Patent Publication Number: US-2023158276-A1

Title: Catheter system with remote instrument delivery

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/385,873, filed Apr. 16, 2019, entitled CATHETER SYSTEM WITH REMOTE INSTRUMENT DELIVERY, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/660,630, filed Apr. 20, 2018, entitled CATHETER SYSTEM WITH REMOTE INSTRUMENT DELIVERY, which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Infusion therapy, a common healthcare procedure, may be facilitated by a vascular access device. Hospitalized, home care, and other patients receive fluids, pharmaceuticals, and blood products via a vascular access device inserted into the vascular system. Blood withdrawal is another common healthcare procedure that may be facilitated by a vascular access device. 
     A vascular access device may access a peripheral or central vasculature of a patient. A vascular access device may be indwelling for short term (days), moderate term (weeks), or long term (months to years). A vascular access device may be used for continuous infusion therapy or for intermittent therapy. 
     A common type vascular access device is an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). As its name implies, the “over-the-needle” PIVC may be mounted over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip may be used to pierce skin and the vasculature of the patient. Insertion of the PIVC into the vasculature may follow the piercing of the vasculature by the needle. The needle and the PIVC are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the vasculature of the patient with a bevel of the needle facing away from the skin of the patient. Once placement of the needle within the vasculature has been confirmed, a clinician may temporarily occlude flow in the vasculature and withdraw the needle, leaving the PIVC in place for future fluid infusion and/or blood withdrawal. 
     Currently, there may be several limitations to the use of a PIVC for fluid infusion or blood draw. The PIVC may narrow, collapse, or clog with time, leading to failure of the PIVC. Also, blood extracted from PIVCs may often need to be discarded due to concerns regarding sample quality. Further, use of a PIVC to draw blood can be slow and somewhat inefficient, particularly when the patient as difficult intravenous access or veins that are not readily accessed by the clinician. 
     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 
     The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access systems, devices, and related methods. More particularly, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to catheter systems, devices, and related methods that may facilitate delivery of an instrument into an indwelling catheter and/or vasculature of a patient. In some embodiments, the instrument may include a guidewire, a probe with a sensor, tubing for fluid infusion or blood draw, a light tube for disinfection, or another suitable instrument. In some embodiments, the delivery of the instrument may be stabilized via one or more stabilization platforms or features. In some embodiments, the delivery of the instrument may occur through a straight pathway, which may facilitate support of the instrument and/or prevent bending of the instrument. In some embodiments, insertion of the instrument into the catheter may occur remotely, which may reduce interference with a catheter insertion site in the skin of the patient. 
     In some embodiments, the instrument may include tubing, and the delivery of the instrument into the catheter and/or the vasculature of the patient may allow a user to draw a blood sample or infuse fluid through the catheter when the catheter is no longer functional or effective for blood collection due to, for example, debris build up on a distal end of the catheter or collapse of the catheter. Thus, in some embodiments, the delivery of the instrument into the catheter may reduce a number of needle sticks that a patient experiences as the second catheter may be replaced less frequently. 
     In some embodiments, a catheter system may include a catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the catheter adapter may be axially aligned with the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter, which may extend distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a PIVC. 
     In some embodiments, the catheter system may include an extension tube, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube may be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a connector coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube. In some embodiments, the connector, the extension tube, the lumen, and the catheter may form the straight or linear pathway for delivery of the instrument to the catheter system. In some embodiments, the instrument may be delivered through the catheter system into the vasculature of the patient. 
     In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube may be coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter via a luer adapter. In some embodiments, the luer adapter may be selectively coupled to a corresponding luer adapter disposed on the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube may be fixedly coupled to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the extension tube may allow remote delivery of the instrument, which may decrease disturbance of an insertion site of the catheter. 
     In some embodiments, the extension tube may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. In some embodiments, the extension tube may include a durometer between 70 Shore A and 95 Shore A, inclusive. In some embodiments, the extension tube may be a first extension tube. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include second extension tube coupled to the first extension tube. In some embodiments, the second extension tube may be disposed at an angle with respect to the first extension tube. In some embodiments, a hardness of the first extension tube may be greater than a hardness of the second extension tube. 
