Plunger-based delivery device for introducing a guide wire into a catheter

Abstract

A delivery device (10) for delivering a guide wire (22) into a catheter assembly comprises a syringe (12) comprising a barrel (14) and a plunger (16) movable within the barrel. The plunger may include a handle (19) and a stopper (18) coupled to the end of the handle. The stopper may include a channel. In response to the insertion of the plunger, the guide wire is moved through the channel, and a first end of the guide wire may be advanced distally. The other end of the guide wire may be fixed.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Catheters are generally used for various infusion therapies. For example, catheters can be used to infuse fluids such as normal saline, various medications, and whole parenteral nutrition to patients. Catheters can also be used to draw blood from patients.

[0002] A common type of catheter is a needle-based peripheral intravenous ("IV" (intravenous)) catheter. As the name suggests, the needle-based catheter can be mounted over a pointed guide needle. The catheter and guide needle can be assembled so that the distal tip of the guide needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter, which has a bevel on the needle directed away from the patient's skin. The catheter and insertion needle are typically inserted through the skin into the patient's vascular system at a shallow angle. Background Technology

[0003] To verify the proper placement of the intravascular guide needle and / or catheter, medical personnel typically check for blood "flashback" in the catheter assembly's flashback chamber. Once the needle's position is confirmed, medical personnel can temporarily block blood flow and remove the needle to leave the catheter in place for future blood retrieval or fluid infusion.

[0004] Blood retrieval using peripheral IV catheters can be difficult for various reasons, especially when the indwell time of the catheter is longer than one day. For instance, leaving a catheter inserted in a patient for an extended period makes the catheter or vein susceptible to narrowing, collapse, kinking, or obstruction by debris (e.g., fibrin or platelet aggregation), or the catheter tip constricting within the vascular system. Consequently, while catheters may be frequently used to collect blood samples upon placement, they are used much less frequently to collect blood samples during the catheter's stay. The problem to be solved

[0005] The essence claimed in this specification is not limited to embodiments that operate only in the environment described above or that resolve any disadvantages. Rather, this background is provided to explain one exemplary technical area in which some of the embodiments described herein may be implemented. means of solving the problem

[0006] The present invention generally relates to a delivery device that facilitates access to a patient's vascular system, as well as related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the delivery device may deliver a guide wire to a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the delivery device may include a syringe that may include a barrel and a plunger movable within the barrel. In some embodiments, the plunger may include a handle and a stopper coupled to the distal end of the handle. In some embodiments, the stopper may include a channel that may be U-shaped or have other suitable shapes.

[0007] In some embodiments, the delivery device may include a guide wire that can be disposed within a barrel and extend through a channel. In some embodiments, in response to the insertion of a plunger, the guide wire may move through the channel, and a first end of the guide wire may advance distally. In some embodiments, a second end of the guide wire may be fixed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the barrel may contain liquid. In some embodiments, in response to the intrusion of the plunger, the liquid may exit the distal opening of the syringe. In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal opening of the syringe may be larger than the outer diameter of the guide wire.

[0009] In some embodiments, air may be placed within a barrel. In some embodiments, the barrel may include one or more vent holes. In some embodiments, air may exit through the exhaust hole in response to the intrusion of the plunger.

[0010] In some embodiments, in response to the insertion of the plunger, the stopper may be moved by a first distance in the distal direction, and the first end of the guide wire may be advanced by a second distance in the distal direction. In some embodiments, the second distance may be greater than the first distance. In some embodiments, the guide wire may form one or more loops.

[0011] In some embodiments, the syringe may include a flexible housing disposed within a barrel. In some embodiments, the flexible housing may prevent contact between the liquid and at least a portion of the guide wire. In some embodiments, a portion of the guide wire may be surrounded by the flexible housing. In some embodiments, the flexible housing may be configured to be compressed in response to the plunger being pressed distally.

[0012] In some embodiments, the syringe may include a biasing member, which may be disposed within the barrel distal to the stopper. In some embodiments, the biasing member may be compressed in response to the indentation of the plunger. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, another biasing member may be disposed between the stopper and the handle. In some embodiments, the other biasing member may be expanded in response to the contraction of the handle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the delivery device may include a housing that can be coupled to the distal end of a syringe. In some embodiments, the housing may contain a liquid. In some embodiments, the entire guide wire may be positioned in close proximity to the housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the stopper may be positioned at the end of the handle. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion of the channel may be positioned within the handle. In some embodiments, another portion of the channel may extend through the stopper. In some embodiments, another biasing member may be positioned between the U-shaped portion and the handle.

