INTRAVENOUS CATHETER DEVICE HAVING A PROBE ASSEMBLY WITH AN INTEGRATED LIQUID FLUSHING MECHANISM

Abstract

An IV catheter device may include or be configured to use a probe assembly with an integrated fluid flushing mechanism. The probe assembly can be configured in various ways to inject flushing fluid through a fluid-permeable structure within the probe as it is advanced distally from the catheter. This keeps the fluid-permeable structure clear of any occlusions that might otherwise form. With the probe extending distally from the catheter, a blood sample can be collected.

Description

INTRAVENOUS CATHETER DEVICE HAVING A PROBE ASSEMBLY WITH AN INTEGRATED LIQUID FLUSHING MECHANISM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application serial no. 63 / 089.417, entitled “Intravenous Catheter Device Having a Probe Assembly with an Integrated Fluid Flushing Mechanism”, filed on October 8, 2020, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND Intravenous (IV) catheter devices are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, an IV catheter device can be used to infuse fluids, such as normal saline, various medications, and total parenteral nutrition, into a patient. Intravenous catheter devices can also be used to draw blood from the patient. A common type of IV catheter device is a peripheral intravenous (“IV”) catheter (“PIVC”) over the needle. As the name implies, the catheter over the needle is mounted on a needle with a sharp distal tip. The catheter and needle are assembled so that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter, with the bevel of the needle facing upward, away from the patient's skin. The catheter and needle are typically inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vasculature. Once the catheter is in the vasculature, it can become occluded, such as when a thrombus forms around the distal opening of the catheter or when the distal opening is positioned against a vessel wall. When IV catheter devices remain within a patient's vasculature, they are likely to become occluded. Once an IV catheter device becomes occluded, it may no longer be possible to use it to infuse fluids or draw blood. In such cases, the IV catheter device can be replaced. However, replacing an IV catheter device is burdensome for the patient and increases costs. To address these problems, devices have been developed that can be inserted through the IV catheter device's permanent catheter to remove the occlusion. For example, some devices use a rigid tube that can be inserted through the catheter and distally beyond the catheter's distal opening. With the rigid tube inserted in this way, such devices can obtain a blood sample through the rigid tube, even if the catheter is occluded.In other words, the rigid tube is used to physically pass through any occlusion that may have formed in or around the distal opening of the catheter and forms a fluid pathway separate from the catheter to collect the blood sample. The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that resolve any disadvantages or that function only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate an area of ​​example technology where some of the implementations described herein can be put into practice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION This disclosure relates, in general, to an IV catheter device that has a probe assembly with an integrated fluid flushing mechanism. The probe assembly can be configured in a variety of ways to inject the flushing fluid through a fluid-permeable structure of the probe as the probe is advanced distally from a catheter. In this way, the fluid-permeable structure can be kept clear of any occlusion that might otherwise form. With the probe extending distally from the catheter, a blood sample can be collected. In some embodiments, a probe assembly may include a probe housing and a probe extending within the housing. The probe may have a fluid-permeable structure at its distal end. The probe assembly may also include a probe actuator configured to advance the probe from a proximal to a distal position. The probe assembly may further include an integrated fluid flushing mechanism configured to circulate a flushing fluid through the fluid-permeable structure as the probe is advanced to the distal position. In some embodiments, the probe assembly can be configured to couple to a catheter adapter from which a catheter extends. In such cases, when the probe is advanced to the distal position, the fluid-permeable structure can extend at least partially through a distal end of the catheter. In some embodiments, the integrated fluid flushing mechanism may include a fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir may be compressed as the probe moves toward the distal position. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir may be compressed between the probe actuator and a compression structure. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir may be a syringe. In some embodiments, the syringe may be located inside the probe housing or outside the probe housing. In some embodiments, the probe assembly may further include a probe tube into which the probe extends and a probe tube branch connecting the probe tube to the fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir may be formed within the probe actuator, and the probe assembly may further include a valve that retains the flushing fluid within the fluid reservoir and a valve actuator that opens the valve when the probe is moved to the distal position. In some embodiments, the probe assembly may further include an extension tube that is fluidly coupled with the probe. In such cases, the fluid reservoir may comprise a portion of the extension tube that is compressed by the probe housing as the probe moves toward the distal position. In some embodiments, the integrated liquid flushing mechanism may be a plug. In such embodiments, the plug may be attached to the probe actuator or to a plunger. In some embodiments, an IV catheter device may include a catheter adapter from which a catheter extends distally and a probe assembly configured to couple to the catheter adapter. The probe assembly may include: a probe housing; a probe extending within the housing, the probe having a fluid-permeable structure at a distal end; a probe actuator configured to advance the probe from a proximal to a distal position where the fluid-permeable structure extends distally from the catheter when the probe assembly is coupled to the catheter adapter; and an integrated fluid flushing mechanism configured to circulate a flushing fluid through the fluid-permeable structure as the probe is advanced to the distal position. In some embodiments of the IV catheter device, the integrated fluid flushing mechanism may be a fluid reservoir. In some embodiments of the IV catheter device, the fluid reservoir is compressed as the catheter is advanced to the distal position. In some embodiments of the IV catheter device, the integrated fluid flushing mechanism may be a plug that causes the flushing fluid to flow out of the catheter housing. In some embodiments, a method of accessing a vasculature may include: attaching a probe assembly to a catheter adapter having a catheter that is inserted into the vasculature of a patient, the probe assembly comprising a probe housing, a probe extending within the housing, a probe activator, and an integrated fluid flushing mechanism; and, in conjunction with sliding the probe activator in a distal direction to cause a fluid-permeable structure of the probe to extend distally from the catheter, activating the integrated fluid flushing mechanism to cause a flushing fluid to circulate through the fluid-permeable structure as the fluid-permeable structure is advanced distally from the catheter.In some embodiments, the method may also include obtaining a blood sample by the probe assembly, while the fluid-permeable structure is advanced distally from the catheter. 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 instrumentation shown in the drawings. 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. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Example embodiments will be described and explained in additional specificity and detail by means of the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A illustrates an example of an IV catheter device that includes a probe assembly according to one or more embodiments; Figure 1B illustrates the probe assembly of Figure 1A when the probe is not extended; Figure 1C illustrates the probe assembly of Figure 1B when the probe is extended; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly that is configured according to one or more embodiments; Figure 2A is a detailed cross-sectional view of the probe assembly of Figure 2; Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F represent an example of how the probe assembly in Figure 2 can be used; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly that is configured according to one or more embodiments; Figure 4A is a detailed cross-sectional view of the probe assembly of the zAnfrnn / eznz / E / YiAi Figure 4; Figure 5 is a sectional view configured according to one or more realizations; Figure 6 is a sectional view configured according to one or more realizations; Figure Ί is a sectional view configured according to one or more realizations; Figure 8 is a sectional view configured according to one or more realizations; Figure 9 is a sectional view configured according to one or more realizations; The cross-sectional view of Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the image configured according to one or more embodiments; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration according to one or more embodiments; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a probe assembly configured according to one or more embodiments; and a probe assembly that is ... DESCRIPTION OF ACHIEVEMENTS An IV catheter device that can be used in some embodiments may include a catheter adapter from which a catheter extends distally and one or more ports or connectors for attaching other devices to the catheter adapter. Such devices