Guidewire advancement device

Abstract

A guidewire advancement device may include: a housing having a slot; a guidewire advancement feature having a first body; a guidewire having a fixed end and a free end; and a second body. The guidewire may extend through a U-shaped slot in the first body and an aperture in the second body. The fixed end may be fixed to the second body. When the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from a proximal position to an intermediate position, there may be a 2:1 advancement ratio between the free end and the guidewire advancement feature. When the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the intermediate position to a distal position, the second body may move with the guidewire advancement feature such that there is a 1:1 advancement ratio between the free end and the guidewire advancement feature.

Description

GUIDEWIRE ADVANCEMENT DEVICE BACKGROUND

[0001] Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters may be used for infusing fluids, such as normal saline solution, various medicaments, and total parenteral nutrition, into a patient. Catheters may also be used for withdrawing blood from the patient.

[0002] A common type of catheter device includes a catheter that is over-the-needle. As its name implies, the catheter that is over-the-needle may be mounted over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The catheter and the introducer needle are generally inserted into a blood vessel at a shallow angle through the skin into vasculature of the patient. After the clinician confirms the catheter is within the blood vessel, the introducer needle is removed, and the catheter is left in place for future infusion and / or blood draw.

[0003] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some implementations described herein may be practiced.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access devices, systems, and methods. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a guidewire advancement device, as well as related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device may include a housing, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot disposed in between the distal end of the housing and the proximal end of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing may include an inner surface forming a lumen.

[0005] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device may include a guidewire advancement feature, which may include a first body disposed within the lumen and a push tab coupled to the first body and exterior to the slot. In some embodiments, the first body may include a U-shaped slot. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement feature may be configured to move distally along the slot from a proximal position to an intermediate position and from the intermediate position to a distal position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device may include a guidewire within the lumen and extending through the U-shaped slot. In some embodiments, the guidewire may include a fixed end and a free end. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device may include a second body disposed within the lumen distal to and spaced apart from the first body when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position. In some embodiments, the fixed end may be fixed to the second body. In some embodiments, the second body may include an aperture therethrough. In some embodiments, the guidewire may extend through the aperture.

[0007] In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position, there may be a 2:1 advancement ratio between the free end and the guidewire advancement feature. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the intermediate position to the distal position, the second body may move with the guidewire advancement feature such that there is a 1:1 advancement ratio between the free end and the guidewire advancement feature.

[0008] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device may include an introducer needle, which may include a sharp distal tip and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured in the housing. In some embodiments, the free end may be disposed within the housing and / or the introducer needle when the guidewireadvancement feature is in the proximal position. In some embodiments, the free end may be disposed distal to the distal end of the housing and / or distal to the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle when the guidewire advancement feature is in the distal position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include a distal protrusion and a proximal protrusion. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, the distal protrusion may contact a distal end of the second body and the proximal protrusion may contact a proximal end of the second body to secure the second body within the lumen. In some embodiments, the distal protrusion may include a ramped surface ramped in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, the proximal protrusion may include a ramped surface ramped in a distal direction. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position, the first body may first contact the second body at the intermediate position. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature distally along the slot from the intermediate position to the distal position, the first body may push the second body distally over the distal protrusion.

[0010] In some embodiments, after the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the distal position, the guidewire advancement feature may be configured to move proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position. In some embodiments, in response to the guidewire advancement feature moving proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, friction of the guidewire with respect to the U-shaped slot may be greater than friction of the second body against the inner surface of the housing such that the second body is pulled proximally along the inner surface of the housing. In some embodiments, in response tothe guidewire advancement feature moving proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, friction of the guidewire with respect to the U-shaped slot may be greater than friction of the second body against the inner surface of the housing such that the second body is pulled proximally over the distal protrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device may include a clip disposed within the lumen. In some embodiments, the clip may be U-shaped and / or may include a base. In some embodiments, a first arm may extend from the base, and a second arm may extend from the base. In some embodiments, the first arm may include a first recess and the second arm may include a second recess opposite the first recess. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, the second body may be secured within the first recess and the second recess.

[0012] In some embodiments, an inner surface of the first arm may be tapered inwardly in a distal direction to the first recess and an inner surface of the second arm may be tapered inwardly in the distal direction to the second recess such that a distance between the first arm and the second arm proximate the first recess and the second recess is less than a distance between the first arm and the second arm proximate the base. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position, the first body may bias the first arm and the second arm outwardly to release the second body from the first recess and the second recess.

