Instrument delivery devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

The instrument delivery device may include a housing that may include a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end may be configured to couple to an intravenous catheter device. The proximal end may include a proximal connector. The proximal connector may be adjustable between a first position relative to the housing and a second position relative to the housing. The instrument may be disposed within the housing. An advancement wheel may extend from the housing. In response to the advancement wheel being rotated, the instrument may be advanced through the distal end of the housing. The housing of another instrument delivery device may include an advancement element that may include a first push tab and / or a second push tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to instrument delivery devices for facilitating the advancement and / or retraction of instruments within an IV catheter, as well as related systems and methods.

Background Art

[0002] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 170,381, filed April 2, 2021, entitled "Instrument Delivery Devices, Systems, and Methods", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Catheters are generally used in various infusion therapies. For example, a catheter can be used to infuse fluids such as saline, various drugs, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. Also, a catheter can be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0004] A common type of intravenous (IV) catheter device includes a catheter that is an over - the - needle. As its name indicates, an over - the - needle catheter can be mounted on a introducer needle with a sharp distal tip. The IV catheter device can include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, and an introducer needle extending through the catheter. The catheter and the introducer needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter and the bevel of the needle faces away from the patient's skin. The catheter and the introducer needle are typically inserted into the patient's vasculature at a shallow angle from the skin.

[0005] To verify proper placement of the intravascular insertion needle and / or catheter, clinicians typically check for a “flashback” of blood within the catheter assembly’s flashback chamber. Once needle placement is confirmed, clinicians may temporarily block the flow in the vascular system to remove the needle and leave the catheter in place for later blood sampling or fluid administration.

[0006] Catheter-assisted infusion and blood collection can be difficult for several reasons, especially when the catheter is left in place for extended periods. Fibrin sheaths or thrombi can form on the inner surface of the catheter assembly, the outer surface of the catheter assembly, or within the vascular system near the distal tip of the catheter. These fibrin sheaths or thrombi can block or narrow the fluid pathway through the catheter, which can impair the infusion and / or collection of high-quality blood samples.

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

[0008] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device may include a housing that may have a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing may be configured to connect to an intravenous (IV) catheter device. As used in this disclosure, the term “instrument” may include a guidewire, a probe, a guidewire or probe with one or more sensors, or another suitable instrument.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0023] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device may include a housing that may have a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing may be configured to connect to an intravenous catheter device. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the housing may include a proximal connector. In some embodiments, the proximal connector may be adjustable between a first position relative to the housing and a second position relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the instrument may be placed inside the housing. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device may include a forward wheel that may extend from the housing. In some embodiments, the instrument may be advanced through the distal end of the housing in response to rotation of the forward wheel.

[0024] In some embodiments, the proximal connector may include a Luer connector. In some embodiments, the proximal connector may be pivotably coupled to the housing and configured to move along an axis between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the proximal connector may include a first and / or second return stop. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include a projection. In some embodiments, in response to the proximal connector being in the first position, the projection may be located within the first return stop. In some embodiments, in response to the proximal connector being in the second position, the projection may be located within the second return stop.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first position may be a horizontal position relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the second position may be a position inclined downward relative to the housing. In some embodiments, in response to the proximal connector being in a horizontal position, the projection may be located within a first stopper. In some embodiments, in response to the proximal connector being inclined downward, the projection may be located within a second stopper.

[0026] In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing may include a distal connector. In some embodiments, the distal connector may include a blunt cannula and two lever arms disposed on opposite sides of the blunt cannula. In some embodiments, the blunt cannula may include a luer shape. In some embodiments, the proximal end of each of the two lever arms may include a stop protrusion.

[0027] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device may include a housing that may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a slot. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include a groove disposed within the housing between the proximal end of the housing and the distal end of the housing. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device may include a forward element that extends through the slot and is configured to move linearly along the slot between a retracted position and a forward position. In some embodiments, the forward element may include a first push tab and / or a second push tab. In some embodiments, the instrument may include a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the forward element from the retracted position to the forward position, the second end of the instrument may be advanced beyond the distal end of the housing.

[0028] In some embodiments, the forward element may include an arcuate channel. In some embodiments, the instrument may extend through the arcuate channel. In some embodiments, the first end of the instrument may be fixed. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the forward element by a first distance, the second end of the instrument may be configured to advance distally by a second distance. In some embodiments, the second distance may be at least twice the first distance. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include a first groove and / or a second groove. In some embodiments, the second groove may be generally parallel to the first groove. In some embodiments, the instrument may be disposed within the first groove and / or the second groove.

[0029] In some embodiments, the instrument may be oriented in a horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the width of the housing may be greater than the height of the housing. In some embodiments, the first push tab may be disposed at the distal end of the advancement element. In some embodiments, the second push tab may be disposed at the proximal end of the advancement element and may be aligned with the first push tab. In some embodiments, the height of the first push tab may be greater than the height of the second push tab.

[0030] In some embodiments, the housing may include a body and a tunnel disposed below the body. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device may include a proximal connector and an extension tube that extends through the tunnel and is coupled to the proximal connector. In some embodiments, the body may extend proximally to the tunnel. In some embodiments, the body may limit the upward movement of the proximal connector.

[0031] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the body may include an upper flange that may be arcuate or trapezoidal. In some embodiments, the body and / or the upper flange may include a shape corresponding to the proximal connector. In some embodiments, the upper flange may limit the upward movement of the proximal connector.

[0032] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the body may include a finger catch proximal to the upper flange. In some embodiments, the housing may include a lower flange that extends distally from the finger catch and is configured to limit the lateral movement of the proximal connector. In some embodiments, the instrument may include a guide wire or another suitable instrument.

[0033] It should be understood that both the above-mentioned general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the claimed invention. It should be understood that various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the figures. It should also be understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be used, and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be interpreted as restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] Exemplary embodiments are described and explained in more specific and detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is an exploded rear view of an exemplary instrument advancement mechanism of the instrument delivery device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a rear view of the instrument advancement mechanism of the instrument delivery device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of another instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device, showing an instrument delivery device in a first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional side view of the instrument delivery device in Figure 10A, showing the instrument delivery device in a second configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 10C] Figure 10C is a top perspective view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 10A, showing the instrument delivery device of the first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 10D] Figure 10D is an exploded rear view of an exemplary instrument advance mechanism of the instrument delivery device of Figure 10A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device, showing an instrument delivery device of the first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a cross-sectional side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 11A, showing an exemplary first wheel rotating independently of a second wheel, which is exemplified in a second direction from a first configuration, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11C] Figure 11C is a cross-sectional side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 11A, showing the first wheel further rotated in a second direction from the position in Figure 11B, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11D] Figure 11D is a cross-sectional side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 11A, showing the first and second wheels rotated together in a second direction from the position in Figure 11C, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11E] Figure 11E is a cross-sectional side view of another instrument delivery device, showing an instrument delivery device in a second configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 12A]Figure 12A is a cross-sectional front view of another instrument delivery device, showing an instrument delivery device in a first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a cross-sectional front view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the instrument delivery device of the first configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 12C] Figure 12C is a cross-sectional side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 11A, showing an exemplary first wheel rotating independently of a second wheel, which is exemplified in a second direction from a first configuration, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12D] Figure 12D is a cross-sectional front view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the first wheel rotating independently of the second wheel in a second direction from a first configuration, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12E] Figure 12E is a cross-sectional side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 11A, showing an exemplary tab moving toward the first wheel according to several embodiments. [Figure 12F] Figure 12F is a cross-sectional front view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 12A, showing a tab moved toward the first wheel according to several embodiments. [Figure 12G] Figure 12G is a cross-sectional side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the tab and first wheel rotated in a second direction from the positions shown in Figures 12E-12F, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12H] Figure 12H is a cross-sectional side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the tab and first wheel further rotated in a second direction from the position of Figure 12G, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12I] Figure 12I is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the tab and first wheel further rotated in a second direction from the position of Figure 12G, according to several embodiments. [Figure 12J] Figure 12J is a cross-sectional side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the instrument delivery device in a second configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 12K]Figure 12K is a cross-sectional front view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 12A, showing the instrument delivery device in a second configuration according to several embodiments. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A is a side view of another exemplary instrument delivery device showing an exemplary proximal connector according to several embodiments. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B is a side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 13A, showing an exemplary blood collection device coupled to a proximal connector according to several embodiments. [Figure 13C] Figure 13C is a side view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 13A, showing the blood collection device and proximal connector in a downward-inclined position relative to the exemplary housing, according to several embodiments. [Figure 13D] Figure 13D is a cross-sectional view of some of the instrument delivery devices of Figure 13A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 14A] Figure 14A is an exemplary top perspective view of a distal connector according to several embodiments. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a top perspective view of a distal connector according to several embodiments. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A is a top perspective view of another exemplary instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the instrument delivery device shown in Figure 15A. [Figure 15C] Figure 15C is a cross-sectional view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 15A along line 15C-15C of Figure 15A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 15D] Figure 15D is an enlarged view of a portion of the instrument delivery device shown in Figure 15C, according to several embodiments. [Figure 15E] Figure 15E is a cross-sectional view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 15A along line 15E-15E of Figure 15A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 16A] Figure 16A is a top perspective view of an exemplary instrument delivery device according to several embodiments. [Figure 16B]Figure 16B is an enlarged top perspective view of a portion of the instrument delivery device shown in Figure 16A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 16C] Figure 16C is a cross-sectional view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 16A along line 16C-16C of Figure 16A, with an exemplary forward element removed for illustrative purposes, according to several embodiments. [Figure 16D] Figure 16D is a cross-sectional view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 16A along line 16D-16D of Figure 16A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 16E] Figure 16E is a top perspective view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 16A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 16F] Figure 16F is a bottom perspective view of the instrument delivery device of Figure 16A, showing an exemplary proximal connector in a horizontal position according to several embodiments. [Figure 16G] Figure 16G is an enlarged downward perspective view of a portion of the instrument delivery device shown in Figure 16A, according to several embodiments. [Figure 16H] Figure 16H is an enlarged downward perspective view of an exemplary finger catch and an exemplary lower flange extending therefrom, according to several embodiments. [Figure 16I] Figure 16I is an enlarged downward perspective view of the finger catch in Figure 16H, showing the proximal connector in a downward-sloping position according to several embodiments. [Figure 16J] Figure 16J is an enlarged cross-sectional view through the exemplary distal end and exemplary upper flange of a proximal connector according to several embodiments. [Figure 16K] Figure 16K is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a proximal connector according to several embodiments. [Figure 16L] Figure 16L is an enlarged downward perspective view of another exemplary upper flange according to several embodiments. [Figure 16M] Figure 16M is a cross-sectional view through the distal end of a proximal connector and the upper flange in Figure 16L, according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] In this specification and in the claims, the term “IV catheter device” should be interpreted as any device including an intravenous (“IV”) catheter. The term “instrument delivery device” should be interpreted as any device configured to advance and / or retract an instrument within an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device may be a device separate from the IV catheter device on which the instrument delivery device may be used. In other embodiments, the instrument delivery device may be in the form of an IV catheter device. In other words, the instrument delivery device may, in some embodiments, include an IV catheter. The term “instrument delivery mechanism” is used to describe various mechanisms and / or configurations of an instrument delivery device that facilitate the advance and / or retraction of an instrument within an IV catheter according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0036] Before describing various examples of instrument delivery devices, the general characteristics of some embodiments of instrument delivery devices are described. An instrument delivery device includes a distal end oriented toward the patient's vascular system during use and a proximal end opposite the distal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the instrument delivery device may be configured to connect to an IV catheter device. In other embodiments, the distal end may include an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the instrument delivery device may be configured to allow a separate device to be connected to the instrument delivery device. For example, the proximal end may include an access port or vacuum blood collection tube receiver that can form part of a fluid pathway extending to the distal end of the instrument delivery device. In other embodiments, the distal end or another part of the instrument delivery device may be configured to allow a separate device to be connected to the instrument delivery device. However, in some embodiments, the instrument delivery device may not be configured to allow a separate device to be connected to the instrument delivery device. For example, the instrument delivery device may be configured to deliver instruments when not configured to inject fluid or collect blood.