may be attached to the catheter adapter before, during, or after insertion of the catheter into a patient's vasculature and may include a needle assembly, blood collection equipment, an infusion assembly, any embodiment of a probe assembly described herein, etc. Accordingly, the embodiments of this disclosure should not be limited to any particular configuration of an IV catheter device or to the specific examples of IV catheter devices used herein. Figures 1A-1C provide an example of an IV catheter device 100 configured according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The IV catheter device 100 includes a catheter adapter 110 from which a catheter 111 extends distally. Although not shown, a needle assembly can frequently be attached to the catheter adapter 110 and can be used to insert the catheter 111 into a patient's vasculature and subsequently detach it from the catheter adapter 110. The IV catheter device 110 also includes an adapter 114 that is connected to a side port 112 of the catheter adapter 110. The IV catheter device 100 also includes a probe assembly 200 having a probe housing 210 that can accommodate a probe 230, at least when the probe 230 is not extended through catheter 111. A connector 220 can be formed at a distal end of the probe housing 210 and can be used to connect the probe assembly 200 to the IV catheter device 100 (for example, via adapter 114 as shown in Figure 1A). In other embodiments, however, the probe housing 210 can be integrated into adapter 114 or another catheter adapter component 110. In other words, how a probe assembly connects to a catheter adapter is not essential to the embodiments of this disclosure. The probe assembly 200 may also include a probe actuator 240 that extends out of the probe housing 210 and slides along a channel 211 formed in the probe housing 210. The probe actuator 240 enables a clinician to move the probe 230 relative to the catheter 111 by sliding the probe actuator 240 along the length of the probe housing 210 within the channel 211. As described in detail below, a probe assembly configured according to the embodiments of this disclosure may include an integrated fluid flushing mechanism that causes a fluid to be injected through and / or around the distal end of the probe 230 when the probe actuator 240 is slid in a distal direction relative to the probe housing 210. The probe assembly 200 may further include an access port 250 that is connected to a proximal end of the probe housing 210 by the extension tube 251. The access port 250 can be used to connect a blood collection set, a fluid administration device (e.g., a syringe), or another device to the probe assembly 200. Figures 1B and 1C illustrate the probe assembly 200 in isolation. In Figure 1B, the probe actuator 240 is in a more proximal position, and therefore the distal end of probe 230 is located within the distal end 213 of the probe housing 210. In contrast, in Figure 1C, the probe actuator 240 is in a more distal position, which has caused the probe 230 to be advanced distally outside the distal end 213 and corresponds to the probe 230 position depicted in Figure 1A. A probe length 230 and / or probe actuator configuration 240 may cause the distal end of probe 230 to be positioned close to (e.g., proximal to, in, or distal to) the distal opening of catheter 111 (or the distal opening of the catheter of any other IV catheter device with which probe assembly 200 is compatible).For example, Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment where probe 230 extends out through the distal opening of catheter 111 when probe activator 240 is moved to the most distal position. With reference to Figure 1C, a distal end of probe 230 may include or form a fluid-permeable structure 231. In the example shown, the fluid-permeable structure 231 is in the form of a coil surrounding the straight (i.e., uncoiled central) portion of probe 230 and permits blood or fluid to enter catheter 111 between the straight and coiled portions. However, many other configurations of fluid-permeable structure 231 could be employed. The term “fluid-permeable structure” should therefore be interpreted as a distal portion of a probe that is configured to permit fluid to enter a catheter when the probe is extended distally through a distal end of the catheter.A probe with a fluid-permeable structure would therefore include a guide needle having a coil or other structure located around it to create a fluid pathway along the guide needle, a tube having one or more openings in and / or along its distal end that allow fluid to enter or exit the tube lumen, a tube having a coil or other structure located around it to create a fluid pathway along the outside of the tube (possibly in addition to a fluid pathway in the tube lumen), etc. A probe with a fluid-permeable structure can be used to remove an occlusion that may have formed around the distal opening of a catheter and / or to reposition the catheter when its distal opening may be occluded by a vessel wall or other vascular structure. For example, after inserting catheter 111 