CATHETER VENTILATION ASSEMBLY AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A catheter system may include a needleless connector, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a valve located between the distal and proximal ends of the needleless connector. The catheter system may also include a vent assembly, which may include a proximal component and a distal component. The proximal component may include a male luer adapter. The distal component may include a distal end coupled to the proximal end of the needleless connector, and a proximal end coupled to the male luer adapter. In response to the movement of the proximal component from a proximal to a distal position relative to the distal component, the male luer of the male luer adapter may open the valve to vent air into the catheter system.

Description

CATHETER VENTILATION ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS RC! b ίη / ΖΖΠΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ RELATED Background of the Invention Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters can be used to infuse fluids, such as normal saline, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition, into a patient. Catheters can also be used to draw blood from the patient. A common type of catheter is a peripheral intravenous catheter over the needle (PIVC). As the name implies, the PIVC over the needle is mounted on an introducer needle with a sharp distal tip. The PIVC and introducer needle are assembled so that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC, with the bevel of the needle facing upward, away from the patient's skin. The PIVC and introducer needle are typically inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vasculature. In order to verify proper placement of the introducer needle and / or the PIVC in the blood vessel, a clinical specialist generally confirms that there is blood return in a return chamber of a setup of Ref. 340600 PIVC. Once needle placement has been confirmed, the clinician can temporarily occlude flow in the vasculature and remove the introducer needle, leaving the PIVC in place for future blood collection and / or fluid infusion. The PIVC assembly can be coupled with an extension set, which allows for the attachment of an infusion or blood collection device at a location removed from the PIVC insertion site. In some cases, catheters used for fluid infusion may be primed before insertion into the patient's vasculature to remove air. If air bubbles are allowed to enter the patient's vasculature, an embolism may form, which can cause serious injury to the patient. The subject matter addressed here is not limited to methods that resolve any of the disadvantages or that operate solely in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background information is provided only to illustrate an area of ​​illustrative technology where some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. Summary of the Invention In some models, a catheter system may include a catheter assembly and a needle assembly attached to the catheter assembly. In some models, the assembly of RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ needle may include a needle hub and an introducer needle. In some modalities, a proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub. In some models, the catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal and a proximal end. In some models, the catheter adapter may include a side port located between the distal and proximal ends of the catheter adapter. In some models, the catheter assembly may include an extension tube extending from and / or integrated within the side port. In some models, an adapter, such as a Y-adapter or a T-adapter, may be attached to the extension tube. In some modalities, the catheter assembly may include a catheter, which may extend from the distal end of the catheter adapter and be secured within the adapter. In some modalities, the catheter may include a peripherally inserted central catheter (PIVC), a midline catheter, or a peripherally inserted central catheter. In some modalities, the introducer needle may extend through the catheter. In some modalities, in response to the introducer needle and / or the catheter being RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ inserted into a patient's vasculature, the introducer needle can be withdrawn proximally from the catheter and removed to the catheter assembly. In some modalities, the catheter can remain within the patient's vasculature for blood withdrawal and / or fluid infusion. In some models, the catheter system may include a needleless connector, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a valve positioned between the distal and proximal ends of the needleless connector. In some models, the distal end of the needleless connector may be attached to the catheter assembly. In some models, the distal end of the needleless connector may be attached to the adapter. In some models, the catheter system may include a ventilation assembly, which may include a proximal and a distal component. In some models, the proximal component may include a male luer adapter. In some models, the distal component may include a distal end, which can be coupled to the proximal end of the needleless connector. In some models, the distal component may include a proximal end coupled to the male luer adapter. In some models, in response to movement of the proximal component from a position RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ proximal to a distal position with respect to the distal component, the male luer of the male luer adapter can open the valve. In some embodiments, the male luer adapter may include a first set of threads. In some embodiments, the distal end of the distal component may include a second set of threads. In some embodiments, the first set of threads may be oriented in a different direction than the second set of threads. For example, the