[0013] In some embodiments, after the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the distal position, the guidewire advancement feature may be configured to move proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position. In some embodiments, in responseto movement of the guidewire advancement feature proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, the first body may move towards the base such that the first arm and the second arm are configured to relax to capture the second body within the first recess and the second recess.

[0014] In some embodiments, a catheter system may include the catheter assembly and the guidewire advancement device coupled to the catheter assembly. For example, the guidewire advancement device may be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device may include the introducer needle, which may include the sharp distal tip and the proximal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured in the housing.

[0015] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples 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 instrumentality illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A is an upper perspective view of an example catheter system, according to some embodiments;

[0018] Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of Figure 1A, according to some embodiments;

[0019] Figure 2A is an upper perspective view of an example guidewire advancement device, illustrating an example guidewire advancement feature and an example guidewire in an example proximal position, according to some embodiments;

[0020] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of an example catheter system including the guidewire advancement device of Figure 2A, illustrating the guidewire advancement feature in the proximal position, according to some embodiments;

[0021] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of Figure 2B, illustrating the guidewire advancement feature in an example intermediate position, according to some embodiments;

[0022] Figure 2D is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of Figure 2B, illustrating the guidewire advancement feature in an example distal position, according to some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 3A is an upper perspective view of an example guidewire advancement device, illustrating an example guidewire advancement feature in an example proximal position, according to some embodiments;

[0024] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the guidewire advancement device of Figure 3 A, illustrating an example guidewire advancement feature in an example proximal position, according to some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 3C is an upper perspective view of a proximal end of the guidewire advancement device of Figure 3A, illustrating the guidewire advancement feature in the proximal position, according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 3D is an upper perspective view of an example clip, according to some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 3E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the guidewire advancement device of Figure 3A, illustrating the guidewire advancement feature in the proximal position, according to some embodiments; and

[0028] Figure 3F is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the guidewire advancement device of Figure 3 A, illustrating the guidewire advancement feature in an example intermediate position, according to some embodiments.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0029] For clarity it is to be understood that the word “proximal” refers to a direction relatively closer to a clinician using the catheter assembly to be described herein, while the word “distal” refers to a direction relatively further from the clinician. For example, the end of a catheter placed within the body of a patient is considered a distal end of the catheter, while the catheter end remaining outside the body is a proximal end of the catheter. Also, the words “including,” “has,” and “having,” as used in the present disclosure, including the claims, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”

[0030] Referring now to Figures 1A-1B, a catheter system 10 is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter assembly 11 having a catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 may include a distal end 14, a proximal end 16, and a lumen extending through the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 may also include a side port 18 betweenthe distal end 14 of the catheter adapter 12 and the proximal end 16 of the catheter adapter 12 and in fluid communication with the lumen.

[0031] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter 20 extending from the distal end 14 of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the catheter 20 may include an arterial catheter, a peripherally-inserted central catheter, a midline catheter, a peripheral intravenous catheter, or another suitable catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter 20 may include an over-the-needle catheter being threaded over an introducer needle 21.

[0032] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a safety housing 22, which may include a distal end 24 and a proximal end 26. In some embodiments, the distal end 24 of the safety housing 22 may be coupled to the proximal end 16 of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the safety housing 22 may enclose a V-clip needle shield 28 or another type of needle safety device. In some embodiments, the V-clip needle shield 28 may include a pawl 29 that may engage a groove in the catheter adapter 12 to prevent the safety housing 22 from separating from the catheter adapter 12 until the introducer needle 21 is withdrawn far enough proximally to activate that V-clip needle shield 28, as further described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024 / 0157096, filed November 6, 2023, entitled “CATHETER SYSTEM HAVING A GUIDEWIRE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0033] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a guidewire advancement device 30, which may include a housing 32 having a distal end 34, a proximal end 36, and a slot 38 disposed in between the distal end 34 of the housing 32 and the proximal end 36 of the housing 32. In some embodiments, the housing 32 may include an inner surface forming a lumen 40.

