VASCULAR ACCESS INSTRUMENT AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS

Abstract

A vascular access system 80 that may include a catheter hub, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a side port positioned between the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub; a catheter 36 extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub; a Y-adapter 82, comprising a distal end 84, a first port 86 and a second port 88; an extension tube 50, comprising a distal end integrated with the side port and a proximal end integrated with the distal end of the Y-adapter; and a septum positioned within the Y-adapter, wherein the septum comprises a vent.

Description

A catheter is commonly used to infuse fluids into a patient's vasculature. For example, the catheter can be used to infuse normal saline, various medications, or total parenteral nutrition. The catheter can also be used to draw blood from the patient. The catheter may include an intravenous catheter (IV; peripheral over the needle. In this case, the catheter can be mounted on an introducer needle that has a sharp distal tip. The catheter and introducer needle can be 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 introducer needle are usually inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the patient's vasculature. To verify proper placement of the introducer needle and / or catheter in the blood vessel, a physician typically confirms that there is blood backflow in a backflow chamber of the catheter assembly. Once needle placement has been confirmed, the physician may temporarily occlude flow in the vasculature and withdraw the needle. Ref. 341952 leaving the catheter in place for future blood draws or fluid infusions. Blood collection using a catheter can be difficult for several reasons, particularly when the catheter remains in the vasculature for more than a day. When a catheter is left in place for an extended period, the catheter or vein may be more susceptible to narrowing, collapse, twisting, blockage with debris (e.g., fibrin or platelet clots), and adhesion of the catheter tip to the vasculature. Because of this, a catheter is often used to obtain a blood sample at the time of catheter placement, but less frequently during the catheter's dwell time. Therefore, when a blood sample is required, an additional needle puncture is often used to provide access to the vein for blood collection, which can be painful for the patient and result in higher material costs. In some cases, to avoid the additional needle puncture, a vascular access instrument can be used to access the patient's vasculature through the catheter. The vascular access instrument can be inserted through the catheter and into the vasculature to extend the catheter's lifespan and allow blood to be drawn through the catheter without the additional needle puncture. The related issue claimed herein is not limited to modalities that solve some disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background information is provided only to illustrate an example technology area where some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. Brief Description of the Invention In general, this description relates to vascular access devices, systems, and methods. More specifically, this description relates to a catheter system and related devices and methods. In some modalities, a catheter system may include a catheter hub, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter shaft and the proximal end of the catheter hub. In some modalities, the catheter system may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub. In some modalities, the catheter system may include a Y-adapter, which may include a distal end, a first port, and a second port. In some modalities, the catheter system may include an extension tube, which may include a distal end integrated with the side port and a proximal end integrated with the distal end of the Y-adapter. In some modalities, the catheter system may include a septum disposed within the Y-adapter. In some modalities, the septum may include a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending through the distal end of the septum, a lateral opening in fluid communication with the septum lumen, and a vent extending from the proximal end of the septum. In some modalities, the septum may be moved between a main position and an infusion position. In some modalities, in response to the septum being in the main position, the vent may align with the lateral port. In some modalities, in response to the septum being in the infusion position, the lateral opening may align with the lateral port. In some modalities, the septum can be attached to a housing that extends from the proximal end of the Y-adapter. In some modalities, the Y-adapter may include a groove arranged around a portion of its circumference. In some modalities, the groove may include a notch. In some modalities, the housing may include a protrusion. In some modalities, the protrusion may be positioned within the notch in response to the septum being in the main position. In some modalities, in response to movement of the septum from the main position to the infusion position, the housing may move distally, and the protrusion may slide along the groove. In some designs, the septum lumen can be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the Y-adapter. In some designs, an outer surface of the proximal end of the septum may not be circular and may correspond to the shape of an inner surface of the housing. In some designs, the extension tube length may be shorter than that of a BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV Catheter System or other catheter systems known in the art. In some designs, the extension tube length may be 1 to 4 inches (2.54 to 10.16 cm), 1 to 3 inches (2.54 to 7.62 cm), 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm), or another suitable length. In some designs, the housing can be coupled to a needle assembly. In some designs, the needle assembly may include a body, a needle extending proximally from the body, and an elastomeric sheath attached to the body and covering the needle. In some designs, the catheter system may include a blood collection tube holder coupled to the body of the needle assembly. In some designs, the body may be formed monolithically as a single unit with the housing. nacnnn / eznz / E / YiAi ω κ6£ ucccu In some models, the catheter system may include a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the