may include a distal end, a first arm, and a second arm. In some embodiments, the distal end of the Y-adapter may be coupled to an extension tube. In some embodiments, the catheter system may further include a vent cap which may be coupled to the second arm. In some embodiments, the first arm may correspond to either the central arm or the side arm of the Y-adapter. In some embodiments, the second arm may correspond to either the central arm or the side arm of the Y-adapter. In some embodiments, priming the catheter system may include attaching the IV line to the first arm and delivering saline to the catheter system through the IV line so that saline exits the distal end of the catheter. In some embodiments, after the catheter has been primed, the IV line may be clamped via a roller clamp or other clamping device on the IV line to block the flow of saline on the IV line. In some embodiments, clamping the IV line to block the flow may cause the fluid to move distally and may result in an increase in system pressure within the catheter system. In some embodiments, the method may also include activating the vent cap after the catheter system has been primed. In some embodiments, activating a vent cap coupled to a second arm of the Y-adapter after the priming and clamping steps may reduce the system pressure within the catheter system caused by priming and clamping the IV line. In some embodiments, the method may further include inserting the catheter into the patient's vein after activating the vent cap. 【0011】 In some embodiments, priming the catheter system may include removing all air from the Y-adapter except for air trapped in the second arm of the Y-adapter. In some embodiments, in response to inserting the catheter into the patient's vein after activating the vent cap, the air trapped in the second arm of the Y-adapter may be released into the catheter system through the vent cap. This is because the vent cap allows the air to escape from the catheter system so that blood can enter the catheter system. 【0012】 In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an introduction needle which may include a distal notch. In some embodiments, the method of placing the catheter into the patient's vein may include collecting a blood flashback in the space between the outer surface of the introduction needle and the inner surface of the catheter. In some embodiments, venting the second arm of the Y-adapter after priming may facilitate a blood flashback, which may indicate to the user that the distal tip of the introduction needle and the distal tip of the catheter are being placed in the vein. In some embodiments, the blood flashback may be amplified when the catheter is inserted into the vein after priming compared to the blood flashback when the vent cap is not activated after priming. 【0013】 In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a first connector coupled to a first arm and / or a second connector coupled to a second arm. In some embodiments, a vent cap may be coupled to the second connector. In some embodiments, the first connector and / or the second connector may include a needleless connector. In some embodiments, the first connector and / or the second connector may include a PRN adapter (from the Latin prorenata). 【0014】 Various types of vent caps may be used. In some embodiments, the vent cap may include a plurality of flexible arms that can engage a flange and snap-fit ​​of a second connector. In some embodiments, the first arm and / or the second arm may include a Luer adapter. In some embodiments, the vent cap may be coupled to a Luer adapter on the second arm of a Y-adapter. In some embodiments, the vent cap may be coupled to a second connector which may include a needleless connector coupled to the second arm of a Y-adapter. In some embodiments, the vent cap may be coupled to the second connector in a first position that does not access or open the valve of the second connector. In some embodiments, the vent cap may be actuated or moved to a second position that accesses or opens the valve of the second connector. 【0015】 In some embodiments, the catheter system may not be primed before the catheter is inserted into the patient's vein. In these embodiments, the method of placing the catheter into the patient's vein may include activating a vent cap and inserting the catheter into the patient's vein after activating the vent cap. In these embodiments, blood flashback may be enhanced compared to when the catheter is inserted into the patient's vein without venting the catheter system using the vent cap. In some embodiments, the catheter system may be primed after activating the vent cap and before inserting the catheter into the patient's vein. In these embodiments, the catheter system may be fully primed because an actuated vent cap coupled to the second arm of the Luer adapter allows for the removal of air from the second arm and the entire catheter system compared to priming before activating the vent cap. 【0016】 Both the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and descriptive, and are understood not to limit the invention, as are the claims. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means illustrated in the drawings. Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments can be combined or other embodiments can be utilized, and structural modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise claimed. Therefore, the detailed description below should not be interpreted as restrictive. 【0017】 Exemplary embodiments will be described and illustrated in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0018】 [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary catheter system according to several embodiments. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a perspective view of the catheter system of Figure 1A, having an exemplary first connector and an exemplary second connector, coupled to an exemplary IV line, according to several embodiments. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is a perspective view of the catheter system of Figure 1B, showing an exemplary roller clamp in the closed position and an exemplary vent cap in the non-operating position, according to several embodiments. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D is a perspective view of the catheter system of Figure 1B in several embodiments, showing the vent cap in the operating position. [Figure 1E] Figure 1E is a perspective view of the catheter system of Figure 1B combined with an exemplary blood collection device, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of Figure 1B coupled with another exemplary vent cap, according to several embodiments, and shows an exemplary needleless connector. [Figure 2B]Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the vent cap of Figure 2A in the operating position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary catheter adapter and an exemplary needle hub, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another exemplary vent cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a perspective view of another exemplary vent cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the vent cap of Figure 5A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is a perspective view of another portion of the vent cap of Figure 5A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary needleless connector, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method of placing a catheter in a patient's vein, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing another exemplary method of placing a catheter in a patient's vein, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method of placing a catheter in a patient's vein, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 【0019】 This disclosure relates in general to systems and methods for catheter insertion and blood flashback. Referring here to Figure 1A, in some embodiments the catheter system 10 may include a catheter adapter 12, a catheter 14 extending distally from the catheter adapter 12, and an extension tube 16 extending from the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments the catheter adapter 12 may include a side port 18. In some embodiments the extension tube 16 may extend from the side port 18. In some embodiments the catheter adapter 12 may include a proximal end 20 and a distal end 22. In some embodiments the extension tube may extend from the proximal end 20 of the catheter adapter 12. 【0020】 In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may also include a Y-adapter 24 which may include a distal end 26, a first arm 28, and a second arm 30. In some embodiments, the first arm 28 may correspond to the central arm of the Y-adapter 24, as shown in Figure 1A. In these embodiments, the second arm 30 may correspond to the side arm of the Y-adapter 24, as shown in Figure 1A. Conversely, in some embodiments, the first arm 28 may correspond to the side arm of the Y-adapter 24, and the second arm 30 may correspond to the central arm of the Y-adapter 24. 【0021】 In some embodiments, the distal end 26 of the Y-adapter 24 may be coupled to the extension tube 16. In some embodiments, the extension tube 16 may include a clamp 17 that can selectively close the extension tube 16 to prevent blood or another fluid from flowing through the extension tube 16. 【0022】 In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle assembly 32 which may include a needle hub 34 and an introduction needle 36. In some embodiments, the introduction needle 36 may include a distal notch (see, for example, the distal notch 71 shown in Figure 3). 【0023】 In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a BD NEXIVA® closed IV catheter system, a BD NEXIVA® DIFFUSICS® closed IV catheter system, a Becton Dickinson PEGASUSTM safe closed IV catheter system, or another integrated catheter system. In other embodiments, the system 10 may not be integrated. 【0024】 Referring here to Figure 1B, in some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a first connector 40 coupled to a first arm 28 and / or a second connector 42 coupled to a second arm 30. In some embodiments, the first connector 40 and / or the second connector 42 may include a needleless connector or another suitable type of connector. In some embodiments, the first connector 40 and / or the second connector 42 may include a PRN adapter. 