     In some embodiments, the connector may include a Y-adapter, which may include a first port and a second port. In some embodiments, the first port may be configured to couple with an instrument delivery device. In some embodiments, the second extension tube may extend from a second port of the Y-adapter. In some embodiments, the connector may include a blood control septum. 
     In some embodiments, the catheter system may include at least one stabilization feature, which may be disposed between the connector and the distal end of the extension tube. In some embodiments, the extension tube may extend through the stabilization feature. In some embodiments, the stabilization feature may be fixed with respect to the extension tube. In some embodiments, the stabilization feature may rotate on the extension tube about a longitudinal axis of the extension tube. 
     In some embodiments, the stabilization feature may include one or more platforms, which may include an adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer may be configured to contact skin of a patient. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include securement fabric, which may be coupled to the stabilization feature. In some embodiments, the fabric may extend outwardly from the stabilization feature. In some embodiments, the fabric may include an adhesive layer, which may be configured to contact the skin of the patient. 
     In some embodiments, a catheter assembly may include the catheter adapter and the catheter. In some embodiments, an extension set for the catheter assembly may include the extension tube, the connector coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube, and another connector coupled to the distal end of the extension tube. The extension tube, the connector, and the other connector may form at least a portion of the straight pathway. In some embodiments, the straight pathway may align with a longitudinal axis of the catheter assembly. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary 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 shown 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 invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  is an upper perspective view of an example catheter system, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 C  is an upper perspective view of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A  coupled with an example instrument delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 D  is an upper perspective view of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating example stabilization features, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 E  is a bottom view of a portion of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating the stabilization features, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 F  is an upper perspective view of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating example securement fabric, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 G  is a bottom view of a portion of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating the securement fabric, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 H  is an upper perspective view of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating an example dressing, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 I  is an upper perspective view of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating an example connector having a distally oriented port, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 J  is a cross-sectional view of an example connector coupled to a proximal end of an example extension tube, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  2 A  is an upper perspective view of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating another example stabilization feature, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a bottom view of a portion of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating the other stabilization feature, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  2 C  is an upper perspective view of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating another example stabilization feature, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  2 D  is an upper perspective view of the catheter system of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating the stabilization feature of  FIG.  2 C , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  2 E  is an upper perspective view of the stabilization feature of  FIG.  2 C , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  3 A  is an upper perspective view of another catheter system, illustrating an example connector having an example septum and example septum actuator, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  3 B  is an upper perspective view of the catheter system of  FIG.  3 A , having an example clip and without the septum and the actuator, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  3 C  is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of  FIG.  3 A , having the clip and without the septum and the actuator, according to some embodiments; and 
         FIG.  3 D  is an upper perspective view of an example needle shielding mechanism, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access systems, devices, and related methods. More particularly, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to catheter systems, devices, and related methods to facilitate delivery of an instrument into a particular catheter system and/or vasculature of a patient. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , in some embodiments, a catheter system  10  may include a catheter adapter  12  having a distal end  14 , a proximal end  16  axially aligned with the distal end  14 , and a lumen  18  extending between the distal end  14  and the proximal end  16 . In some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include a catheter  20 , which may extend distally from the distal end  14  of the catheter adapter  12 . In some embodiments, a catheter assembly  22  may include the catheter adapter  12  and the catheter  20 . In some embodiments, the catheter  20  may include a PIVC. 
     In some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include an extension tube  24 , which may include a distal end  26  and a proximal end  28 . In some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include a connector  30  coupled to the proximal end  28  of the extension tube  24 . In some embodiments, the connector  30  may be configured to connect an instrument delivery device to the catheter system  10 . In some embodiments, the connector  30  may selectively couple the instrument delivery device to the catheter system  10  such that the instrument delivery device may be removed from the catheter system  10 . In some embodiments, the connector  30  may include a luer adapter, such as a male or female luer adapter, or any other suitable connector. In some embodiments, the connector  30  may be a luer-activated needleless connector or a non-luer activated needleless connector. In some embodiments, the connector  30  may include a SMARTSITE™ Needle-Free Connector available from Becton, Dickinson and Company, a Q-SYTE™ Luer Activated Split Septum available from Becton, Dickinson and Company, an INTERLINK™ Needlefree System available from Baxter, or another similar connector. 