catheter hub. In some models, the needle hub may include a recoil chamber. In some models, the catheter system may include an introducer needle that extends distally from the needle hub and through the catheter. In some models, the catheter system may include an additional extension tube, which may have a distal and a proximal end. In some models, the distal end can be connected to the second port of the Y-adapter. In some models, the catheter system may include another Y-adapter connected to the proximal end of the other extension tube. In some models, the catheter system may include a needleless connector connected to the second port. In some models, another septum can be positioned within the second port and configured to allow air passage but not blood. In some models, the needleless connector can be attached to the second port of the Y-adapter. In some models, the needleless connector may include a distal and a proximal end, and the catheter system may include another extension tube attached to the proximal end of the needleless access connector. In some models, the catheter system may have a septum positioned within the first port of the Y-adapter. In some models, the septum may be positioned in an open position in response to the attachment of the needle assembly to the first port. 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 present description, as claimed. It should be understood that the various modalities are not limited to the vascular access arrangements and instrumentation shown in the figures. Furthermore, the figures are not necessarily to scale. It should also be noted that the modalities may be combined. For example, one or more features of a particular vascular access instrument may be combined with one or more features of another particular vascular access instrument. It should also be noted that other modalities may be used and structural changes may be made, unless otherwise claimed, without departing from the scope of the various modalities of the present description. The following detailed description, therefore, should not be taken in a limiting sense. Brief Description of the Figures The example modalities will be described and explained in additional specificity and detail through the use of the 25 attached figures. nacnnn / eznz / E / YiAi Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an anterior technique catheter system, according to some modalities; Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a catheter system, illustrating an example Y-adapter coupled to an example needle assembly, according to some modalities; Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the catheter system in Figure 2, illustrating the Y-adapter coupled to an example needleless connector, according to some modalities; Figure 4I is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of Figure 2, illustrating the Y-adapter coupled to the needle assembly, according to some Ib modalities; Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system in Figure 2, illustrating the Y-adapter coupled to the needle assembly and an example of a sliding fit, according to some modalities; Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system in Figure 2, which illustrates the Y-adapter formed monolithically as a single unit with the needle assembly, according to some modalities; Figure b is a partial cross-sectional view of the Y-adapter 2b of the catheter system in Figure 2, according to nacnnn / eznz / E / YiAi some modalities; Figure 6 is a side view of the Y-adapter of the catheter system in Figure 2, according to some modalities; Figure 7 is a top perspective view of. Y-adapter of the catheter system of Figure 2 coupled to an example plug, according to some modalities; Figure 8 is a top perspective view of the Y-adapter of the catheter system of Figure 2 coupled 10 to an example blood collection tube, according to some modalities; Figure 9 is a top perspective view of another catheter system, according to some modalities; Figure 10A is a top perspective view of an example partition and example housing of the catheter system of Figure 9, according to some modalities; Figure 10B is another top perspective view of the septum and catheter system housing of Figure 9, according to some modalities; Figure 10C is a cross-sectional view of the septum and catheter system housing of Figure 9, according to some modalities; Figure 10D is a top perspective view of the septum of the catheter system of Figure 9, according to 25 some modalities; nacnnn / eznz / E / YiAi Figure 10E is a cross-sectional view of the septum and catheter system housing of Figure 9 along line 10E-10E of Figure 10B; Figure 11A is a top perspective view of an example of a Y-adapter of the catheter system of Figure 11A, which illustrates the septum in the main position, according to some modalities; Figure 11B is a top perspective view of the Y-adapter of the catheter system in Figure 11A, which illustrates the septum in the main position, according to some modalities; Figure 11C is a top perspective view of an example of a Y-adapter of the catheter system of Figure 11A, which illustrates the septum in the main position, according to some modalities; Figure 11D is a top perspective view of the Y' adapter of the catheter system in Figure 11A, illustrating the septum in an example infusion position, according to some modalities; and Figure 11E is another perspective view of the Y-shaped catheter system of Figure 11A, illustrating the septum in the infusion position, according to some modalities. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to Figure 1, a prior art catheter system 10 is illustrated. The prior art catheter system 10 includes a catheter hub 12 with a side port 14 and a long extension tube 16 extending from the side port 14. A Y-adapter 18 is often attached to the proximal end of the long extension tube 16. A catheter 20 may extend from the connector of the catheter 12 and can be inserted into a patient's vasculature through an introducer needle 22, which is removed from the prior art catheter system 10 after the catheter 20 has been placed into the vasculature. The prior art catheter system 10 with the catheter 20 placed into the vasculature can be used for blood collection or fluid infusion.The long extension tube (16) can create a tortuous blood flow path and decrease blood pressure, thus reducing blood collection time. Additionally, the Y-adapter (18) can retain blood or fluid and may not rinse thoroughly. With reference now to Figures 2-6, in some modalities, a catheter system 24 may include a catheter connector 26, which may include a distal end 28, a proximal end 30, a side port 32 disposed between the distal end 28 of the catheter hub 26 and the proximal end 30 of the catheter hub 26, and a lumen 34 extending through the distal end 28 of the catheter hub 26 and the proximal end 30 of the catheter hub 26. In some modalities, the catheter system 24 may include a catheter 36 extending distally from the distal end 28 of the catheter connector 26. In some modalities, the catheter 36 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter. In some modalities, a needle connector 38 can be removably attached to the proximal end 30 of the catheter connector 26. In some modalities, an introducer needle 40 can be extended from the needle connector 38 and through 10 of the catheter 36 in an insertion position to insert the catheter system 24 into the patient's vasculature. In some models, the catheter system 24 may include a Y-adapter 42, which may include a distal end 44, a first port 4 6, and a second port 48. In some models, the first port 46 and / or the second port 48 may include a Luer adapter, such as, for example, a female Luer adapter. In some models, the catheter system 24 may include an extension tube 50, which may include a distal end 52 integrated with the side port 20 32 and a proximal end 54 integrated with the distal end 44 of the Y-adapter 42. In some models, a clamp may be provided on the extension tube 50. In other models, the extension tube 50 may not include the clamp. In some models, the Y-adapter 42 can reduce or eliminate dead space, where blood becomes trapped during blood collection or fluid becomes trapped during infusion. Additionally, the Y-adapter can provide air venting, which can facilitate blood collection. In some models, a large angle between the first port 46 and the second port 48, such as 90° or between 60° and 90°, can reduce dead space. In some models, the length of the first port 46 and / or the second port 48 can also be shortened to reduce dead space. In some models, the length of the first port 46 and / or the second port 48 can be 10 inches (2.54–5.08 cm) or another suitable length, which can reduce dead space and improve flushing. In some embodiments, a partition 56 may be arranged within the second port 48 and configured to allow the passage of air but not fluid, such as blood. For example, an outer surface of the partition 56 may include one or more slots 58 and / or an inner surface of the second port 48 may include one or more slots. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the slots 58 and / or the slots on the inner surface may allow the passage of air but not fluid. In some modalities, a needleless connector 60 can be attached to the second port 48 of the Y adapter 42. In some modalities, the needleless connector 60 can be attached to the second port 48 after blood collection is complete. nacnnn / eznz / E / YiAi In some embodiments, the needleless connector 60 may include a first end 62 and a second end 64, and the catheter system 24 may include another extension tube attached to the second end 64 of the needleless connector 60. In some modalities, the catheter system 24 may include another septum 66 disposed within the first port 46 of the Y-adapter 42. In some modalities, the other septum 66 may be disposed in an open position in response to a needle assembly 68 being coupled to the first port 46, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 4A-4B. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 68 may include a body 70, a needle 72 extending proximally from the body 70, and an elastomeric cover 74 attached to the body 70 and covering the needle 72. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 68 may include a luer adapter, such as, for example, a male luer adapter, which can be attached to the first port 46. In some embodiments, the luer adapter may be threaded (see, for example, Figure 4A) or slip-on (see, for example, Figure 4B). In some embodiments, the needle assembly 68 may be pre-attached to the catheter system 24 in a kit. In some embodiments, the body 70 may be monolithically formed as a single unit with a housing, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 4C. In some modalities, the needle assembly 68 can be removed and replaced with a luer connector after completing the nacnnn / eznz / E / YiAi blood collection. In some embodiments, the catheter system 24 may include a blood collection tube holder 76 coupled to the body 70 of the needle assembly 68, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 8. In some embodiments, the blood collection tube holder 76 may be coupled to the body 70 of the needle assembly 68 by means of one or more threads or other suitable means. In some embodiments, the blood collection tube holder 76 may be configured to receive a blood collection tube. In response to the depression of the blood collection tube within the blood collection tube holder 76, the needle 72 may pierce the elastomeric cover 4 and a cap of the blood collection tube to provide smooth communication between the catheter system 24 and the blood collection tube. In some modalities, during blood collection, blood may flow proximally through the catheter 36, catheter connector 26, extension tube 50, Y-adapter 42, and needle assembly 68. In some modalities, blood collection may occur at the insertion of the catheter 36 into the vasculature and / or later, after the catheter 36 has been within the vasculature, because the needle assembly 68 accessed the septum 66. In some modalities, the needleless connector 60 may prevent contamination prior to a subsequent blood collection event after the catheter 36 has been inserted into the vasculature. In some modalities, the needle assembly 68 further comprises a cap 78 positioned over the elastomeric cover 74, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 7, which may prevent contamination. With reference now to Figures 9-11E, a catheter system 80 may include the catheter hub 26, which may include the distal end 28, the proximal end 30, the side port 32 disposed between the distal end 28 of the catheter hub 26 and the proximal end 30 of the catheter hub 26, and the lumen 34 extending through the distal end 28 of the catheter hub 26 and the proximal end 30 of the catheter hub 26. In some modalities, the catheter system 24 may include the catheter 36 extending distally from the distal end 28 of the catheter hub 26. In some modalities, the catheter 36 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a midline catheter. In some modalities, the catheter system 80 may be similar or identical to the catheter system. 