[0034] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 30 may include a guidewire advancement feature 42, which may include a body 44 disposed within the lumen and a push tab46 coupled to the body 44 and exterior to the slot 38. In some embodiments, the body 44 may include a U-shaped slot 48. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement feature 42 may be configured to move distally along the slot 38 from a proximal position illustrated in Figure IB to a distal position. Figure 1A illustrates the guidewire advancement feature 42 in between the proximal position and the distal position, according to some embodiments.

[0035] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 30 may include a guidewire 50 within the lumen 40 and extending through the U-shaped slot 48. It is understood that in some embodiments the guidewire 50 may be replaced with another instrument, such as, for example, a catheter, a probe, or another suitable instrument. In some embodiments, the guidewire 50 may include a fixed end 52 and a free end 54. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 42 moves distally along the slot 38 from the proximal position to the intermediate position, there may be a 2:1 advancement ratio between the free end 54 and the guidewire advancement feature 42 due to the guidewire 50 being disposed in a double throw configuration. Thus, in some embodiments, in response to a clinician sliding the guidewire advancement feature 42 distally along the slot 38 a first distance, the free end 54 of the guidewire 50 may be advanced distally a second distance that is twice the first distance.

[0036] In some instances, the double throw configuration and the resulting 2:1 advancement ratio may advance an undesirable amount of guidewire into a blood vessel of the patient. Moreover, a single throw configuration of a guidewire and a resulting 1 : 1 advancement ratio between a free end of the guidewire and a guidewire advancement feature, as shown, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024 / 0157096, filed November 6, 2023, entitled “CATHETER SYSTEM HAVING A GUIDEWIRE,” can present ergonomic problems for the clinician when using longer catheters that may require longer guidewires, such as arterial catheters (generally 4cm to 12 cm in length). In further detail, the clinician may need to extend his or her finger further than comfortable to slide the guidewire advancement feature and deploy the guidewire or the clinician may need to readjust his or her grip multiple times to engage in multiple pushes of the guidewire advancement feature.

[0037] Referring now to Figures 2A-2D, a guidewire advancement device 56 is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may include a housing 58, which may include a distal end 60, a proximal end 62, and a slot 64 disposed in between the distal end 60 of the housing 58 and the proximal end 62 of the housing 58. In some embodiments, the housing 58 may include an inner surface 65 forming a lumen 66. In some embodiments, the lumen 66 may extend from the distal end 60 to the proximal end 62.

[0038] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may include a guidewire advancement feature 68, which may include a first body 70 disposed within the lumen 66 and a push tab 72 coupled to the first body 70 and exterior to the slot 64. In some embodiments, the push tab 72 may include a portion of the guidewire advancement feature 68 disposed exterior to the slot 64 that may be configured to contact the finger of the clinician. In some embodiments, the finger of the clinician may be responsible for movement of the guidewire advancement feature 68 along the slot 64. In some embodiments, the push tab 72 may include one or more protrusions to aid the clinician in pushing or sliding of the guidewire advancement feature 68 along the slot 64.

[0039] In some embodiments, a shape of the push tab 72 may vary. In some embodiments, the push tab 72 may be generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the guidewire advancement device 56 to aid in sliding the guidewire advancement feature 68 along the slot 64. In some embodiments, the slot 64 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the guidewire advancement device 56 to facilitate advancement of the guidewire 76 in a direction aligned with the longitudinalaxis. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement feature 68 may include multiple push tabs 72.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first body 70 may include a U-shaped slot 74. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement feature 68 may be configured to move distally along the slot 64 from a proximal position to an intermediate position and from the intermediate position to a distal position. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may include a guidewire 76 within the lumen 66 and extending through the U-shaped slot 74.

[0041] In some embodiments, the guidewire 76 may include a fixed end 78 and a free end 80. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may include a second body 82 disposed within the lumen 66 distal to and spaced apart from the first body 70 when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the proximal position. In some embodiments, the fixed end 78 may be fixed or anchored to the second body 82. In some embodiments, the second body 82 may include an aperture 84 therethrough. In some embodiments, the guidewire 76 may extend through the aperture 84.