[0015] In some embodiments, in response to the distal insertion of the handle, the stopper may move to a distal position, the guide wire may move through the channel, and the first end of the guide wire may advance in the distal direction. In some embodiments, the second end of the guide wire may be fixed. In some embodiments, in response to the proximal contraction of the handle, the stopper may remain in the distal position, the guide wire may move through the channel, and the first end of the guide wire is contracted in the proximal direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the delivery device may include a first syringe, a guide wire, a second syringe, and an adapter. In some embodiments, the first syringe may include a first barrel and a first plunger movable within the first barrel. In some embodiments, the first plunger may include a first handle and a first stopper coupled to the distal end of the first handle. In some embodiments, the first stopper may include a channel that may be U-shaped. In some embodiments, air may be placed within the first barrel. In some embodiments, the first barrel may include a vent hole. In some embodiments, air may exit the vent hole in response to the intrusion of the first plunger in the distal direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the guide wire may be disposed within a first barrel and may extend through a first channel. In some embodiments, in response to the insertion of the first plunger, the first guide wire may move through the channel, and a first end of the guide wire may advance distally. In some embodiments, a second end of the guide wire may be fixed.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second syringe may include a second barrel and a second plunger movable within the second barrel. In some embodiments, the second plunger may include a second handle and a second stopper coupled to the distal end of the second handle. In some embodiments, the second barrel may contain liquid. In some embodiments, in response to the intrusion of the second plunger, the liquid may exit the distal opening of the second syringe.

[0019] In some embodiments, the adapter may include a first port, a second port, and a third port. In some embodiments, the first port may be coupled to the end of a first syringe. In some embodiments, the second port may be coupled to the end of a second syringe. In some embodiments, the third port may be configured to be coupled to a catheter assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first barrel and the second barrel may be formed integrally. In some embodiments, the first plunger is configured to be connected to the second plunger so that the first plunger and the second plunger move together. In some embodiments, the first port may be formed integrally with the first syringe and / or the second port may be formed integrally with the second port.

[0021] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are all exemplary and illustrative and do not limit the invention as claimed. It should be understood that various embodiments are not limited to the configurations and means depicted in the drawings. Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of various embodiments of the invention unless so claimed. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will be further described and explained in specific and detailed terms through the use of the following accompanying drawings: FIG. 1a is a top perspective view of an exemplary delivery device coupled to an exemplary catheter assembly showing an exemplary plunger in a proximal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device coupled to a catheter assembly, illustrating a plunger in a proximal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 2a is a top perspective view of a delivery device coupled to a catheter assembly, illustrating a plunger in a distal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device coupled to a catheter assembly, illustrating a plunger in a distal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 3a is a side view of an exemplary stopper according to some embodiments. FIG. 3b is another side view of a stopper according to some embodiments. FIG. 3c is a side view of another stopper according to some embodiment. FIG. 3d is another side view of a different stopper according to some embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device illustrating an exemplary flexible housing according to some embodiments. FIG. 5a is a top perspective view of a delivery device illustrating a plunger in a proximal position and an exemplary biasing member according to some embodiments. FIG. 5b is an upper perspective view of a transmission device illustrating a plunger and a biasing member at a distal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device illustrating a plunger in a proximal position and other exemplary biasing members according to some embodiments. FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device illustrating a plunger and other biasing members in a distal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 7a is a top perspective view of another delivery device according to some embodiments. FIG. 7b is a top perspective view of another delivery device illustrating an exemplary first syringe and an exemplary second syringe combined together according to some embodiments. FIG. 7c is a top perspective view of another transmission device illustrating an exemplary first plunger and an exemplary second plunger combined together according to some embodiments. FIG. 7d is a top perspective view of another delivery device according to some embodiments. FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another delivery device illustrating an exemplary plunger and an exemplary advancing element in a proximal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another delivery device according to some embodiments. FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another transmission device according to some embodiments. FIG. 11a is a top perspective view of a delivery device coupled to a catheter assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device coupled to a catheter assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 11c is a top perspective view of a delivery device coupled to a catheter assembly, illustrating another exemplary plunger in a proximal position after being in a distal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 11d is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device coupled to a catheter assembly, illustrating another plunger in a proximal position after being in a distal position, according to some embodiments. FIG. 12a is a top perspective view of a delivery device coupled to a catheter assembly, illustrating an exemplary guide wire of a loop configuration according to some embodiments. FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device coupled to a catheter assembly, illustrating a guide wire of a loop configuration according to some embodiments. FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device illustrating an exemplary external plunger in a proximal position and an exemplary internal plunger in a proximal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device showing an internal plunger in a proximal position and an external barrel in a distal position according to some embodiments. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device according to some embodiments. FIG. 15a is a top perspective view of an exemplary cap placed on an exemplary blunt cannula according to some embodiment. FIG. 15b is a cross-sectional view of a cap placed on a blunt cannula according to some embodiments. FIG. 15c is a cross-sectional view of a cap placed on a blunt cannula according to some embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1a through 2b, in some embodiments, the delivery device (10) may include a barrel (14) and a syringe (12) having a plunger (16) movable within the barrel (14). FIGS. 1a through 1b illustrate the plunger (16) of the syringe (12) in a proximal position according to some embodiments. FIGS. 2a through 2b illustrate the plunger (16) of the syringe (12) in a distal position according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the end portion of the plunger (16) may include a stopper (18) that may be disposed within the barrel (14). In some embodiments, the stopper (18) may be movable together with a handle (19) of the plunger (16). In some embodiments, the stopper (18) may include a channel (20) which may generally be U-shaped.