[0037] Figure 1 shows an example of an instrument delivery device 100 configured according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 100 may include a housing 105 having a distal end 100a and a proximal end 100b. In some embodiments, only a portion of the distal end 100a is shown, but as described above, the distal end 100a may include any type of connector to allow the instrument delivery device 100 to be connected to an IV catheter device or to incorporate an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end 100b may be configured to form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver 130 having a needle 131 covered by a protective sheath 132.

[0038] In some embodiments, the fluid pathway 110 may extend within the instrument delivery device 100 from the needle 131 to the distal end 100a. Thus, when the vacuum blood collection tube 140 is inserted into the vacuum blood collection tube receiver 130, a blood sample can be collected through the fluid pathway 110. In some embodiments, the proximal end 100b may include a Luer connector or any other type of connector coupled to the fluid pathway 110.

[0039] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 100 may include an instrument delivery mechanism 150 that allows the instrument 153 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, the instrument 153 may include a wire made of nickel-titanium or another suitable material. In some embodiments, a compartment 120 may be formed within the instrument delivery device 100 and may house the instrument delivery mechanism 150. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 115 may create an instrument channel 121 that extends distally from the compartment 120 and joins the fluid path 110 at the distal portion 110a of the fluid path 110.

[0040] In some embodiments, to isolate compartment 120 from the fluid path 110, a seal 122 (e.g., an elastomer partition) may be located within and span the instrument channel 121. In some embodiments, the instrument 153 may extend through a slit or other opening formed within the seal 122. In some embodiments, the seal 122 may provide support to the instrument 153 to prevent it from buckling as it advances. Although the instrument channel 121 is shown to be substantially wider than the instrument 153, in some embodiments, at least some dimensions of the instrument channel 121 may be slightly larger than those of the instrument 153, and as a result, the instrument channel 121 may provide support to prevent the instrument 153 from buckling.

[0041] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 150 may include a spool 155 and a forward wheel 152, both of which may be configured to rotate within a compartment 120. In some embodiments, the spool 155 may be positioned adjacent to the forward wheel 152 (i.e., toward the instrument channel 121 relative to the forward wheel 152). In some embodiments, the forward wheel 152 may be positioned to partially extend from the compartment 120, thereby allowing a clinician to rotate the forward wheel 152 using their thumb or finger. In some embodiments, the spool 155 may include a gear 156 having teeth 156a. Similarly, in some embodiments, the forward wheel 152 may include teeth 152a and thus function as a gear. In some embodiments, the teeth 152a may interface with the teeth 156a so that the spool 155 rotates when the forward wheel 152 rotates. In some embodiments, the teeth 152a are formed along the outermost edge of the forward wheel 152. However, in other embodiments, the teeth 152a may be formed along a portion of the forward wheel that is inserted relative to the outermost edge.

[0042] Figure 1A provides an exploded rear view of a standalone instrument delivery mechanism 150 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the spool 155 and the forward wheel 152 may include axes 155b and 152b, respectively, on which these components are located within a compartment 120 and on which these components rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 155 may include a spool drum 155a on which the instrument 153 can be wound. Thus, as the spool 155 rotates, the rotation can move the instrument 153 forward or backward along the instrument channel 121, depending on the direction in which the forward wheel 152 rotates. In some embodiments, the gear formed by the forward wheel 152 may have a larger diameter than the gear 156, thereby moving the instrument 153 forward or backward by a greater distance relative to the amount of rotation of the forward wheel 152. In contrast, in other embodiments, the gear formed by the forward wheel 152 may have a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the gear 156. In such embodiments, the device 153 may move forward or backward by a smaller distance relative to the amount of rotation of the forward wheel 152, but such forward or backward movement may be achieved by reducing the amount of force applied to the forward wheel 152.

[0043] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 100 may include a seal (not shown) within a compartment 120 that isolates the spool drum 155a and the instrument 153 from the external environment. In some embodiments, a seal 122 may or may not be used, as the seal within the compartment 122 prevents the fluid entering the instrument channel 121 from escaping from the compartment 120.

[0044] Figure 2 shows another example of the instrument delivery device 200 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 200 may be similar to or identical to the instrument delivery device 100 in terms of one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 200 may include a housing 205 having a distal end 200a which may be configured in any of the above manner, and a proximal end 200b which forms a vacuum blood collection tube receiver 230 having a needle 231 covered by a protective sheath 232. In some embodiments, a fluid path 210 may extend within the instrument delivery device 200 from the needle 231 to the distal end 200a. Thus, when a vacuum blood collection tube 240 is inserted into the vacuum blood collection tube receiver 230, a blood sample may be collected via the fluid path 210. In other embodiments, the proximal end 200b may include a Luer connector or any other type of connector coupled to the fluid path 210.

[0045] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 200 may include an instrument delivery mechanism 250 that allows the instrument 253 to advance distally through the IV catheter and / or subsequently withdraw proximal. In some embodiments, a compartment 220 may be formed within the instrument delivery device 200 and may house the instrument delivery mechanism 250. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 215 may create an instrument channel 221 that extends distally from the compartment 220 and joins the fluid path 210 at the distal portion 210a of the fluid path 210. In some embodiments, a seal 222 may be located within the instrument channel 221 and span the instrument channel 221 to isolate the instrument channel 221 from the fluid path 210.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2A, an isolated rear view of the instrument delivery mechanism 250, the instrument delivery mechanism 250 may include a spool 251 having an axis 251b that holds the spool 251 within the compartment 220 and allows the spool 251 to rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 251 may include a spool drum 251c on which the instrument 253 is wound. In some embodiments, a portion of the spool 251 may form a forward wheel 251a extending upward from the compartment 220. Thus, a clinician can directly rotate the spool 251 by applying force to the forward wheel 251a. Such rotation can move the instrument 253 forward and backward within the instrument channel 221, depending on the direction of rotation.

[0047] Figure 3 shows another example of the instrument delivery device 300 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 300 may be similar to or identical to the instrument delivery device 100 and / or instrument delivery device 200 in terms of one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 300 may include a housing 305 having a distal end 300a and a proximal end 300b. In some embodiments, the distal end 300a may form a connector 306 to which the instrument delivery device 300 can be coupled to an IV catheter device (not shown). In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 300 is an example of an instrument delivery device not configured to collect blood or inject fluid. Therefore, in some embodiments, the proximal end 300b does not form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver or does not include an access port or other connector. In some embodiments, an instrument channel, but not a fluid path, may be formed within the housing 305. In some embodiments, the instrument 353 may extend through the instrument channel, through the distal end 300a, into the IV catheter device to which the instrument delivery device 300 is connected, and ultimately through the IV catheter. However, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the proximal end 300b may be configured to allow blood to be collected or fluid to be injected using the instrument delivery device 300 (e.g., using any of the techniques described herein).

[0048] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 300 may include an instrument delivery mechanism 350 having a spool 351 generally similar to the spool 251. In particular, the spool 351 may include an axis 351b that keeps the spool 351 within the compartment 320 and allows the spool 351 to rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 351 may include a spool drum 351c on which the instrument 353 is wound. In some embodiments, a portion of the spool 351 may form a forward wheel 351a extending upward from the compartment 320. Thus, a clinician can directly rotate the spool 351 by applying force to the forward wheel 351a, and such rotation can move the instrument 353 forward or backward.

[0049] Figure 4 shows another example of the instrument delivery device 400 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 400 may be similar or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, and 300 with respect to one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 400 may include a housing 405 having a distal end 400a which can be configured in any of the above manner, and a proximal end 400b from which a tube 430 having a connector 430a extends. In some embodiments, a fluid path 410 may extend within the instrument delivery device 400 from the tube 430 to the distal end 400a. Thus, a separate device can be coupled to the connector 430a to draw blood from the fluid path 410 or to inject fluid into the fluid path 410. In some embodiments, the proximal end 400b may form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver similar to those described above. In some embodiments, the tube 430 may form part of the fluid path 410 (for example, by extending distally to the distal end of the dividing wall 415).

[0050] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 400 may include an instrument delivery mechanism 450 that allows the instrument 453 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, distal compartments 420a and proximal compartments 420b are formed within the instrument delivery device 400 and house the instrument delivery mechanism 450. In some embodiments, a compartment channel 420c interconnects the distal compartment 420a and the proximal compartment 420b. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 415 may create an instrument channel 421 that extends distally from the proximal compartment 420b and joins the fluid path 410 at the distal portion 410a of the fluid path 410. In some embodiments, a seal 422 may be located within the instrument channel 421 and span the instrument channel 421 to isolate the instrument channel 421 from the fluid path 410.

[0051] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 450 may include a spool 451 having an axis 451b that holds the spool 451 within the distal compartment 420a and allows the spool 451 to rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 451 may include a spool drum 451c on which the instrument 453 is wound. In some embodiments, a portion of the spool 451 may form a forward wheel 451a extending upward from the distal compartment 420a. Thus, the clinician can rotate the spool 451 directly by applying force to the forward wheel 451a.

[0052] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 450 may include a primary wheel 461 having an axis 461a that maintains the primary wheel 461 within the proximal compartment 420b and allows the primary wheel 461 to rotate. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 450 may further include one or more secondary wheels 462 adjacent to the primary wheel 461 and configured to rotate within the proximal compartment 420b. In the embodiments described, there are four secondary wheels 462, but in other embodiments, there may be a single secondary wheel or any other reasonable number of secondary wheels. Also, in some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 450 may include the primary wheel 461 or not include any secondary wheels.