     In some embodiments, the distal end  26  of the extension tube  24  may be coupled to the proximal end  16  of the catheter adapter  12 . In some embodiments, another connector  34  may be configured to couple the distal end  26  of the extension tube  24  to the proximal end  16  of the catheter adapter  12 . In some embodiments, the connector  34  may selectively or fixedly couple the distal end  26  of the extension tube  24  to the proximal end of the catheter adapter  12 . In some embodiments, the connector  34  may include a luer adapter, such as a male or female luer adapter, or any other suitable connector. In some embodiments, the luer adapter may include a rotating collar luer lock. For example, the luer adapter may include a free rotating collar with threads, and locking may be achieved by rotating the collar. 
     In some embodiments, the catheter adapter  12  may include a side port and may be integrated, having extension tubing extending from the side port. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter  12  may be straight or non-integrated. As illustrated, for example, in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , in some embodiments with a straight or non-integrated catheter, the catheter adapter  12  may not include a side port and/or extension tubing extending from the side port the connector  30  may include any suitable septum  38 , which may prevent blood and/or other fluid from leaking out of the connector  30  in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, the septum  38  may be single-use or multi-use. In some embodiments, a septum  40  may be disposed within the lumen  18 , which may prevent blood and/or other fluid from leaking out of the proximal end  16  of the catheter adapter  12 . Additionally, in some embodiments, a septum actuator may be disposed within the lumen  18 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the following may form a straight pathway  41  for delivery of an instrument into the catheter system  10  and/or the vasculature: the lumen  18 , the catheter  20 , the connector  30 , the extension tube  24 , and the connector  34 . In some embodiments, the straight pathway  41  may be aligned with a longitudinal axis  42  of the catheter assembly  22 . In some embodiments, the straight pathway  41  may reduce a likelihood of kinking or bending of the instrument. In some embodiments, such as, for example, where the instrument includes tubing for infusion or blood draw, kinking may lead to occlusion, which may slow or stop fluid or blood flow through the tubing. In some embodiments, the straight pathway  41  may be unobstructed. 
     In some embodiments, the extension tube  24  may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. In some embodiments, the extension tube  24  may allow remote delivery of the instrument, which may decrease disturbance of the insertion site of the catheter. In some embodiments, the extension tube  24  may be a first extension tube. In some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include a second extension tube  44 , which may be coupled to the extension tube  24 . In some embodiments, the second extension tube  44  may be disposed at an angle with respect to the extension tube  24 . 
     In some embodiments, a hardness of the extension tube  24  may be greater than a hardness of the second extension tube  44 . In some embodiments, the hardness of the extension tube  24  may be less than a hardness of the catheter adapter  12 , which may reduce a risk of disturbing an insertion site of the catheter  20 . In some embodiments, the extension tube  24  and/or the second extension tube  44  may include a clamp  39 . In some embodiments, the second extension tube  44  may be coupled to the straight pathway  41  distal to or proximal to the connector  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the extension tube  24  may include a rigid or semi-rigid portion of the straight pathway  41  there through to facilitate delivery of the instrument into the catheter system  10  and/or the second extension tube  44  may be more flexible or compliant to cause less irritation to the skin of the patient. In some embodiments, the second extension tube  44  may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. In some embodiments, the extension tube  24  may include a durometer between 70 Shore A and 95 Shore A, inclusive. In some embodiments, the extension tube  24  may include a durometer greater than 95 Shore A. In some embodiments, the second extension tube  44  may include a durometer of about 35 Shore A or between 70 Shore A and 95 Shore A, inclusive. In some embodiments, the extension tube may include a length that allows the instrument being placed into the catheter system  10  to reach into the catheter adapter  12 , into the catheter  20 , and/or beyond the catheter  20  into the vasculature of the patient. 
     In some embodiments, a proximal end of the second extension tube  44  or an end of the second extension tube  44  opposite an end of the second extension tube  44  coupled to the extension tube  24 , may include a connector  46 , such as a luer adapter or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, the connector  46  may connect the second extension tube  44  to a blood collection device or infusion means. 
     In some embodiments, the connector  30  may include a Y-adapter, as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B . In some embodiments, the second extension tube  44  may be coupled to the extension tube  24  via the Y-adapter. In some embodiments, a first port of the Y-adapter may be aligned with the longitudinal axis  42  of the catheter assembly  22 . In some embodiments, the second extension tube  44  may extend from a second port of the Y-adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include the extension tube  24  but not the second extension tube  44 . 
