DEVICES AND SYSTEMS TO REDUCE PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF NEEDLE SAFETY

Abstract

The present invention relates to a catheter system (10) comprising a catheter assembly (12), which includes a catheter adapter (14) and a catheter (22) extending from the catheter adapter. The catheter system includes a needle assembly (24), which includes a cylinder (36), a needle hub (26) slidably disposed within the cylinder, and an introducer needle (28) secured within the needle hub and extending through the catheter. The needle assembly includes a stop surface coupled to the cylinder and an activation latch (40) that slides from a first position to a second position relative to the cylinder. When the activation latch is in the first position, the stop surface may contact the activation latch, preventing depression of the activation latch.In response to the sliding of the trigger latch from the first position to the second position, the stop surface might not be in contact with the trigger latch, which could then be pressed.

Description

DEVICES AND SYSTEMS TO REDUCE PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF NEEDLE SAFETY i¡ ccnn / zznz / E / YiAi Field of Invention Intravenous catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, intravenous catheters can be used to infuse fluids, such as normal saline, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition, into a patient. Intravenous catheters can also be used to draw blood from the patient. Background of the Invention Intravenous catheters may include over-the-needle catheters, which can be mounted on an introducer needle with a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip can be used to pierce the patient's skin and vein. Insertion of the catheter into a vein follows the vein's perforation by the introducer needle. The introducer needle and catheter can be inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vein with the bevel of the needle facing upward and away from the patient's skin. To verify proper placement of the introducer needle and / or catheter in the vein, a user typically confirms that there is blood flow back, which may be visible to the user. More specifically, the needle Ref. 333912 The introducer needle may include a notch located toward its distal end. In response to the position of the distal tip of the introducer needle within the vein, blood may flow proximally through the needle lumen, exit the needle lumen through the notch, and then migrate proximally between an outer surface of the introducer needle and an inner surface of the catheter. Consequently, when the catheter is at least partially transparent, the user may visualize a small amount of backflow blood, thus confirming catheter placement within the vein. The presence of an indicator of vein entry, such as backflow blood, can facilitate successful catheter placement.Once the placement of the introducer needle within the vein has been confirmed, the user can temporarily occlude the flow in the vein and remove the introducer needle, leaving the catheter in place for future blood and / or fluid infusion. A needle safety mechanism can protect the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle when the introducer needle is withdrawn from the patient, preventing accidental needlestick injuries. In some systems, a needle hub and the introducer needle may be slidably arranged in a cylinder with the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle initially extending beyond one distal end of the cylinder. A spring may be located between the needle hub and the distal end of the cylinder. A latch is used to hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the cylinder, so that the sharp distal tip of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the cylinder. After the introducer needle and catheter have been successfully inserted into the patient's vein, the latch can be engaged, allowing the spring to force the needle hub toward the proximal end of the cylinder.As a result, the sharp distal tip of the needle is inserted into the cylinder out of the user's reach. Since the device is spring-loaded, moving the latch will allow the spring to retract the needle into the cylinder. Unfortunately, in some circumstances, the user may inadvertently press the latch before the catheter is properly positioned in the patient's vein. The related issue claimed herein is not limited to modalities that resolve a disadvantage or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate an example technology area where some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. Brief Description of the Invention This description relates, in general, to devices, systems, and methods for reducing premature needle safety activation. In some modalities, a catheter system may include a catheter assembly. In some modalities, the catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some modalities, the catheter assembly may include a catheter, which may extend from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some designs, the catheter system may include a needle assembly, which may include a needle hub and an introducer needle. In some designs, the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub and extend through the catheter. In some designs, the needle assembly may include a cylinder, which may have a distal and a proximal end. In some designs, the needle hub may be slidably arranged within the cylindrical body, which is typically hollow. In some designs, the needle assembly may include a spring arranged around the introducer needle. In some models, the needle assembly may include an activation latch, which may have upper and lower portions. In some models, the activation latch may be adapted for selective engagement with the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the barrel against the spring load, so that the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the barrel and through the catheter. In some models, the activation latch may include a projection, which may be disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter to prevent movement of the activation latch when the catheter adapter is adjacent to the distal end of the barrel. In some models, the projection