[0053] In some embodiments, the instrument 453 may be wound around a spool drum 451c, then extending proximal through a compartment channel 420c, and wound around the proximal side of a primary wheel 461. In some embodiments, each of the secondary wheels 462 can be positioned relative to the primary wheel 461 to hold the instrument 453 in close proximity or in constant contact with the primary wheel 461. Thus, the arrangement of the primary wheel 461 and the secondary wheels 462 can facilitate the forward movement of the instrument 453 by reducing the resistance that may occur when the instrument is wound around the primary wheel 461. In some embodiments, more specifically, the secondary wheels 462 can bring the instrument 453 into contact with the primary wheel 461 so that when the spool 451 rotates and moves the instrument 453 forward or backward, the forward or backward movement can rotate the primary wheel 461 in conjunction with it. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the instrument delivery mechanism 450 functions in a manner similar to a pulley system, and thus can reduce the amount of force that the clinician needs to apply to the spool 451 to move the instrument 453 forward or backward.

[0054] Figure 5 shows another example of the instrument delivery device 500 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 500 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 with respect to one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 500 may include a housing 505 having a distal end 500a which may be configured in any of the above-described manner and a proximal end 500b from which a tube 530 having a connector 530a extends. In some embodiments, the tube 530 may form the proximal portion of the fluid path 510 that extends to the distal portion 510a of the fluid path 510 within the instrument delivery device 500. In some embodiments, since the tube 530 forms the proximal portion of the fluid path 510, a dividing wall may not be required to separate the proximal portion of the fluid path 510 from the compartment 520. However, in other embodiments, the dividing wall may be formed within the housing 505, as in the embodiments described above. In other embodiments, the connector 530a can be replaced with a vacuum blood collection tube receiver similar to that in the embodiments described above. In some embodiments, the seal 522 may be located within the housing 505 to isolate compartment 520 from the distal portion 510a of the fluid path 510.

[0055] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 500 may include an instrument delivery mechanism 550 that allows the instrument 553 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, the compartment 520 may be formed as the hollow interior of the housing 505. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 550 may include a first guide wheel 555 having a gear 556 having teeth 556a, and a forward wheel 552 having teeth 552a along its outermost edge so that the forward wheel 552 functions as a gear that drives the gear 556. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 550 may further include a second guide wheel 561 which may be located below the first guide wheel 555, or which may be located adjacent to the first guide wheel 555. In some embodiments, the instrument 553 may include an end 553a fixed to a portion of the housing 505 (e.g., the portion adjacent to the forward wheel 552). In some embodiments, the instrument 353 may be straight, curved, loop-shaped, or configured in any way to facilitate easy advancement. In some embodiments, the instrument 553 may be advanced first proximal within compartment 520, then distally through the space between the first guide wheel 555 and the second guide wheel 561, and through the seal 522.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first guide wheel 555 and the second guide wheel 561 can be positioned close to each other so that the instrument 553 remains in contact with both guide wheels when the instrument 553 moves forward or backward. For example, the second guide wheel 561 can be biased relative to the first guide wheel 555. Thus, when a clinician rotates the forward wheel 552, the gear formed by the forward wheel 552 can rotate the first guide wheel 555. In some embodiments, since the instrument 553 is sandwiched between the first guide wheel 555 and the second guide wheel 561, the rotation of the first guide wheel 555 can move the instrument 553 forward or backward depending on the direction of rotation. In some embodiments, the second guide wheel 561 may be configured to rotate in such a way as to reduce any resistance caused when the instrument 553 moves forward or backward. In some embodiments, one or both of the first guide wheel 555 and the second guide wheel 561 may be formed or coated with a high-friction material so that the instrument 553 does not slide against the wheel (i.e., friction ensures that the wheel rotates as the instrument moves forward or backward).

[0057] In some embodiments, including the embodiments described, the housing 505 may include a window 570 (e.g., a transparent section of the housing) that allows a clinician to view inside the compartment 520. In some embodiments, the window 570 may allow a clinician to monitor the distance the instrument 553 has advanced. For example, the clinician can see through the window 570 where the curved portion of the instrument 553 is positioned. In some embodiments, when this curved portion is positioned toward the proximal end 500b, the clinician can determine that the instrument 553 has fully retracted. In contrast, when the curved portion is positioned toward the distal end of the compartment 520, the clinician can determine that the instrument 553 has fully advanced. In some embodiments, the window 570 or another portion of the compartment 520 may include a ruler or other markings indicating the distance the instrument 553 has advanced when the curved portion of the instrument 553 aligns with a particular marking. In some embodiments, the instrument 553 may be colored to enhance its visibility within the window 570. In some embodiments, the coloring of the fixture 553 may vary along its length so that the coloring can represent the distance the fixture 553 has advanced.

[0058] Figure 6 shows another example of the instrument delivery device 600 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 600 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 with respect to one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 600 may include a housing 605 having a distal end 600a which can be configured in any of the above-described manner and a proximal end 600b from which a tube 630 having a connector 630a extends. In some embodiments, a fluid path 610 may extend within the instrument delivery device 600 from the tube 630 to the distal end 600a.

[0059] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 600 may include an instrument delivery mechanism 650 that allows the instrument 653 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, compartments 620 / 620a / 620b are formed within the instrument delivery device 600 to house the instrument delivery mechanism 650. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 615 may extend distally from compartment 620 to create an instrument channel 621 that connects the fluid path 610 at the distal portion 610a of the fluid path 610. In some embodiments, a seal 622 is positioned within the instrument channel 621 and spans the instrument channel 621 to isolate the instrument channel 621 from the fluid path 610.

[0060] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 650 may include a pinion 655 configured to rotate within a compartment 620. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 650 may also include a rack mechanism 652 having a rack 652b and an actuator portion 652a. In some embodiments, the actuator portion 652a may extend from the proximal portion 620b of the compartment 620, thereby allowing a clinician to slide the rack mechanism 652 along the proximal portion 620b and distal portion 620a of the compartment 620 using his or her thumb or finger. In some embodiments, the rack 652b may be arranged to interface with the pinion 655 such that the pinion 655 rotates when the rack 652b slides laterally. In some embodiments, the pinion 655 may include a spool drum (not visible) on which the instrument 653 may be wound. This spool drum of the pinion 655 may be similar to those described above. Therefore, when the rack mechanism 652 slides distally, the instrument 653 can advance distally. Similarly, when the rack mechanism 652 slides proximal, the instrument 653 can be pulled proximal. Thus, in some embodiments, the position of the actuator portion 652a can represent the distance the instrument 653 advances. In some embodiments, a ruler or other marking may be formed on the portion of the housing 605 through which the actuator portion 652a slides.

[0061] Figure 7 shows another example of the instrument delivery device 700 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 700 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 with respect to one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 700 may include a housing 705 having a distal end 700a forming a connector 706 and a proximal end 700b from which a tube 730 having the connector 730a extends. In some embodiments, a fluid path 710 may extend within the instrument delivery device 700 from the tube 730 to the distal end 700a.

[0062] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 700 may include an instrument delivery mechanism 750 that allows the instrument 753 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, a compartment 720 is formed within the instrument delivery device 700 and houses the instrument delivery mechanism 750. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 715 extends distally from the compartment 720 and creates an instrument channel 721 that joins the fluid path 710 at the distal portion 710a of the fluid path 710. In some embodiments, a seal 722 may be located within the instrument channel 721 and span the instrument channel 721 to isolate the instrument channel 721 from the fluid path 710.

[0063] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 750 may include a shaft 751 located at the proximal end of the instrument channel 721 and a forward wheel 752 located within a compartment 720 and extending from the housing 705. In some embodiments, the forward wheel 752 may include teeth 752a that interface with the teeth 751a of the shaft 751. Thus, when the clinician rotates the forward wheel 752, the shaft 751 is moved linearly within the instrument channel 721. In some embodiments, an instrument 753 may be fixed within the shaft 751 such that, when the shaft 751 is moved linearly, the instrument 753 advances distally or retracts proximal to the forward wheel 752 depending on the direction of rotation.

[0064] Figure 8 shows another example of the instrument delivery device 800 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 800 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 with respect to one or more features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 800 may include a housing 805 having a distal end 800a which can be configured in any of the above manner, and a proximal end 800b which forms a vacuum blood collection tube receiver 830 having a needle 831 covered by a protective sheath 832. In some embodiments, a fluid path 810 may extend from the needle 831 to the distal end 800a within the instrument delivery device 800.

[0065] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 800 may include an instrument delivery mechanism 850 that allows the instrument 853 to advance distally through the IV catheter and then be withdrawn proximal. In some embodiments, a compartment 820 is formed within the instrument delivery device 800 to house the instrument delivery mechanism 850. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 815 may extend distally from the compartment 820 to create an instrument channel 821 that connects the fluid path 810 at the distal portion 810a of the fluid path 810. In some embodiments, a seal 822 may be located within the instrument channel 821 and span across the instrument channel 821 to isolate the instrument channel 821 from the fluid path 810.

[0066] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 850 may include a sliding member 851 having an actuator portion 851a extending from a compartment 820 and a wheel 851b connected to the actuator portion 851a. In some embodiments, the compartment 820 may be configured to allow the sliding member 851 to slide distally and proximally within the compartment 820 when a clinician applies force to the actuator portion 851a. In some embodiments, the end 853a of the instrument 853 may be fixed to the housing 805 toward the distal end of the compartment 820. In some embodiments, the instrument 853 is delivered first proximally around the wheel 851b and then distally through the instrument channel 821. In some embodiments, the wheel 851b may be configured to keep the instrument 853 in contact with the wheel 851b even while the sliding member 851 is sliding within the compartment 820 (for example, using a retaining bar (not shown) that performs a similar function to a secondary wheel 462). Therefore, as the sliding member 851 slides distally, the wheel 851b rotates, thereby allowing the instrument 853 to advance distally. In some embodiments, the instrument 853 "folds back" to itself so that the instrument 853 advances / reverses by twice the distance the sliding member 851 advances / reverses.

[0067] Several variations are described in the context of a particular embodiment. It should be noted that such variations may apply to either the above-described or otherwise described embodiment, even if not explicitly stated for each embodiment described. Several additional variations may be made, as described herein.

[0068] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism may include a spring or other mechanism that is loaded as the instrument moves forward. In such embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism may also include a ratchet or locking mechanism that prevents the spring from unloading until the clinician releases the ratchet or locking mechanism (e.g., by pressing a button). Once the spring is released, the instrument can be automatically retracted. For example, in the context of Figure 2, the spring and ratchet mechanism may be incorporated into the spool 251, and the release button may be incorporated into the housing 205. In such cases, the spring is loaded as the spool 251 rotates to advance the instrument 253. When the clinician wishes to withdraw the instrument 253, he or she can release the ratchet mechanism by pressing a button. The loaded spring then rotates the spool 251 in the reverse direction, unwinding the instrument 253 around the spool drum 251c. Similar techniques can be used in any embodiment that uses a wheel, spool, or other rotating member. With respect to the instrument delivery mechanism 650 and the instrument delivery mechanism 850, a linear spring may be loaded as the respective actuator portion slides distally and is unloaded in response to the clinician releasing a ratchet or other locking mechanism.