24 in terms of one or more characteristics and / or operations included. In some modalities, the needle hub 38 can be removably attached to the proximal end 30 of the catheter hub 26. In some modalities, the introducer needle 40 25 can be extended from the needle hub 38 and through the catheter 36 in the insertion position to insert the catheter system 24 into the patient's vasculature. In some embodiments, the catheter system 80 may include a Y-adapter 82, which may include a distal end 84, a first port 86, and a second port 88. In some embodiments, the first port 86 and / or the second port 88 may include a Luer adapter, such as, for example, a female Luer adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter system 80 may include the extension tube 50, which may include the distal end 52 integrated with the side port 32 and the proximal end 54 integrated with the distal end 84 of the Y-adapter 82. In some embodiments, a clamp may be provided on the extension tube 50. In other embodiments, the extension tube 50 may not include the clamp. In some modalities, the Y-adapter 82 may include a septum 90 disposed within the Y-adapter 82. In some modalities, the septum 90 may include one or more of the following: a distal end 92, a proximal end 94, a lumen 96 extending through the distal end 92 of the septum 90, a lateral opening 98 in fluid communication with the lumen 96 of the septum 90, and a vent hole 100 extending from the proximal end 94 of the septum 90. In some modalities, the septum 90 may be movable between a principal position, illustrated, for example, in Figures 11A. 1? 11B, and an infusion position, illustrated, for example, in Figures 11D-11E. In some modalities, in response to the septum 90 being in the main position, ventilation 100 can be aligned with the side port 32. In some modalities, the catheter system 80 may include another extension tube 102, which may include a distal end 104 and a proximal end 106. In some modalities, the distal end 104 may be coupled to the second port 88 of the Y-adapter 82. In some modalities, the catheter system 80 may include another Y-adapter 108 coupled to the proximal end 106 of the other extension tube 102. In some modalities, the catheter system 80 may include the needleless connector 60 coupled to the second port 88. In some modalities, one or more of the following: the other extension tube 102, the other Y-adapter 108, and the needleless connector 60 may be primed with a priming solution, such as saline, when the septum 90 is in the main position. In some modes, ventilation 100 can facilitate the movement of air from the other extension Lubo 102 to an external enLoruo.In some configurations, in response to the septum 90 being in the main position, air may flow through the vent 100 and into the external environment. In some configurations, the vent 100 may extend proximally to a proximal end 106 of the Y-adapter 82, or there may be a small gap between an inner surface of the Y-adapter 82 and an outer surface of the septum 90 proximal to the vent 100, and this small gap may allow air to pass into the external environment. In some modalities, in response to the septum 90 being in the infusion position, the side opening 98 may be aligned with the side port 32. Therefore, fluid can flow from the other extension tube 102 through the side opening 98, out of the distal end 92 of the septum 90, through the extension tube 50, and through the catheter hub 26 and catheter 36 into the patient's vasculature. In some models, the 90 septum can be coupled to a 110 housing that extends out of the proximal end 106 of the Y-adapter 108. In some embodiments, the Y-adapter 108 may include a groove 112 arranged around a portion of a circumference of the Y-adapter 108. In some embodiments, the groove 112 may include a notch 114. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may include an opening 116. In some embodiments, the opening 116 may be arranged within the notch 114 in response to the septum 90 being in the principal position. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing 110 makes contact with a stepped surface of the septum 90 to facilitate movement of the septum 90 in response to movement of the housing 110. In some embodiments, slot 112 may include another notch 118. In some embodiments, notch 114 and the other notch 118 may be arranged at opposite ends of slot 112. In some embodiments, in response to septum 90 moving from the main position to the infusion position, housing 110 may move distally and protrusion 116 may slide along slot 112. In some embodiments, protrusion 116 may be arranged within the other notch 118 in response to septum 90 being in the infusion position. In some modalities, the lumen 96 of the septum 90 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis 120 of the Y-adapter. In some modalities, an outer surface of the proximal end 15 94 of the septum 90 may not be circular and may correspond to the shape of an inner surface of the housing 110. In some embodiments, housing 110 may be coupled to needle assembly 68. In some embodiments, needle assembly 68 may include body 70, needle 72 extending proximally from body 70, and elastomeric cover 74 coupled to body 70 and covering needle 72. In some embodiments, catheter system 80 may include blood collection tube holder coupled to the body of needle assembly 68, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 8. In some embodiments, body 70 may be monolithically formed as a single unit with housing 110. In some modalities, the catheter system 80 may include the needle hub 38 coupled to the proximal end 30 5 of the catheter hub 26. In some modalities, the needle hub 38 may include a recoil chamber. In some modalities, the catheter system 24 may include the introducer needle 40 extending distally from the needle connector 38 and through the catheter 20. All examples and conditional language listed herein are for pedagogical purposes to assist the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the technique, and should be interpreted without limitation to such examples and conditions specifically listed. Although 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, with regard to this date, the best method known to the applicant to put the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