[0042] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may be configured to provide a hybrid between the double throw configuration and the single throw configuration. In further detail, in some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves distally along the slot 64 from the proximal position to the intermediate position, there may be a 2:1 advancement ratio between the free end 80 and the guidewire advancement feature 68. In these embodiments, in response to a clinician sliding the guidewire advancement feature 68 distally along the slot 38 a first distance, the free end 80 of the guidewire 76 may be advanced distally a second distance that is twice the first distance. Additionally, in some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves distally along the slot 64 from the intermediate positionto the distal position, the second body 82 may move with the guidewire advancement feature 68 such that there is a 1 : 1 advancement ratio between the free end 80 and the guidewire advancement feature 68. In these embodiments, in response to a clinician sliding the guidewire advancement feature 68 distally along the slot 38 a particular distance, the free end 80 of the guidewire 76 may be advanced distally a same distance as the particular distance.

[0043] In some embodiments, the 2: 1 advancement ratio between the free end 80 and the guidewire advancement feature 68 when the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves distally along the slot 64 from the proximal position to the intermediate position may facilitate quick placement of the guidewire 76 into the blood vessel, which may increase a chance of first stick success. In some embodiments, the 2:1 advancement ratio between the free end 80 and the guidewire advancement feature 68 when the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves distally along the slot 64 from the proximal position to the intermediate position may allow any calcification or other vasculature obstruction felt or contacted by the guidewire 76 during advancement to translate to the first body 70 to give tactile feedback to the clinician during initial advancement of the guidewire 76.

[0044] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may be tunable based on, for example, a length of the catheter 20 or a distance the guidewire 76 needs to advance through the catheter 20. For example, 40% of a total distance the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves along the slot 64 or within the housing 58 from the proximal position to the distal position may be double throw or configured to have the 2:1 advancement ratio between the free end 80 and the guidewire advancement feature 68, and 60% of the total distance the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves along the slot 64 or within the housing 58 from the proximal position to the distalposition may be single throw or configured to have the 1 :1 advancement ratio between the free end 80 and the guidewire advancement feature 68.

[0045] In some embodiments, the total distance the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves along the slot 64 from the proximal position to the distal position may be equal to a distance between the distal end of the slot 64 and the proximal end of the slot 64. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the proximal position, a proximal end of the guidewire advancement feature 68 may contact the proximal end of the slot 64 and / or the proximal end of the slot 64 may act as a stop for the guidewire advancement feature 68, preventing proximal movement. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the distal position, a distal end of the guidewire advancement feature 68 may contact the distal end of the slot 64 and / or the distal end of the slot 64 may act as a stop for the guidewire advancement feature 68, preventing distal movement.

[0046] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may be coupled to a safety housing similar or identical to the safety housing 22 of Figures 1A-1B and / or a catheter assembly similar or identical to the catheter assembly 11 of Figures 1A-1B. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may be coupled to another catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may be similar or identical to the guidewire advancement device 30 of Figures 1A-1B in terms of one or more features and / or operation. It is understood that in some embodiments the guidewire 76 may be replaced with another instrument, such as, for example, a catheter, a probe, or another suitable instrument.

[0047] In some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may be used with an indwelling catheter or alternatively during initial placement of a particular catheter within a blood vessel of a patient. In some embodiments, use of the guidewire advancement device 56 with theindwelling catheter and advancement of the guidewire 76 therethrough by moving the guidewire advancement feature from the proximal position to the distal position may reduce thrombus formation and / or prevent occlusion of the indwelling catheter. In these and other embodiments, the distal end 60 of the guidewire advancement device 56 may include a connector configured to couple to the catheter adapter 12. For example, the distal end 60 of the guidewire advancement device 56 may include a luer connector or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, use of the guidewire advancement device 56 during initial placement of the particular catheter within the blood vessel of the patient may aid in advancement of the particular catheter within the blood vessel when the particular catheter is threaded over the guidewire 76. In these embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may include an introducer needle 86, which may include a sharp distal tip 88 and a proximal end 90. In some embodiments, the proximal end 90 of the introducer needle 86 may be secured in the housing 58 such that the housing 58 includes or corresponds to a needle hub. In other embodiments, the housing 58 may not include the introducer needle 86.