[0069] In any of the embodiments described, the instrument delivery device may include several types of indicators that show how far the instrument has advanced. Such indicators may be passive (e.g., ruler markings, labels, colors, scales, numbers, symbols, etc.) or active (e.g., digital displays, speakers, etc.). Also in any of the embodiments described, the instrument delivery mechanism may include a mechanism for preventing the instrument from over-advancing or over-retracting. For example, embodiments employing a rotating component may include a stop that contacts the rotating component when the instrument has reached its maximum advance distance. As suggested above, the embodiments described show fluid paths extending to the proximal end of the instrument delivery device, but in some embodiments, fluid paths may extend from the instrument delivery device at points other than the proximal end, including toward the distal end of the instrument delivery device. For example only, fluid path 110 may extend from the instrument delivery device 100 toward the distal portion 110a at a point opposite the instrument delivery mechanism 150 to form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver or other connector.

[0070] In any of the embodiments described, the fluid path and the instrument channel may be the same path / channel. For example, Figure 9 shows an instrument delivery device 900 similar to instrument delivery device 100, except that the instrument delivery device 900 does not include a fluid path 110 or seal 122. Instead, the instrument channel 121 forms the distal portion of the fluid path. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 910 of the fluid path may extend from the spool 155 to the needle 131 (or any other connector / adapter that may be employed). In such embodiments, the instrument 153 may be in the form of a tube such that the instrument 153 forms the proximal portion 910 of the fluid path. In other words, the proximal end of the instrument 153 may extend proximal (or in some other direction) from the spool 155 and connect to the needle 131. In other modifications, a separate tube may extend from the instrument channel or compartment housing the instrument delivery mechanism to form the proximal end of the fluid path. For example, a separate tube or channel can be formed from compartment 520, 620, or 820 to form a fluid path to a vacuum blood collection tube receiver or other connector.

[0071] Figures 10A to 10C show another example of the instrument delivery device 1000 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1000 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 with respect to one or more features and / or operations.

[0072] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1000 may include a housing 1005 which may include a distal end 1000a and a proximal end 1000b. In some embodiments, the distal end 1000a may include any type of connector that allows the instrument delivery device 1000 to be connected to an IV catheter device 1002 or that can incorporate an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end 1000b may be configured to form a vacuum blood collection tube receiver which may include a needle covered by a protective sheath (see, for example, Figure 1). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10B, the proximal end 1000b may include a Luer connector or another suitable type of connector that connects to a blood collection device 1012.

[0073] In some embodiments, the fluid path 1010 may extend into the instrument delivery device 1000 through the distal end 1000a and proximal end 1000b of the housing 1005. Thus, when the blood collection device 1012 is coupled to the proximal end 1000b, a blood sample can be collected through the fluid path 1010. In some embodiments, the fluid path 1010 may be configured to connect the side port of the IV catheter device 1002 to the blood collection device 1012 and may be oriented laterally with respect to the cross-sections in Figures 10A-10B. In some embodiments, the fluid path 1010 may be coupled to the side ports of the IV catheter device 1002 and the blood collection device 1012 and / or extend through an integrated tube, for example, as shown in Figure 10C. In Figure 10C, according to some embodiments, the housing 1005 is transparent, which allows for the illustration of the internal components of the housing 1005.

[0074] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1000 may include an instrument delivery mechanism 1050 that allows the instrument 1053 to advance distally through the IV catheter 1054 and / or subsequently withdraw proximal. In some embodiments, the instrument 1053 may include a wire made of nickel-titanium or another suitable material. In some embodiments, a compartment 1020 may be formed within the instrument delivery device 1000 and may house the instrument delivery mechanism 1050. In some embodiments, a dividing wall 1015 may create an instrument channel 1021 that extends distally from the compartment 1020 and joins the fluid path 1010 at the distal portion 1010a of the fluid path 1010.

[0075] In some embodiments, to isolate compartment 1020 from the fluid path 1010, a seal 1022 (e.g., an elastomer partition) may be located within and spanning the instrument channel 1021. In some embodiments, the instrument 1053 may extend through a slit or other opening formed within the seal 1022. In some embodiments, the seal 1022 may provide support to the instrument 1053 to prevent it from buckling as it advances.

[0076] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery mechanism 1050 may include a spool 1055 and a forward wheel 1052, both of which may be configured to rotate within a compartment 1020. In some embodiments, the spool 1055 may be positioned adjacent to the forward wheel 1052 (for example, toward the instrument channel 1021 relative to the forward wheel 1052). In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may be positioned to partially extend from the compartment 1020, thereby allowing a clinician to rotate the forward wheel 1052 using their thumb or finger. In some embodiments, the spool 1055 may include a gear 1056 having teeth 1056a. Similarly, in some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may include teeth 1052a and thus function as a gear. In some embodiments, teeth 1052a may interface with teeth 1056a so that the spool 1055 rotates when the forward wheel 152 rotates. In some embodiments, the teeth 1052a may be formed along the outermost edge of the forward wheel 1052. However, in other embodiments, the teeth 1052a may be formed along a portion of the forward wheel that is inserted relative to the outermost edge.

[0077] Figure 10D provides separate exploded rear views of the instrument delivery mechanism 1050 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the spool 1055 and the forward wheel 152 may each include axes 1055b and 1052b, respectively, on which these components are located within compartment 1020 and on which these components rotate. In some embodiments, the spool 1055 may include a spool drum 1055a on which the instrument 1053 can be wound. Thus, as the spool 1055 rotates, the rotation can move the instrument 1053 forward or backward along the instrument channel 1021, depending on the direction in which the forward wheel 1052 rotates. In some embodiments, the gear formed by the forward wheel 1052 may have a larger diameter than the gear 1056, thereby moving the instrument 1053 forward or backward by a greater distance relative to the amount of rotation of the forward wheel 1052. In contrast, in other embodiments, the gear formed by the forward wheel 1052 may have a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the gear 1056. In such embodiments, the device 1053 may move forward or backward by a smaller distance relative to the amount of rotation of the forward wheel 1052, but such forward or backward movement may be achieved by reducing the amount of force applied to the forward wheel 1052.

[0078] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1000 may include a seal (not shown) within a compartment 1020 that isolates the spool drum 1055a and the instrument 1053 from the external environment. In some embodiments, a seal 1022 may or may not be employed, as the seal within the compartment 1020 may prevent the fluid entering the instrument channel 1021 from escaping from the compartment 1020.

[0079] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1000 can facilitate needle-free delivery of instruments 1219 to the patient's vascular system for blood sampling, fluid delivery, patient or device monitoring, or other clinical needs by utilizing existing vascular access devices present in the patient's vascular system, such as IV catheter devices 1002. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1000 can reduce venous trauma, shorten filling times, overcome thrombi and fibrin sheaths in or around vascular access devices, and otherwise prevent blood sampling.

[0080] In some embodiments, the spool 1055 can be rotated, or rotated to advance the instrument 1053 distally. In some embodiments, it is important that there are means for stopping the spool 1055 and / or the forward wheel 1052. More specifically, in some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may include a stop member 1059, and the housing 1005 may include another stop member 1061. In some embodiments, the stop member 1059 may be located on the outer surface of the forward wheel 1052, and / or the other stop member 1061 may be located on the inner surface 1057 of the housing 1005. In some embodiments, the stop member 1059 and / or the other stop member 1061 may include projections or other elements configured to contact or interfere with each other to stop further rotation of the forward wheel 1052. In some embodiments, the stop member 1059 and the other stop member 1061 may be configured to contact each other to stop the rotation of the forward wheel 1052 and the spool 1055.

[0081] Figure 10A shows the forward wheel 1052 and the fixture 1053 in a first configuration according to several embodiments. Figure 10B shows the forward wheel 1052 and the fixture 1053 in a second configuration according to several embodiments, in which the fixture 1053 moves forward. In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may rotate between the first and second configurations, but may be prevented from completing a full rotation by contact between a stop member 1059 and another stop member 1061, which may stop the rotation of the forward wheel 1052. In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may be rotated in the opposite direction from the second configuration to the first configuration in order to store the fixture 1053 after use. In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1052 may be prevented from rotating more than 360 degrees due to contact between a stop member 1059 and another stop member 1061.

[0082] In some embodiments, the forward wheel can be rotated in a first direction from a first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, in the first configuration, stop member 1059 and another stop member 1061 can come into contact with each other to stop the forward wheel 1052 from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, stop member 1059 and another stop member 1061 can be configured to come into contact with each other to prevent further rotation of the forward wheel 1052 in the first direction, thereby stopping the instrument 1053 from moving distally.

[0083] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the forward wheel 1052 may include a bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065 that can be spaced apart from the stop member 1059. In some embodiments, the width of the other stop member 1061 may be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the space between the bump 1063 and the stop member 1059 and / or the space between the other bump 1065 and the stop member 1059. Thus, in some embodiments, the other stop member 1061 may fit snugly between the bump 1063 and the stop member 1059 and / or between the other bump 1065 and the stop member 1059. In some embodiments, the bump 1063 and / or the other bump 1065 may provide some fixation of the device 1053 in the forward position and / or reverse position.

[0084] In some embodiments, bump 1063 may provide resistance to the movement and rotation of the forward wheel 1052 when the forward wheel 1052 is in a first configuration. In some embodiments, another bump 1065 may provide resistance to the movement and rotation of the forward wheel 1052 when the forward wheel 1052 is in a second configuration. In some embodiments, bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065 may each have a width and / or height smaller than the width and / or height of stop member 1059 so as to overcome the resistance to the movement and rotation of the forward wheel 1052 provided by bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065, allowing the forward wheel 1052 to be turned, for example, from a first configuration to a second configuration and from a second configuration to a first configuration. In some embodiments, stop member 1059 may extend further inward than another stop member 1061 to facilitate blocking the passage of another stop member 1061.

[0085] In some embodiments, it is understood that bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065 may be positioned on the inner surface of the housing 1005 to perform the same or similar function. In these embodiments, bump 1063 and / or another bump 1065 may be spaced apart from another stop member 1061, and the width of the stop member 1059 may be approximately equal to or slightly less than the space between bump 1063 and the other stop member 1061 and / or the space between another bump 1065 and the other stop member 1061. It is also understood that bump 1063, another bump 1065, or additional bumps may be positioned alternately on the outer surface of the forward wheel 1052 and / or on the inner surface of the housing 1005. In these embodiments, one or more of bump 1063, another bump 1065, and additional bumps may signal to the clinician that the forward wheel 1052, and therefore the spool 1055, and the instrument 1053 are in a particular position.

[0086] Figures 11A to 11E show another example of the instrument delivery device 1100 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1100 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 with respect to one or more features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1100 may be moved from Figure 11A to Figure 11B, 11C, 11D, and 11E.

[0087] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1100 may include a first wheel 1102 and a second wheel 1104. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 of the instrument delivery device 1100 may include, or correspond to, the forward wheel 152 in Figure 1, the spool 155 in Figure 1, the spool 251 in Figure 2, the spool 351 in Figure 3, the spool 451 in Figure 4, the forward wheel 552 in Figure 5, the first guide wheel 555 in Figure 5, the pinion 655 in Figure 6, the forward wheel 752 in Figure 7, or the forward wheel 1052 in Figure 10.

