Abstract: An intravenous delivery system may operate by gravity feed, and may have a liquid source containing a liquid, a drip unit that receives the liquid from the liquid source, and tubing that receives the liquid from the drip unit for delivery to a patient. A flow rate sensor may be used to measure a flow rate of liquid through the intravenous delivery system, and may generate a flow rate signal indicative of the flow rate. A controller may receive the signal, and may compare the flow rate with a desired flow rate. If the flow rate is more or less than the desired flow rate, the controller may transmit a control signal to a flow rate regulator. The flow rate regulator may receive the control signal and, in response, modify the flow rate to bring the flow rate closer to the desired flow rate.

Abstract: An IV catheter system may include a catheter component with a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a securement platform. The securement platform may include a wing, which may extend from the catheter hub. The IV catheter system may also include a needle component with a needle hub, a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis, and a grip extending from the needle hub. The grip may be generally parallel to the axis and disposed on a side of the needle hub. The wing and the grip may be positioned to facilitate manipulation with a single hand to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration towards a fluid delivery configuration.

Abstract: An IV catheter system may have a catheter component with a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a push feature protruding outwardly from the catheter hub. The IV catheter system may also have a needle component with a needle hub, a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis, and a grip extending from the needle hub, generally parallel to the axis, with a pull feature. In the insertion configuration, the needle may be positioned within the cannula and the distal end of the needle hub may be seated in a needle port of the catheter hub. In the fluid delivery configuration, the needle may be positioned outside the catheter hub. The push and pull features may be positioned to facilitate manipulation with a single hand to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration to a fluid delivery configuration.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. The catheter system may include a catheter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, a catheter lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter and the proximal end of the catheter, and an inner surface forming the catheter lumen. The catheter may extend distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The distal end of the catheter may include one or more holes. The distal end of the catheter may include one or more channels. The holes and/or the channels may facilitate visualization of blood flashback indicating the catheter is disposed within a vein of a patient.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end. The catheter system may include a connector coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The connector may include a T-connector. The catheter system may include a connector support device, which may be wedge-shaped to support the connector at an insertion angle.

Abstract: Infusion sets for insertion into an insertion site for preventing misalignment of the base and cap or fluid connector by providing one or more alignment features between each, and in alternative embodiments, provide one or more features to secure the cap or fluid connector to the base in anyone of a number of rotational positions and having release features to allow the cap or fluid connector to be rotatable with respect to the base portion of the infusion set, and yet easily removed and inserted. Further embodiments provide infusion sets wherein the user can easily see the insertion site of the catheter and the skin, to determine if infections have occurred at an earlier stage than was possible using prior art infusion sets and with substantially less difficulty.

Abstract: Catheter and needle assemblies with spring-powered retractable needles are described. The assemblies can include a hollow handle, a grip portion, a catheter hub with a catheter, and a needle. The needle can have a first position in which the needle is slidably disposed within the catheter and a second position in which the needle is slidably removed from the catheter and retracted at least in part into the hollow handle. The grip portion can include a trigger portion that activates a spring to move the needle from the first position into the second position. In the second position, a sharp distal point of the needle is shielded by the grip portion to prevent accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: A pinch clamp for use in occluding intravenous tubing or other similar tubing can include patient comfort features and/or lateral disengagement prevention features. These features can also be designed in a manner that allows the pinch clamps to be more easily manufactured. A pinch clamp can include a first arm that is coupled to a second arm by hinges. Each of the first and second arms can form a clamping surface that are aligned when the first arm is positioned overtop the second arm. The first arm can include opposing openings and the second arm can include opposing tabs which insert through the openings when the first arm is positioned overtop the second arm. The retaining tabs interface with the openings to prevent the first arm from separating from the second arm.

Abstract: An intravenous delivery system may operate by gravity feed, and may have a liquid source containing a liquid, a drip unit that receives the liquid from the liquid source, and tubing that receives the liquid from the drip unit for delivery to a patient. A flow rate sensor may be used to measure a flow rate of liquid through the intravenous delivery system, and may generate a flow rate signal indicative of the flow rate. A controller may receive the signal, and may compare the flow rate with a desired flow rate. If the flow rate is more or less than the desired flow rate, the controller may transmit a control signal to a flow rate regulator. The flow rate regulator may receive the control signal and, in response, modify the flow rate to bring the flow rate closer to the desired flow rate.

Abstract: An IV catheter system may include a catheter component with a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a securement platform. The securement platform may include a wing, which may extend from the catheter hub. The IV catheter system may also include a needle component with a needle hub, a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis, and a grip extending from the needle hub. The grip may be generally parallel to the axis and disposed on a side of the needle hub. The wing and the grip may be positioned to facilitate manipulation with a single hand to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration towards a fluid delivery configuration.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, an introducer needle extending through the catheter, a flash chamber in fluid communication with a needle lumen of the introducer needle, and a seal element. The introducer needle may include a wall defining the needle lumen, a first notch formed through the wall, and a second notch formed through the wall. The seal element may be proximal to the first notch and the second notch and within the catheter between an outer surface of the introducer needle and an inner surface of the catheter. The seal element may prevent priming fluid from travelling distal to the seal element. The seal element in conjunction with the first notch, the second notch, and the flash chamber may facilitate pressure-driven blood flow into the catheter for detection of flashback and transfixing when priming occurs prior to insertion into vasculature.