Having described the invention as above, the following claims are claimed as property: or 1. Catheter system, characterized in that it comprises: a catheter hub, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub, and a lumen extending through the distal end 10 of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub; a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub; a Y-adapter, comprising a distal end, a first port, and a second port; 15 an extension tube, comprising a distal end integrated with the side port and a proximal end integrated with the distal end of the Y-adapter; and a septum disposed within the Y-adapter, wherein the septum comprises a distal end, a proximal end,20 a lumen extending through the distal end of the septum, a lateral opening in fluid communication with the lumen of the septum, and a vent extending from the proximal end of the septum, wherein the septum is movable between a main position and an infusion position, 25 wherein, in response to the septum being in the main position, the vent aligns with the lateral port, and wherein, in response to the septum being in the infusion position, the lateral opening is aligned with the lateral port. 5 2. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that the septum is coupled to a housing extending from the proximal end of the Y-adapter, wherein the Y-adapter further comprises a groove disposed around a portion of a 10 circumference of the Y-adapter, wherein the groove comprises a notch, and wherein the housing comprises a protrusion,wherein the protrusion is disposed within the notch in response to the septum being in the main position, wherein in response to the septum moving 15 from the main position to the infusion position, the housing moves distally and the protrusion slides along the groove.

3. The catheter system according to claim 2, characterized in that an outer surface 20 of the proximal end of the septum is not circular and corresponds to the shape of an inner surface of the housing.