first set of threads may be left-hand threads, and the second set of threads may be right-hand threads. In this way, in response to movement of the proximal component from the proximal to the distal position by additional threading of the proximal component onto the distal component, the possibility of the distal component unscrewing from the needleless connector can be reduced. In some designs, an outer surface of the distal component may include a first set of threads. In some designs, the third set of threads may be oriented in the same direction as the first set of threads so that the proximal and distal components can be screwed together. For example, the third set of threads may be left-handed. In some forms, an outer surface of the RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ The needleless connector may include a fourth set of threads. In some embodiments, the fourth set of threads may be in the same direction as the second set of threads so that the needleless connector and the distal component can be screwed together. For example, the fourth set of threads may be right-handed. In some modalities, an inner surface of the proximal component may include a first protrusion. In some modalities, an outer surface of the distal component may include a second protrusion and a third protrusion proximal to the second protrusion. In some modalities, in response to movement of the proximal component from the proximal to the distal position, the first protrusion may move proximal to the third protrusion. In some modalities, in response to the proximal component being in the distal position, the first protrusion may be proximal to the second protrusion. In some models, an outer surface of the distal component may include a channel. In some models, the second and third protrusions may be positioned within the channel. In some models, in response to movement of the proximal component from the proximal to the distal position, the first protrusion may move proximally within the channel. RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ canal. In this way, in some modalities, the canal can provide alignment of the proximal component with respect to the distal component. In some models, the proximal component may include a male luer lock, a proximal protrusion extending from the male luer lock, and a distal protrusion extending from the male luer lock. In some models, the male luer lock may extend through the proximal end of the distal component. In some models, an inner surface of the distal component may include another protrusion. In some models, in response to movement of the proximal component from the proximal to the distal position, the proximal protrusion may move distal to the other protrusion. In other models, in response to the proximal component being in the proximal position, the distal protrusion may be distal to the other protrusion, and the proximal protrusion may be proximal to the other protrusion. In some modalities, one method may include activating the ventilation assembly, which may be attached to the needleless connector. In some modalities, activating the ventilation assembly may involve moving the proximal component from the proximal to the distal position, which may open the valve. In some modalities, the method may include priming the catheter assembly after activation. RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ the ventilation assembly, which may allow air removal through a pathway extending through the needleless conductor, the distal component, and the proximal component. In some modalities, the method may include inserting the catheter assembly into a patient's vasculature after priming the catheter assembly. In some modalities, the method may include inserting the catheter assembly into the patient's vasculature and priming the catheter assembly with blood. In some modalities, the catheter assembly may be primed with blood in response to inserting the catheter assembly into the vasculature. In some modalities, after inserting the catheter assembly into the vasculature and priming the catheter assembly with blood, the blood may be flushed into the vasculature. It shall be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentation shown in the figures. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be used, and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a RC! b ίη / ΖΖΠΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ limiting sense. Brief Description of the Figures Illustrative modalities will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the attached figures where: Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an illustrative catheter system, in accordance with some modalities; Figure 2A is an exploded view of an illustrative vent assembly and an illustrative needleless connector, in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 2B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the ventilation assembly and the needleless connector of Figure 2A, in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation assembly coupled to the needleless connector of Figure 2A, in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 3A is an exploded view of another illustrative ventilation assembly and the needleless connector of Figure 2A, in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 3B is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the ventilation assembly of Figure 3A and the needleless connector of Figure 2A, in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the assembly RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ of ventilation of Figure 3A coupled to the needleless connector of Figure 2A, in accordance with some modalities; Figure 4A is an exploded view of another illustrative ventilation assembly and the needleless connector of Figure 2A, in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 4B is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the