[0024] In some embodiments, the delivery device (10) may include a guide wire (22) that may be disposed within a barrel (14) and extend through a channel (20). In some embodiments, in response to a distal movement of the plunger (16), the stopper (18) may be moved distally and the guide wire (22) may be advanced distally. In some embodiments, in response to a proximal movement of the plunger (16), the stopper (18) may be moved proximally and the guide wire (22) may be retracted or withdrawn proximally.

[0025] In some embodiments, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B, the first end (24) of the guide wire (22) may advance distally beyond the distal opening (26) of the syringe (12) in response to the plunger (16) being partially and / or completely pressed distally within the barrel (14). In some embodiments, the second end (28) of the guide wire (22) may be attached or fixed within the delivery device (10). In some embodiments, the second end (28) of the guide wire (22) may be fixed within the barrel (14) or distal connector (30) of the syringe (12). In some embodiments, the first end (24) of the guide wire (22) may be blunt and / or tapered, which may reduce the possibility of trauma to the patient's vascular system when in contact with the guide wire (22). In some embodiments, the guide wire (22) may comprise metal or other suitable material.

[0026] In some embodiments, the catheter adapter (32) of the catheter assembly (34) may be coupled to the syringe (12). More specifically, in some embodiments, the distal end (26) of the syringe (12) may include a distal connector (30) configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter (32). In some embodiments, the distal connector (30) may include a Luer adapter such as a slip or screw male or slip or screw female Luer adapter, or other suitable connector.

[0027] In some embodiments, a needleless connector (not shown) may connect a syringe (12) to a catheter adapter (32). More specifically, in some embodiments, a distal connector (30) may be configured to be coupled to the proximal end of a needleless connector that may be coupled to the proximal end of a catheter adapter (32). In some embodiments, the needleless connector may include a prorenata ("PRN") connector. In some embodiments, the needleless connector may be a SMARTSITE connector from Becton Dickinson & Company, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. TM Needleless connector, Q-SYTE of Becton Dickinson & Company, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey TM Includes the lure action spirit Septum, and Baxter International’s INTERLINK™ needleless system or other suitable needleless connector.

[0028] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly (34) may include a catheter (36) that can be secured within the catheter adapter (32) and extend distally from the catheter adapter (32). In some embodiments, the catheter (36) may include a peripheral intravenous catheter, a central catheter inserted around the periphery, or a midline catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter (36) may be embedded within the patient's vascular system when the delivery device (10) is coupled to the catheter assembly (34). In some embodiments, the catheter adapter (32) may be integrated with an integrated extension tube (38) or may not be integrated without an integrated extension tube (38).

[0029] In some embodiments, the blood collection device (40) may be connected to an extension tube (38). In some embodiments, the blood collection device (40) may include a vacuum tube, a test tube (41), a syringe, or other suitable blood collection container. In some embodiments, the blood collection device (40) may include a holder (43) that may be configured to hold a test tube (41), for example, as shown in FIGS. 1a through 2b. In some embodiments, the blood collection device (40) may include a VACUTAINER® disposable holder available from Becton Dickinson & Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ.

[0030] In some embodiments, the delivery device (10) may allow the guide wire (22) to access the patient's blood system through a catheter (36) into which the guide wire (22) can be inserted. In some embodiments, the syringe (12) may be used to advance the guide wire (22) beyond the end tip (39) of the catheter (36) to overcome obstacles such as blood clots, valves, and / or fibrin sheaths inside or around the end tip (39) of the catheter (36), which would otherwise prevent blood collection within the blood collection device (40). Thus, in some embodiments, the delivery device (10) may extend the life or residence time of the catheter (36) within the blood system.

