Systems and methods to improve instrument guidance within an intravenous catheter assembly
A catheter assembly and/or an introducer may include one or more features configured to guide a probe and/or a catheter distally through a septum. The catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter and the septum. The catheter adapter may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the septum may be disposed within the lumen. The septum may include a proximal surface that is tapered inwardly in a distal direction such that the proximal surface of the septum is configured to guide the probe and/or the catheter distally through the septum. The catheter assembly may be configured to receive an introducer, which may include an introducer element. A proximal end of the introducer element may include another proximal surface that is tapered inwardly in the distal direction such that the other proximal surface is configured to guide the probe or the catheter distally through the septum.
1. An introducer, comprising:
an introducer element, comprising:
a blunt tube, the blunt tube comprising a distal opening and configured for insertion within a catheter adapter, wherein the blunt tube comprises a first outer diameter;
a base, wherein the base is configured to insert into the catheter adapter, wherein the base is generally cylindrical and comprises a second outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter, wherein the blunt tube extends distally from the base such that a stepped surface is formed between the blunt tube and the base;
a pathway extending through the base, and the distal opening; and
a compressible sleeve comprising a distal end and a proximal end;
a grip, wherein the distal end of the compressible sleeve is coupled to a proximal end of the introducer element and the proximal end of the compressible sleeve is coupled to the grip; and
a catheter comprising a distal opening and configured for insertion through the introducer element and the catheter adapter, wherein in response to compression of the compressible sleeve in a distal direction, the distal opening of the catheter is advanced from a first position proximal to the distal end of the compressible sleeve to a second position that is distal to the introducer element.
2. The introducer of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the introducer element further comprises a connector coupled to the base and configured to couple the introducer to the catheter adapter.
3. The introducer of claim 2 , wherein the connector is configured to be coupled to a port of the catheter adapter.
4. The introducer of claim 1 , wherein the introducer element further comprises a fluid seal configured to prevent fluid from entering the distal opening of the tube, wherein the fluid seal extends over the tube and contacts the stepped surface.
5. The introducer of claim 4 , wherein the fluid seal comprises an elastomeric cover.
6. The introducer of claim 4 , wherein the fluid seal comprises an antimicrobial agent.
7. The introducer of claim 4 , wherein the introducer element further comprises a valve positioned within the pathway.
8. The introducer of claim 4 , wherein the fluid seal comprises a slit by which the fluid seal may be penetrated.
9. The introducer of claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of the distal opening of the blunt tube is tapered inwardly in a distal direction such that the inner surface is configured to guide the catheter distally through the blunt tube and into the catheter adapter.
10. The introducer of claim 1 , wherein the distal opening of the catheter is disposed within the sleeve.