Patent Publication Number: US-2022218956-A1

Title: Probe Delivery Device to Facilitate Advancement of a Probe Within an Intravenous Catheter

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/135,393, filed Jan. 8, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A catheter is commonly used to infuse fluids into vasculature of a patient. For example, the catheter may be used for infusing normal saline solution, various medicaments, or total parenteral nutrition. The catheter may also be used for withdrawing blood from the patient. 
     The catheter may include an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous (“IV”) catheter. In this case, the catheter may be mounted over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The catheter and the introducer needle may be assembled so that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the catheter with the bevel of the needle facing up away from skin of the patient. The catheter and introducer needle are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into vasculature of the patient. 
     In order to verify proper placement of the introducer needle and/or the catheter in the blood vessel, a clinician generally confirms that there is “flashback” of blood in a flashback chamber of a catheter assembly that includes the catheter. After placement of the needle has been confirmed, the clinician may remove the needle, leaving the catheter in place for future blood withdrawal or fluid infusion. 
     Catheters typically provide an access port by which other devices may obtain access to the catheter while the catheter is positioned in a patient&#39;s vasculature. These other devices may be employed to perform various tasks such as obtaining a blood sample, injecting a fluid, performing a measurement, monitoring, etc. In many instances, the catheter of an IV catheter device may become occluded (e.g., due to a thrombus or fibrin sheath) which may prevent the performance of such tasks. If the catheter has become occluded, a clinician may attempt to remove the occlusion such as by inserting a needle, wire, or other structure through the catheter. However, removing an occlusion using currently available techniques is not always effective, is oftentimes difficult to perform, and may cause trauma to the vasculature of the patient. 
     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 probe delivery devices to facilitate advancement and/or retraction of a probe within an IV catheter, as well as related systems and methods. In some embodiments, a probe delivery device may include a housing, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing may be configured to couple to an intravenous (IV) catheter device. 
     In some embodiments, an inner surface of the housing may include a stop member. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a spool disposed within the housing and a probe wound around the spool. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include an advancement wheel. In some embodiments, the advancement wheel may extend out from the housing. In some embodiments, in response to the advancement wheel being rotated, the spool may rotate to cause the probe to advance through the distal end of the housing. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the advancement wheel may include another stop member configured to contact the stop member and stop rotation of the advancement wheel more than a full turn. 
     In some embodiments, the stop member and/or the other stop member may include a protrusion. In some embodiments, the housing may include a fluid pathway extending through the distal end and the proximal end of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing may include a probe channel that extends from the spool to the fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a seal that isolates the probe channel from the fluid pathway, and the probe may extend through the seal. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the housing may include a Luer connector or another suitable type of connector. 
     In some embodiments, a probe delivery device may include a housing, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing may be configured to couple to an intravenous catheter device. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the housing may include a housing stop member. 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a first wheel. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the first wheel may include a first wheel stop. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a second wheel, which may include a tab. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being disposed in a first configuration, the first wheel and/or the second wheel may be prevented from rotating in a first direction. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being disposed in a first configuration, the first wheel and/or the second wheel may be configured to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate more than one full turn in the second direction. 
     In some embodiments, a gap may be disposed between the housing stop and the first wheel stop. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being disposed in a first configuration, the tab may bridge the gap between the housing stop and the first wheel stop. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being disposed in the first configuration, the tab may be disposed between the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member and may contact the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being disposed in the first configuration, the first wheel may be configured to rotate independent from the housing and the second wheel in the second direction until the first wheel stop member contacts the tab. 
     In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel rotating independent from the housing and the second wheel in the second direction until the first wheel stop member contacts the tab, the first wheel and the second wheel are configured to rotate together further in the second direction until the probe delivery device is disposed in a second configuration. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the tab may be disposed between the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member and may contact the housing stop member and the first wheel stop member. 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a probe. In some embodiments, the probe may be in a fully retracted position in response to the probe delivery device being in the first configuration. In some embodiments, the probe may be in a fully advanced position in response to the probe delivery device being in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate in the second direction to advance the probe in a distal direction through the distal end of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, a probe delivery device may include a housing, which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end may be configured to couple to an IV catheter device. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the housing may include a housing stop member and a housing detent. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include an axle. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a first wheel configured to rotate with the axle. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the first wheel may include a first wheel stop member and a first wheel detent. 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a second wheel disposed on the axle and configured to rotate with the axle and move axially along the axle. In some embodiments, the second wheel may include a tab. In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device being in a first configuration, the tab may be disposed within the housing detent and the first wheel detent. In these embodiments, the first wheel may be prevented from rotating in a first direction but may be configured to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate more than one full turn in the second direction. 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device may include a probe. In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate in the second direction to advance the probe in a distal direction through the distal end of the housing. In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel rotating in the second direction from the first configuration, the tab may be removed from the first wheel detent before the tab is removed from the housing detent. In some embodiments, the tab may be removed from the housing detent in response to the tab sliding toward the inner surface of the first wheel. 