     In some embodiments, an extension set  47  for the catheter assembly  22  may include one or more of the following: the extension tube  24 , the connector  30  coupled to the proximal end  28  of the extension tube  24 , the connector  34  coupled to the distal end  26  of the extension tube  24 , the second extension tube  44 , and the connector  46 . In some embodiments, the extension tube  24 , the connector  30 , and the connector  34  may form at least a portion of the straight pathway  41 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 C , in some embodiments, an instrument delivery device  48  may be coupled to the connector  30 . In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device  48  may include any type of delivery device capable of being coupled to the connector  30 . In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device  48  may include the instrument  50 , such as, for example, a guidewire, a probe with a sensor, tubing for fluid infusion or blood draw, a light tube for disinfection, or another suitable instrument. In some embodiments, the instrument  50  may be advanced distally through and/or from the instrument delivery device  48  into the catheter system  10 . In some embodiments, a distal end of the instrument  50  may be advanced beyond a distal end  52  of the catheter  20 . In some embodiments, the distal end of the instrument  50  may be advanced to a location within the catheter assembly  22  and/or the vasculature. As illustrated in  FIG.  1 C , in some embodiments, the instrument  50  may include blood draw tubing, which may be coupled to a blood collection device, such as a blood collection tube or adapter for a blood collection tube. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 D- 1 E , in some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include a stabilization feature  54 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may be disposed between the connector  30  and the distal end  26  of the extension tube  24 . In some embodiments, the extension tube  24  may extend through the stabilization feature  54 . 
     In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may include one or more platforms  55 , which may be configured to contact the skin of the patient. In some embodiments, a particular platform  55  may include one or more wings. In some embodiments, a particular platform  55  may extend on both sides of the longitudinal axis  22  and/or may include two generally parallel arms joined by a connector portion, as illustrated, for example, in  FIG.  1 E . 
     In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may be fixed with respect to the extension tube  24 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may rotate on the extension tube  24  about the longitudinal axis of the extension tube  24 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may be integrally formed with the extension tube  24 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may be a separate piece from the extension tube  24 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may snap onto the extension tube  24 . 
     In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may stabilize the extension tube  24  and/or extension set  47  during insertion of the instrument  50  through the extension tube  24 . In some embodiments, one or more digits of a user may grip or contact an upper surface of the platform  55  to stabilize the catheter system  10  during insertion of the instrument  50  through the extension tube  24 . 
     In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may be disposed on the connector  30  or the connector  34 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may be fixed with respect to the connector  30  and/or the connector  34 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may rotate on the connector  30  and/or the connector  34 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may be monolithically formed as a single unit or integrally formed with the connector  30  and/or the connector  34 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may be a separate piece from the connector  30  and/or the connector  34 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may snap onto the connector  30  and/or the connector  34 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  and/or the catheter system  10  may be low-profile. 