is disposed adjacent to the lower portion of the activation latch. In some models, the needle assembly may include a cover, which can be attached to the distal end of the barrel. In some models, the cover may extend proximally over at least part of the top of the trigger latch to prevent premature depression of the trigger latch. In some models, the proximal end of the cover may not be supported by the barrel. In some models, the barrel may support the proximal end of the cover. For example, one or more sides of the proximal end of the cover may be in contact with the barrel. In some models, the needle assembly may include a stop surface that can be engaged with the cylinder. In some models, the activation latch can slide from a first position to a second position relative to the cylinder. For example, the activation latch can slide from a distal position to a proximal position relative to the cylinder. In some models, when the trigger latch is in the distal position, the stop surface may make contact with the trigger latch, preventing it from pressing down. In other models, when the trigger latch slides from the distal to the proximal position, the stop surface may not make contact with the trigger latch, and the trigger latch may be set to press down. In some models, a proximal end of the top of the activation latch may include a raised surface configured to make contact with a user's finger when the finger slides the activation latch from the distal to the proximal position. In some models, the top of the activation latch may include one or more grooves, which may be arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter. In some models, the grooves may be configured to contact the user's finger when the finger slides the activation latch from the distal to the proximal position. ccnn / zznz / E / YiAi In some designs, when the activation latch is in the distal position, the stop surface may contact the projection, preventing the activation latch from being depressed. In some designs, when the activation latch slides from the distal to the proximal position, the stop surface may not contact the projection, and the activation latch is configured to press. In some designs, the stop surface may be located within the proximal end of the catheter adapter, between the projection and the catheter adapter. In some designs, an internal surface of the cylinder may include a groove configured to receive the underside of the activation latch and the projection when the activation latch slides from the distal to the proximal position. In some models, a lower surface on the upper part of the activation latch may include a protrusion. In some models, the stop surface may include another protrusion, which may extend outward from the cylinder. In some models, in response to the activation latch being in the distal position, the protrusion and the other protrusion may align. In some models, in response to the activation latch sliding from the distal to the proximal position, the protrusion may slide close to the other protrusion, and the activation latch may be set to engage. In some models, the activation latch can slide from the proximal to the distal position. In some models, when the activation latch is in the proximal position, the stop surface may contact the activation latch, preventing it from being depressed. In some models, when the activation latch slides from the proximal to the distal position, the stop surface may not contact the activation latch, and the activation latch may be set to be pressed. In some models, a distal end of the top of the activation latch may include a raised surface, which may be configured to make contact with a finger when the finger slides the activation latch from the proximal to the distal position. In some models, the top of the activation latch may include grooves, which are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. In some models, the grooves may be configured to make contact with the user's finger when the finger slides the activation latch from the proximal to the distal position. In some models, the underside of the trigger latch may include a stepped surface. In some models, when the trigger latch is in the proximal position, the stop surface may engage with the stepped surface, preventing the trigger latch from being depressed. In some models, when the trigger latch slides from the proximal to the distal position, the stop surface may not make contact with the stepped surface, and the trigger latch may be set to be pressed. In some models, a protrusion may be located on the underside of the top of the trigger latch. In some models, the stop surface may also include a protrusion, which may extend outward from the cylinder. In some models, when the trigger latch is in the proximal position, the protrusion on the underside and the protrusion on the stop surface may align. In some models, when the trigger latch slides from the proximal to the distal position, the protrusion may slide distally to the protrusion on the underside, and the trigger latch may be set to engage. it ccnn / zznz / E / YiAi It should be understood that both the preceding 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 instruments 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 may be made, unless otherwise claimed, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description should therefore not be taken in a limiting sense. Brief Description of the Figures The example modalities will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying figures. Figure 1A is a side view of an example catheter system, illustrating an example catheter adapter advanced distally with respect to an example needle shaft, according to some modalities; Figure IB is a front view of an example roof, according to some modalities; Figure 1C is a rear view of the cover of Figure IB, according to some modalities; Figure ID is a top perspective view of the i¡ ccnn / zznz / E / YiAi catheter system in an insertion configuration ready for insertion into a patient's vasculature, according to some modalities; Figure 1E is a top perspective view of the catheter system in Figure 1A, illustrating the catheter adapter advanced distally with respect to the needle hub, according to