     In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include another housing detent. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first wheel may include a first wheel ramped surface. In some embodiments, the first wheel detent may be disposed between the first wheel stop member and the first wheel ramped surface. In some embodiments, the first wheel ramped surface may be ramped towards the first wheel detent. 
     In some embodiments, the first wheel may be configured to rotate from the first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, the tab may be disposed within the other housing detent and the first wheel detent in the second configuration. In some embodiments, in order to move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the tab may contact the housing stop member. In some embodiments, in response to the tab contacting the housing stop member and further rotation of the first wheel in the second direction, the tab may move along the first wheel ramped surface and may be pushed by the first wheel ramped surface towards the inner surface of the housing and into the other housing detent. 
     In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may include a housing ramped surface and another housing ramped surface. In some embodiments, the housing detent may be disposed between the housing stop member and the housing ramped surface. In some embodiments, the other housing detent may be disposed between the housing stop member and the other ramped surface and on an opposite side of the housing stop member as the housing detent. 
     In some embodiments, the housing ramped surface may be ramped towards the housing detent. In some embodiments, the first wheel ramped surface may be ramped towards the first wheel detent. In some embodiments, the housing ramped surface and the first wheel ramped surface may be ramped in differing or opposing directions. In some embodiments, the housing detent may be disposed across from the first wheel detent in the first configuration. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples 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 illustrated 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 DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side view of a probe delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded rear view of an example probe advancement mechanism of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2A  is a rear view of a probe advancement mechanism of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of another probe delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, illustrating the probe delivery device in a first configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 10A , illustrating the probe delivery device in a second configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10C  is an upper perspective view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 10A , illustrating the probe delivery device in the first configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10D  is an exploded rear view of an example probe advancement mechanism of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 10A , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, illustrating the probe delivery device in a first configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 11A , illustrating an example first wheel rotated independently from an example second wheel in a second direction from the first configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 11A , illustrating the first wheel rotated further in the second direction from the position of  FIG. 11B , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11D  is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 11A , illustrating the first wheel and the second wheel rotated together in the second direction from the position of  FIG. 11C , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11E  is a cross-sectional side view of another probe delivery device, illustrating the probe delivery device in a second configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional front view of another probe delivery device, illustrating the probe delivery device in a first configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the probe delivery device in the first configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12C  is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 11A , illustrating an example first wheel rotated independently from an example second wheel in a second direction from the first configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12D  is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the first wheel rotated independently from the second wheel in the second direction from the first configuration, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12E  is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 11A , illustrating an example tab moved towards the first wheel, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12F  is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the tab moved towards the first wheel, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12G  is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the tab and the first wheel rotated in the second direction from the position of  FIG. 12E-12F , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12H  is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the tab and the first wheel rotated further in the second direction from the position of  FIG. 12G , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12I  is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the tab and the first wheel rotated further in the second direction from the position of  FIG. 12G , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12J  is a cross-sectional side view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the probe delivery device in a second configuration, according to some embodiments; and 