     In some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include multiple stabilization features  54 . In some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include a stabilization feature  54  on one or more of the catheter adapter  12 , the connector  30 , the connector  34 , and the extension tube  24 .  FIG.  1 D  illustrates a first stabilization feature  54   a  and a second stabilization feature  54   b . In some embodiments, the first stabilization feature  54   a  may be disposed between the connector  30  and the distal end  26  of the extension tube (illustrated in  FIG.  1 B , for example. In some embodiments, the second stabilization feature  54   b  may be disposed on the catheter adapter  12 . The first stabilization feature  54   a  and the second stabilization feature  54   b  may be referred to collectively in the present disclosure as “stabilization feature  54 .” In some embodiments, a needleless connector  53  may be coupled to one or more of the connectors  30 ,  34 , and  46 . In some embodiments, a particular needleless connector  53  may be disposed between the connector  30  and the instrument delivery device  48 . In some embodiments, a particular needleless connector  53  may be disposed between the connector  34  and the proximal end of the catheter adapter  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the platforms  55  may each include an adhesive layer  56 , which may be configured to contact the skin of the patient. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer  56  may be covered by a removable backing layer, which may be removed prior to securing the stabilization feature  54  to the patient. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 F- 1 G , in some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include securement fabric  58 , which may be coupled to and/or extend underneath of the stabilization feature  54 , such as, for example, the platforms  55 . In some embodiments, the fabric  58  may extend outwardly from the platforms  55  or away from the longitudinal axis of the extension tube  24 . In some embodiments, the fabric  58  may include an adhesive layer  60 , which may be configured to contact the skin of the patient. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer  60  may be covered by a removable backing layer, which may be removed prior to securing the stabilization feature  54  to the patient. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 H , in some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include a dressing  62 . In some embodiments, the dressing  62  may be disposed on top of the securement feature  54  and/or fabric  58 . The dressing  62  may be used to secure the catheter system  10  and/or prevent contamination or infection. In some embodiments, the dressing  62  may help stabilize or secure the securement feature  54 , the fabric  58 , and/or the catheter system  10  in addition to or as an alternative to the adhesive layer  56  and/or the adhesive layer  60 . In some embodiments, the dressing  62  may include a slit or slot aligned with the extension tube  24 , which may allow access to the connector  30  and some movement of the extension tube  24  without providing directed leverage on the catheter adapter  12  the insertion site of the catheter  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 H , in some embodiments, the second extension tube  44  may be disposed at an angle with respect to the extension tube  24 . As illustrated in  FIG.  1 H , in some embodiments, a port of the connector  30  and the second extension tube  44  may be distally oriented or facing. In other embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , for example, the port of the connector  30  and the second extension tube  44  may be proximally oriented or facing. In other embodiments, the port of the connector  30  and the second extension tube  44  may be perpendicular with respect to the catheter adapter  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1 J , in some embodiments, a portion of the straight pathway  41  extending through the connector  30  and/or the extension tube  24  may be smooth such that the instrument  50  is prevented from disturbance by any catches, such as any sharp edges or snag points, within the connector  30 . In some embodiments, an entirety of the straight pathway  41  may be smooth without any catches so as to allow the instrument to be smoothly advanced in a distal direction through the straight pathway  41  and/or smoothly retracted in a proximal direction through the straight pathway  41 . In some embodiments, any catches disposed within the connector  30  and/or at a transition between the connector  30  and the extension tube  24  may be positioned behind smooth features and geometry to prevent the instrument  50  from getting caught or snagged. 
     In further detail, in some embodiments, an inner surface of the connector  30  may form a portion of the straight pathway  41 . In some embodiments, a portion of the inner surface of the connector  30  proximate and proximal to the proximal end  28  of the extension tubing  28  may be even with or extend more inwardly than an inner surface of the extension tube  24 . This may prevent the instrument  50  from getting caught on the proximal end  28  of the extension tube  24  when the instrument  50  is advanced in the distal direction. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the proximal end  28  of the extension tubing  24  may be disposed an equal distance from or further from a longitudinal axis of the connector  30  as the portion of the inner surface of the connector  30  proximate and proximal to the proximal end  28  of the extension tubing  24 . In some embodiments, an inner diameter of the straight pathway  41  proximate and proximate to the proximal end  28  of the extension tube  24  may be approximately equal to or less than an inner diameter of the extension tube  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , in some embodiments, the stabilization feature  54  may include one or more snap features  63 , which may allow the stabilization feature  54  to snap onto the extension tube  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2 C- 2 E , a stabilization feature  72  is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  72  may include or correspond to the connector support device described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,497,891, granted Nov. 15, 2022, entitled “VASCULAR ACCESS CONNECTOR SUPPORT DEVICE, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  72  may be wedge-shaped, which may facilitate support of the connector  34  at an insertion angle of the catheter  20  into the patient. In further detail, in some embodiments, an upper surface  74  of the stabilization feature  72  may include a groove  76 , which may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the catheter  20 . In some embodiments, the connector  34  may rest within the groove  76 . In some embodiments, a thickness of the stabilization feature  72  at a proximal end of the groove  76  may be greater than a thickness of the stabilization feature  72  at a distal end of the groove  76  such that groove  76  may support the connector  34  at the insertion angle. In some embodiments, the insertion angle may be about 30° or less. In some embodiments, the insertion angle may be between 0° and 40°. Thus, in some embodiments, stabilization feature  72  may include a wedge-shape with an angle about 30° or less or between 0° and 40°. 