[0088] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1100 may include a housing 1105 which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing 1105 may be configured to connect to an IV catheter device. In some embodiments, the housing 1105 of the instrument delivery device 1100 may include, or correspond to, the housing 105 in Figure 1, the housing 205 in Figure 2, the housing 305 in Figure 3, the housing 405 in Figure 4, the housing 505 in Figure 5, the housing 605 in Figure 6, the housing 705 in Figure 7, the housing 805 in Figure 8, or the housing 1005 in Figure 10.

[0089] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1107 of the housing 1105 may include a housing stop member 1109 which may include a projection. In some embodiments, the housing stop member 1109 may include a first side surface 1109a and a second side surface 1109b which may be opposite to the first side surface 1109a.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may rotate on the axle 1111. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may include a projection or rod 1110 that can rotate on the axle 1111. In some embodiments, the axle 1111 may be aligned with the central axis of the first wheel 1102. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1104 may be mounted on the rod 1110 and / or configured to slip relative to the rod 1110 and / or to rotate independently of the rod 1110. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1104 may ride directly on the axle 1111 together with the first wheel 1102. In some embodiments, the axle 1111 may extend inward from the housing 1105. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 may rotate about the same axle, and / or the second wheel 1104 may be mounted inside the first wheel 1102.

[0091] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1113 of the first wheel 1102 may include a first wheel stop member 1115 which may include a projection. In some embodiments, a gap may be located between the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1104 may include a tab 1117 which may be configured to bridge the gap between the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115.

[0092] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1100 may include instruments. In some embodiments, the housing instrument of the instrument delivery device 1100 may include or correspond to instrument 153 in Figure 1, instrument 253 in Figure 2, instrument 353 in Figure 3, instrument 453 in Figure 4, instrument 553 in Figure 5, instrument 653 in Figure 6, instrument 753 in Figure 7, instrument 853 in Figure 8, or instrument 1053 in Figure 10.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate so as to advance the instrument distally through the distal end of the housing 1105. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate one or more times. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1100 may be arranged in the first configuration, for example, as shown in Figure 11A.

[0094] In some embodiments, in response to the instrument delivery device 1100 being arranged in a first configuration, the tab 1117 may be positioned between the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115, and may be in contact with the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115. In these embodiments, the first side 1117a of the tab 1117 may be in contact with the first side 1109a of the housing stop member 1109, and the second side 1117b of the tab 1117 may be in contact with the first side 1115a of the first wheel stop member 1115. In some embodiments, in response to the instrument delivery device 1100 being arranged in a first configuration, the first wheel 1102 and / or the second wheel 1104 may be prevented from rotating in a first direction 1121 toward the housing stop member 1109, but may be configured to rotate in a second direction 1123 opposite to the first direction 1121. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate one or more times in the second direction.

[0095] In some embodiments, in response to the instrument delivery device 1100 being arranged in a first configuration, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate in a second direction 1123 independently of the housing 1105 and the second wheel 1104 until the first wheel stop member 1115 contacts the tab 1117. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate in a second direction 1123 opposite to the first direction 1121 independently of the housing 1105 and the second wheel 1104 until the second side 1115b of the first wheel stop member 1115 contacts the first side 1117a of the tab 1117, and the tab 1117 may be positioned on the opposite side of the tab 1117 as the second side 1117b. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate approximately one full turn independently of the housing 1105 and the second wheel 1104.

[0096] In some embodiments, the instrument may be in a retracted or fully retracted position in response to the instrument delivery device being in a first configuration. In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel 1102 rotating in a second direction 1123 independently of the housing 1105 and the second wheel 1104 until the first wheel stop member 1115 contacts the second side surface 1117b of the tab 1117, the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 are configured to rotate further together in the second direction 1123 until the instrument delivery device 1100 is positioned in a second configuration. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 may be configured to rotate together approximately one full rotation.

[0097] In some embodiments, the instrument may be in an advanced or fully advanced position in response to the instrument delivery device 1100 being in a second configuration. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the tab 1117 may be positioned between the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115, and may be in contact with the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115. In these embodiments, the second side 1117b of the tab 1117 may be in contact with the second side 1109b of the housing stop member 1109, for example, as shown in Figure 11e, and the first side 1117a of the tab 1117 may be in contact with the second side 1115b of the first wheel stop member 1115.

[0098] In some embodiments, Figure 11B shows a first wheel 1102 that rotates in a second direction 1123 independently of the first configuration. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may rotate in a second direction 1123 independently of the first configuration until the first side surface 1115a of the first wheel stop member 1115 contacts the first side surface 1117a of the tab 1117, for example, as shown in Figure 11C. In some embodiments, Figure 11D shows that the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 may rotate further together in a second direction 1123, for example, as shown in Figure 11D. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 and the second wheel 1104 may rotate together, for example as shown in Figure 11E, until the second side 1117b of the tab 1117 contacts the second side 1109b of the housing stop member 1109, thereby preventing further rotation in the second direction 1123.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may be configured to rotate approximately two times from a first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, it is understood that the instrument delivery device 1100 has one or more additional wheels, each operating in a similar manner to the second wheel 1104, to allow approximately another complete rotation of the first wheel 1102. In these embodiments, one or more additional wheels may be positioned between the second wheel 1104 and the housing stop member 1109.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1102 may extend from the housing 1105, which may facilitate rotation of the first wheel 1102 by the clinician's fingers. In some embodiments, to advance the instrument, the clinician may rotate the portion of the first wheel 1102 exposed from the housing 1105 toward the distal end 1100a of the housing 1105, or in a second direction 1123, to advance the instrument distally. In some embodiments, the clinician may retract the instrument proximal by moving the portion of the first wheel 1102 exposed from the housing 1105 away from the distal end 1100a of the housing 1105, or by rotating it in a first direction 1121.

[0101] However, it is understood that in some embodiments, the positions of the housing stop member 1109 and the first wheel stop member 1115 may be reversed. In these embodiments, the clinician may advance the instrument distally by moving the portion of the first wheel 1102 exposed from the housing 1105 away from the distal end 1100a of the housing 1105 or by rotating it in a first direction 1121, and / or the clinician may retract the instrument proximal by moving the portion of the first wheel 1102 exposed from the housing 1105 away from the distal end 1100a of the housing 1105 or by rotating it in a first direction 1121. In some embodiments, the positions of the housing stop member 1109, the tab 1117, and the first wheel stop member 1115 in the first configuration may vary.

[0102] In some embodiments, additional geometry can be added to the first wheel 1102 and / or housing 1105 so that there are stoppers at the start and / or end of the rotation or movement of the first wheel 1102. In some embodiments, multiple stoppers may act on the second wheel 1104, which may slide axially to allow one stopper to act at a time. The additional geometry may include different ramp angles to encourage one ramp to act before the other. An example of additional geometry is shown in Figure 12.

[0103] Figures 12A to 12K show other examples of the instrument delivery device 1200 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1200 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 with respect to one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1200 may move from the position in Figures 12A / 12B to Figures 12C / 12D, 12E / 12F, 12G, 12H / 12I, and 12J / 12K.

[0104] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1200 may include a first wheel 1202 and a second wheel 1204. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 of the instrument delivery device 1200 may include, or correspond to, the forward wheel 152 in Figure 1, the spool 155 in Figure 1, the spool 251 in Figure 2, the spool 351 in Figure 3, the spool 451 in Figure 4, the forward wheel 552 in Figure 5, the first guide wheel 555 in Figure 5, the pinion 655 in Figure 6, the forward wheel 752 in Figure 7, the forward wheel 1052 in Figure 10, or the first wheel 1102 in Figure 11.

[0105] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1200 may include a housing 1205 which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing 1205 may be configured to connect to an intravenous catheter device. In some embodiments, the housing 1205 of the instrument delivery device 1200 may include, or correspond to, the housing 105 in Figure 1, the housing 205 in Figure 2, the housing 305 in Figure 3, the housing 405 in Figure 4, the housing 505 in Figure 5, the housing 605 in Figure 6, the housing 705 in Figure 7, the housing 805 in Figure 8, or the housing 1005 in Figure 10, or the housing 1105 in Figure 11.

[0106] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include a housing stop member 1209 which may include a projection. In some embodiments, the housing stop member 1209 may include a first side surface 1209a and a second side surface 1209b which may be opposite to the first side surface 1209a.

[0107] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1200 may include an axle 1211, and the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate with the axle 1211, and the axle 1211 may be concentric with the first wheel 1202. In some embodiments, the inner surface 1213 of the first wheel 1202 may include a first wheel stop member 1215 which may include a projection. In some embodiments, a gap may be located between the housing stop member 1209 and the first wheel stop member 1215. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1204 may include a tab 1217 configured to bridge the gap between the housing stop member 1209 and the first wheel stop member 1215. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1204 may be located on the axle 1211. In some embodiments, the second wheel 1204 may be configured to rotate with the axle 1211 and to move axially along the axle 1211.

[0108] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1200 may include an instrument. In some embodiments, the instrument of the instrument delivery device 1100 may include or correspond to instrument 153 in Figure 1, instrument 253 in Figure 2, instrument 353 in Figure 3, instrument 453 in Figure 4, instrument 553 in Figure 5, instrument 653 in Figure 6, instrument 753 in Figure 7, instrument 853 in Figure 8, or instrument 1053 in Figure 10. In some embodiments, the instrument may include a wire made of nickel-titanium or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate so as to advance the instrument 1219 distally through the distal end of the housing 1205. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate one or more times.

[0109] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include a housing stopper 1225. In some embodiments, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include a housing inclined surface 1127. In some embodiments, the housing stopper 1225 may be positioned between the housing stop member 1209 and the housing inclined surface 1227. In some embodiments, the inner surface 1213 of the first wheel 1202 may include a first wheel stopper 1229. In some embodiments, the inner surface 1213 may include a first wheel inclined surface 1231. In some embodiments, the first wheel stopper 1229 may be positioned between the first wheel stop member 1215 and the first wheel inclined surface 1231.

[0110] In some embodiments, in response to the instrument delivery device 1200 being arranged in the first configuration, the tab 1217 may be located within the housing stopper 1225, the first wheel stopper 1229, and the first wheel 1202. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be prevented from rotating in the first direction 1221, but may be configured to rotate in the second direction 1223 opposite to the first direction 1221. In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate one or more turns in the second direction 1223. In some embodiments, the housing stopper 1225 may be located on the opposite side of the first wheel stopper 1229 in the first configuration.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate in a second direction 1223 to advance the instrument distally through the distal end of the housing 1205. In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel 1202 rotating from a first configuration to a second direction, the tab 1217 may be released from the first wheel retainer 1229 before the tab 1217 is released from the housing retainer 1225. In these embodiments, the tab 1217 may be released from the housing retainer 1225 in response to the tab 1217 sliding toward the inner surface 1213 of the first wheel 1202. In some embodiments, the housing retainer 1225 may be shallower than the first wheel retainer 1229, or the tab 1217 may have a shallow angle for tilting away from the housing retainer 1225, so that the tab 1217 may be removed from the first wheel retainer 1229 before the tab 1217 is removed from the housing retainer 1225.