[0048] In some embodiments, the free end 80 may be disposed within the housing 58 and / or the introducer needle 86 when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the proximal position. In some embodiments, the free end 80 disposed within the introducer needle 86 when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the proximal position may facilitate smooth transition between the proximal position and the distal position. In some embodiments, the free end 80 may be disposed distal to the distal end 60 of the housing 58 and / or distal to the sharp distal tip 88 when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the distal position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the inner surface 65 of the housing 58 may include a distal protrusion 92 and / or a proximal protrusion 94. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the proximal position, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 2A, thedistal protrusion 92 may contact a distal end of the second body 82 and / or the proximal protrusion 94 may contact a proximal end of the second body 82 to secure the second body 82 within the lumen 66. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the proximal position, the second body 82 may be sandwiched between the distal protrusion 92 and the proximal protrusion 94 in a locked or secured position. In some embodiments, the second body 82 in the locked or secured position within the lumen 66 allows the 2: 1 advancement ratio between the free end 80 and the guidewire advancement feature 68 when the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves distally along the slot 64 from the proximal position to the intermediate position.

[0050] In some embodiments, in response to the guidewire advancement feature 68 moving distally along the slot 64 from the proximal position to the intermediate position, illustrated, for example in Figure 2C, the first body 70 may crash into or contact the second body 82 at the intermediate position. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature 68 distally along the slot 64 from the intermediate position to the distal position, illustrated, for example, in Figure 2D, the first body 70 may push the second body 82 distally over the distal protrusion 92. In some embodiments, one or more of the distal protrusion 92, the proximal protrusion 94, the housing 58, the first body 70, and the second body 82 may be constructed of a flexible material to allow compression when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is moved from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0051] In some embodiments, after the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves distally along the slot 64 from the proximal position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the distal position, the guidewire advancement feature 68 may be configured to move proximally along the slot 64 from the distal position to the proximal position. In some embodiments, in response to the guidewire advancement feature 68 moving proximally along theslot 64 from the distal position to the proximal position, friction of the guidewire 76 with respect to the U-shaped slot 74 may be greater than friction of the second body 82 against the inner surface of the housing 58 such that the second body 82 is pulled proximally along the inner surface 65 of the housing 58. In some embodiments, in response to the guidewire advancement feature 68 moving proximally along the slot 64 from the distal position to the proximal position, friction of the guidewire 76 with respect to the U-shaped slot 74 may be greater than friction of the second body 82 against the inner surface 65 of the housing 58 such that the second body 82 is pulled proximally over the distal protrusion 92. Thus, in some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves proximally along the slot 64 from the distal position to the proximal position, the second body 82 may be reset or returned to the locked position between the distal protrusion 92 and the proximal protrusion 94.

[0052] In some embodiments, a shape of the distal protrusion 92 and the proximal protrusion 94 may vary. In some embodiments, the distal protrusion 92 may include a ramped surface 96 ramped in a proximal direction, which may facilitate securement of the second body 82 until the second body 82 is contacted by the first body 70 and may facilitate movement of the second body 82 over the distal protrusion 92 when the second body 82 is returned to an initial position or the locked position. In some embodiments, the proximal protrusion 94 may include a ramped surface 98 ramped in a distal direction, which may facilitate securement of the second body 82 until the second body 82 is contacted by the first body 70 and may facilitate movement of the first body 70 over the proximal protrusion 94 when the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves from the intermediate position to the distal position.

[0053] Referring now to Figures 3A-3F, in some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 may include a clip 100 disposed within the lumen 66. In some embodiments, the clip100 may be U-shaped and may include a base 102. In some embodiments, a first arm 104 may extend from the base 102, and a second arm 106 may extend from the base 102. In some embodiments, the clip 100 may be fixed within the lumen 66. For example, the base 102 may be secured to the housing 58. In some embodiments, the base 102 may extend distal to the first body 70, and the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may be disposed on sides of the first body 70.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first arm 104 may include a first recess 108 and the second arm 106 may include a second recess 110 opposite the first recess 108. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the proximal position, the second body 82 may be secured within the first recess 108 and the second recess 110, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 3B, 3C, and 3E. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 is in the proximal position, the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may converge to capture the second body 82 within the first recess 108 and the second recess 110. In some embodiments, when the guidewire advancement feature 68 moves distally along the slot 64 from the proximal position to the intermediate position, first body 70 may move distally within the lumen 66 according to the 2: 1 advancement ratio between the free end 80 and the guidewire advancement feature 68 until the first body 70 contacts the second body 82.