some modalities; Figure 1F is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of Figure 1A in the insertion configuration, according to some modalities; Figure 1G is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system in Figure 1A, illustrating the catheter adapter advanced distally with respect to the needle hub, the cover removed, and an example spring activated, according to some modalities; Figure 2A is a side view of the catheter system of Figure 1A in the insertion configuration, illustrating another example cover, according to some modalities; Figure 2B is a front view of the cover of Figure 2A, according to some modalities; Figure 2C is a rear view of the cover of Figure 2A, according to some modalities; Figure 2D is a top perspective view of the catheter system of Figure 1A, according to some i / ccnn / zznz / E / YiAi modalities; Figure 2E is a top perspective view of the catheter system in Figure 1A, illustrating the catheter adapter advanced distally with respect to the needle hub, according to some modalities; Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of another example catheter system, illustrating an example trigger latch in a distal position, according to some modalities; Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system in Figure 3A, according to some modalities; Figure 3C is another cross-sectional view of the catheter system in Figure 3A, according to some modalities; Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system in Figure 3A, illustrating an example of the top of the activation latch, according to some modalities; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system in Figure 3A, illustrating another example of the top of the activation latch, according to some modalities; Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of another example catheter system, illustrating an example trigger latch in a proximal position, according to some modalities; Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system in Figure 5A, according to some modalities; Figure 5C is another cross-sectional view of the catheter system in Figure 5A, according to some modalities; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system in Figure 5A, illustrating an example of the top of the activation latch, according to some modalities. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference now to Figures 1A-1G, in some modalities, a catheter system 10 may include a catheter assembly 12. In some modalities, the catheter assembly 12 may include a catheter adapter 14, which may include a distal end 16, a proximal end 18, and a lumen 20 extending through the distal end 16 and the proximal end 18. In some modalities, the catheter assembly 12 may include a catheter 22, which may extend from the distal end 16 of the catheter adapter 14. In some modalities, the catheter 22 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC), a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), or a midline catheter. In some modalities, the catheter 22 may be secured within the catheter adapter by a wedge or other suitable means. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle assembly 24, which may include a needle connector 26 and an introducer needle 28, which may be secured within the needle connector 26 and may extend through the catheter 22. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 28 may include a tapered distal tip 30 and a proximal end 32. In some embodiments, the proximal end 32 may be secured within the hub of the needle 26. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 28 may include a backsweep notch, which may allow the user to visualize blood backflow between an outer surface of the introducer needle 28 and an inner surface of the catheter 22. Additionally or alternatively, the user may visualize blood backflow within a cavity in the proximal end 32 of the introducer needle 28.In some modalities, the user's visualization of blood backflow may indicate to the user the presence of the introducer needle 28 in a patient's vasculature. In some modalities, a septum 34 may be disposed within the lumen 20 of the catheter adapter 14. In some modalities, the septum 34 may divide the lumen 20 of the catheter adapter 14 into a distal chamber and a proximal chamber. In some modalities, a septum actuator 35 may be configured to open the septum 34 in response to the insertion of a medical device, such as an infusion device or a blood collection device, into the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14 after removal of the needle assembly 24. In some models, the needle assembly 24 may include a needle lock, which may include a cylinder 36, a spring 38, an activation latch 40, and a projection 42. In some models, the cylinder 36 may include a distal end 44 and a proximal end 46. In some models, the needle hub 26 may be slidably arranged within the cylinder 36, which is typically hollow. In some models, the spring 38 may be arranged around the introducer needle 28 and / or between the needle hub 26 and the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may include an upper portion 48 and a lower portion 50. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may be movably mounted adjacent to the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may be adapted for selective engagement with the needle hub 26 to clamp the needle hub 26 adjacent to the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36 against the spring load 38, so that the introducer needle 28 extends beyond the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36 and through the catheter 22. In some modalities, projection 42 may be arranged within the proximal end 18 of catheter adapter 14 to prevent movement of the activation latch 40 when the catheter adapter 14 is adjacent to the distal end 44 of cylinder 36. In some modalities, projection 42 is arranged next to the lower portion 50 of activation latch 40. In some modalities, projection 42 may extend from activation latch 40 to engage with catheter adapter 14 to prevent movement of activation latch 40 when catheter adapter 14 is adjacent to the distal end 44 of cylinder 36, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 1F. In some modalities, projection 42 may extend toward the distal end 16 of catheter adapter 14. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may extend into the cylinder 36 through a groove 52, which may be formed in the cylinder 36 adjacent to the distal end 44. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 may include an opening 54, and the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36 may include an opening 56. In some embodiments, the opening 54 and the opening 56 may allow the introducer needle 28 and the needle hub 26 to extend through the activation latch 40 and the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36. In some embodiments, when the activation latch 40 is raised in an unactivated position, the projection 42 and / or an edge of the opening 56 may engage with the needle hub 26 and hold the needle hub 26 adjacent to the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36 against the force spring 38.In some versions, the hub of needle 26 may include a generally hourglass shape, such that its middle portion has a smaller diameter than either end. This shape may facilitate coupling between projection 42 and / or an edge of aperture 56 and the hub of needle 26. In some modalities, when the activation latch 40 is in the unattached position, the projection 42 may be located within the catheter adapter 14. Therefore, when the catheter 22 is still located in the introducer needle 28 with the catheter adapter 14 adjacent to the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36, the projection 42 may prevent the activation latch 40 from moving down to an activated position. In some modalities, the length of projection 42 may vary. In some modalities, a projection length of 42 may be long enough for projection 42 to engage with catheter adapter 14 when catheter adapter 14 is adjacent to the distal end 44 of cylinder 36. In some modalities, the projection length of 42 may not be long enough to interfere with the use of catheter 22 and introducer needle 28. In some modalities, when catheter 22 is withdrawn from the introducer needle 28, so that catheter adapter 14 is no longer adjacent to the distal end 44 of cylinder 36, the activation latch 40 can be moved downward, i.e., activated, because catheter adapter 14 no longer interferes with the movement of projection 42. In this position, projection 42 and / or an edge of the opening 56 can no longer engage the needle hub 26. In some modalities, when activation latch 40 is activated, the diameter of the opening 56 may increase. In some modalities, when activation latch 40 is activated, the opening 54 and the opening 56 may be larger than the maximum diameter of the needle hub 26.In some modalities, the spring 38 can force the needle hub 26 toward the proximal end 46 of the cylinder 36 and withdraw the sharp distal tip 30 of the introducer needle 28 into the cylinder 36, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 1G. In some modalities, the needle assembly 24 may include a cover 58, which can be coupled to the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36. In some modalities, the cover 58 may extend proximally over at least a portion of the upper portion 48 of the activation latch 40 to prevent premature depression of the activation latch 40. In some modalities, the cover 58 may include a distal end 60 and a proximal end 62. In some modalities, the cover 58 may include one or more sidewalls 64, which can extend proximally from the distal end 60 of the cover 58. In some modalities, the sidewalls 64 can be coupled to the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36 in a pressurized or snap-fit ​​setting. In some modalities, the cover 58 can be snug-fitted onto the distal end 44 of the cylinder 36. In some modalities, the distal end 60 of the cover 58 may include an opening 66, which may extend from a lower edge of the distal end 60. In some modalities, the needle hub 26 may extend through the opening 66, which may generally be U-shaped. In some modalities, the opening 66 may facilitate the removal of the cover 58, which may be lifted upward from the cylinder 36. In some modalities, the proximal end 62 of the cover 58 may not be supported by the cylinder 36. In some modalities, the proximal end 62 of the cover 58 may not be in contact with the cylinder 36 and / or the trigger latch 40. In some modalities, the proximal end 62 may be curved in a proximal direction to form a general J-shape or a general L-shape, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 1A. Figures 1A and 1E illustrate the distal advancement of catheter adapter 14 relative to cylinder 36 before activation of the activation latch 40. In some modalities, the user can distally advance catheter adapter 14 once blood return is observed. In some modalities, after catheter adapter 14 is advanced distally, the user can remove cover 58 and press activation latch 40, which retracts introducer needle 28 into cylinder 36, where the introducer needle 28 is fully encapsulated. With reference now to Figures 2A-2E, in some embodiments, one or more sides 67 of the cylinder 36 can support the proximal end 62 of the cover 58. For example, one or more of the sides 67 of the cylinder 36 can contact the proximal end 62 of the cover 58. With reference to Figures 3A-3B, a catheter system 70 is illustrated according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 70 may be similar or identical to the catheter system 10 discussed in Figures 1A-2C in terms of one or more components and / or operation. In some embodiments, a needle assembly 24 may include a stop surface 72, which can be engaged with the cylinder 36. In some embodiments, the activation latch 40 can slide from a first position to a second position relative to the cylinder 36. As illustrated in Figure 3A, in some modes, the activation latch 40 can slide from a distal to a proximal position relative to the cylinder 36. Figure 3A illustrates the activation latch 40 in the distal and unactivated positions. In some modes, in response to the activation latch 40 being in the distal position, the stop surface 72 can make contact with the activation latch 40, preventing its depression. In some modalities, in response to the sliding of the activation latch from the distal to the proximal position, the