[0031] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly (34) may include a needle hub coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter (32) and a guide needle extending distally from the needle hub (not shown). In some embodiments, the needle hub and the guide needle may be removed from the catheter assembly (34) in response to the placement of the catheter (36) within the patient's vascular system, and the delivery device (10) may be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter (32) after the needle hub and the guide needle have been removed.

[0032] In some embodiments, the stopper (18) and the channel (20) may be oriented in various ways and angles within the barrel (14). For example, the channel (20) may generally be oriented horizontally or vertically within the barrel (14) when the delivery device (10) is coupled with a catheter adapter (32) positioned for insertion into a patient. In some embodiments, the barrel (14) and / or plunger (16) may be cylindrical, square, or have other shapes.

[0033] In some embodiments, the barrel (14) may contain a liquid, such as saline or other suitable flushing liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid may flush the catheter assembly (34) in response to the intrusion of the plunger (16). In some embodiments, in response to the intrusion of the plunger (16), the liquid may exit the distal opening (26) of the syringe (12). In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal opening (26) of the syringe (12) may be larger than the outer diameter of the guide wire (22) so that the guide wire (22) can exit the distal opening (26) and / or the liquid may flow around the guide wire (22). In some embodiments, in response to the intrusion of the plunger (16), the liquid may flow around the guide wire (22) and into and / or through the catheter assembly (34).

[0034] In some embodiments, the barrel (14) may not contain liquid. In some embodiments, the barrel (14) of the syringe (12) may include one or more vent holes (42) that allow air to exit the barrel (14) in response to the insertion of the plunger (16) or the movement of the plunger in a distal direction. In some embodiments, the vent hole (42) may prevent air from entering the catheter assembly (34).

[0035] In some embodiments, the channel (20) may contact and support the guide wire (22). In some embodiments, the plunger (16) may be pressed or moved distally from a proximal position. In some embodiments, in response to the indentation of the plunger (16), the stopper (18) may be moved distally by a first distance, the guide wire (22) may move through the channel (20), and the first end (24) of the guide wire (22) may be advanced distally by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. In some embodiments, the second distance may be twice the first distance ("1:2 advancement ratio") due to the U-shape of the channel (20). In some embodiments, the second distance may be at least twice the first distance. In some embodiments, as the guide wire (22) advances toward the end, a long reach is provided to the guide wire (22), so a 1:2 advance ratio (or other advance ratio in which the second distance is greater than the first distance) between the transmission device (10) and the stopper (18) and the first end (24) of the guide wire (22) is reliably structurally supported.

[0036] In some embodiments, the partition (44) may be disposed within the catheter adapter (32) and may be penetrated in response to coupling of the delivery device (10) to the catheter adapter (32). In some embodiments, the end portion of the barrel (14) may include a secondary stopper (46) which may comprise rubber or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the secondary stopper (46) may prevent liquid from flowing out of the distal end of the barrel (14) or through the secondary stopper (46). In some embodiments, in response to the insertion of the plunger (16) in the distal direction, the secondary stopper (46) may be configured to allow liquid to flow through the secondary stopper (46). In some embodiments, the secondary stopper (46) may come into contact with the stopper (18) in response to the plunger (16) moving to a distal position. In some embodiments, the distal position may correspond to a fully pressed position. In some embodiments, the secondary stopper (46) may be separated from the stopper (18) in response to the plunger (16) moving to the distal position. In some embodiments, the second end (28) may be in contact with and / or coupled with the second stopper (46).

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, in some embodiments, the channel (20) may extend from one side to the other through the plunger (16). Referring to FIGS. 3c and 3d, in some embodiments, the distal end (48) of the plunger (16) may have an outer diameter smaller than the proximal part (50) of the plunger (16) that can contact the interior of the barrel (14). In some embodiments, the channel (20) may extend through the end (48) of the plunger (16), which may shorten the channel (20) and reduce contact and friction between the channel (20) and the guide wire (22). In some embodiments, the distal end (38) may include two opposing stepped surfaces that can cut off a portion of the distal end (38) to facilitate making the channel (20) shorter.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the guide wire (22) may be placed in a housing (50) that may be flexible. In some embodiments, the housing (50) may be accordion-shaped and / or compressible in response to the pressurization of the plunger (16). In some embodiments, the housing (50) may comprise a flexible plastic. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the housing (50) may be coupled to the plunger (16). In some embodiments, the housing (50) may surround a portion of the guide wire (22) between the first end (24) and the second end (28). In some embodiments, the housing (50) may surround the first end (24) and / or the second end (28). In some embodiments, the housing (50) may prevent contact between at least a portion of the guide wire (22) and the liquid (52) that may be placed in the barrel (14). In some embodiments, in response to the insertion of the plunger (16) or the movement of the plunger (16) from a proximal position to a distal position, the first end (24) may puncture and / or exit the distal end of the housing (50).