         FIG. 12K  is a cross-sectional front view of the probe delivery device of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the probe delivery device in a second configuration, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     In the specification and the claims, the term “IV catheter device” should be construed as any device that includes an IV catheter. The term “probe delivery device” should be construed as any device that is configured to advance and/or retract a probe within an IV catheter. In some embodiments, a probe delivery device may be a separate device from an IV catheter device with which the probe delivery device may be used. In other embodiments, a probe delivery device may be in the form of an IV catheter device. In other words, a probe delivery device may include an IV catheter in some embodiments. The term “probe delivery mechanism” will be used to represent a variety of mechanisms and/or configurations of a probe delivery device that facilitate advancement and/or retraction of a probe within an IV catheter in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Prior to describing various examples of a probe delivery device, general characteristics of some embodiments of a probe delivery device will be described. A probe delivery device includes a distal end, which will be oriented towards vasculature of a patient during use, and a proximal end opposite the distal end. In some embodiments, the distal end may be configured to connect to an IV catheter device. In other embodiments, the distal end may include an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the probe delivery device may be configured to allow a separate device to be connected to the probe delivery device. For example, the proximal end may include an access port or a vacuum tube receiver that form part of a fluid pathway that extends to the distal end of the probe delivery device. In other embodiments, the distal end or another portion of the probe delivery device may be configured to allow a separate device to be connected to the probe delivery device. However, in some embodiments, the probe delivery device may not be configured to enable a separate device to be connected to the probe delivery device. For example, a probe delivery device may be configured to deliver a probe while not being configured for injecting fluid or withdrawing blood. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a probe delivery device  100  that is configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  100  may include a housing  105  having a distal end  100   a  and a proximal end  100   b . In some embodiments, although only a portion of the distal end  100   a  is illustrated, as noted above, the distal end  100   a  could include any type of connector to enable the probe delivery device  100  to be connected to an IV catheter device or could incorporate an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end  100   b  may be configured to form a vacuum tube receiver  130  having a needle  131  covered by a protective sheath  132 . 
     In some embodiments, a fluid pathway  110  may extend within the probe delivery device  100  from the needle  131  to the distal end  100   a . Accordingly, when a vacuum tube  140  is inserted into the vacuum tube receiver  130 , a blood sample can be collected through the fluid pathway  110 . In some embodiments, the proximal end  100   b  may include a Luer connector or any other type of connector that is coupled to the fluid pathway  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  100  may include a probe delivery mechanism  150  that enables a probe  153  to be advanced in a distal direction through an IV catheter and subsequently withdrawn in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, the probe  153  may include a wire constructed of nickel titanium or another suitable material. In some embodiments, a compartment  120  may be formed within the probe delivery device  100  and may house the probe delivery mechanism  150 . In some embodiments, a dividing wall  115  may create a probe channel  121  that extends distally from the compartment  120  and joins the fluid pathway  110  at a distal portion  110   a  of the fluid pathway  110 . 
     In some embodiments, to isolate the compartment  120  from the fluid pathway  110 , a seal  122  (e.g., an elastomeric septum) may be positioned within and span the probe channel  121 . In some embodiments, the probe  153  may extend through a slit or other opening formed within seal  122 . In some embodiments, the seal  122  may provide support to probe  153  to prevent it from buckling as it is advanced. Although probe channel  121  is illustrated as being substantially wider than probe  153 , in some embodiments, dimensions of at least a portion of the probe channel  121  may be only slightly greater than the probe  153  so that probe channel  121  may provide support to prevent buckling of the probe  153 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  150  may include a spool  155  and an advancement wheel  152 , both of which may be configured to rotate within the compartment  120 . In some embodiments, the spool  155  may be positioned adjacent to the advancement wheel  152  (i.e., towards the probe channel  121  relative to the advancement wheel  152 ). In some embodiments, the advancement wheel  152  may be positioned to extend partially out from the compartment  120  to thereby enable a clinician to use his or her thumb or finger to rotate the advancement wheel  152 . In some embodiments, the spool  155  may include a gear  156  having teeth  156   a . Likewise, in some embodiments, the advancement wheel  152  may include teeth  152   a  and may therefore function as a gear. In some embodiments, the teeth  152   a  may interface with the teeth  156   a  so that the spool  155  is rotated when the advancement wheel  152  is rotated. In some embodiments, the teeth  152   a  are formed along the outermost edge of the advancement wheel  152 . In other embodiments, however, teeth  152   a  may be formed along a portion of advancement wheel that is inset relative to the outermost edge. 