[0055] In some embodiments, an inner surface of the first arm 104 may be tapered inwardly in a distal direction to the first recess 108 and an inner surface of the second arm 106 may be tapered inwardly in the distal direction to the second recess 110 such that a distance between the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 proximate the first recess 108 and the second recess 110 is less than a distance between the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 proximate the base 102. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature 68 distally along the slot 64 from the proximal position to the intermediate position, the first body 70 may bias thefirst arm 104 and the second arm 106 outwardly to release the second body 82 from the first recess 108 and the second recess 110. In these embodiments, the clip 100 may facilitate smooth release of the second body 82 at the intermediate position to improve user experience.

[0056] In some embodiments, after the second body 82 is released from the first recess 108 and the second recess 110, the first body 70 may continue to push the second body 82 according to the 1 : 1 advancement ratio until the guidewire advancement feature reaches the distal position. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature 68 proximally along the slot 64 from the distal position to the proximal position, the first body 70 may move towards the base 102 such that the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 are configured to relax to capture the second body 82 within the first recess 108 and the second recess 110. Thus, the clip 100 may be configured to reset and lock the second body 82 within the first recess 108 and the second recess 110 in an initial position. It is understood that in some embodiments, the guidewire advancement device 56 of Figure 3 may include the distal protrusion 92 and / or the proximal protrusion 94 of Figure 2, which may aid in resetting and locking the second body 82 within the lumen 66.

[0057] All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the present disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A guidewire advancement device, comprising:a housing, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot disposed in between the distal end of the housing and the proximal end of the housing, wherein the housing further comprises an inner surface forming a lumen;a guidewire advancement feature comprising a first body disposed within the lumen, wherein the first body comprises a U-shaped slot, wherein the guidewire advancement feature is configured to move distally along the slot from a proximal position to an intermediate position and from the intermediate position to a distal position;a guidewire within the lumen and extending through the U-shaped slot, wherein the guidewire comprises a fixed end and a free end; anda second body disposed within the lumen distal to and spaced apart from the first body when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, wherein the fixed end is fixed to the second body, wherein the second body comprises an aperture therethrough, wherein the guidewire extends through the aperture, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position, there is a 2: 1 advancement ratio between the free end and the guidewire advancement feature, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the intermediate position to the distal position, the second body moves with the guidewire advancement feature such that there is a 1:1 advancement ratio between the free end and the guidewire advancement feature.

2. The guidewire advancement device of claim 1, wherein the free end is disposed distal to the distal end of the housing when the guidewire advancement feature is in the distal position.

3. The guidewire advancement device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the housing comprises a distal protrusion and a proximal protrusion, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, the distal protrusion contacts a distal end of the second body and the proximal protrusion contacts a proximal end of the second body to secure the second body within the lumen.

4. The guidewire advancement device of claim 3, wherein the distal protrusion comprises a ramped surface ramped in a proximal direction, wherein the proximal protrusion comprises a ramped surface ramped in a distal direction.

5. The guidewire advancement device of claim 3, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position, the first body first contacts the second body at the intermediate position, wherein in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature distally along the slot from the intermediate position to the distal position, the first body pushes the second body distally over the distal protrusion.

6. The guidewire advancement device of claim 5, wherein after the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the distal position, the guidewire advancement feature is configured to move proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, wherein in response to the guidewire advancement feature moving proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position,friction of the guidewire with respect to the U-shaped slot is greater than friction of the second body against the inner surface of the housing such that the second body is pulled proximally over the distal protrusion.

7. The guidewire advancement device of claim 1, further comprising a clip disposed within the lumen, wherein the clip is U-shaped and comprises a base, a first arm extending from the base, and a second arm extending from the base, wherein the first arm comprises a first recess and the second arm comprises a second recess opposite the first recess, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, the second body is secured within the first recess and the second recess.

8. The guidewire advancement device of claim 7, wherein an inner surface of the first arm is tapered inwardly in a distal direction to the first recess and an inner surface of the second arm is tapered inwardly in the distal direction to the second recess such that a distance between the first arm and the second arm proximate the first recess and the second recess is less than a distance between the first arm and the second arm proximate the base, wherein in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position, the first body biases the first arm and the second arm outwardly to release the second body from the first recess and the second recess.