[0112] In some embodiments, the housing inclined surface 1227 may be inclined toward the housing retainer 1225. In some embodiments, the first wheel inclined surface 1231 may be inclined toward the first wheel retainer 1229. In some embodiments, the housing inclined surface 1227 and the first wheel inclined surface 1231 may be inclined in different directions.

[0113] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include another housing stopper 1233 and / or another housing inclined surface 1235. In some embodiments, the other housing stopper 1233 may be located between the housing stop member 1209 and the other housing inclined surface 1235, and on the opposite side of the housing stopper 1225. In some embodiments, in response to the instrument delivery device 1200 being arranged in a second configuration, the tab 1217 may be located within another housing stopper 1233 and another first wheel stopper 1239.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may be configured to rotate from a first configuration to a second configuration, and the tab 1217 may be located within another housing stopper 1233 and another first wheel stopper 1239 of the second configuration. In some embodiments, in order to move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the tab 1217 may contact a housing stop member 1209. In some embodiments, in response to the tab 1217 contacting the housing stop member 1209 and the first wheel 1202 rotating further in the second direction, the tab 1217 may move along another first wheel inclined surface 1237 and be pushed by the other first wheel inclined surface 1237 toward the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 into another housing stopper 1233.

[0115] In some embodiments, when the tab 1217 can snap in and / or snap out to the housing stopper 1225, another housing stopper 1233, and the first wheel stopper 1229, this can provide resistance to movement or rotation. In some embodiments, one or more of the housing inclined surface 1227, the first wheel inclined surface 1231, and another housing inclined surface 1235 can facilitate the guidance of the tab 1217 and the second wheel 1204, allowing the second wheel 1204 to move axially along the axis 1211.

[0116] In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel 1202 and the second wheel 1204 moving in a second direction 1223 from a first configuration to a second configuration, the tab 1217 may contact the housing stop member 1209. In some embodiments, in response to the tab 1217 contacting the housing stop member 1209 and the first wheel 1202 further rotating in the second direction 1223, the tab 1217 may move along another first wheel inclined surface 1237 and be pushed into another housing stopper 1233 by the other first wheel inclined surface 1237. In some embodiments, when the tab 1217 is inserted into the other housing stopper 1233, the tab 1217 may snap into another first wheel stopper 1239. In some embodiments, another first wheel inclined surface 1231 may be inclined toward the first wheel stopper 1229 to facilitate the guidance of the tab 1217.

[0117] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205 may include another housing stopper 1233. In some embodiments, it is understood that the instrument delivery device 1200 may be modified so that the tab 1217 first snaps out from the housing stopper 1225 before snapping out from the first wheel stopper 1229. In these embodiments, the first wheel 1202 may include another housing stopper 1233 and / or another inclined surface 1235, which may be located opposite the first wheel stopper 1215 as the first wheel stopper 1229. In these embodiments, certain configurations on one or more of the inner surfaces 1207 of the housing inclined surface 1227, another inclined surface 1235, housing stopper 1209, housing stopper 1225, stopper, and another housing stopper 1233 shown in Figure 12 may instead be located on the inner surface of the first wheel 1202. In these embodiments, one or more of the first wheel inclined surface 1231, another first wheel inclined surface 1237, the first wheel stop member 1215, the first wheel stopper 1229, and another first wheel stopper 1239 may instead be located on the inner surface 1207 of the housing 1205. In some embodiments, in a second configuration, the tab 1217 may be located within another housing stopper 1233 on the inner surface 1213 of one of the first wheel and housing stoppers and the first wheel stopper. In these and other embodiments, the first direction 1221 and the second direction 1223 may be reversed.

[0118] Figures 13A to 13D show another example of the instrument delivery device 1300. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1300 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 with respect to one or more features and / or operations.

[0119] In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1302 may be at least partially located within the housing 1305 of the instrument delivery device 1300. In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1302 of the instrument delivery device 1200 may include, or correspond to, the forward wheel 152 of Figure 1, the spool 155 of Figure 1, the spool 251 of Figure 2, the spool 351 of Figure 3, the spool 451 of Figure 4, the forward wheel 552 of Figure 5, the first guide wheel 555 of Figure 5, the pinion 655 of Figure 6, the forward wheel 752 of Figure 7, the forward wheel 1052 of Figure 10, the first wheel 1102 of Figure 11, or the first wheel 1202 of Figure 12.

[0120] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1300 may include a housing 1305 which may include a distal end 1300a and a proximal end 1300b. In some embodiments, the proximal end 1300b may include, or correspond to, the proximal end of one or more housings from Figures 1 to 12. In some embodiments, the distal end 1300a may include any type of distal connector that is configured to connect to the instrument delivery device 1200 to connect to an IV catheter device, or that can incorporate an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the distal end 1300A may include a distal connector 1406 which will be further described with respect to Figures 14A to 14B.

[0121] In some embodiments, the forward wheel 1302 may extend from the housing 1305, and in response to the rotation of the forward wheel 1302, the instrument may advance through the distal end 1300a of the housing 1305. In some embodiments, the instruments of the instrument delivery device 1300 may include, or correspond to, the instrument 153 in Figure 1, the instrument 253 in Figure 2, the instrument 353 in Figure 3, the instrument 453 in Figure 4, the instrument 553 in Figure 5, the instrument 653 in Figure 6, the instrument 753 in Figure 7, the instrument 853 in Figure 8, or the instrument 1053 in Figure 10.

[0122] In some embodiments, the proximal end 1300b may include a proximal connector 1307 that may be adjustable. More specifically, in some embodiments, the angle of the proximal connector 1307 may be adjustable relative to the housing 1305. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may be adjustable between a first position relative to the housing 1305 and a second position relative to the housing 1305. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may be adjustable to more than two positions relative to the housing 1305. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may be positioned at a first angle relative to the housing 1305 when in the first position, and at a second angle relative to the housing 1305 when in the second position.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first position may correspond to a horizontal position relative to the housing 1305. In some embodiments, the second position may correspond to a position tilted upward or downward relative to the housing 1305, for example, as shown in Figure 13C. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may be adjustable between a horizontal position and an upward and / or downward tilted position. In some embodiments, when the proximal connector 1307 is in the horizontal position, the proximal connector may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the instrument delivery device 1300 and / or a distal connector, such as the distal connector 1406. In some embodiments, when the proximal connector 1307 is in the horizontal position, the proximal connector 1307 may be generally aligned with the ground or the patient's arm into which the IV catheter device is inserted.

[0124] In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may include a Luer connector such as a female Luer connector, or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, the blood collection device 1312 may be coupled to the proximal connector 1307, and the blood sample may be collected through a fluid pathway extending through the housing 1305. In some embodiments, the fluid pathway may extend through a tube 1330 coupled to and / or integrated with the proximal connector 1307 and / or the distal end 1300a. In some embodiments, the blood collection device 1312 may include a sharp cannula surrounded by a holder 1313, which may be configured to accept a container such as a test tube or BD Vacutainer® blood collection tube, available from Becton Dickinson & Company in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

[0125] In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may be pivotably coupled to the housing 1305. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may pivot around a pivot point 1314. In these and other embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may be configured to move along an axis between a first position and a second position. In these and other embodiments, the movement or adjustment of the proximal connector 1307 may be one-dimensional.

[0126] As shown in Figure 13D, in some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may include one or more retainers 1333 configured to hold the proximal connector 1307 in a specific position or at a specific angle relative to the housing 1305. In some embodiments, the retainers 1333 may facilitate the use of the proximal connector 1307 (and the blood collection device 1312 or another device coupled thereto) as a handle by a clinician during the operation of the instrument delivery device 1300. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may be used as a handle in a first position and / or a second position. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may be adjusted from a horizontal position to an upward-sloping position and / or a downward-sloping position to improve visualization of blood during blood collection, allow for better coating of the blood from additives in the test tube or BD Vacutainer® blood collection tube, and / or allow blood to flow distally back into the sharp cannula of the blood collection device 1312, in order to prevent mixing of additives.

[0127] In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may include a first retaining arm 1333a and a second retaining arm 1333b (which may be collectively referred to as “retaining arm 1333” in this disclosure). In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing 1305 may include a projection 1335, which may be configured to mate into the retaining arm 1333 to secure the proximal connector 1307 in a first and / or second position. In some embodiments, in response to the proximal connector 1307 being in a horizontal position, the projection 1335 may be located within the first retaining arm 1333a. In some embodiments, in response to the proximal connector 1307 being in a downwardly inclined position, the projection 1335 may be located within the second retaining arm 1333b. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may include a third stopper (not shown) above the first stopper 1333a, which can receive the projection 1335 and fix the proximal connector 1307 in an upwardly inclined position. In some embodiments, the third stopper 1333c may be similar in shape to the first stopper 133a, and / or the fourth stopper 1333d may be similar in shape to the second stopper 1333b. In some embodiments, the projection 1335 may be extended and configured to extend through the third stopper 1333c and the fourth stopper 1333d. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the housing 1305 may include another projection opposite to the projection 1335 configured to extend through the third stopper 1333c and the fourth stopper 1333d.

[0128] In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may be coupled to the housing 1305 via a ball-and-socket joint. In some embodiments, the ball-and-socket joint may allow lateral movement of the proximal connector 1307 in addition to movement along the axis. In some embodiments, the ball-and-socket joint may include one or more stoppers, similar to the stopper 1333 in Figure 13D, or one or more divots or holes. In some embodiments, the housing 1305 may include a projection, similar to the projection 1335 in Figure 13D, configured to be inserted into a stopper, divot, or hole. In some embodiments, the projection may push toward the center of the ball of the ball-and-socket joint and / or hold the proximal connector 1307 in one or more positions, such as a horizontal position, an upward-tilted position, and a downward-tilted position. In some embodiments, adjustment of the proximal connector 1307 via the ball-and-socket joint may facilitate a more convenient placement of the test tube or BD Vacutainer® blood collection tube in the holder 1313.

[0129] In some embodiments, the housing 1305 may include an upper flange and / or a lower flange. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1307 may contact the upper flange when the proximal connector 1307 is in an upward-tilted position and / or contact the lower flange when the proximal connector 1307 is in a downward-tilted position, which facilitates the use of the proximal connector 1307 as a handle by the clinician and may indicate the clinician a specific position of the proximal connector 1307.

[0130] Referring here to Figures 14A-14B, in some embodiments, the distal end 1300a may include a distal connector 1406. In some embodiments, the distal connector 1406 may include a blunt cannula 1408 and two lever arms 1410a, b positioned on the opposite side of the blunt cannula 1408. In some embodiments, the blunt cannula 1408 may include a blunt cannula that is cylindrical, for example, as shown in Figure 14A.