       FIG. 1A  provides an exploded rear view of probe delivery mechanism  150  in isolation, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the spool  155  and the advancement wheel  152  may include axles  155   b  and  152   b , respectively, by which these components are positioned within the compartment  120  and around which these components rotate. In some embodiments, the spool  155  may include a spool drum  155   a  around which the probe  153  may be wound. Therefore, when the spool  155  is rotated, the rotation may cause probe  153  to be advanced or retracted along the probe channel  121  depending on the direction in which the advancement wheel  152  is rotated. In some embodiments, the gear formed by the advancement wheel  152  may have a larger diameter than the gear  156  to thereby cause probe  153  to be advanced or retracted a larger distance relative to the amount of rotation of advancement wheel  152 . In contrast, in other embodiments, the gear formed by the advancement wheel  152  may have an equal or smaller diameter than the gear  156 . In such embodiments, the probe  153  may advance or retract a smaller distance relative to the amount of rotation of the advancement wheel  152  but such advancement or retraction may be accomplished with a reduced amount of force to the advancement wheel  152 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  100  may include a seal (not illustrated) within the compartment  120  that isolates the spool drum  155   a  and the probe  153  from the external environment. In some embodiments, the seal  122  may or may not be employed since fluid entering the probe channel  121  would be prevented from escaping the compartment  120  by the seal within the compartment  120 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates another example of a probe delivery device  200 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  200  may be similar or identical to the probe delivery device  100  in terms of one or more features and/or operation. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  200  may include a housing  205  having a distal end  200   a , which may be configured in any manner described above, and a proximal end  200   b  that forms a vacuum tube receiver  230  having a needle  231  covered by a protective sheath  232 . In some embodiments, a fluid pathway  210  may extend within the probe delivery device  200  from the needle  231  to the distal end  200   a . Accordingly, when a vacuum tube  240  is inserted into the vacuum tube receiver  230 , a blood sample can be collected through the fluid pathway  210 . In other embodiments, the proximal end  200   b  may include a Luer connector or any other type of connector that is coupled to the fluid pathway  210 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  200  may include a probe delivery mechanism  250  that enables a probe  253  to be advanced in a distal direction through an IV catheter and/or subsequently withdrawn in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, a compartment  220  may be formed within the probe delivery device  200  and may houses the probe delivery mechanism  250 . In some embodiments, a dividing wall  215  may create a probe channel  221  that extends distally from the compartment  220  and joins the fluid pathway  210  at a distal portion  210   a  of the fluid pathway  210 . In some embodiments, a seal  222  may be positioned within and the span probe channel  221  to isolate the probe channel  221  from the fluid pathway  210 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , which is an isolated rear view of the probe delivery mechanism  250 , the probe delivery mechanism  250  may include a spool  251  having an axle  251   b  that maintains spool  251  within compartment  220  and allows spool  251  to rotate. In some embodiments, the spool  251  may include a spool drum  251   c  around which the probe  253  is wound. In some embodiments, a portion of the spool  251  may form an advancement wheel  251   a  that extends upwardly from the compartment  220 . Accordingly, a clinician can directly rotate the spool  251  by applying a force to the advancement wheel  251   a . Such rotation can cause the probe  253  to be advanced and retracted within the probe channel  221  depending on the direction of rotation. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates another example of a probe delivery device  300 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  300  may be similar or identical to the probe delivery device  100  and/or the probe delivery device  200  in terms of one or more features and/or operation. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  300  may include a housing  305  having a distal end  300   a  and a proximal end  300   b . In some embodiments, the distal end  300   a  may form a connector  306  by which the probe delivery device  300  may be coupled to an IV catheter device (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  300  is an example of a probe delivery device that is not configured to collect blood or inject fluid. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the proximal end  300   b  does not form a vacuum tube receiver or include an access port or other connector. In some embodiments, a probe channel, but not a fluid pathway, may be formed within the housing  305 . In some embodiments, the probe  353  may be extended through the probe channel, out through the distal end  300   a , into an IV catheter device to which the probe delivery device  300  is connected and ultimately through the IV catheter. It is noted, however, that in some embodiments, the proximal end  300   b  may be configured to allow blood to be collected or fluid to be injected using the probe delivery device  300  (e.g., using any of the techniques described in the present disclosure). 