Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. The catheter assembly may include a catheter extending from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter may include a shaft and a lumen extending through the shaft. The shaft may include a wall and multiple reinforcement fibers within the wall. Each of the reinforcement fibers may have a greater tensile strength than the wall, facilitating kink-resistance and strength of the catheter.

Abstract: A connection system includes a first connector and a second connector configured for establishing one or more electrical connections through a drape. The first connector can include an alignment protrusion and a first piercing element having one or more electrical contacts configured to pierce the drape. The second connector can include an alignment notch, a channel, and a first receptacle configured to receive the first piercing element when inserted therein. The alignment notch can be configured to accept the alignment protrusion when the first connector is aligned with the second connector then disposed over the second connector. The channel can be configured to allow the alignment protrusion to slide along a length of the second connector. The first receptacle can have one or more electrical contacts configured to form at least a first electrical connection of the one or more electrical connections with the first connector.

Abstract: Rapidly insertable central catheters (“RICCs”) including catheter assemblies and methods thereof are disclosed. A RICC assembly can include a RICC, an introducer, and a coupling system configured to couple the RICC and the introducer together. A catheter tube of the RICC includes a side aperture in a distal-end portion of the catheter tube, which opens into an introducing lumen extending from the side aperture to a distal end of the RICC. The introducer includes a syringe and an introducer needle having a cannula. The coupling system includes a distal coupler slidably attached to the catheter tube proximal of the side aperture. The cannula extends through a longitudinal through hole of the distal coupler, through the side aperture of the catheter tube, along the introducing lumen of the catheter tube, and through the distal end of the RICC when the RICC assembly is in at least a ready-to-deploy state thereof.

Abstract: Rapidly insertable central catheters (“RICCs”) including catheter assemblies and methods thereof are disclosed. For example, a RICC assembly includes a RICC and an introducer. The RICC includes a catheter tube, a catheter hub, and one or more extension legs coupled in the foregoing order. The catheter tube includes a side aperture that opens into an introducing lumen that extends from at least the side aperture to a distal end of the RICC. The introducer includes a retractable-needle device, a syringe, and a coupling hub that couples the retractable-needle device and the syringe together proximal of the side aperture in a ready-to-deploy state of the RICC assembly. The retractable-needle device includes an introducer needle. A needle tip in a distal-end portion of a shaft of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the RICC when the RICC assembly is in the ready-to-deploy state of the RICC assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are catheter assemblies and methods thereof that address various aspects of at least the retrograde tunneling technique. The catheter assemblies include, but are not limited to, catheter assemblies configured for vascular access, catheter assemblies configured for priming, catheter assemblies configured for tunneling, and mechanisms for connecting catheter tubes to their respective catheter assemblies. The methods include, but are not limited to, priming, tunneling, and connecting catheter tubes to their respective catheter assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to connections systems including a port, a catheter, a cathlock and an adapter. The adapter can be coupled with a proximal end of the catheter and a cathlock can co-operate with the adapter to secure the catheter to the port in a fluid tight engagement. One of the cathlock or the adapter can threadably engage the port and employ mechanical advantage to radially compress the catheter and ensure a fluid-tight seal. The system can further include an insertion tool configured to facilitate securing the adapter to the catheter or securing the adapter or cathlock to the port. The adapter can be provided as a separate structure or coupled to the cathlock. Engagement of the adapter with the catheter can be signaled with an audible click. Optionally the adapter can include a skirt configured to compress the catheter onto the adapter stem.

Abstract: A fluid control component configured for controlling fluid flow through the hub of a catheter assembly during and after placement into the patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fluid control component comprises a body disposed within a cavity of the hub, the body being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the body does not pierce a valve disposed in the hub when in the first position and wherein the body pierces the valve when in the second position. The body includes a conduit to enable fluid flow through an internal portion of the body when the body is in the second position, and a plurality of longitudinal ribs disposed on an exterior surface of the body. The longitudinal ribs can provide fluid flow channels between the valve and an external portion of the body when the body is in the second position.

