Catheter priming devices, systems and methods
A catheter priming apparatus may include a barrier forming a reservoir. Fluid may be disposed within the reservoir. A support structure may be disposed within the barrier. The support structure may include an opening extending through the support structure and a connector configured to couple the catheter priming apparatus to a catheter system. A one-way valve may be coupled to the support structure and configured to allow the fluid to flow out of the reservoir through the connector in response to compression of a portion of the barrier aligned with the opening.
1 . A catheter priming apparatus, comprising:
a barrier forming a reservoir;
fluid disposed within the reservoir;
an annular support structure disposed within the reservoir, the annular support structure defining:
an opening extending vertically completely through the support structure along a vertical axis of the support structure, the support structure annularly surrounding the opening; and
a channel extending radially completely through the annular support structure along an axis at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis of the support structure and in fluid communication with the opening,
wherein the support structure comprises a connector configured to couple the catheter priming apparatus to a catheter system, wherein the barrier surrounds the support structure such that the support structure is disposed within the barrier;
a valve coupled to the support structure and configured to allow the fluid to flow out of the reservoir through the connector in response to compression of a portion of the barrier aligned with the opening, wherein the valve seals the fluid within the reservoir proximal to and contacting the valve.
2 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises a seal coupled to a spring, wherein in response to compression of the barrier, the fluid forces the seal distally to compress the spring and open the valve.
3 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the seal comprises a ball.
4 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the spring is configured to return the seal to a position sealing the reservoir in response to ceasing of compression of the barrier.
5 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a washer coupled to the barrier, wherein a distal end of the spring is coupled to the seal, wherein a proximal end of the spring is coupled to the washer.
6 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 5 , wherein in response to compression of the barrier, the fluid flows around the seal and the spring and through the washer.
7 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 5 , wherein a distal end of the barrier comprises a connecting portion configured to couple to a catheter system, wherein an outer surface of the connecting portion is tapered.
8 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the outer surface of the connecting portion is tapered at an angle of about six degrees.
9 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises a duckbill valve coupled to the barrier, wherein the duckbill valve is configured to open in response to compression of the barrier to allow the fluid to flow out of the catheter priming apparatus.
10 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 9 , wherein a first flap and a second flap of the duckbill valve are configured to contact each other and seal the catheter priming apparatus in response to ceasing of compression of the barrier.
11 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support structure reduces compression of another portion of the barrier.
12 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the barrier comprises a film.
13 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid comprises saline.
14 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a male luer fitting.
15 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is rigid.
16 . A catheter priming apparatus, comprising:
a barrier forming a reservoir;
fluid disposed within the reservoir;
a connector configured to couple the catheter priming apparatus to a catheter system;
a support structure disposed within the reservoir, wherein the support structure is annular to form an opening extending vertically completely through the support structure along a vertical axis of the support structure, the support structure annularly surrounding the opening; and a channel extending radially completely through the annular support structure along an axis at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis of the support structure and in fluid communication with the opening, wherein the barrier surrounds the support structure such that the support structure is disposed within the barrier, wherein the opening is oriented generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter priming apparatus and wherein the barrier at least partially surrounds the connector;
a valve configured to allow the fluid to flow out of the reservoir through the connector in response to compression of the barrier, wherein the valve seals the fluid within the reservoir proximal to and contacting the valve and within the opening.
17 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the valve is coupled to the barrier.
18 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the valve comprises a seal coupled to a spring, wherein in response to compression of the barrier, the fluid forces the seal distally to compress the spring and open the valve.
19 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the valve comprises a duckbill valve coupled to the barrier, wherein the duckbill valve is configured to open in response to compression of the barrier to allow the fluid to flow out of the catheter priming apparatus.
20 . The catheter priming apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the valve comprises a one-way valve.