【0025】 In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may further include a vent cap 44 which can be coupled to a second arm 30. In some embodiments including a PRN adapter, a blunt or penetrating plastic or metal cannula may be incorporated into the distal end of the vent cap 44 to access and operate the non-Luer connection of the PRN connector. In some embodiments, the vent cap 44 may be coupled directly to the Luer adapter of the second arm 30. In other embodiments, the vent cap 44 may be coupled to the second arm 30 via a second connector 42. 【0026】 In some embodiments, the first arm 28 and / or the second arm 30 may include a luer adapter, such as a slip or thread male or female luer adapter, or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, the proximal end and / or distal end of the first connector 40 may include a luer adapter, such as a slip or thread male or female luer adapter. In some embodiments, the proximal end and / or distal end of the second connector 42 may include a luer adapter, such as a slip or thread male or female luer adapter. 【0027】 In some embodiments, in response to the insertion of the introduction needle 36 into the patient's vein, a blood flashback may flow through the sharp distal tip 38 of the introduction needle 36 and from the distal notch 71 into part of the system 10. For example, the blood flashback may flow through the distal tip 38 and from the distal notch 71 into the space between the outer surface of the introduction needle 36 and the inner surface of the catheter 14 (this may be called a “primary flashback”). In some embodiments, the blood flashback may flow into the extension tube 16 (this may be called a “secondary flashback”). The primary and / or secondary blood flashbacks may confirm that the introduction needle 36 is positioned within the patient's vein. 【0028】 In some markets, it is common practice to prime a particular catheter system before insertion into a patient. To prime the catheter system 10, the user may fill the catheter system 10 with a priming solution or another priming fluid to reduce or eliminate air pockets located within the particular catheter system. The priming solution may also fill a portion of the lumen of the introduction needle 36, adjacent to the notch 71, all the way to the distal tip 38 of the introduction needle 36. Thus, once the distal tip 38 of the introduction needle 36 enters the vascular system, blood flashback may be delayed, less visually apparent, and may not have to travel far within the catheter system due to the presence and diffusion of saline. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to methods for improving blood flashback after the catheter system 10 has been primed. 【0029】 In some embodiments, priming the catheter system 10 may include delivering a priming solution to the catheter system 10 through the IV line 46 so that the priming solution exits the distal end 38 of the catheter 14 and / or the distal end 48 of the introduction needle 36, and then clamping the IV line 46 via a roller clamp 50 on the IV line 46. In some embodiments, the priming solution may include saline or another suitable solution. Figure 1B shows the roller clamp 50 in the open position so that the priming solution can flow into the catheter system 10 for priming. In some embodiments, priming the catheter system may include removing all air from the Y adapter except for air located in the second arm of the Y adapter. The air in the second arm 30 may not be able to escape due to insufficient ventilation. In some embodiments, after priming the catheter system 10, air may remain in the catheter system 10 in the second arm 30 and / or the second connector 42. 【0030】 Referring here to Figure 1C, according to some embodiments, the roller clamp 50 is shown in the closed position. In some embodiments, when the roller clamp 50 is moved to the closed position, it may prevent fluid from flowing through the IV line 46. In some embodiments, after priming, in response to the roller clamp 50 moving to the closed position without activating the vent cap 44, fluid displacement may occur in the IV line 46, which creates residual pressure within the catheter system 10, and the slow dripping of the priming solution from the distal tip 38 may continue until the residual pressure is released. The dripping of the priming solution may occur for up to 30 seconds or more, depending on the gauge size of the catheter 14 or other factors. In some embodiments, during the time spent waiting for the residual pressure to be released, progressive softening of the catheter 14 may occur, which may lead to less desirable insertion conditions. In some cases, if the user does not wait until the dripping of the priming solution stops, confirmation of the vein by blood flashback may be limited. 【0031】 In some embodiments, air trapped within the second arm 30 and / or the second connector 42 may be utilized to reduce residual pressure and / or improve post-priming blood flashback. More specifically, in some embodiments, the method may also include activating the vent cap 44 after priming the catheter system 10. An activated vent cap 44 may provide ventilation to the catheter system 10, while an unactivated vent cap 44 may not provide any ventilation. In some embodiments, the method may further include inserting the catheter 14 into the patient's vein after activating the vent cap 44. 