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, in some embodiments, the biasing member (54) may be disposed within the barrel (14) distal to the stopper (18). In some embodiments, the proximal end of the biasing member (54) may be coupled to the plunger (16). In some embodiments, the distal end of the biasing member (54) may be coupled to the secondary stopper (46), the inner surface of the barrel (14), or other suitable location. In some embodiments, the biasing member (54) may include a coil spring having a variable or uniform pitch. In some embodiments, the coil spring may include a compression spring. In some embodiments, the coil spring may have a smaller pitch near the distal tip (39) of the catheter (36) (see, for example, FIG. 1a to FIG. 2b), which may prevent blood clots from entering the syringe (12) but may still allow blood to flow into the syringe (12).

[0040] In some embodiments, the biasing member (54) may comprise a metal, an elastomer, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the biasing member (54) may reduce the force with which a medical professional presses the plunger (16), which may reduce the possibility of hemolysis.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, in some embodiments, the biasing member (56) may be positioned within the barrel (14) adjacent to the stopper (18). In some embodiments, the distal end of the biasing member (56) may be coupled to the stopper (18) or other suitable location. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the biasing member (56) may be coupled to the plunger (16) or other suitable location. For example, in some embodiments such as FIGS. 11a through 12b, the biasing member (56) may be positioned between the U-shaped portion of the channel (20) and the end portion of the handle (19).

[0042] In some embodiments, the biasing member (56) may include a coil spring having a variable or uniform pitch. In some embodiments, the coil spring may include a tension spring. In some embodiments, the coil spring may include a smaller pitch near the distal tip (39) of the catheter (36) (see, for example, FIG. 1a through 2b), which may prevent blood clots from entering the syringe (12) but may still allow blood to flow into the syringe (12).

[0043] In some embodiments, the biasing member (56) may comprise a metal, an elastomer, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the biasing member (56) may reduce the force required by medical personnel to retract or move the plunger (16) proximally, which may reduce the possibility of hemolysis. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the barrel (14) may include one or more protrusions (58) configured to contact a part of the plunger (16), such as a base (60), to prevent the plunger from being removed proximally from the barrel (14).

[0044] Referring to FIG. 7a, in some embodiments, the catheter system may include a syringe (16) and a syringe (62) that can both be coupled to a Y-shaped adapter (64). In some embodiments, the Y-shaped adapter (64) may be coupled to a catheter adapter (32). In some embodiments, the Y-shaped adapter (64) may include three or more ports, one or more of which may include a Luer adapter or other suitable connector.

[0045] In some embodiments, the syringe (62) may be similar or identical to the syringe (16) of FIGS. 1 through 6 in terms of one or more features and / or operation. In some embodiments, the barrel (14) of the syringe (62) may be filled with liquid (52), and the liquid may flow distally through the adapter (32) and catheter assembly (34) in response to the insertion of the plunger (68) of the syringe (62). In some embodiments, the syringe (62) may be used to flush the catheter assembly (34) before and / or during the distally advancing of the guide wire (22) using the syringe (12). In some embodiments, the syringe (62) may be used to flush the catheter assembly (34) after blood collection.

[0046] In some embodiments, the Y-shaped adapter (64) may be formed integrally with the syringe (12) and / or syringe (62). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the Y-shaped adapter (64) may be formed integrally with the catheter adapter (32). In some embodiments, the plungers (16) of the syringe (12) and syringe (16) may move independently of each other, so that medical personnel can control the amount of liquid (52) flushed into the bloodstream apart from inserting the guide wire (22) into the bloodstream. In some embodiments, the Y-shaped adapter (64) may be formed integrally with the syringe (12) and / or syringe (62) as a single unit.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 7b, in some embodiments, the barrels (14) of the syringe (12) and the syringe (62) may be formed integrally, which facilitates handling by medical personnel. In some embodiments, the plungers (16) of the syringe (12) and the syringe (62) may move independently of each other. In other embodiments, the plungers (16) of the syringe (12) and the syringe (62) may be coupled together to move together, which facilitates handling and operation by medical personnel. Referring to FIG. 7c, the plungers (16) of the syringe (12) and the syringe (62) may be coupled together according to some embodiments.