stop surface 72 may not be in contact with the activation latch 40 and the activation latch 40 is set to press. In some modalities, in response to the activation latch 40 being in the distal position, the stop surface 72 may make contact with the projection 42, and depression of the activation latch 40 may be prevented. In some modalities, in response to the sliding of the activation latch 40 from the distal to the proximal position, the stop surface 72 may not make contact with the projection, and the activation latch is configured to be pressed. In some modalities, the stop surface 72 may be disposed within the proximal end 62 of the catheter adapter 14 between the projection 42 and the catheter adapter 14. In some modalities, an internal surface 74 of the cylinder 36 may include a groove 76 configured to receive the lower portion of the activation latch 40 and the projection 42 in response to the sliding of the activation latch 40 from the distal to the proximal position. In some modalities, to press the activation latch 40, the activation latch 40 can be withdrawn from the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14 and the projection 42 can be moved proximally to the stop surface 72. In some modalities, the distance between a portion of the activation latch 40 that contacts the groove 52 can be greater than or equal to the length of the stop surface that contacts the projection 42 and / or the length of the projection 42. As illustrated in Figure 3B, in some embodiments, a lower surface 78 of the upper portion 48 of the activation latch 40 may include a protrusion 80. In some embodiments, the stop surface 72 may include another protrusion 82, which may extend outward from the cylinder 36. In some embodiments, in response to the activation latch 40 being in the distal position, the protrusion 80 and the other protrusion 82 may align, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 3B. In some embodiments, in response to the sliding of the activation latch 40 from the distal to the proximal position, the protrusion 80 may slide close to the other protrusion 82, and the activation latch 40 may be set to press.In some modalities, the distance between a proximal end of the upper part 48 it ccnn / zznz / E / YiAi of the activation latch 40 and a proximal end of the slot 52 may be greater than or equal to the length of the protrusion 80. With reference to Figure 3C, in some embodiments, the upper portion 48 of the activation latch 40 can be configured to move independently of the lower portion 50 of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, the upper portion 48 can be a separate element from the lower portion 50. In these embodiments, the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 can be keyed to each other in a sliding manner. For example, the upper portion 48 can include one or more sliding protrusions within one or more grooves in the lower portion 50, or the lower portion 50 can include one or more sliding protrusions within one or more grooves in the upper portion 48. In some embodiments, the protrusions and grooves can generally be parallel to a longitudinal or central axis of the catheter system 70. In some embodiments, the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 may be integrally formed or monolithically formed as a single unit. In these embodiments, the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 may be connected by a flexible joint, which may allow independent movement of the upper portion 48 relative to the lower portion 50. For example, the upper portion 48 may be configured to move horizontally, generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system 70, while the lower portion 50 is stationary. In some embodiments, the lower portion 50 may be configured to move vertically or downward only in response to the upper portion 48 moving vertically or downward. In some embodiments, the upper portion 48 and / or the lower portion 50 may be supported by the cylinder 36. In some modalities, the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 may come together and / or make contact in response to the upper portion 48 sliding from the activation latch 40 from a distal to a proximal position in the horizontal direction. In some modalities, in response to the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 coming together and the projection 42 being withdrawn from the catheter adapter 14, the upper and lower portions 50 may be configured to press simultaneously, allowing the introducer needle 28 to be retracted into the cylinder 36. With reference now to Figure 4A, in some modalities, a proximal end of the upper portion 48 of the activation latch 40 may include a raised surface 84 configured to contact a user's finger when the finger slides the activation latch 40 from the distal position to the proximal position. With reference now to Figure 4B, in some modalities, the top of the activation latch may include one or more slots 86, which may be arranged generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter 22. In some modalities, the slots 86 may be configured to contact the user's finger when the finger slides the activation latch from the distal to the proximal position. With reference to Figures 5A-5B, a catheter system 90 is illustrated, according to certain modalities. In some modalities, the catheter system 90 may be similar or identical to the catheter system 70 described with respect to Figures 3A-4B and / or the catheter system 10 described with respect to Figures 1A-2C in terms of one or more components and / or operation. In some modalities, the activation latch 40 can slide from a proximal to a distal position. As illustrated in Figures 5A-5B, in some modalities, in response to the activation latch 40 being in the proximal position, a stop surface 72 can make contact with the activation latch 40, and depression of the activation latch 40 can be prevented.In some modalities, in response to the sliding of the activation latch 40 from the proximal to the distal position, the stop surface 72 may not make contact with the activation latch 40 and the activation latch 40 may be set to press. ccnn / zznz / E / YiAi As illustrated in Figure 5A, in some modalities, the lower portion 50 of the