ventilation assembly of Figure 4A and the needleless connector of Figure 2A, in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation assembly of Figure 4A coupled to the needleless connector of Figure 2A, in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the ventilation assembly of Figure 4A, illustrating an illustrative proximal component in a proximal position, in accordance with some modalities; Figure 4E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the ventilation assembly in Figure 4A, illustrating the proximal component in a distal position, in accordance with some modalities; Figure 5A is an exploded view of another illustrative ventilation assembly and the needleless connector of Figure 2A, in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation assembly of Figure 5A coupled to the needleless connector of Figure 2A, illustrating another proximal component RC! b illustrative ίη / ΖΖΠΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ in the proximal position!, in accordance with some modalities; Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation assembly of Figure 5A coupled to the needleless connector of Figure 2A, illustrating the proximal component in the distal position, in accordance with some modalities; Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the ventilation assembly of Figure 5B, in accordance with some modalities; Figure 5E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the ventilation assembly of Figure 5C, in accordance with some modalities. Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now to Figure 1, in some modalities, a catheter system 10 may include a catheter assembly 12 and a needle assembly 14 coupled to the catheter assembly 12. In some modalities, the needle assembly 14 may include a needle hub 16 and an introducer needle 18. In some modalities, a proximal end of the introducer needle 18 may be secured within the needle hub 16. In some modalities, catheter assembly 12 may include a catheter adapter 20 that may include a distal end 22 and a proximal end 24. In some modalities, the catheter adapter 20 may include a RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ side port 26 disposed between the distal end 22 of the catheter adapter 20 and the proximal end 24 of the catheter adapter 20. In some modalities, the catheter assembly 12 may include an extension tube 28 extending from the side port 26 and / or integrated within the side port 26. In some modalities, an adapter 30, such as, for example, a Y adapter or a T adapter, may be attached to the extension tube 28 at a proximal end of the extension tube 28. In some modalities, catheter assembly 12 may include a catheter 32, which may extend from the distal end 22 of catheter adapter 20 and may be secured within catheter adapter 20. In some modalities, catheter 32 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), a midline catheter, or a peripherally inserted central catheter. In some modalities, the introducer needle 18 can be extended through the catheter 32. In some modalities, in response to the introducer needle 18 and / or catheter 32 being inserted into a patient's vasculature, the introducer needle 18 can be withdrawn proximally from the catheter 32 and removed from the catheter assembly 12. In some modalities, the catheter 32 can remain within the patient's vasculature for blood withdrawal and / or fluid infusion. RC! b ίη / ΖΖΠΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ In some modalities, the catheter system 10 may include one or more needleless connectors 34, which can be attached to a particular port on the adapter 30. In some modalities, the needleless connector 34 may include a MAXZERO™ needleless connector available from Becton, Dickinson & Company of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, or another suitable needleless connector. In some modalities, a cap 36 may be attached to a proximal end of a particular needleless connector 34. In some modalities, the distal end 38 of the needleless connector 34 may be attached to the adapter 30. Referring now to Figures 2A-2C, in some modalities, the needleless connector 34 may include a distal end 38, a proximal end 40, and a valve 42 disposed between the distal end 38 and the needleless connector 34 and the proximal end 40 of the needleless connector 34. In some modalities, the distal end 38 of the needleless connector 34 may be coupled to the catheter assembly 12 (see, for example, Figure 1). In some modalities, the catheter system 10 may include a ventilation assembly 44, which may include a proximal component 46 and a distal component 48. In some modalities, the proximal component 46 may include a male luer adapter 50, which may include a male luer 52. In some modalities, the proximal component 46 may RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ include a vent membrane 54, which may be permeable to air but not liquid. In some embodiments, the vent membrane 54 may be disposed at a proximal end 56 of the proximal component 46. In some embodiments, a fluid path may extend through the male luer 52 and may terminate at the vent membrane 54, which may be aligned with the male luer 52. In some modalities, the distal component 48 may include a distal end 58, which can be coupled to the proximal end 40 of the needleless connector 34. In some modalities, the distal component 48 may include a proximal end 60 coupled to the male luer adapter 50. In some modalities, in response to movement of the proximal component 46 from a proximal to a distal position relative to the distal component 48, the male luer 52 of the male luer adapter 50 can open the valve 42, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 2C. In some embodiments, the male luer adapter 50 may include a first set of threads 62. In some embodiments, the distal end of the distal component 48 may include a second set of threads 64. In some embodiments, the first set of threads 62 may be arranged in