[0048] In some embodiments, the syringe (12) (see FIG. 7a through 7c) may be replaced with another delivery device comprising a different guide wire advancement mechanism, such as a rotary advancement element or a linear advancement element. Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the delivery device (70) may include an advancement element (72). In some embodiments, the advancement element (72) may include a tab or grip that can be moved by a medical professional to advance the guide wire (22) distally and / or retract the guide wire (22) proximally. In some embodiments, the advancement element (72) may be coupled to the proximal end of the guide wire (22). In some embodiments, the advancement element may be slidable along a slot (74) placed within a housing (76), as shown in FIG. 8.

[0049] In some embodiments, the housing (76) may include a syringe portion (78) that may be identical or similar to the syringe (62) discussed in relation to FIGS. 7a through 7c with respect to one or more features and / or operations. In some embodiments, a wall (80) may separate the syringe portion (78) from the portion of the housing (76) containing the guide wire (22). Thus, in some embodiments, the liquid in the syringe portion (78) may be separated within the delivery device (70) from the portion of the housing (76) containing the guide wire (22). In some embodiments, the advancing element (72) and the plunger (16) of the syringe portion (78) may advance and / or retract independently of each other. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing (76) may include a distal connector (30). In some embodiments, the syringe (62) (e.g., see FIGS. 7a to 7b) may be coupled to the proximal end of a housing (76) that may not include a syringe portion.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 7d, in some embodiments, when the guide wire (22) moves in a distal direction, the path of the guide wire (22) may generally be straight. In some embodiments, the distal port (77) and the proximal port (79) of the adapter (54) may generally be aligned with the syringe (12) so that when the guide wire (22) moves in a distal direction, the path of the guide wire (22) is generally straight. In some embodiments, the movement of the guide wire in a distal direction along a substantially straight path may be achieved in various ways, such as, for example, between the syringe (12) and the syringe (62), barrels (14) of different sizes.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the syringe (62) may be coupled to a housing (82) that may include a guide wire (22). In some embodiments, in response to the indentation of the plunger (16), the liquid (52) may flow distally through the housing (82) and flush the guide wire (22) into the catheter adapter and beyond the distal tip of the catheter extending from the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the guide wire (22) may include an extended diameter portion (83), and the extended diameter portion is caught on a part of the housing (82), such as a distal opening (84), or on a part of the catheter adapter that blocks further distal movement of the guide wire (22). In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing (82) may include a distal connector (86) that may be coupled to the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the distal connector (86) may include a slip or threaded male Luer adapter or a slip or threaded female Luer adapter, or other suitable connector.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the distal connector (30) of the syringe (12) may be coupled to a housing (88) that can be filled with liquid (52). In some embodiments, in response to the insertion of the plunger (16), the liquid (52) may flow distally through the distal opening (90) of the housing (82) and flush a catheter assembly that may be coupled to the distal connector (92) of the housing (82). In some embodiments, the distal connector (92) may include a slip or threaded male Luer adapter or a slip or threaded female Luer adapter, or other suitable connector. In some embodiments, the housing (82) may prevent contact between the liquid (52) and the guide wire (22) before the plunger (16) is inserted. In some embodiments, in response to the insertion of the plunger (16), the guide wire (22) can be advanced to the distal end through the housing (88) and through the catheter assembly.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 11a through 11d, in some embodiments, the stopper (18) may not be coupled to the handle (19) of the plunger (16). In some embodiments, in response to the handle (19) being in a proximal position, the stopper (18) may be brought close to the distal end of the handle (19), for example, as shown in FIGS. 11a through 11b. In some embodiments, in response to the handle (19) being moved from a proximal position to a distal position, the stopper (18) may be moved distally. In some embodiments, in response to moving the handle (19) from a proximal position to a distal position and then retracting the handle (19) proximally, the stopper (18) may be retained, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11c through 11d. In these embodiments, the channel (20) may be positioned within the distal portion of the handle (19) and the stopper (18). In some embodiments, after blood collection is completed, the handle (19) may be retracted proximally, but the stopper (18) may remain in place to prevent blood from entering the syringe (12).