Abstract: Rapidly insertable central catheters (“RICCs”) including catheter assemblies and methods thereof are disclosed. For example, a RICC assembly includes a RICC and an introducer. The RICC includes a catheter tube, a catheter hub, and one or more extension legs coupled in the foregoing order. The catheter tube includes a side aperture that opens into an introducing lumen that extends from at least the side aperture to a distal end of the RICC. The introducer includes a retractable-needle device, a syringe, and a coupling hub that couples the retractable-needle device and the syringe together proximal of the side aperture in a ready-to-deploy state of the RICC assembly. The retractable-needle device includes an introducer needle. A needle tip in a distal-end portion of a shaft of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the RICC when the RICC assembly is in the ready-to-deploy state of the RICC assembly.

Abstract: A catheter placement system designed to establish a conductive pathway through a sterile barrier from a sterile field to a non-sterile field. The catheter placement system can include a stylet having a first connector including a piercing component, and a sensing component, and a data-receiving component having a second connector. The data-receiving component can be designed for positioning in the non-sterile field under the sterile barrier. The first connector can be designed to conductively connect to the second connector of the data-receiving component through the sterile barrier via the piercing component without compromising the sterile field.

Abstract: A catheter placement system including a catheter having a catheter tube distally coupled to a catheter hub having one or more extension legs proximally coupled to the catheter hub. The catheter tube defines one or more lumens where each of the one or more lumens is in fluid communication with one of the extension legs. The catheter placement system further includes a skin nicking device configured to transition between a sheathed configuration and a deployed configuration. The skin nicking device includes a needle defining a needle lumen, having a needle wall including one or more slots in fluid communication with an outside surface of the needle, and one or more blades configured to be aligned with the one or more slots, the one or more blades coupled to a distal end of one or more connecting members within the needle lumen.

Abstract: A catheter placement system designed to establish a conductive pathway through a sterile barrier from a sterile field to a non-sterile field. The catheter placement system can include a stylet having a first connector including a piercing component, and a sensing component, and a data-receiving component having a second connector. The data-receiving component can be designed for positioning in the non-sterile field under the sterile barrier. The first connector can be designed to conductively connect to the second connector of the data-receiving component through the sterile barrier via the piercing component without compromising the sterile field.

Abstract: Connection systems and methods thereof facilitate establishing electrical connections through a barrier such as a drape without compromising a sterile field established by the barrier. A connection system can include two connectors. A first connector can include a first-connector housing defining a cavity, a slideable end piece coupled to a distal-end portion of the first-connector housing, and at least a first piercing element connected to a first electrical lead. The first piercing element can be configured to enter the cavity and pierce a barrier disposed in the cavity when the slideable end piece is advanced toward a proximal-end portion of the first-connector housing. A second connector can include at least a first receptacle within a second-connector housing connected to a second electrical lead. The first receptacle can be configured to form at least a first electrical connection with the first piercing element after the first piercing element pierces the barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are compact rapidly insertable central catheter (“RICC”) insertion assemblies and methods. For example, a RICC insertion assembly can include a RICC, an introducer assembly, an access guidewire, and a coupler coupling together the RICC and the introducer assembly. The RICC can include a catheter tube, a catheter hub, and one or more extension legs connected in the foregoing order. The introducer assembly can include an introducer needle coupled to a syringe. The introducer needle can include a needle-hub through hole passing through a needle hub and connecting to a needle-shaft lumen of a needle shaft. The access guidewire can include a proximal portion disposed in the RICC and a distal portion disposed in the needle-shaft lumen through the needle-hub through hole. The coupler can enforce a loop in the access guidewire over which the catheter tube follows, thereby compacting the RICC insertion assembly and making it easier to handle.

Abstract: A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient. The access port can include a set of receiving cups which can be placed in fluid communication with a catheter. The set of receiving cups can provide a greater skin surface with which to access the port to avoid repeated penetrations at a single locus, such as during consecutive dialysis treatments. The access port can alternatively include needle penetrable arms or elongate chambers that also have a slim, low profile. The access port can include a needle guide to direct subsequent needle access to different insertion points to permit healing at the previous insertion points. The access port can be formed of a modular construction with a first conduit, a second conduit, and an outer shell. The outer shell can include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The access port can include a stem assembly and a locking member.