[0131] In some embodiments, the two lever arms 1410a, b may face each other, and each may be connected to the body of the distal connector 1406 at a bending point 1412. In some embodiments, hook members 1414 located at the distal ends of each of the two lever arms 1410a, b may be configured to be positioned within a groove of the IV catheter device when the two lever arms 1410a, b are in a relaxed position, for example, as shown in Figures 14A-14B. In some embodiments, the groove may be annular, or the IV catheter device may include a separate groove.

[0132] In some embodiments, the proximal ends of the two lever arms 1410a and b adjacent to the bending point 1412 can be pushed inward, biasing the distal ends of the lever arms 1410a and b outward and releasing the hook member 1414 from the groove. In some embodiments, the distal ends of the two lever arms 1410a and b can automatically return from the biased position to the relaxed position in response to the proximal ends of the two lever arms 1410a and b being released or not pushed inward.

[0133] In some embodiments, the proximal ends of each of the two lever arms 1410a, b may include a stop projection 1416, which may prevent the two lever arms 1410a, b from being pushed far enough to yield or break. In some embodiments, the stop projections 1416 of each of the two lever arms 1410a, b may be located on opposite sides of each other on the body of the distal connector 1406 instead of on the two lever arms 1410a, b. In some embodiments, the stop projections 1416 may limit the distance over which the two lever arms 1410a, b can be pushed by providing a hard stop.

[0134] As shown in Figure 14B, in some embodiments, the blunt cannula may include a lure shape that may include a lure. In some embodiments, the lure shape may include an annular stepped surface. In some embodiments, the lure shape may facilitate sealing by a device such as the BDQ-SYTE® needle-free connector, available from Becton & Dickinson in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. In some embodiments, the lure shape may reduce stress on the partition wall of the BD SmartSite® needle-free connector (available from Becton & Dickinson in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey) or a similar device, preventing the partition wall from moving in response to the removal of the blunt cannula.

[0135] In the following embodiment, one or more of the following may include the distal connector 1406, namely, the instrument delivery device 100, instrument delivery device 200, instrument delivery device 300, instrument delivery device 400, instrument delivery device 500, instrument delivery device 600, instrument delivery device 700, instrument delivery device 800, instrument delivery device 900, instrument delivery device 1000, instrument delivery device 1100, instrument delivery device 1200, and instrument delivery device 1300.

[0136] Referring here to Figures 15A-15E, in some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1500 may be configured to deliver the instrument 1512 through the catheter of the IV catheter device. In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may be advanced through the catheter or any obstruction in the vascular system (e.g., a thrombus or fibrin sheath at the tip of the catheter, venous collapse, valve, etc.) to create a clear path for fluid flow. In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may reduce or remove the obstruction during the catheter residence time, improving the patency of the catheter for drug and fluid delivery, as well as blood acquisition.

[0137] In one embodiment, the instrument delivery device 1300 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the instrument delivery devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300 with respect to one or more features and / or operations.

[0138] In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may include a guidewire, an instrument, a guidewire or instrument with one or more sensors, or another suitable instrument. In some embodiments, the sensors may be used to monitor a patient or device and may include sensors that measure pressure, temperature, pH, blood chemistry, oxygen saturation, flow rate, or other physiological characteristics. In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may be similar to or identical to one or more instruments from Figures 1-13 in terms of one or more features and / or operation.

[0139] In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral IV catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter. In some embodiments, the device 1512 can be delivered. The catheter may have been previously inserted into the patient's vascular system and may remain in the vascular system as the device 1512 advances through the catheter.

[0140] In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may be housed within a housing 1514, which may be configured to protect the instrument 1512 from damage and / or contamination from the surrounding external environment. In some embodiments, the housing 1514 may be rigid or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, the housing 1514 may be made of one or more of stainless steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, metal, ceramic, plastic, and other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the housing 1514 may include a proximal end 1516, a distal end 1518, and a slot 1520. In some embodiments, the slot 1520 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 1514.

[0141] In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1500 may include a forward element 1522 that may extend through a slot 1520 and be configured to move linearly along the slot 1520 between a retracted position and an advanced position, for example, as shown in Figure 15A. In some embodiments, a clinician may move the forward element 1522 between the retracted and advanced positions by pinching or grasping it.

[0142] In some embodiments, the distal end 1518 of the housing 1514 may include a distal connector 1524, which may include or correspond to the distal connector 1406 in Figures 14A-14B. In some embodiments, the distal connector 1524 may include opposing lever arms 1526a, 1526b. In some embodiments, the distal ends of the opposing lever arms 1526a, 1526b may be configured to move away from each other in response to pressure applied to the proximal ends of the opposing lever arms 1526a, 1526b. In some embodiments, in response to the release of pressure applied to the proximal ends of the opposing lever arms 1526a, 1526b, the distal ends may move closer to each other to retain a portion of an IV catheter device, such as a needleless connector, another connector, or the proximal end of a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the distal connector 1524 may include a blunt cannula or male Luer configured to be inserted into a portion of an IV catheter device.

[0143] In some embodiments, the distal connector 1524 may include any suitable connector. For example, the distal connector 1524 may include a threaded male Luer, a slip male Luer, a threaded male Luer with a spinlock, a threaded male Luer with a removable blunt cannula snap connection, a slip male Luer with a removable blunt cannula snap connection, or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, the distal connector 1524 may include one or more bonding pockets, each configured to receive an extension tube. In some embodiments, the distal connector 1524 may be formed monolithically as a single unit having a body of housing 1514 including a slot 1520.

[0144] In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may include a first end 1528 and a second end 1530. In some embodiments, moving the forward element 1522 from a retracted position to an advanced position may advance the second end 1530 of the instrument 1512 beyond the distal end 1518 of the housing 1514. In some embodiments, moving the forward element 1522 to an advanced position may allow the instrument 1512 to be introduced into and / or through the catheter of the IV catheter device. In some embodiments, in response to the instrument 1512 being introduced into and / or through the catheter, the instrument 1512 may access the fluid pathway of the IV catheter device and / or the patient's vascular system.

[0145] In some embodiments, the catheter of an IV catheter device having a considerable residence time in the vascular system may be susceptible to stenosis, collapse, twisting, occlusion by debris (e.g., fibrin or platelet coagulation), and adhesion of the catheter tip to the vascular system. Therefore, blood collection using the catheter may be difficult. In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may have a diameter less than the diameter of the catheter of the IV catheter device to provide access to the patient's vascular system without additional needle sticks. In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may clear the pathway for collecting a blood sample. Therefore, in some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1500 may be used for needleless blood collection and / or fluid infusion.

[0146] In some embodiments, the extension tube 1532 may be coupled to an instrument delivery device 1500, and the extension tube 1532 may be used for blood collection and / or fluid injection. In some embodiments, the extension tube 1532 may extend from a port 1534 of the housing 1514. In some embodiments, a fluid seal 1536 may be located within the housing 1514 to allow the instrument 1512 to advance and / or retract while maintaining a closed fluid path. In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may be configured to extend through the fluid seal 1536. In some embodiments, the fluid seal 1536 may be located proximal to the port 1534 and distal to the advancing element 1522 in the advanced position. In some embodiments, the fluid seal 1536 may include silicone, rubber, elastomer, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the fluid seal 1536 may include an opening, slit, etc., for accommodating the instrument 1512 passing through it.

[0147] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the extension tube 1532 may be coupled to the blood collection device 1538. For example, the proximal end of the extension tube 1532 may be integrated with a connector 1540 that can be coupled to the blood collection device 1538. In some embodiments, a needleless connector may be positioned between the connector 1540 and the blood collection device 1538. In some embodiments, the connector 1540 and / or port 1534 may be coupled to an IV line or another fluid connection.

[0148] In some embodiments, the inner surface 1542 of the housing 1514 may include one or more grooves. For example, the inner surface 1542 may include a first groove 1544 and / or a second groove 1546. In some embodiments, the first groove 1544 and / or the second groove 1546 may be located within the housing 1514 between the proximal end 1516 and the distal end 1518. In some embodiments, the instrument 1512 may be located within the first groove 1544 and / or the second groove 1546. In some embodiments, the first groove 1544 and / or the second groove 1546 may include a support wall 1548, another support wall 1550 on the opposite side of the support wall, and a bottom 1552 extending between the support wall 1548 and the other support wall 1550. In some embodiments, the first groove 1544 and / or the second groove 1546 may open on the opposite side of the bottom 1552. In some embodiments, the first groove 1544 and / or the second groove 1546 may be configured to guide the instrument 1512 linearly and / or proximal when the instrument 1512 is advanced distally and / or retracted proximal.

[0149] In some embodiments, the fixture 1512 may be linear within the housing 1514, and the first end 1528 of the fixture 1512 may be coupled to a forward element 1522. In other embodiments, the forward element 1522 may include an arcuate channel 1554, which may be U-shaped. In some embodiments, the fixture 512 may extend and move through the arcuate channel 1554. In some embodiments, the first end 1528 of the fixture 1512 may be fixed. In some embodiments, the first end 1528 of the fixture may be fixed within the housing 1514. In some embodiments, in response to the forward element 1522 moving a first distance, the second end of the fixture 1512 may be configured to advance distally by a second distance. In some embodiments, the second distance may be twice the first distance. In some embodiments, the second distance may be more than twice the first distance. In these and other embodiments, the fixture 1512 may extend through a plurality of U-shapes or other arcuate shapes. In some embodiments, the first groove 1544 and / or the second groove 1546 open on the opposite side of the bottom 1552, so the instrument 1512 may be prone to buckling in response to the advance element 1522 advancing distally, as shown in Figure 15B, for example.

[0150] Referring here to Figures 16A–16E, several embodiments of the instrument delivery device 1500 are shown. In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1500 may be similar to or identical to the instrument delivery device 1500 of Figure 15 in terms of one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the advance element 1522 may include a first push tab 1560 and a second push tab 1562, which may allow the clinician to advance the instrument 1512 distally without repositioning his or her hand. Otherwise, the advance element 1522 may need to slide further distally than an average hand size would allow to slide the advance element 1522 with a single push, and the clinician would reposition his or her hand to continue pushing the advance element 1522 distally. In some embodiments, to advance the instrument 1512 from a retracted position to an advanced position, the clinician may reposition their fingers due to a second push tab 1562 in addition to the first push tab 1560, but without repositioning the hand grip. In some embodiments, the advancing element 1522 may include two or more push tabs that can extend the length of the advancing element 1522.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first push tab 1560 may be located distal to the second push tab 1562 and / or distal to the advance element 1522. In some embodiments, the second push tab 1562 may be located proximal to the advance element 1522. In some embodiments, the first push tab 1560 and the second push tab 1562 may be at the same height, which may facilitate the fixation of the clinician's finger. In some embodiments, the first push tab 1560 and the second push tab 1562 may be at different heights. For example, the first push tab 1560 may be higher than the second push tab 1562, which may facilitate pressing the upper surface of the advance element 1522 if the finger does not fit between the first push tab 1560 and the second push tab 1562.