【0032】 Activating the vent cap 44 after priming may relieve residual pressure, allowing the user to insert the catheter into the patient's vein and visualize a blood flashback without waiting more than approximately 30 seconds for the dripping of the priming solution to slow down or stop. More specifically, in some embodiments, in response to inserting the catheter 14 into the patient's vein after activating the vent cap 44, air located within the second arm 30 of the Y-adapter 24 may exit the catheter system 10 through the vent cap 44. In some embodiments, the air may escape from the catheter system 10 through the vent plug 44, releasing residual pressure and allowing venous pressure to push the priming solution proximal within the second arm 30 and / or second connector 42 so that a blood flashback enters the catheter system 10. 【0033】 In some embodiments, venting the second arm 30 of the Y-adapter 24 after priming may facilitate a blood flashback, which can indicate to the user that the distal tip 38 of the introduction needle 36 and the distal tip 48 of the catheter are being positioned in the vein, entering the catheter 14, the catheter adapter 12, and part of the extension tube. In some embodiments, the blood flashback may be amplified compared to the blood flashback when the vent cap 44 is not activated after priming, when the catheter 14 is inserted into the vein after priming. In some embodiments, priming the catheter system 10 without activating the vent cap 44 after priming may delay the blood flashback as the catheter 14 is inserted into the patient's vein, due to the residual pressure resulting from closing the roller clamp and the slower diffusion of blood into the catheter system. 【0034】 Referring here to Figure 1D, in some embodiments, the IV line 46 may be disconnected from the catheter system 10 after the catheter system 10 has been primed and / or after the vent cap 44 has been activated. In some embodiments, when it is desired to collect one or more blood samples using the catheter system 10, the catheter system 10 may not be primed or connected to the IV line 46. In these and other embodiments, the vent cap 44 may be activated to fill the unprimed catheter system 10 with blood by venting a second arm 30 to which the vent cap 44 may be attached. In some embodiments, after the catheter 14 has been inserted into a vein and blood has filled the extension tube, the vent cap 44 may be removed and a blood collection device (e.g., a vacuum tube holder, syringe, or another device) may be attached to the first arm 28 or the second arm 30 to collect a blood sample via the blood collection device. In these and other embodiments, it may not be necessary to pull out a waste sample to remove saline from the extension tube 16 and / or Y-adapter 24 without priming. 【0035】 In some embodiments, the blood collection device may be connected to the first arm 28 before the catheter 14 is inserted into the patient and after the vent cap 44 is activated. In some embodiments, once the extension tube is filled with blood, the blood collection device may then be activated to collect the blood sample without requiring a waste sample. 【0036】 Referring here to Figure 1E, in some embodiments, the blood collection device 51 may be coupled to the Y adapter 24. In some embodiments, the blood collection device 51 may be coupled to the Y adapter after priming the catheter system 10, or without priming the catheter system 10. In some embodiments, the blood collection device 51 may be coupled to the first arm 28 of the Y adapter. 【0037】 In some embodiments, the blood collection device 51 may include any suitable type of blood collection device. In some embodiments, the blood collection device 51 may include a container. In some embodiments, the blood collection device 51 may include a vacuum tube, a test tube, or a syringe. In some embodiments, the blood collection device 51 may include an adapter, which may be configured to hold a test tube or syringe. 【0038】 In some embodiments, various types of vent caps or similar vent devices may be used with the catheter system 10. Referring here to Figures 2A-2B, another exemplary vent cap 44 according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 2A also shows, according to some embodiments, an unprimed volume 49 and a priming solution pathway 53, which may include an air pocket. 【0039】 In some embodiments, the vent cap 44 may be assembled with a second connector 42 that includes a needleless connector that is movable or shiftable between a first, storage or non-operating position (e.g., shown in Figure 2A) in which the compression seal 52 of the needleless connector is uncompressed, thereby preventing fluid from passing through the vent path 54, and a second, operationally depressed position (e.g., shown in Figure 2B) in which the compression seal 52 of the needleless connector is compressed, thereby allowing fluid to pass through the vent path 54. 