into the patient's vasculature, but before advancing probe 230 through catheter 111, a thrombus could form around the opening of catheter 111 and prevent blood or fluid from circulating through catheter 111. In such a case, probe actuator 240 could be moved to the most distal position to advance probe 230, and particularly the fluid-permeable structure 231, distally through the distal opening of catheter 111. Advancing probe 230 through the distal opening would remove any occlusion that may have formed.Therefore, the fluid-permeable structure 231 would allow the collection of blood or fluid to be injected while the probe 230 is located in and extends distally out through the distal opening of the catheter 111. Even if advancing the probe 230 from the distal opening of catheter 111 removes an occlusion from the distal opening, there is still a risk that an occlusion may form around the fluid-permeable structure 231 or otherwise block fluid flow through the fluid-permeable structure 231. For example, as the probe 230 is being advanced into a desired position, a thrombus may form around the fluid-permeable structure 231 before it reaches the desired position. In such cases, the purpose of the probe 230 may have been thwarted. According to embodiments of this disclosure, a probe assembly can be configured with an integrated fluid flushing mechanism that can minimize the likelihood of a fluid-permeable structure of the probe becoming occluded while the probe is being advanced distally from the catheter. For example, a fluid flushing mechanism can be integrated into probe assembly 200 and configured to inject fluid through catheter 111a as probe actuator 240 moves from the proximal to the distal position. Figures 2-13 provide several examples of fluid flushing mechanisms that can be integrated into a probe assembly according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a probe assembly 200 embodiment including an integrated fluid flushing mechanism, while Figure 2A is a detailed view of proximal and distal portions of the probe assembly 200. In Figures 2 and 2A, the probe actuator 240 and probe 230 are shown in a more proximal position where the distal end of probe 230 is inserted into the distal end 213 of the probe housing 210. Unlike Figures 1A-1C, in Figures 2 and 2A, the probe 230 is in the form of a tube and has a fluid-permeable structure 231 formed by several openings along the distal end of the tube. As stated above, this is only one of many possible configurations of a probe having a fluid-permeable structure that could be employed in the embodiments of this disclosure. The probe actuator 240 includes an actuator body 241 that is located within the probe housing 210. A proximal end of probe 230 is coupled to the actuator body 241. A distal end of the extension tube 251 is also coupled to the actuator body 241 and is in fluid communication with the proximal end of probe 230. A fluid reservoir 260 is located around probe 230 immediately adjacent to the distal side of the actuator body 241. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 260 can be connected to the actuator body 241. The portion of probe 230 that is inside the fluid reservoir 260 (or that can be coupled to the fluid reservoir 260) can include an opening 232 that allows fluid within the fluid reservoir 260 to enter probe 230 when the fluid reservoir 260 is compressed. In some embodiments, the liquid container 260 can also be filled with liquid through the opening 232.In other embodiments, however, the liquid container 260 may be pre-filled or filled through another opening (e.g., through the extension tube 251). In some embodiments, the liquid container 260 may be in the form of a bellows, as shown in Figure 13. In some embodiments, an air-permeable membrane 270 may be located around the probe 230 to allow air to escape from within the actuator body 241 when the liquid container 260 is filled. The membrane 270 may provide sufficient backpressure to cause the liquid container 260 to inflate, as described below. In some embodiments, a baffle or valve (not shown) may be located within the probe 230 to facilitate filling the liquid container 260. A compression structure 222 is formed within the probe housing 210 toward the distal end 213. The compression structure 222 can be configured to compress the fluid container 260 as the probe actuator 240 moves toward its most distal position. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 2A, the compression structure 222 is formed by outwardly angled surfaces. Consequently, as the probe actuator 240 moves distally, the fluid container 260 will be inserted between these outwardly angled surfaces and compressed between the outwardly angled surfaces and the actuator body 241. As the fluid container 260 is compressed, the fluid contained within it will be expelled through the opening 232, into the probe lumen 230, and finally out through the fluid-permeable structure 231. Figures 3A–3E provide an example of how the probe assembly 200 can be used. In Figure 3A, the probe assembly 200 is shown in a pre-use state in which a cap 223 can be placed over the distal end 213 of the probe housing 210, a cap 252 can be placed over the access port 250, and the fluid container 260 can be empty. In some embodiments, the probe assembly 200 can be packaged for distribution in this pre-use state. Figure 3A also shows a syringe 300 containing a flushing fluid (e.g., saline solution). Figure 3A can therefore represent a scenario where a clinician has inserted (or intends to insert) catheter 111 into a patient's vasculature, but has not yet attached probe zAnfrnn / cznz / E / YiAi assembly 200 to catheter adapter 110. Referring back to Figure 3B, it is assumed that the clinician has removed cap 252 from the access port 250 and attached syringe 300 to the access port 250 to inject the flushing fluid into the extension tube 251. In this example, it is assumed that the clinician did not remove cap 223 from the distal end 213 of the probe housing 210 before injecting the flushing fluid. However, cap 223 could be removed at this stage. In either case, as the clinician injects the flushing fluid from syringe 300, the flushing fluid will enter the probe 230 and exit through opening 232, reaching the fluid container 260. The washing fluid can also pass distally through probe 230 to fill it. Although not shown, the probe assembly 200 can be configured to vent air from inside probe 230 to allow the washing fluid to completely fill probe 230.Therefore, Figure 3B may represent a priming stage of the probe assembly 200. Returning to Figure 3C, it is assumed that the clinician has removed syringe 300 from the access port 250 and attached blood collection equipment 310. It is also assumed that the clinician has removed cap 223 from the distal end 213 of probe housing 210 in preparation for connecting probe housing 200 to catheter adapter 110. Figure 3C further depicts catheter 111 being inserted into the patient's vasculature 350. Referring back to Figure 3D, it is assumed that the clinician has connected the probe assembly 200 to the catheter adapter 110 via adapter 114 and has begun sliding the probe activator 240 in a distal direction. Consequently, the fluid reservoir 260 is shown approaching the compression structure 222 as the probe 230 approaches or begins to extend distally from the catheter 111. With the blood collection set 310 connected to the access port 250, the flushing fluid will be retained within the probe 230 at this stage of the process. Returning to Figure 3E, it is assumed that the clinician has fully slid the probe actuator 240 into its most distal position so that the fluid container 260 is compressed between the compression structure 222 and the actuator body 241. Compression of the fluid container 260 increases the fluid pressure within the probe 230, thereby causing the flushing fluid to begin to flow through the fluid-permeable structure 231 and into the patient's vasculature 350 (and possibly into catheter 111 if a portion of fluid-permeable structure 231 is inside catheter 111).The volume of the fluid container 260 may allow a sufficient amount of washing fluid to circulate through the fluid-permeable structure 231 to prevent the formation of an occlusion around the fluid-permeable structure 231 as the probe 230 is fully advanced into the patient's vasculature 350 or to otherwise remove an occlusion that may exist. Finally, referring back to Figure 3F, after the flushing fluid has been injected through the fluid-permeable structure 231 to clear any occlusions, an empty tube 320 can be connected to the blood collection set 310 to collect a blood sample. In this case, the blood can enter the probe 230 through the fluid-permeable structure 231, then the extension tube 251, and finally the empty tube 320. Any flushing fluid that may remain inside the probe 230 when the blood sample is collected can be removed into a waste tube, kept out of the fluid pathway by a one-way valve, or isolated from the blood sample using any other suitable technique. Figures 4 and 4A provide cross-sectional views of the probe assembly 200 with another configuration of the integrated liquid flushing mechanism. In these figures, the liquid reservoir 260 is located immediately adjacent to the compression structure 222 (or, in the embodiment shown, between the outwardly angled surfaces). The opening 232 may also be located toward the distal end of the probe 230 so that it is within or otherwise fluidly coupled with the liquid reservoir 260. In such cases, the actuator body 241 may have a similar configuration and perform a similar function as described above. In particular, as the probe actuator 240 moves toward the more distal position, the actuator body 241 may contact the liquid reservoir 260 and compress it between the compression structure 222. The configurations shown in Figures 2-4A could also be used when the 260 probe does not have a lumen. For example, the probe may be placed inside a catheter, and the flushing fluid may circulate along the outside of the 260 probe within the catheter. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the probe assembly 200 with an alternative configuration of the integrated liquid flushing mechanism. Unlike the embodiments described previously, Figure 5 depicts embodiments where the probe housing 210 is filled with flushing liquid instead of using a liquid container 260. Such embodiments may be particularly useful when the probe 230 does not have a light (e.g., when the probe 230 is a guide needle as shown in Figures 1A-1C). However, these embodiments could also be used when the probe 230 has a light (e.g., when the probe 230 is configured as shown in Figures 2 and 2A). In Figure 5, the probe actuator 240 includes the actuator body 241 to which the proximal end of probe 230 is connected, as well as a plug 242 located proximal to the actuator body 241. The plug 242 extends through the inside of the probe housing 210 and serves to push the flushing fluid contained within it outward through the distal end 213 of the probe housing 210 as the probe 230 extends distally from the catheter 111. In other words, the distal movement of the probe actuator 240 causes both the actuator housing 241 (and therefore the probe 230) and the plug 242 to move distally. Figure 6 illustrates a variation of the configuration shown in Figure 5. In Figure 6, plug 242 is not connected to probe actuator 240, but is part of a plunger that extends proximally from the actuator housing 210. Therefore, distal movement of probe actuator 240 will cause probe 230 to be advanced distally, but the flushing fluid contained in probe housing 210 will be expelled in response to plug 242 being pushed separately by the plunger. Figures 5 and 6 do not show the probe assembly 200 including the extension tube 251 or access port 250. However, in these embodiments, the extension tube 251 could be attached to the inside of the probe housing 210 at any suitable location and in any suitable manner. For example, the extension tube 251 could be inserted through the probe housing 210 into or toward the proximal end, a central portion, or the distal end of the probe housing 210 so as to be in fluid communication with the interior of the probe housing 210. In such cases, the extension tube 251 and access port 250 could be used to inject flushing fluid into the probe housing 210 and / or to obtain a blood sample once the probe 230 has been extended through the catheter 111. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the probe assembly 200 with another configuration of an integrated fluid flushing mechanism. As shown, the actuator body 241 could itself form a fluid reservoir 260 that need not be compressible. In such cases, a valve (or seal) 261 may be located in the fluid reservoir 260 and may be distally oriented. The valve 261 can function by retaining the flushing fluid within the fluid reservoir 260. The probe housing 210 may also include a valve actuator 262 that is located toward the distal end 213 of the probe housing 210 and is proximally oriented and aligned with the valve 261.As the probe actuator 240 moves distally, the valve 261 can be forced against the valve actuator 262, which can either pierce through the valve 261 or otherwise create an opening through it, which in turn will cause the washing fluid in the fluid container 260 to begin circulating through the probe 230 and out through the fluid-permeable structure 231. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the probe assembly 200 with another configuration of an integrated fluid flushing mechanism. In this configuration, the fluid container 260 is in the form of a syringe that is fluidly coupled with the actuator body 241 and, therefore, with the probe 230 and the extension tube 251. This syringe also has its plunger oriented distally. Therefore, as the probe actuator 240 moves distally, the plunger of the fluid container 260 will contact a distal side wall of the probe housing 210, causing the flushing fluid contained in the fluid container 260 to be injected through the probe 230 and exit through the fluid-permeable structure 231. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of probe assembly 200 with another configuration of an integrated flushing mechanism. In this configuration, probe housing 210 is configured to accommodate probe actuator 240 in the form of a double-cylinder plunger and to accommodate probe tube 900a and probe tube branch 900b. Probe 230 is located within and slides along probe tube 900a. Probe tube branch 900b forms a fluid pathway between probe tube 900a and fluid container 260. In this configuration, fluid container 260 is located on a distal wall of probe housing 210. The activator body 241 is divided into a first portion 241a and a second portion 241b. The first portion 241a includes a channel 241a1 that is configured to receive the probe tube 900a, thereby allowing the first portion 241a to slide along the probe tube 900a and advance the probe 230 distally within the probe tube 900a. The extension tube 251 can be extended into the first portion 241a and can be in fluid communication with the probe 230. The second portion 241b is aligned with the fluid container 260. Therefore, as the probe actuator 