Abstract: Catheter and needle assemblies with spring-powered retractable needles are described. The assemblies can include a hollow handle, a grip portion, a catheter hub with a catheter, and a needle. The needle can have a first position in which the needle is slidably disposed within the catheter and a second position in which the needle is slidably removed from the catheter and retracted at least in part into the hollow handle. The grip portion can include a trigger portion that activates a spring to move the needle from the first position into the second position. In the second position, a sharp distal point of the needle is shielded by the grip portion to prevent accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: An extravascular system is provided which includes a catheter adapter having a blood control septum configured to control flow of a fluid through the catheter adapter, the catheter adapter further having a catheter configured for intravenous insertion. The extravascular system further includes a septum activator slidably inserted within the catheter adapter and configured for advancement through the blood control septum to provide a fluid pathway through the blood control septum. Further still, the extravascular system includes an external safety mechanism comprising a needle hub and a needle shield interconnected via a tether, wherein the needle shield includes a safety clip that is configured to retain a sharpened end of the introducer needle within the needle shield. Some implementations further comprise an access port forming a portion of the catheter adapter and providing selective access to the lumen of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A pinch clamp for use in occluding intravenous tubing or other similar tubing can include patient comfort features and/or lateral disengagement prevention features. These features can also be designed in a manner that allows the pinch clamps to be more easily manufactured. A pinch clamp can include a first arm that is coupled to a second arm by hinges. Each of the first and second arms can form a clamping surface that are aligned when the first arm is positioned overtop the second arm. The first arm can include opposing openings and the second arm can include opposing tabs which insert through the openings when the first arm is positioned overtop the second arm. The retaining tabs interface with the openings to prevent the first arm from separating from the second arm.

Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, which may include a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending through the proximal end and the distal end, and a side port. The catheter assembly may include an extension set, which may include a first extension tube that may extend from the side port. The extension set may include a first connector, which may be coupled to a proximal end of the first extension tube. The first connector may include a first port and a second port. The extension set may also include a second extension tube. A distal end of the second extension tube may be coupled to the first port. The second extension tube may be longer than the first extension tube. The extension set may include a second connector, which may be coupled to the proximal end of the second extension tube.

Abstract: A retention feature configured to provide interference between a threaded connection of a Luer access device and a separate device, wherein the Luer access device further comprises a septum that provides a soft interfaced between the two threadedly connected devices. The retention features of the instant invention are designed to provide the user with a tactile sensation of a tightening threaded connection, despite a soft interface between the interconnected devices. The retention features of the instant invention further prevent “spring back” and unintentional disengagement of the interconnected devices.

Abstract: A ported catheter adapter having a combined blood control valve and port valve, wherein the combined valve comprises one or more vents that permit the passage of air and prevent the passage of fluids. The one or more vents are located on the outer surface of the valve so as to avoid being overlapped with the pathway of the side port. As such, fluid communication between the side port and the vents is prevented. Various venting configurations are provided. The invention further includes a valve actuator that is advanced through a slit in the membrane of the valve to provide a pathway for fluid to bypass the valve.

Abstract: A system for facilitating instrument delivery through a peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”) may include a catheter assembly having a catheter adapter, an extension tube extending from a side port of the catheter adapter, a septum disposed in a lumen of the catheter adapter, and a PIVC extending distally from the catheter adapter. The septum may include a first piece and a second piece and may be least partially disposed within a canister. The system may include an extension set, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end may include a distal connector and a rigid tube. The proximal end may include a proximal connector. The distal connector may be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. The rigid tube may penetrate the septum in response to the distal connector being coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: An infusion device (10) includes one or more of automatic insertion and retraction of an introducer needle (40) and catheter (28), introducer needle safety and extension set. The device (10) can further comprise a top-push button (16) activation feature, a side-push button (402) activation feature or a rotary-button (412) activation feature, and one or more of a manual interlock of an outer barrel and base, and a manual interlock for an extension set top and base. Packaging (500) for an integrated and/or removable inserter with activation button protection is also disclosed.

Abstract: An extravascular system is provided which includes a catheter adapter having a blood control septum configured to control flow of a fluid through the catheter adapter, the catheter adapter further having a catheter configured for intravenous insertion. The extravascular system further includes a septum activator slidably inserted within the catheter adapter and configured for advancement through the blood control septum to provide a fluid pathway through the blood control septum. Further still, the extravascular system includes an external safety mechanism comprising a needle hub and a needle shield interconnected via a tether, wherein the needle shield includes a safety clip that is configured to retain a sharpened end of the introducer needle within the needle shield. Some implementations further comprise an access port forming a portion of the catheter adapter and providing selective access to the lumen of the catheter adapter.