a different direction than the second set of threads 64. For example, the first set of threads 62 may be left-hand threads, and the second set of threads 64 RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ can be right-hand threads. In this way, in response to movement of the proximal component 46 from the proximal position to the distal position by threading the proximal component 46 further onto the distal component 48, the probability of the distal component 48 becoming stuck in the needleless connector 34 while attempting to unscrew the vent assembly 44 from the needleless connector 34 can be reduced. In this way, the first set of threads 62 and the second set of threads 64 in different directions can allow easy decoupling of the vent assembly 44 from the needleless connector 34. In some designs, an outer surface of the distal component 48 may include a third thread set 66. In some designs, the third thread set 66 may be oriented in the same direction as the first thread set 62 so that the proximal component 46 and the distal component 48 can be screwed together. For example, the third thread set 66 may be left-handed. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the needleless connector 34 may include a fourth threaded assembly 68. In some embodiments, the fourth threaded assembly 68 may be oriented in the same direction as the second threaded assembly 64 so that the needleless connector 34 and the distal component 48 can be screwed together. For example, the fourth threaded assembly 68 may be right-handed. RC! b ίη / ΖΖΠΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ In some modalities, a method may include activating the ventilation assembly 44, which can be attached to the needleless connector 34. In some modalities, activating the ventilation assembly 44 may include moving the proximal component 46 from the proximal or distal position, which can open the valve 42. In some modalities, the valve 42 may include an accordion valve or any other type of valve. In some modalities, a blunt cannula 69 may extend through the valve 42 and may include one or more flow holes, so that air can be removed through the pathway extending through the needleless connector 34, the distal component 48, and the proximal component 46. In some modalities, the method may include priming the catheter assembly 12 after activating the ventilation assembly 44, which can remove air from the catheter assembly 12 that may be harmful to a patient. In some modalities, the catheter assembly 12 may be primed with a priming solution such as saline. In some modalities, the method may include inserting the catheter assembly 12 into the patient's vasculature after priming the catheter assembly 12. In some modalities, the method may include priming catheter assembly 12 with blood after activating ventilation assembly 44, which can remove air from the RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ Catheter assembly 12 that may be harmful to a patient. In some modalities, catheter assembly 12 may be inserted into the patient's vasculature and blood may be allowed to fill catheter assembly 12 to vent air through ventilation assembly 44. In some modalities, the blood filled in catheter assembly 12 may be flushed into the patient's vasculature with a flushing solution, e.g., saline solution. In these modalities, catheter assembly 12 and one or more of the following may be filled with blood during priming of catheter assembly 12: extension tube 28 (see Figure 1), adapter 30 (see Figure 1), needleless connector 34, distal component 48, and proximal component 36. In some modalities, after inserting catheter assembly 12 into the vasculature and priming the catheter assembly and one or more of the following with blood: extension tube 28 (see Figure 1), adapter 30 (see Figure 1), needleless connector 34, distal component 48, and proximal component 46, the blood may be flushed from the vasculature using the flushing solution. In some modalities, a flushing device may be attached to proximal component 46 to flush the blood from the vasculature. Referring now to Figures 3A-3B, in some embodiments, the first set of threads 62 can be arranged in the same direction as the second set of RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ thread 64. In some embodiments, the first threaded assembly 62 and the third threaded assembly 66 can be permanently locked and / or locked with a force greater than the unscrewing force between the distal component 48 and the needleless connector 34 when the proximal component 46 is in the distal position. In this way, in response to movement of the proximal component 46 from the distal position (in which the valve 42 can be opened) to the proximal position by unscrewing the proximal component 46 until the needleless connector 34 is disengaged, the probability of the distal component 48 becoming stuck to the needleless connector 34 while attempting to unscrew the ventilation assembly 44 from the needleless connector 34 can be reduced. Referring now to Figures 4A-4E, in some modalities, an inner surface of the proximal component 46 may include a first protrusion 70. In some modalities, an outer surface of the distal component 48 may include a second protrusion 72 and a third protrusion 74 distal to the second protrusion 72. In some modalities, in response to movement of the proximal component 46 from the proximal to the distal position, the first protrusion 70 may move distal to the third protrusion 74. In some modalities, in response to the proximal component 46 being in the distal position, the first protrusion 70 may be distal to the RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ second protuberance 72 and between the second protuberance 72 and the third protuberance 74. In some modalities, the proximal component 46 can be press-fitted to the distal component 48 in response to the first protuberance 70 moving distal to the second protuberance 72. In some