240 moves distally to advance the probe 230 distally from catheter 111, the second portion 241b can contact and compress the fluid container 260. Compression of the fluid container 260 can cause the flushing fluid contained within it to circulate through the probe tube branch 900b and into the probe tube 900a. Depending on the configuration of probe 230, this flushing fluid can either enter or flow around probe 230, thereby causing the flushing fluid to pass through the fluid-permeable structure 231 as it is extended distally from catheter 111.In some embodiments, a valve 901 (e.g., a one-way valve) may be located in the probe tube branch 900b to retain the washing fluid within the fluid container 260 until it is compressed and to prevent fluid (e.g., blood) from re-entering the fluid container 260. Figure 10 illustrates a variation of the configuration shown in Figure 9. In this variation, the liquid container 260 is in the form of a syringe having a plunger that is compressed by the second portion 241b. In such embodiments, the valve 901 may or may not be used because the syringe may retain sufficient washing fluid until the plunger is compressed, and once the plunger is compressed, the fluid pressure within the probe tube 900a may be insufficient to force the plunger proximally. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the probe assembly 200 with another configuration of an integrated flushing mechanism. In this configuration, the fluid reservoir 260 is also syringe-shaped but is located external to the probe housing 210. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 260 may be pre-attached to the probe actuator 240, or it may be attached by the clinician just before use. As such, the actuator body 241 extends outward from the probe housing 210 and provides a fluid pathway for the probe 230. The probe housing 210 also includes an extension 1100 that is located distal to, but in alignment with, the fluid reservoir 260, or more specifically, with the plunger.Therefore, as the probe actuator 240 slides distally, the fluid container plunger 260 can be forced against the extension 1100, thereby causing the flushing fluid in the fluid container 260 to be injected into the probe 230 and out through the fluid-permeable structure 231. Alternatively, a syringe can be attached to an access port (e.g., similar to the access port 250 shown in Figure 1A) for flushing during or after advancement of the probe 230 before blood collection. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the probe assembly 200 with another configuration of an integrated flushing mechanism. In this configuration, the liquid container 260 is formed by a portion of extension tubing 251 that is configured to be compressed when it enters the probe housing 210 or to be compressed in another way (e.g., by manual compression). In the configuration shown, as the probe actuator zAnfrnn / eznz / E / YiAi As extension tube 251 slides distally into probe housing 210, it can be inserted into the probe housing 240. As the portion of extension tube 251 that forms the fluid container 260 passes into the probe housing 210, it can be compressed to inject the fluid inside into the probe 230 and out through the fluid-permeable structure 231. The position of the fluid container 260 relative to the probe housing 210 can be configured to inject the fluid through the fluid-permeable structure 231 as the fluid-permeable structure 231 extends from catheter 111. In summary, a probe assembly may include an integrated fluid flushing mechanism configured in a variety of ways to inject flushing fluid as the probe is advanced distally through a catheter and into a patient's vasculature. The probe of the probe assembly may include a fluid-permeable structure through which the flushing fluid circulates. The flushing fluid can prevent the formation of an occlusion and / or remove an occlusion that may have already formed around the fluid-permeable structure. In this way, the probe's fluid-permeable structure will be able to perform its intended function of providing an unobstructed fluid pathway into or out of a catheter, including in scenarios where the catheter may have been in place in the patient's vasculature for extended periods. All examples and conditional language cited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to assist the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to the development of the technique, and should be interpreted as being without limitation to the examples and conditions specifically cited. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to it without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A probe assembly comprising: a probe housing; a probe extending within the housing, the probe having a fluid-permeable structure at a distal end of the probe; a probe actuator configured to advance the probe from a proximal position to a distal position; and an integrated fluid flushing mechanism configured to circulate a flushing fluid through the fluid-permeable structure while or after the probe is advanced to the distal position.