activation latch 40 may include a stepped surface 92. In some modalities, in response to the activation latch 40 being in the proximal position, the stop surface 72 may engage with the stepped surface 92, preventing the activation latch 40 from being depressed. In some modalities, in response to the activation latch 40 sliding from the proximal to the distal position, the stop surface 72 may not contact the stepped surface 92, and the activation latch 40 may be configured to press. In some modalities, to press the activation latch 40, the activation latch 40 may be removed from the proximal end 18 of the catheter adapter 14, and the projection 42 may be moved proximally to the stop surface 72. As illustrated in Figure 5B, in some modalities, the lower surface 78 of the upper portion 48 of the activation latch 40 may include a protrusion 94. In some modalities, the stop surface 72 may include another protrusion 96, which may extend outward from the cylinder 36. In some modalities, in response to the activation latch 40 being in the proximal position, the protrusion 94 of the lower surface 78 and the other protrusion 96 of the stop surface 72 may align. it ccnn / zznz / E / YiAi In some modalities, in response to the sliding of the activation latch 40 from the proximal to the distal position, the protrusion 94 of the activation latch 40 can slide distal to the other protrusion 96, and the activation latch 40 can be configured to be pressed. With reference to Figure 5C, in some embodiments, the upper portion 48 of the activation latch 40 can be configured to move independently of the lower portion 50 of the activation latch 40. In some embodiments, the upper portion 48 can be a separate element from the lower portion 50. In these embodiments, the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 can be keyed to each other in a sliding manner. For example, the upper portion 48 can include one or more sliding protrusions within one or more grooves in the lower portion 50, or the lower portion 50 can include one or more sliding protrusions within one or more grooves in the upper portion 48. In some embodiments, the protrusions and grooves can generally be parallel to a longitudinal or central axis of the catheter system 70. In some embodiments, the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 may be integrally formed or monolithically formed as a single unit. In these embodiments, the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 may be connected by a flexible joint, which may allow independent movement of the upper portion 48 relative to the lower portion 50. For example, the upper portion 48 may be configured to move horizontally, generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system 70, while the lower portion 50 is stationary. In some embodiments, the lower portion 50 may be configured to move vertically or downward only in response to the upper portion 48 moving vertically or downward. In some embodiments, the upper portion 48 and / or the lower portion 50 may be supported by the cylinder 36. In some modalities, the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 may come together and / or make contact in response to the upper portion 48 sliding from the activation latch 40 from a proximal to a distal position in the horizontal direction. In some modalities, in response to the upper portion 48 and the lower portion 50 coming together and the projection 42 being withdrawn from the catheter adapter 14, the upper and lower portions 50 may be configured to press simultaneously, allowing the introducer needle 28 to be retracted into the cylinder 36. With reference to Figure 6, in some modalities, a distal end of the upper portion 48 of the activation latch 40 may include a raised surface 98, which may be configured to make contact with a finger when the finger slides the activation latch 40 from the proximal to the distal position. In some modalities, the upper portion 48 of the activation latch 40 may include slots 86, which may generally be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter 22. In some modalities, the slots 86 may be configured to make contact with the user's finger when the finger slides the activation latch from the proximal to the distal position. All examples and conditional language mentioned herein are for pedagogical purposes to assist the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to advance the art, and should be interpreted without limitation to such examples and conditions specifically listed. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made 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. Catheter system, characterized in that it comprises: a catheter assembly, comprising: a catheter adapter, comprising a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends; and a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and a needle assembly, comprising: a needle hub; an introducer needle secured within the needle hub and extending through the catheter; a cylindrical body comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the needle hub is slidably disposed in the cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body is generally hollow; a spring disposed around the introducer needle;an activation latch comprising an upper and a lower portion, wherein the activation latch is adapted for selective engagement with the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the cylinder against spring loading, so that the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the cylinder and through the catheter, wherein the activation latch comprises a projection disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter to prevent movement of the activation latch when the catheter adapter is adjacent to the distal end of the cylinder; and a cover attached to the distal end of the cylinder and extending proximally over at least a portion of the upper portion of the activation latch to prevent premature depression of the activation latch.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that a proximal end of the cover is not supported by the cylinder.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of sides of the proximal end of the cover are in contact and supported by the cylinder.

4. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that the projection is placed next to the lower part of the activation latch.

5. Catheter system, characterized in that it comprises: a catheter assembly, comprising: a catheter adapter, comprising a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends; a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and a needle assembly, comprising: a needle hub; an introducer needle secured within the needle hub and extending through the catheter; a cylinder comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the needle hub is slidably disposed in the cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body is generally hollow; a spring disposed around the introducer needle; and a stop surface coupled to the cylinder.an activation latch comprising an upper and lower portion and sliding from a distal to a proximal position with respect to the cylinder, wherein the activation latch is adapted for selective engagement with the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the cylinder against the spring load, so that the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the cylinder and through the catheter, wherein in response to the activation latch being in the distal position, the stop surface contacts the activation latch and activation depression of the latch is prevented, wherein, in response to sliding of the activation latch from the distal to the proximal position, the stop surface does not contact the activation latch and the activation latch is configured to press.

6. The catheter system according to claim 5, characterized in that a proximal end of the upper part of the activation latch comprises a raised surface configured to come into contact with a finger when the finger slides the activation latch from the distal position to the proximal position.

7. The catheter system according to claim 5, characterized in that the upper part of the activation latch comprises a plurality of slots generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

8. The catheter system according to claim 5, characterized in that the activation latch comprises a projection extending from the activation latch and disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter, wherein, in response to the activation latch being in the distal position, the stop surface makes contact with the projection and depression of the activation latch is prevented, wherein, in response to sliding of the activation latch from the distal to the proximal position, the stop surface does not make contact with the projection and the activation latch is configured to press.

9. The catheter system according to claim 8, characterized in that the stop surface is arranged within the proximal end of the catheter adapter between the projection and the catheter adapter.

10. The catheter system according to claim 8, characterized in that an internal surface of the cylinder comprises a groove configured to receive the lower part of the activation latch and the projection in response to the sliding of the activation latch from the distal position to the proximal position.

11. The catheter system according to claim 5, characterized in that a lower surface of the upper part of the activation latch comprises a first protrusion, wherein the stop surface comprises a second protrusion extending outward from the cylinder, wherein in response to the activation latch being in the distal position, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are aligned, wherein in response to the sliding of the activation latch from the distal position to the proximal position, the first protrusion slides proximal to the second protrusion and the activation latch is configured to press.

12. Catheter system, characterized in that it comprises: a catheter assembly, comprising: a catheter adapter, comprising a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends; a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and a needle assembly, comprising: a needle hub; an introducer needle secured within the needle hub and extending through the catheter; a cylinder comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the needle hub is slidably disposed in the cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body is generally hollow; a spring disposed around the introducer needle; and a stop surface coupled to the cylinder.an activation latch comprising an upper and lower portion and sliding from a proximal to a distal position with respect to the cylinder, wherein the activation latch is adapted for selective engagement with the needle hub to hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the cylinder against spring tilt, so that the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the cylinder and through the catheter, wherein, in response to the activation latch being in the proximal position, the stop surface makes contact with the activation latch and depression of the activation latch is prevented, wherein, in response to sliding of the activation latch from the proximal to the distal position, the stop surface does not make contact with the activation latch and the activation latch is configured to press.

13. The catheter system according to claim 12, characterized in that a distal end of the upper part of the activation latch comprises a raised surface configured to make contact with a finger when the finger slides the activation latch from the proximal position to the distal position.

14. The catheter system according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper part of the activation latch comprises a plurality of slots generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

15. The catheter system according to claim 12, characterized in that the activation latch comprises a projection extending from the activation latch and disposed within the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

16. The catheter system according to claim 15, characterized in that the lower portion of the activation latch comprises a stepped surface, wherein in response to the activation latch being in the proximal position, the stop surface engages with the stepped surface and depression of the activation latch is prevented, wherein in response to the sliding of the activation latch from the proximal position to the distal position, the stop surface does not make contact with the stepped surface and the activation latch is configured to be pressed.

17. The catheter system according to claim 15, characterized in that a lower surface of the upper part of the activation latch comprises a first protrusion, wherein the stop surface comprises a second protrusion extending outward from the cylinder, wherein in response to the activation latch being in the proximal position, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are aligned, wherein in response to the sliding of the activation latch from the proximal position to the distal position, the first protrusion slides distal to the second protrusion and the activation latch is configured to press.

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