modalities, an outer surface of the distal component 48 may include a channel 76. In some modalities, the second protrusion 72 and the third protrusion 74 may be positioned within channel 76. In some modalities, in response to movement of the proximal component from the proximal to the distal position, the first protrusion 70 may move distally within channel 76. In this way, in some modalities, channel 76 may provide alignment of the proximal component 46 with respect to the distal component 48. In some modalities, one or more of the first protuberance 70, the second protuberance 72, and the third protuberance 74 may be annular. In some modalities, the proximal component 46 may include at least two of the first protuberances 70. In some modalities, the distal component 48 may include at least two of the second protuberances 72 and / or at least two of the third protuberances 74. In some modalities, the distal component 48 may include at least two of the canals 76. RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ In some modalities, one or more of the following may be opposed to each other: two of the first protuberances 70, two of the second protuberances 72, two of the third protuberances 74, and two of the channels 76. In some modalities, the distal component 48 may be monolithically formed as a single unit. In some modalities, the proximal component 46 may be monolithically formed as a single unit. Referring now to Figures 5A-5E, in some modalities, the proximal component 46 may include a male luer 78, a proximal protrusion 80 extending from the male luer 78, and a distal protrusion 82 extending from the male luer 78. In some modalities, the male luer 78 may extend through the proximal end 60 of the distal component 48. In some modalities, an inner surface of the distal component 48 may include another protrusion 84. In some modalities, in response to movement of the proximal component from the proximal to the distal position, the proximal protrusion 80 may move distal to the other protrusion 84. In some modalities, in response to the proximal component 46 being in the proximal position, the distal protrusion 82 may be distal to the other protrusion 84, and the proximal protrusion 80 may be proximal to the other protrusion 84. RC! b ίη / ΖΖΠΖ / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ In some modalities, one or more of the proximal protuberance 80, the distal protuberance 82, and the other protuberance 84 may be annular. In some modalities, the proximal component 46 may include at least two of the proximal protuberances 80 and / or at least two of the distal protuberances 82. In some modalities, the distal component 48 may include at least two of the other protuberances 84. In some modalities, one or more of the following may be opposite each other: two of the proximal protuberances 80, two of the distal protuberances 82, and two of the other protuberances 84. In some modalities, an outside diameter of the proximal component 46 in the distal protrusion 82 and the proximal protrusion 80 may be larger than an inside diameter of the distal component 48 in the other protrusion 84, so that the distal protrusion 82 and the proximal protrusion 80 can be configured to be slightly compressed past the other protrusion 84. In some modalities, the distal protrusion 82 and the proximal protrusion 80 can be configured to be press-fit past the other protrusion 74, which may increase the difficulty of removing the proximal component 46 from the distal component 48 and / or moving the proximal component 46 from the distal position (in which the valve 42 can be opened) to the proximal position. In some RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ modalities, the proximal protuberance 80 can come into contact with the other protuberance 84 in response to the proximal component 46 being in the distal position. In some modalities, activating a ventilation assembly, which includes the distal component 48 and the proximal component 46, coupled to the needleless connector 34, may involve moving the proximal component 46 from the proximal to the distal position. In some modalities, in response to the movement of the proximal component 46 from the proximal to the distal position, the proximal protrusion may move distal to the other protrusion 84. All examples and conditional language mentioned herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to assist the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the technique, and are to be interpreted as being without limitation to such examples and conditions specifically mentioned. Although embodiments of the present inventions may have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A catheter system, characterized in that it comprises: a needleless connector, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a valve disposed between the distal end and the needleless connector and the proximal end of the needleless connector; a venting assembly, comprising: a proximal component, comprising a male luer adapter comprising a male luer; and a distal component, comprising: a distal end coupled to the proximal end of the needleless connector; and a proximal end coupled to the male luer adapter, wherein the proximal component is movable between a proximal position and a distal position with respect to the distal component, wherein, in response to movement of the proximal component from the proximal position to the distal position, the male luer of the male luer adapter opens the valve. 2.- The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that the male luer adapter comprises a first set of threads, wherein the distal end of the distal component comprises a second set of threads, wherein the first set of threads is in a different direction from the second set of threads.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first set of threads are left-hand threads, wherein the second set of threads are right-hand threads.