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 12a through 12b, in some embodiments, the plunger (16) may be pressed in or moved distally from a proximal position. In some embodiments, in response to pressing the plunger (16) distally by a first distance, the guide wire (22) may move through the channel (20), and the first end (24) of the guide wire (22) may advance distally by a second distance, where the second distance is greater than the first distance. In some embodiments, the guide wire (22) may form one or more loops when the plunger (16) is in a proximal position. In these embodiments, the guide wire (22) may include multiple bends or U-shaped sections. In some embodiments, the guide wire (22) may include a first U-shaped section (94) and a second U-shaped section (96), for example, as shown in FIGS. 12a through 12b. In some embodiments, the second end (28) may be coupled to the plunger (16), the inner surface of the barrel (14), or other suitable location. In some embodiments, the second distance may be more than twice the first distance due to the multiple bends and loop configuration of the guide wire (22).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 13b, in some embodiments, the syringe (12) may include an outer plunger (98) and an inner plunger (100), and the inner plunger may be positioned within the outer plunger (98) and may move proximally and distally relative to the outer plunger (98). In some embodiments, the outer plunger (98) may be positioned within a barrel (14) and may move proximally and distally relative to the barrel (14). In some embodiments, the plunger (16) may be coupled to the distal end of the outer barrel (98). In some embodiments, the channel (20) may be positioned at the distal end of the inner barrel (100).

[0056] In some embodiments, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13a, the outer plunger (98) and the inner plunger (100) may be positioned in a proximal position. In some embodiments, the outer plunger (98) and the inner plunger (100) may be simultaneously advanced from the proximal position in a distal direction. In response to the outer plunger (98) and the inner plunger (100) being simultaneously advanced in a distal direction, the guide wire (22) and the stopper (18) may be advanced distally. In some embodiments, the stopper (18) may be close to the end of the inner barrel (100). In some embodiments, blood collection occurs after the outer plunger (98) and the inner plunger (100) are simultaneously advanced distally. In some embodiments, in response to the completion of blood collection, the inner plunger (100) may be retracted in a proximal direction, and the outer plunger (98) may be held in place, for example, as shown in FIG. 13b. In some embodiments, a stopper (18) placed within the distal end of the barrel (14) may prevent blood from entering the syringe (12).

[0057] Referring to FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the extension tube (102) may extend from the barrel (14), the distal connector (30), or other parts of the syringe (12). In some embodiments, the proximal end of the extension tube (102) may be connected to a blood collection device. In some embodiments, a septum (104) may be placed between the extension tube (102) and the proximal part of the barrel (14). In some embodiments, the guide wire (22) may extend through the septum (104).

[0058] In some embodiments, medical personnel may insert a catheter (e.g., see catheter (36) in FIG. 1a-2b) into the vascular system and pull the plunger (16) proximally to collect a blood sample from the patient. In some embodiments, medical personnel may collect blood through an extension tube (38) (e.g., see FIG. 1a-2b) or an extension tube (102).

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 15a through 15c, in some embodiments, the blunt cannula (106) of the connector (30) may form a distal opening (26). In some embodiments, a cap (108) may surround the blunt cannula (106). In some embodiments, the cap (108) may include one or more protrusions (110), which allow a medical professional to easily grasp the cap (108) before removing the cap (108) from the blunt cannula (106). In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 15b, the distal end (112) of the cap (108) may be closed, which prevents the guide wire (22) from moving distal to the blunt cannula (106) during delivery and / or priming. In some embodiments, the cap (108) may include one or more vent holes extending through the cap (108) adjacent to the end portion (112).

[0060] All examples and descriptions regarding conditions cited herein are intended for educational purposes to aid in understanding the invention and to help understand the concepts to which the inventor contributed to the development of the technology, and should be interpreted as not being limited to the specifically cited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0061] 10: Delivery device 12: Syringe 14: Barrel 16: Plunger 18: Stopper 19: Handle