4. The catheter system according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing is coupled to a needle assembly, wherein the needle assembly 25 comprises a body, a needle extending proximally nacnnn / eznz / E / YiAi from the body, and an elastomeric cover coupled to the body and covering the needle.

5. The catheter system according to claim 4,characterized in that it further comprises a blood collection tube support 5 coupled to the needle assembly body.

6. The catheter system according to claim 4, characterized in that the body is monolithically formed as a single unit with the housing 10.

7. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a needle hub coupled to the proximal end of the catheter hub, wherein the needle hub comprises a retraction chamber 15; and an introducer needle extending distally from the needle hub and through the catheter.

8. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: another extension tube, comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is coupled to the second port of the Y-adapter; and another Y-adapter coupled to the proximal end of the other extension tube.

9. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a needleless connector coupled to the second port.

10. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lumen of the septum is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the Y-adapter.

11. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that the distal end of the septum comprises a larger diameter than the proximal end of the septum and the septum comprises a stepped surface.

12. The catheter system according to claim 11, characterized in that the septum is coupled to a housing extending from the proximal end of the Y-adapter, wherein the venting is linear and extends proximally to the stepped surface, where the distal end of the housing contacts the stepped surface.

13. Catheter system,characterized in that it comprises: a catheter hub, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter hub and the proximal end of the catheter hub; a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub; a Y-adapter, comprising a distal end, a first port, and a second port; an extension tube, comprising a distal end integrated with the side port and a proximal end integrated with the distal end of the Y-adapter; a needle assembly coupled to the first port, wherein the needle assembly comprises a body, a needle extending proximally from the body, and an elastomeric sheath coupled to and covering the needle; and a septum disposed within the second port.

14. The catheter system according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises: a needle hub coupled to the proximal end of the catheter hub, wherein the needle hub comprises a recoil chamber; and an introducer needle extending distally from the needle hub and through the catheter.

15. The catheter system according to claim 13, characterized in that the first port is monolithically formed as a single unit with the needle assembly.

16. The catheter system according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a needleless connector coupled to the second port.

17. The catheter system according to claim 16, characterized in that the needleless connector comprises a distal end and a proximal end.further comprising another extension tube coupled to the proximal end of the needleless access connector. or 18. The catheter system according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises another partition disposed within the first port of the Y-adapter, wherein the partition is disposed in an open position in response to the coupling of the needle to the first port.

19. The catheter system according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a blood collection tube holder coupled to the body of the needle assembly.

20. The catheter system according to claim 13, characterized in that the needle assembly further comprises a cap disposed over the elastomeric cover.

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