[0152] In some embodiments, the housing 1514 is rotated from Figures 15A–15E so that the instrument 1512 is positioned in a horizontal plane instead of a vertical plane. In these and other embodiments, the slot 1520 may be located on top of the housing 1514. In some embodiments, positioning the instrument 1512 in a horizontal plane may change the aspect ratio of the instrument delivery device 1500 from tall and narrow to short and wide, which may facilitate the instrument delivery device 1500 lying flat in the clinician's hand and make it easier to grip. In some embodiments, the width of the housing 1514 may be greater than the height of the housing 1514, for example, as shown in Figures 16A and 16E. Furthermore, in some embodiments, positioning the instrument 1512 in a horizontal plane may allow the forward element 1522 to be wider and therefore easier to operate. In some embodiments, the wider forward element 1522 may have less tendency to bond to the housing 1514 and may provide smoother operation and more tactile feedback as the instrument 1512 moves forward. In some embodiments, the horizontal plane may be generally perpendicular to a vertical plane aligned with gravity.

[0153] In some embodiments, the housing 1514 may include a dead well 1564 that aligns with the slot 1520, forms a bottom 1552, and is separated from the first groove 1544 and / or the second groove 1546 by a joining wall 1566 that can join a support wall 1548 and another support wall 1550. In some embodiments, the dead well 1564 may include a pocket from which any contaminants coming through the slot 1520 can be trapped. In some embodiments, the dead well 1564 may be part of a winding path that keeps the instrument 1512 sterile after the package of the probe advancement device 1500 is opened. In some embodiments, any contaminants coming through the slot 1520 must make multiple turns along the winding path to reach the instrument 1512 located in the first groove 1544 and the second groove 1546, reducing the likelihood of contaminants reaching the instrument 1512.

[0154] In some embodiments, the extension tube 1568 may extend from the distal connector 1524, bypass the fluid seal 1536, and extend through the housing 1514 to the proximal connector 1570, which may be located at the proximal end 1516 of the housing 1514 or proximal to the proximal end 1516 of the housing 1514. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1570 may be similar to or identical to the proximal connector 1307 in Figure 13 in terms of one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the blood collection device 1312 may be coupled to the proximal connector 1525.

[0155] In some embodiments, the extension tube 1568 may be located within the tunnel 1572 of the housing 1514 to reduce the possibility of the extension tube 1568 interfering with the movement of the instrument 1512. In some embodiments, the extension tube 1568 may be used for blood collection and / or fluid injection. In some embodiments, the extension tube 1568 may be made of a flexible material.

[0156] Referring here to Figures 16F-16G and 16J, in some embodiments, the instrument delivery device 1500 may provide stability between the housing 1514 and the proximal connector 1570 while still allowing some movement between the housing 1514 and the proximal connector 1570. In some embodiments, the movement between the housing 1514 and the proximal connector 1570 may be restricted in one or more directions. In some embodiments, stability may be provided through a mating or contact surface between the housing 1514 and the proximal connector 1570, which may restrict movement in one or more directions but allow movement in one or more other directions. More specifically, in some embodiments, the tunnel 1572 may terminate distally to the body 1574 of the housing 1514, which may contain the instrument 1512 and the forward element 1522. Thus, the body 1574 may include a contact surface configured to contact the proximal connector 1570 to prevent the proximal connector 1570 from rotating upward.

[0157] In some embodiments, the contact surface of the body 1574 may include an upper flange 1578, which may include one or more projections from the body 1574 that form an arch or another shape corresponding to the shape of the proximal connector 1570 in order to restrict the lateral movement of the proximal connector 1570. In some embodiments, an extension tube 1568 may emerge from the housing 1514 distal to the proximal end 1516, and the proximal connector 1570 may be positioned below the body 1574 so that the body 1574 can act as a stop to prevent the upward movement of the proximal connector 1570. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the proximal connector 1570 may extend proximal to the proximal end 1516. In some embodiments, the movement of the proximal connector 1570 may not be restricted by the housing 1514.

[0158] In some embodiments, movement of the proximal connector 1570, which may include changing the angle of the proximal connector 1570 relative to the housing 1514, can extend the length of the extension tube 1568. Thus, in some embodiments, the extension tube 1568 may act like a spring, pulling the proximal connector 1570 straight again or in a horizontal position generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the instrument delivery device 1500.

[0159] Referring here to Figures 16H to 16I, in some embodiments the housing 1514 may include a lower flange 1580 extending from the bottom of the housing 1514 and contacting the bottom of the distal end of the proximal connector 1570 to provide support to the proximal connector 1570. As shown in Figure 16I, the length of the lower flange 1580 may be short enough to allow the proximal connector 1570 to move downward. In some embodiments the lower flange 1580 may include an arch or another shape that can correspond to the shape of the proximal connector 1570 in order to restrict the lateral movement of the proximal connector 1570. In some embodiments the housing 1514 may include a hole or socket from which the distal end of the proximal connector 1570 can rest.

[0160] In some embodiments, the upper flange 1578 and / or lower flange 1580 may stabilize the proximal connector 1570 so that it can be used as a handle by a clinician during the operation of the instrument delivery device 1500 or while the instrument 1512 is moving forward and / or backward. In some embodiments, the upper flange 1578 and / or lower flange 1580 may allow repositioning of the proximal connector 1570 or changing the angle of the proximal connector 1570 relative to the housing 1514. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1570 may be adjusted from a horizontal position to a downward-sloping position to improve visualization of blood during blood collection, allow better coating of blood from additives in the test tube or BD Vacutainer® blood collection tube, and / or allow blood to flow distally back into the sharp cannula of the blood collection device 1312, in order to prevent mixing of additives.

[0161] In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1570 may be pivotably connected to the housing 1514 in the same or similar manner as the proximal connector 1307. More specifically, in some embodiments, the proximal connector 1570 may include one or more retaining elements 1333, and the housing 1514 may include projections 1335 (see, for example, Figures 13A-13D). In these and other embodiments, the proximal connector 1570 may be configured to move between a horizontal position and an upwardly tilted position, and / or between a horizontal position and a downwardly tilted position. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 1570 may be coupled to the housing 1514 via a ball-and-socket joint as described with respect to Figure 13.

[0162] In some embodiments, the housing 1514 may include a finger catch 1582 near the proximal end 1516, which may facilitate a clinician's grip of the housing 1514. In some embodiments, the finger catch 1582 may be repeated along the bottom of the housing 1514 to create recesses for multiple fingers along the bottom of the housing 1514. In some embodiments, a lower flange 1580 may extend proximal to the finger catch 1582, which may include bumps and / or flanges extending outward and downward from the bottom of the housing 1514.

[0163] Referring here to Figure 16K, the body 1574 may be configured to contact the proximal connector 1570 to prevent it from rotating upward. In some embodiments, the extension tube 1568 may be integrated with the proximal connector 1570.

[0164] Referring here to Figures 16L to 16M, in some embodiments, the upper flange 1578 may be symmetrical and may be an acute trapezoid that matches the corresponding shape of the proximal connector 1570.

[0165] All examples and conditional statements set forth herein are intended for educational purposes to help readers understand the invention and the concepts provided by the inventors in order to advance the Art, and should be construed as not being limited to the examples and conditions specifically listed herein. While embodiments of the invention are described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for delivering instruments, A housing comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is configured to connect to an intravenous catheter device, and the proximal end comprises a proximal connector, the proximal connector being adjustable between a first position relative to the housing and a second position relative to the housing, A device disposed within the housing and movable relative to the housing, An instrument delivery device comprising: a forward wheel, the forward wheel extending from the housing, and in response to rotation of the forward wheel, the instrument advances through the distal end of the housing.

2. The instrument delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal connector comprises a Luer connector.

3. The instrument delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal connector is pivotably coupled to the housing and configured to move along an axis between the first position and the second position.

4. The instrument delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the proximal connector comprises a first stopper and a second stopper, the inner surface of the housing comprises a projection, the projection is positioned within the first stopper in response to the proximal connector being in the first position, and the projection is positioned within the second stopper in response to the proximal connector being in the second position.

5. The instrument delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the first position is horizontal with respect to the housing, and the second position is inclined downward with respect to the housing.

6. The instrument delivery device according to claim 5, wherein the proximal connector comprises a first stopper and a second stopper, the inner surface of the housing comprises a projection, the projection is positioned within the first stopper in response to the proximal connector being in the horizontal position, and the projection is positioned within the second stopper in response to the proximal connector being in the downward-inclined position.

7. The instrument delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the distal end comprises a distal connector, the distal connector comprises a blunt cannula and two lever arms positioned on the opposite side of the blunt cannula, the blunt cannula has a Luer shape, and the proximal end of each of the two lever arms is provided with a stop projection.

8. A device for delivering instruments, A housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a slot, wherein the inner surface of the housing has a groove disposed within the housing between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing, and the housing further comprises a body and a tunnel disposed below the body, A forward element extending through the slot and configured to move linearly along the slot between a retracted position and a forward position, wherein the forward element comprises a first push tab and a second push tab, An apparatus comprising a first end and a second end, wherein, in response to the movement of the forward element from the retracted position to the forward position, the second end of the apparatus advances beyond the distal end of the housing, An instrument delivery device comprising a proximal connector and an extension tube extending through the tunnel and coupled to the proximal connector, wherein the body extends proximal to the tunnel and the body restricts the upward movement of the proximal connector.

9. The instrument delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the forwarding element comprises an arc-shaped channel in plan view, the instrument extends through the arc-shaped channel, the first end of the instrument is fixed, and in response to movement of the forwarding element by a first distance, the second end of the instrument is configured to advance distally by a second distance, the second distance being at least twice the first distance, the inner surface of the housing comprises a first groove and a second groove, the second groove being generally parallel to the first groove, and the instrument is positioned within the first groove and the second groove.

10. The instrument delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the instrument is oriented in a horizontal plane.

11. The instrument delivery device according to claim 10, wherein the width of the housing is greater than the height of the housing.

12. The instrument delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the first push tab is located at the distal end of the forward element, and the second push tab is located at the proximal end of the forward element and aligned with the first push tab.

13. The instrument delivery device according to claim 12, wherein the height of the first push tab is greater than the height of the second push tab.

14. The instrument delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the bottom surface of the main body includes a projection having a shape corresponding to the proximal connector, and the projection restricts the upward movement of the proximal connector.

15. The instrument delivery device according to claim 14, wherein the projection is arc-shaped in plan view.

16. The instrument delivery device according to claim 14, wherein the projection is trapezoidal in plan view.

17. The instrument delivery device according to claim 14, wherein the bottom surface of the main body is provided with a finger catch proximal to the projection.

18. The instrument delivery device according to claim 17, wherein the housing further comprises another projection extending distally from the finger catch and configured to restrict the lateral movement of the proximal connector with respect to the longitudinal axis of the instrument delivery device.

19. The instrument delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the instrument comprises a guide wire.

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