Claims

Claim 1 A delivery device for delivering a guide wire into a catheter assembly, wherein the delivery device comprises: a syringe comprising a barrel and a plunger movable within the barrel, wherein the plunger comprises a handle and a stopper coupled to the distal end of the handle, and the stopper comprises a channel; and a guide wire disposed within the barrel and extending through the channel, wherein, in response to the insertion of the plunger, the guide wire moves through the channel, a first end of the guide wire advances distally, and a second end of the guide wire is fixed inside the delivery device. Claim 2 A delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the barrel receives a liquid, and in response to the insertion of a plunger, the liquid exits the distal opening of the syringe, and the diameter of the distal opening of the syringe is larger than the outer diameter of the guide wire. Claim 3 A delivery device according to claim 1, wherein air is disposed inside the barrel, the barrel includes a plurality of ventilation holes, and in response to the pressing of the plunger, the air exits through the vent holes. Claim 4 A transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in response to the insertion of the plunger, the stopper is moved by a first distance in the distal direction and the first end of the guide wire is advanced by a second distance in the distal direction, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. Claim 5 A delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the barrel contains a liquid, and the syringe further comprises a flexible housing disposed within the barrel, wherein the flexible housing prevents contact between the liquid and at least a portion of a guide wire, wherein the portion of the guide wire is surrounded by the flexible housing, and the housing is configured to be compressed in response to the insertion of a plunger. Claim 6 A delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the syringe further comprises a biasing member disposed in a barrel distal to the stopper, and the biasing member is compressed in response to the indentation of the plunger. Claim 7 A delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the syringe further comprises a biasing member disposed between a stopper and a handle, and the biasing member expands in response to the contraction of the handle. Claim 8 A delivery device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing coupled to the distal end of the syringe, wherein the housing contains saline solution, and the entire guide wire is positioned in close proximity to the housing. Claim 9 A transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the guide wire forms one or more loops. Claim 10 A delivery device for delivering a guide wire into a catheter assembly, wherein the delivery device comprises: a syringe including a barrel and a plunger movable within the barrel, wherein the plunger includes a handle and a stopper disposed at the distal end of the handle, and the syringe further comprises a channel, wherein a U-shaped portion of the channel is disposed within the handle and another portion of the channel extends through the stopper; and a guide wire disposed within the barrel and extending through the channel, wherein in response to the indentation of the handle in the distal direction, the stopper moves in the distal direction to a distal position, the guide wire moves through the channel, a first end of the guide wire advances in the distal direction, and a second end of the guide wire is fixed inside the delivery device, and in response to the contraction of the handle in the proximal direction, the stopper is maintained in the distal position, the guide wire moves through the channel, and the first end of the guide wire contracts in the proximal direction. Claim 11 A delivery device according to claim 10, wherein the barrel receives a liquid, and in response to the intrusion of a plunger, the liquid exits the distal opening of the syringe, and the diameter of the distal opening of the syringe is larger than the outer diameter of the guide wire. Claim 12 A delivery device according to claim 10, wherein air is disposed within the barrel, the barrel includes a plurality of vent holes, and in response to the pressing of the plunger, the air exits the vent holes. Claim 13 A transmission device according to claim 10, characterized in that, in response to the insertion of the plunger, the stopper is moved by a first distance in the distal direction and the first end of the guide wire is advanced by a second distance in the distal direction, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. Claim 14 A delivery device according to claim 10, wherein the barrel contains a liquid, and the syringe further comprises a flexible housing disposed within the barrel, wherein the flexible housing prevents contact between the liquid and at least a portion of the guide wire, and the portion of the guide wire is surrounded by the flexible housing, and the housing is configured to be compressed in response to the insertion of a plunger. Claim 15 A delivery device according to claim 10, wherein the syringe further comprises a biasing member disposed in a barrel distal to the stopper, and the biasing member is compressed in response to the indentation of a plunger. Claim 16 A delivery device according to claim 10, wherein the syringe further comprises a biasing member disposed between a U-shaped portion and a handle, and the biasing member expands in response to contraction of the handle in a proximal direction. Claim 17 A delivery device for delivering a guide wire into a catheter assembly, comprising: a first syringe including a first barrel and a first plunger movable within the first barrel, wherein the first plunger includes a first handle and a first stopper coupled to the distal end of the first handle, the first stopper includes a channel, air is disposed within the first barrel, the first barrel includes a plurality of vent holes, and air exits the vent holes in response to the indentation of the first plunger; a guide wire disposed within the first barrel and extending through the channel, wherein the first guide wire moves through the channel in response to the indentation of the first plunger, the first end of the guide wire advances in a distal direction, and the second end of the guide wire is fixed inside the delivery device; and a second syringe including a second barrel and a second plunger movable within the second barrel, wherein the second plunger includes a second handle and a second plunger coupled to the distal end of the second handle A delivery device characterized by comprising: a second syringe including a stopper, wherein the second barrel receives liquid and, in response to the intrusion of a second plunger, the liquid exits the distal opening of the second syringe; and an adapter including a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein the first port is coupled to the distal end of the first syringe, the second port is coupled to the distal end of the second syringe, and the third port is coupled to a catheter assembly. Claim 18 A delivery device according to claim 17, characterized in that the first barrel and the second barrel are formed integrally. Claim 19 A transmission device according to claim 17, characterized in that the first plunger is coupled to the second plunger. Claim 20 A delivery device according to claim 17, characterized in that the first port is formed integrally with the first syringe, or the second port is formed integrally with the second port.

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