2. The probe assembly of claim 1, wherein the probe assembly is configured to couple to a catheter adapter from which a catheter extends and wherein, when the probe is advanced to the distal position, the fluid-permeable structure extends at least partially through a distal end of the catheter.

3. The probe assembly of claim 1, wherein the integrated liquid washing mechanism comprises a liquid container.

4. The probe assembly of claim 3, wherein the liquid container is compressed as the probe moves towards the distal position.

5. The probe assembly of claim 4, wherein the liquid container is compressed between the probe actuator and a compression structure.

6. The probe assembly of claim 4, wherein the liquid container is a syringe.

7. The probe assembly of claim 6, wherein the syringe is one of those located inside the probe housing or located outside the probe housing.

8. The probe assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a probe tube within which the probe extends; and a probe tube branch connecting the probe tube to the liquid container.

9. The probe assembly of claim 3, wherein the fluid reservoir is formed within the probe actuator, further comprising: a valve that retains the flushing fluid within the fluid reservoir; and a valve actuator that opens the valve when the probe moves to the distal position.

10. The probe assembly of claim 3, further comprising: an extension tube that is fluidly coupled to the probe; wherein the fluid container comprises a portion of the extension tube that is compressed by the probe housing as the probe moves to the distal position.

11. The probe assembly of claim 1, wherein the integrated liquid flushing mechanism comprises a plug.

12. The probe assembly of claim 11, wherein the plug is one coupled to the probe actuator or coupled to a plunger.

13. The probe assembly of claim 1, further comprising: an extension tube that is fluidly coupled to the probe.

14. The probe assembly of claim 1, wherein the probe comprises a guide needle or tube.

15. An IV catheter device comprising: a catheter adapter from which a catheter extends distally; and a probe assembly configured to couple to the catheter adapter, the probe assembly comprising: a probe housing; a probe extending within the housing, the probe having a fluid-permeable structure at a distal end of the probe; a probe actuator configured to advance the probe from a proximal position to a distal position in which the fluid-permeable structure extends distally from the catheter when the probe assembly is coupled to the catheter adapter; and an integrated fluid flushing mechanism configured to circulate a flushing fluid through the fluid-permeable structure as the probe is advanced to the distal position.

16. The IV catheter device of claim 15, wherein the integrated fluid flushing mechanism comprises a fluid container.

17. The IV catheter device of claim 16, wherein the fluid container is compressed as the probe is advanced to the distal position.

18. The IV catheter device of claim 15, wherein the integrated fluid flushing mechanism comprises a plug that causes the flushing fluid to flow out of the probe housing.

19. A method of accessing a vasculature comprising: attaching a probe assembly to a catheter adapter having a catheter that is inserted into a patient's vasculature, the probe assembly comprising a probe housing, a probe extending within the housing, a probe actuator, and an integrated fluid flushing mechanism; and, in conjunction with sliding the probe actuator in a distal direction to cause the fluid-permeable structure of the probe to extend distally from the catheter, activating the integrated fluid flushing mechanism to cause a flushing fluid to circulate through the fluid-permeable structure as the fluid-permeable structure is advanced distally from the catheter. 20.The method of claim 19, further comprising: obtaining a blood sample by assembling the probe while the fluid-permeable structure is advanced distally from the catheter.

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