4. The catheter system according to claim 3, characterized in that an outer surface of the distal component comprises a third set of threads, wherein the third set of threads is left-handed.

5. The catheter system according to claim 4, characterized in that an outer surface of the waterless connector comprises a fourth set of threads, wherein the fourth set of threads is right-handed.

6. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that an inner surface of the proximal component comprises a first protrusion wherein an outer surface of the distal component comprises a second protrusion and a third protrusion distal to the second protrusion, wherein in response to movement of the proximal component from the proximal position to the distal position, the first protrusion moves distal to the third protrusion. 7.- The catheter system according to claim 6, characterized in that in response to the proximal component being in the distal position, the first protrusion is distal to the second protrusion.

8. The catheter system according to claim 7, characterized in that an outer surface of the distal component further comprises a channel, wherein the second protrusion and the third protrusion are disposed within the channel, wherein in response to the movement of the proximal component from the proximal position to the distal position, the first protrusion moves distally within the channel.

9. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that the male luer adapter comprises a first set of threads, wherein the distal end of the distal component comprises a second set of threads, wherein the first set of threads is in the same direction as the second set of threads. RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ 10. A catheter system, characterized in that it comprises: a needleless connector, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a valve disposed between the distal end of the needleless connector and the proximal end of the needleless connector; a venting assembly, comprising: a proximal component, comprising a male luer, a proximal protrusion extending from the male luer, and a distal protrusion extending from the male luer; and a distal component, comprising: a distal end coupled to the proximal end of the needleless connector; a proximal end, wherein the male luer extends through the proximal end of the distal component; and an inner surface comprising another protrusion;wherein the proximal component can move between a proximal position and a distal position with respect to the distal component, wherein, in response to movement of the proximal component from the proximal position to the distal position, the proximal protuberance moves distal to the other protuberance. 11.- The catheter system in accordance with RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ claim 10, characterized in that in response to the proximal component being in the proximal position, the distal protrusion is distal to the other protrusion and the proximal protrusion is proximal to the other protrusion.

12. The catheter system according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a catheter assembly coupled to the distal end of the needleless connector, wherein the catheter assembly comprises: a catheter adapter, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a side port; an extension tube extending from the side port; an adapter coupled to the extension tube, wherein the distal end of the needleless connector is coupled to the adapter; and a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter.

13. A method, characterized in that it comprises: activating a ventilation assembly coupled to a needleless connector, wherein the needleless connector is coupled to a catheter assembly, wherein the needleless connector comprises a distal end, a proximal end, and a valve disposed between the distal end of the needleless connector and the proximal end of the needleless connector, wherein the ventilation assembly comprises: a proximal component, comprising a male luer adapter comprising a male luer; and a distal component, comprising: a distal end coupled to the proximal end of the needleless connector;and a proximal end coupled to the male luer adapter, wherein the proximal component can be moved between a proximal position and a distal position with respect to the distal component, wherein activating the ventilation assembly comprises moving the proximal component from the proximal position to the distal position, wherein, in response to moving the proximal component from the proximal position to the distal position, the male luer of the male luer adapter opens the valve; inserting the catheter assembly into a patient's vasculature and priming the catheter assembly with blood; and flushing the blood into the vasculature.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the male luer adapter comprises a first set of threads, wherein the distal end of the distal component comprises a second set of threads, wherein the first set of threads is in a different direction from the second set of threads. 15.- The method in conformity with claim RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YΙΛΙ 13, characterized in that the first set of threads are left-hand threads, wherein the second set of threads are right-hand threads.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that an outer surface of the distal component comprises a third set of threads, wherein the third set of threads is left-handed. 17.- The method in accordance with claim 16, characterized in that an outer surface of the needleless connector comprises a fourth set of threads, wherein the fourth set of threads is on the right.

18. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that an inner surface of the proximal component comprises a first protrusion, wherein an outer surface of the distal component comprises a second protrusion and a third protrusion proximal to the second protrusion, wherein, in response to the movement of the proximal component from the proximal position to the distal position, the first protrusion moves proximal to the third protrusion.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, in response to the proximal component being in the distal position, the first protrusion is proximal to the second protrusion.

20. The method according to claim RC ! b ίη / ZZΖΠZ / E / YILI 13, characterized in that the proximal component comprises a proximal protrusion extending from the male luer and a distal protrusion extending from the male luer, wherein an inner surface of the distal component comprises another protrusion, wherein activating the ventilation assembly coupled to the needleless connector comprises moving the proximal component from a proximal position to a distal position, wherein, in response to the movement of the proximal component from the proximal position to the distal position, the proximal protrusion moves distal to the other protrusion.

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