Abstract: A needle guide for use with a handheld probe having a connector protruding from a probe surface. The needle guide can include an upper portion including an upper surface, a lower portion defining a cavity to receive the connector of the handheld probe, and a needle channel. The needle channel can extend from a proximal portion of the upper surface to a distal end of the upper surface. The needle channel can have a fixed size. The needle guide can include a guide surface extending into the upper portion and the lower portion of the needle guide at a proximal end of the needle guide. The guide surface can include a concave shape with a conical surface that funnels into a proximal end of the needle channel.

Abstract: A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a receiving cup that provides a relatively large subcutaneous target to enable catheter-bearing needle access to the port without difficulty. In one embodiment, a low-profile access port comprises a body including a conduit with an inlet port at a proximal end, and a receiving cup. The receiving cup is funnel shaped to direct a catheter-bearing needle into the conduit via the inlet port. The conduit is defined by the body and extends from the inlet port to an outlet defined by a stem. A bend in the conduit enables catheter advancement past the bend while preventing needle advancement. A valve/seal assembly is also disposed in the conduit and enables passage of the catheter therethrough while preventing fluid backflow. The body includes radiopaque indicia configured to enable identification of the access port via x-ray imaging.

Abstract: A catheter placement tool for placing a catheter within a vasculature of a patient includes a housing, a guidewire advancement assembly, a needle, and a catheter assembly. The housing can include a hermetically sealed guide portion and one or more translucent sides to enable blood entering an interior of the housing to be viewed. The guidewire advancement assembly is disposed in the housing and can include a guidewire, and a flexible track coupled to the guidewire. The flexible track can be positioned along the hermetically sealed guide portion, and be accessible via an opening in a distal portion of the housing. The needle can be fixed in the housing, and can include a proximal opening in fluid communication with the interior of the housing. The catheter assembly is positioned over the needle with the catheter hub disposed outside of the housing prior to insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient. The access port can include a set of receiving cups which can be placed in fluid communication with a catheter. The set of receiving cups can provide a greater skin surface with which to access the port to avoid repeated penetrations at a single locus, such as during consecutive dialysis treatments. The access port can alternatively include needle penetrable arms or elongate chambers that also have a slim, low profile. The access port can include a needle guide to direct subsequent needle access to different insertion points to permit healing at the previous insertion points. The access port can be formed of a modular construction with a first conduit, a second conduit, and an outer shell. The outer shell can include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The access port can include a stem assembly and a locking member.

Abstract: A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a receiving cup that provides a relatively large subcutaneous target to enable catheter-bearing needle access to the port without difficulty. In one embodiment, a low-profile access port comprises a body including a conduit with an inlet port at a proximal end, and a receiving cup. The receiving cup is funnel shaped to direct a catheter-bearing needle into the conduit via the inlet port. The conduit is defined by the body and extends from the inlet port to an outlet defined by a stem. A bend in the conduit enables catheter advancement past the bend while preventing needle advancement. A valve/seal assembly is also disposed in the conduit and enables passage of the catheter therethrough while preventing fluid backflow. The body includes radiopaque indicia configured to enable identification of the access port via x-ray imaging.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to guidewire advancement and blood flashback systems. In particular, an insertion tool includes a frangible guidewire lever configured to break and prevent further movement of a guidewire if the guidewire becomes caught. Such a feature can prevent breakage of a distal portion of the guidewire which otherwise could undesirably lead to an embolism. The insertion tool can further include a blood flash indicator that has a simplified coupling with a needle. The insertion tool can further include a guidewire advancement assembly configured to allow a clinician to hold the insertion tool proximate a distal end and operate the guidewire advancement with one hand while providing increased control over the insertion tool. The insertion tool can further include a safety clip coupled with a catheter hub and configured to close about a tip of the needle when a catheter is detached from the insertion tool.