【0040】 In some embodiments, the permeable barrier 56 may be located within a portion of the vent pathway 54. In some embodiments, the permeable barrier 56 may consist of an air-permeable matrix that allows air or gas to be vented so that blood can fill the vent pathway 54, but prevents priming fluid, saline solution, blood, or other fluids from passing through the vent pathway 54 completely. In some embodiments, the vent cap 44 may consist of a transparent or translucent material. In some embodiments, while air is being vented, blood can fill a portion of the vent pathway 54, thereby providing the user with visual confirmation that the catheter 14 is being inserted into the patient's vein. Such visual confirmation may be referred to as a secondary or tertiary blood flashback. 【0041】 In some embodiments, the nose 58 may terminate at a push plate 60. In some embodiments, the push plate 60 may include a flange 62 configured to provide a surface area for the user to push when the vent cap 44 is manually shifted between a first storage position and a second operatively depressed position. In one embodiment, a portion of the vent path wall 63 may further define an eyelet 64. In some embodiments, the eyelet 64 may be configured to provide a fluid path for venting air between the vent path 54 and the outside of the vent path wall 63. In particular, in some embodiments, the eyelet 64 may provide a path for air to escape when the user seals the end of the vent path 54 with their finger so that the vent cap 44 shifts to a second operatively depressed position. In one embodiment, a portion of the vent cap 44 may include a mechanism configured to provide an audible click and / or tactile feedback when the vent cap 44 shifts to a second operatively depressed position. 【0042】 In some embodiments, various types of first connectors 40 and / or second connectors 42 may be used in system 10. In some embodiments, various types of needleless connectors may be used as first connectors 40 and / or second connectors 42. Some non-limiting examples of needleless connectors are described in Patent Document 1, filed November 5, 2007, titled “Vascular Access Device Septum Vent,” which is incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, in some embodiments, various types of PRN adapters may be used as first connectors 40 and / or second connectors 42. 【0043】 In Figure 2A, the second connector 42 includes an exemplary needleless connector according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the needleless connector may include one or more of the following: a conical internal conduit 66 with one or more fluid path windows 68; a flexible compression seal 52 that can selectively cover the internal conduit 66; and a housing 70 substantially enclosing the internal conduit 66 and the compression seal 52. In some embodiments, the exterior of the housing 70 may include a substantially smooth surface with minimal gaps to facilitate the ease of having a surface that is easily wiped or washed to prevent microbial growth and / or presence. In some embodiments, the interior of the housing 70 may be configured to facilitate a more uniform fluid flow in order to improve the flushability of the needleless connector. In one embodiment, the interior of the housing 70 may be molded to reduce the occurrence of dead spaces or pockets, thereby reducing areas where microbial growth is likely to occur. 【0044】 In some embodiments, the needleless connector and / or PRN adapter may prevent leakage of bodily fluids and / or protect the fluid pathway of the catheter system 10 from contamination. In some embodiments, in the closed or sealed position, the compression seal 52 may extend over the fluid pathway window 68 of the internal conduit 66, thereby creating a fluid seal to prevent fluid from escaping from the extension tube 16, for example, as shown in Figure 2A. Conversely, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2B, when the vent cap 44 is actuated and inserted into the housing 70, the compression seal 52 may be shifted to the open position, thereby exposing the fluid pathway window 68 to the fluid pathway of the vent cap 44. 【0045】 In some embodiments, the first connector 40 and / or the second connector 42 may allow the catheter system 10 to function as a closed system when not connected to the IV line 46 or another medical device. In some embodiments, certain needleless connectors or certain PRN adapters may be used in combination with certain vent caps to prevent blood from escaping from the catheter system 10 and thus maintain a closed system. 【0046】 Referring here to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a flashback chamber 72, which may be fluidly connected to the proximal end of the introduction needle 36. In some embodiments, the introduction needle 36 may extend through a partition 74 when the introduction needle 36 is in the insertion position for insertion into the patient, as shown, for example, in Figure 3. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber 72 may include a vent feature that may not be activated during priming of the catheter system 10 and / or may be activated after priming of the catheter system 10 before insertion of the catheter 14 into the patient. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber 72 may be used to relieve residual pressure resulting from priming the catheter system 10 and / or clamping the IV line 46. More specifically, in some embodiments, priming the catheter system 10 may leave an air pocket in the flashback chamber 72. In some embodiments, venting the flashback chamber 72 after the catheter system 10 has been primed may remove air pockets, reduce residual pressure, and allow blood to flow into the flashback chamber 72 when the catheter system 10 is inserted into a vein. 【0047】 In some embodiments, the vent feature may include a vent cap that can move between an operating position and a non-operating position. The vent cap may include any feature of the vent cap described herein, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the vent feature may include a vent hole 59 that may include a hydrophobic membrane or other filter that allows air to pass through but not fluid. In some embodiments, the vent hole may be activated by removing an airtight cap covering the vent hole. In some embodiments, the vent hole may not be activated by covering the vent hole with a cap, for example, as shown in Figure 3. 【0048】 In some embodiments, a flashback chamber 72 having a vent feature may reduce or eliminate a “false positive” scenario in which blood continues to fill a particular flashback chamber even when the introduction needle penetrates the vein. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber 72 may vary in terms of its size and configuration. In some embodiments, the flashback chamber 72 may include one or more features disclosed in Patent Document 2, which is incorporated herein in whole by reference. 【0049】 Referring here to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the vent cap 44 may be coupled to the Y-adapter 24 and / or the second connector 42 via the tether 76. In some embodiments, the second arm 30 and / or the second connector 42 may be inserted into an opening or hole in a mounting element 78 located at the distal end of the tether 76. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10, including the vent cap 44, may be packaged together in a kit. 【0050】 Referring here to Figures 5A-5C, in some embodiments, the vent cap 44 may include a plurality of engaging arms 80 which can be configured to grip a portion of the Y adapter 24 or the second connector 42. In some embodiments, the engaging arms 80 may be constructed of an elastic material such that the engaging arms 80 tend to return to their original shape after temporary deformation. In some embodiments, the engaging arms 80 may be deflected outward to snap onto the Y adapter 24 or the second connector 42. In some embodiments, the ends of the engaging arms 80 may include a flange 82 which may be adjacent to the flange of the Y adapter 24 or the second connector 42 to prevent the vent cap 44 from moving proximal. 【0051】 In some embodiments, the vent cap 44 may include one or more other arms 84, which may be positioned in one or more slots 86 of the movable portion of the vent cap 44. In some embodiments, arms 82 positioned within a slot may support the vent cap 44 so that it moves between an operating or distal position and a non-operating or proximal position. 【0052】 Figure 5D shows another exemplary needle-free connector according to several embodiments. The second connectors shown in Figures 5A–5B may correspond to the needle-free connector of Figure 5D. In some embodiments, the septum 88 may prevent blood from flowing out of the catheter system 10. The needle-free connector of Figure 5D may be described in more detail in Patent Document 1, filed November 5, 2007, entitled "Vascular Access Septum Ventilator," which is incorporated herein by reference. 【0053】 Referring here to Figure 6, a flow chart of an exemplary method 100 for placing a catheter in a patient's vein is shown according to several embodiments. The method may begin with block 102. In block 102, the catheter system may be primed. In some embodiments, the catheter system clamp of an IV line, such as IV line 46, is primed, for example, as described with respect to one or more of the previous figures. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include or correspond to a catheter system 10, as described with respect to one or more of Figures 1-5. In some embodiments, block 102 may be followed by block 104. 【0054】 In block 104, the vent cap of the catheter system may be activated. In some embodiments, the vent cap may include or correspond to a vent cap 44, as described with respect to one or more of Figures 1-5. In some embodiments, block 106 may follow block 104. 【0055】 In block 106, the catheter of the catheter system may be inserted into the patient's vein after the vent cap is activated. The method in Figure 6 may be further described in reference to one or more of Figures 1-5. The various elements used in the method in Figure 6 may also be further described in reference to one or more of Figures 1-5. Although illustrated as separate blocks, the various blocks of method 100 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated depending on the desired implementation. 【0056】 Referring here to Figure 7, a flow chart of another exemplary method 200 for placing a catheter in a patient's vein is shown according to several embodiments. The method may begin with block 202. In block 202, the vent cap of the catheter system may be activated. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include or correspond to a catheter system 10, as described with respect to one or more of Figures 1-5. In some embodiments, the vent cap may include or correspond to a vent cap 44, as described with respect to one or more of Figures 1-5. Block 204 may follow block 202. 【0057】 In block 204, the catheter system may be primed after the vent cap has been activated. Block 204 may be followed by block 206. In block 206, the catheter of the catheter system may be primed by activating the vent cap before being inserted into the patient's vein. More specifically, in some embodiments, the catheter system may be primed after activating the vent cap but before inserting the catheter into the patient's vein, thereby providing a fully vented, and thus fully primed, catheter system that prevents residual air from being delivered to the patient. 【0058】 The method in Figure 6 may provide enhanced flashback compared to the method in Figure 7. However, the method in Figure 7 may provide enhanced flashback compared to a method that does not involve any vent plug operation. The method in Figure 7 may be further described in relation to one or more of Figures 1-5. The various elements used in the method in Figure 7 may also be further described in relation to one or more of Figures 1-5. Although illustrated as separate blocks, the various blocks of method 100 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated depending on the desired implementation. 【0059】 Referring now to Figure 8, a flow chart of another exemplary method 300 for placing a catheter in a patient's vein is shown according to several embodiments. This method may begin with block 302, in which the vent cap of the catheter system may be activated. Block 304 may follow block 302. 【0060】 In block 304, the catheter of the catheter system may be inserted into the patient's vein after the vent cap has been activated. In some embodiments, the catheter system may not be primed before the catheter is inserted into the vein. Block 304 may be followed by block 306. 【0061】 In block 306, a blood sample may be collected after the catheter has been inserted into a vein. More specifically, the blood sample may be collected via a blood collection device coupled to the catheter system. In some embodiments, the blood sample may be collected without taking a waste sample. 【0062】 The method in Figure 8 may be further described in relation to one or more of Figures 1-5. The various elements used in the method in Figure 8 may also be further described in relation to one or more of Figures 1-5. Although illustrated as separate blocks, the various blocks of method 100 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated depending on the desired implementation. For example, block 306 may be eliminated. 【0063】 In some embodiments, it is understood that the catheter system does not need to be primed before inserting the catheter into the patient's vein. In these embodiments, the method of placing the catheter into the patient's vein may include activating a vent cap and inserting the catheter into the patient's vein after activating the vent cap. In these embodiments, blood flashback may be enhanced compared to when the catheter is inserted into the patient's vein without venting the catheter system using a vent cap. 【0064】 All illustrative and conditional terms listed herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the present invention and the concepts to which the inventors contribute by promoting this art, and should be construed as not being limited to such specifically listed examples and conditions. While embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions, and alternatives can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

[Claim 1] Catheter adapter and; A catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; An extension tube extending from the catheter adapter; A Y-adapter having a distal end, a first arm, and a second arm, wherein the distal end of the Y-adapter is connected to the extension tube, A vent cap is connected to the second arm via a connector, A needle assembly comprising a needle hub and an introduction needle, wherein the needle hub is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter and includes a flashback chamber, the proximal end of the introduction needle is fixed within the needle hub, and the flashback chamber has a vent feature that allows it to move between an operating position in which the flashback chamber is vented and a non-operating position in which the flashback chamber is not vented, Includes a vent containing a hydrophobic membrane or other filter that allows air to pass through but not fluid, A catheter system wherein the connector is equipped with a compression seal, and in the operating position, the vent cap presses against the compression seal of the connector, opening the vent path and allowing air to pass through the vent cap, and in the non-operating position, the compression seal of the connector is uncompressed and the vent path is closed.

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