9. The guidewire advancement device of claim 7, wherein the inner surface of the housing comprises a distal protrusion and a proximal protrusion, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, the distal protrusion contacts a distal end of the second body and the proximal protrusion contacts a proximal end of the second body to secure the second body within the lumen.

10. The guidewire advancement device of claim 9, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position, the first body first contacts the second body at the intermediate position, wherein in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature distally along the slot from the intermediate position to the distal position, the first body pushes the second body distally over the distal protrusion.

11. The guidewire advancement device of claim 10, wherein after the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the distal position, the guidewire advancement feature is configured to move proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, wherein in response to the guidewire advancement feature moving proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, friction of the guidewire with respect to the U-shaped slot is greater than friction of the second body against the inner surface of the housing such that the second body is pulled proximally over the distal protrusion.

12. The guidewire advancement device of claim 8, wherein after the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the distal position, the guidewire advancement feature is configured to move proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, wherein in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, the first body moves towards the base such that the first arm and the second armare configured to relax to capture the second body within the first recess and the second recess.

13. The guidewire advancement device of claim 1, wherein after the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the distal position, the guidewire advancement feature is configured to move proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, wherein in response to the guidewire advancement feature moving proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, friction of the guidewire with respect to the U-shaped slot is greater than friction of the second body against the inner surface of the housing such that the second body is pulled proximally along the inner surface of the housing.

14. A catheter system, comprising:a catheter assembly, comprising:a catheter adapter, comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and a guidewire advancement device coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter, comprising:a housing, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a slot disposed in between the distal end of the housing and the proximal end of the housing, wherein the housing further comprises an inner surface forming a lumen;an introducer needle comprising a sharp distal tip and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the introducer needle is secured in the housing;a guidewire advancement feature comprising a first body disposed within the lumen, wherein the first body comprises a U-shaped slot, wherein the guidewire advancement feature is configured to move distally along the slot from a proximal position to an intermediate position and from the intermediate position to a distal position;a guidewire within the lumen and extending through the U-shaped slot, wherein the guidewire comprises a fixed end and a free end; anda second body disposed within the lumen distal to and spaced apart from the first body when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, wherein the fixed end is fixed to the second body, wherein the second body comprises an aperture therethrough, wherein the guidewire extends through the aperture, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position, there is a 2: 1 advancement ratio between the free end and the guidewire advancement feature, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the intermediate position to the distal position, the second body moves with the guidewire advancement feature such that there is a 1 : 1 advancement ratio between the free end and the guidewire advancement feature.

15. The catheter system of claim 14, wherein the inner surface of the housing comprises a distal protrusion and a proximal protrusion, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, the distal protrusion contacts a distal end of the second body and the proximal protrusion contacts a proximal end of the second body to secure the second body within the lumen.

16. The catheter system of claim 15, wherein the distal protrusion comprises a ramped surface ramped in a proximal direction, wherein the proximal protrusion comprises a ramped surface ramped in a distal direction.

17. The catheter system of claim 14, further comprising a clip disposed within the lumen, wherein the clip is U-shaped and comprises a base, a first arm extending from the base, and a second arm extending from the base, wherein the first arm comprises a first recess and the second arm comprises a second recess opposite the first recess, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, the second body is secured within the first recess and the second recess.

18. The catheter system of claim 17, wherein an inner surface of the first arm is tapered inwardly in a distal direction to the first recess and an inner surface of the second arm is tapered inwardly in the distal direction to the second recess such that a distance between the first arm and the second arm proximate the first recess and the second recess is less than a distance between the first arm and the second arm proximate the base, wherein in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position, the first body biases the first arm and the second arm outwardly to release the second body from the first recess and the second recess.

19. The catheter system of claim 18, wherein the inner surface of the housing comprises a distal protrusion and a proximal protrusion, wherein when the guidewire advancement feature is in the proximal position, the distal protrusion contacts a distal end of the second body and the proximal protrusion contacts a proximal end of the second body to secure the second body within the lumen.

0. The catheter system of claim 18, wherein after the guidewire advancement feature moves distally along the slot from the proximal position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the distal position, the guidewire advancement feature is configured to move proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, wherein in response to movement of the guidewire advancement feature proximally along the slot from the distal position to the proximal position, the first body moves towards the base such that the first arm and the second arm are configured to relax to capture the second body within the first recess and the second recess.

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