     In some embodiments, the connector  34  may extend into and/or through a ring  78  of the stabilization feature  72 , which may extend from the upper surface  74 . In some embodiments, a distal end of the connector  34  may include the luer adapter, which may include the rotating collar luer lock. In some embodiments, the rotating collar luer lock, which may be threaded, may be disposed distal to the ring  78  for easy access and rotation by the clinician. In some embodiments, a portion of the connector  34  proximal to the rotating collar luer lock may extend into and/or through the ring  78  of the stabilization feature  72 . In some embodiments, an outer surface of the rotating collar luer lock may include one or more ribs to facilitate tightening or loosening of the rotating collar luer lock by the clinician. 
     In some embodiments, the ring  78  may contact the connector  34  and hold the connector  34  snugly in place. In some embodiments, a width  80  of the ring  78  may extend along all or a portion of a bridge  82 , which may facilitate securement of the connector  34 . In some embodiments, the bridge  82  may join four leg portions  84  of an H-shape of the stabilization feature  72 . In some embodiments, the stabilization feature  72  may not include protrusions on the upper surface  74 , which might otherwise contact and support a port or extension tube. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , another catheter system  64  is illustrated. In some embodiments, the catheter system  64  may include or correspond to the catheter system  10  of  FIG.  1   . In further detail, the catheter system  64  may include one or more features of the catheter system  10 . As an example, the catheter system  64  may include one or more of the following: the stabilization feature  54 , the fabric  58 , the second extension tube  44 , and the connector  30 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the catheter system  10  may include one or more features of the catheter system  64 . 
     In some embodiments, the connector  30  may include a luer adapter. Referring now to  FIG.  3 A , in some embodiments, the connector  30  may optionally include a blood control mechanism, such as, for example, blood control septum  65 . In some embodiments, the connector  40  may include a septum actuator  67 , which may penetrate the septum  65  in response to insertion of a luer device. 
     In some embodiments, a proximal end of a needle  68  may be secured in a needle hub  70 . In some embodiments, the catheter system  64  may include any suitable needle safety or shield mechanism  69 . In some embodiments, the safety mechanism  69  may be disposed in and/or selectively coupled to the needle hub  70 , the catheter  12 , and/or the connector  30 . In some embodiments, the safety mechanism  69  may be disposed in and/or selectively coupled to another connector, such as a needleless connector, which may be positioned between the connector  30  and the needle hub  70 . 
     The safety mechanism  69  may be coupled or selectively coupled with the catheter system  64  in any number of ways. For example, the safety mechanism  69  may include an external interlock (for example, similar to the BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV Catheter System) or an internal interlock. In some embodiments, the safety mechanism  69  may be active (for example, similar to the BD INSYTE™ AUTOGUARD™ BC Shielded IV Catheter) or passive. In some embodiments, the safety mechanism  69  may encapsulate a sharp distal tip of the needle  68  in response to proximal withdrawal of the needle  68  (for example, similar to the BD SAF-T-INTIMA™ Closed IV Catheter System). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D , a clip  66 , which is an example of a safety mechanism having an internal interlock, is illustrated, according to some embodiments. Although the septum  65  and septum actuator  67  are not illustrated in  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D , it is understood that the connector  30  may include one or more of the following: the septum  65 , the septum actuator  67 , and the clip  66 . In some embodiments, in response to the needle  68  being proximally withdrawn from the catheter adapter  12 , a sharp distal tip of the needle  68  may be shielded in the clip  66  and the clip  66  may be uncoupled and removed from the catheter system  64 . In some embodiments, the clip  66  may be disposed within and/or selectively coupled to the catheter adapter  12 . In some embodiments, the clip  66  may be disposed within and/or selectively coupled to the connector  30 . In some embodiments, the instrument delivery device  48  may be coupled to the connector  30  after the needle  68  is removed from the catheter system  64 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , in some embodiments, the extension tube  24  may be pre-attached to the catheter adapter  12 . In these and other embodiments, the distal end  26  of the extension tube  24  may be fixedly coupled to or integrated with the proximal end of the catheter adapter  12 , as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D . In some embodiments, the distal end  26  of the extension tube  24  may be disposed within the catheter adapter  12 . 
     All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention 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 invention.