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  300  may include a probe delivery mechanism  350  having a spool  351  that is generally similar to the spool  251 . In particular, the spool  351  may include an axle  351   b  that maintains the spool  351  within the compartment  320  and allows the spool  351  to rotate. In some embodiments, the spool  351  may include a spool drum  351   c  around which the probe  353  is wound. In some embodiments, a portion of the spool  351  may form an advancement wheel  351   a  that extends upwardly from the compartment  320 . Accordingly, a clinician can directly rotate the spool  351  by applying a force to the advancement wheel  351   a  and such rotation can cause the probe  353  to advance or retract. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another example of a probe delivery device  400 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  400  may be similar or identical to one or more of the following in terms of one or more features and/or operation: the probe delivery device  100 , the probe delivery device  200 , and the probe delivery device  300 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  400  may include a housing  405  having a distal end  400   a , which may be configured in any manner described above, and a proximal end  400   b  from which tubing  430  having a connector  430   a  extends. In some embodiments, a fluid pathway  410  may extend within the probe delivery device  400  from the tubing  430  to a distal end  400   a . Accordingly, a separate device could be coupled to the connector  430   a  to withdraw blood from or inject fluid into the fluid pathway  410 . In some embodiments, the proximal end  400   b  may form a vacuum tube receiver similar to those described above. In some embodiments, the tube  430  may form a portion of the fluid pathway  410  (e.g., by extending distally up to the distal end of dividing wall  415 ). 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  400  may include a probe delivery mechanism  450  that enables a probe  453  to be advanced in a distal direction through an IV catheter and subsequently withdrawn in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, a distal compartment  420   a  and a proximal compartment  420   b  are formed within the probe delivery device  400  and house the probe delivery mechanism  450 . In some embodiments, a compartment channel  420   c  interconnects the distal compartment  420   a  and the proximal compartment  420   b . In some embodiments, a dividing wall  415  may create a probe channel  421  that extends distally from the proximal compartment  420   b  and joins the fluid pathway  410  at a distal portion  410   a  of the fluid pathway  410 . In some embodiments, a seal  422  may be positioned within and span the probe channel  421  to isolate the probe channel  421  from the fluid pathway  410 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  450  may include a spool  451  having an axle  451   b  that maintains the spool  451  within distal compartment  420   a  and allows the spool  451  to rotate. In some embodiments, the spool  451  may include a spool drum  451   c  around which the probe  453  is wound. In some embodiments, a portion of the spool  451  may form an advancement wheel  451   a  that extends upwardly from the distal compartment  420   a . Accordingly, a clinician can directly rotate spool  451  by applying a force to advancement wheel  451   a.    
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  450  may include a primary wheel  461  having an axle  461   a  that maintains the primary wheel  461  within the proximal compartment  420   b  and allows the primary wheel  461  to rotate. In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  450  may further include one or more secondary wheels  462  that are adjacent to the primary wheel  461  and configured to rotate within proximal compartment  420   b . In the depicted embodiment, there are four secondary wheels  462 , but, in other embodiments, there may be a single secondary wheel or any other reasonable number of secondary wheels. Also, in some embodiments, probe delivery mechanism  450  may include primary wheel  461  and no secondary wheels. 
     In some embodiments, the probe  453  may be wound around the spool drum  451   c  and then extends proximally through the compartment channel  420   c  to wrap around the proximal side of the primary wheel  461 . In some embodiments, each of the secondary wheels  462  can be positioned relative to the primary wheel  461  to retain the probe  453  in close proximity, or even in constant contact with the primary wheel  461 . Accordingly, the arrangement of the primary wheel  461  and the secondary wheels  462  may facilitate the advancement of the probe  453  by reducing any resistance that may otherwise be caused as probe wraps around the primary wheel  461 . In some embodiments, more particularly, the secondary wheels  462  can hold the probe  453  in contact with the primary wheel  461  so that, as the spool  451  is rotated to advance or retract the probe  453 , the advancement or retraction may cause the primary wheel  461  to rotate in unison. In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the probe delivery mechanism  450  functions in a similar manner as a pulley system and can therefore reduce an amount of force that a clinician may need to apply to the spool  451  in order to advance or retract the probe  453 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another example of a probe delivery device  500 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  500  may be similar or identical to one or more of the following in terms of one or more features and/or operation: the probe delivery device  100 , the probe delivery device  200 , the probe delivery device  300 , and the probe delivery device  400 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  500  may include a housing  505  having a distal end  500   a , which may be configured in any manner described above, and a proximal end  500   b  from which tubing  530  having a connector  530   a  extends. In some embodiments, the tubing  530  may form the proximal portion of a fluid pathway  510  that extends within the probe delivery device  500  up to the distal portion  510   a  of the fluid pathway  510 . In some embodiments, because the tubing  530  forms the proximal portion of the fluid pathway  510 , there may be no need for a dividing wall to separate the proximal portion of the fluid pathway  510  from compartment  520 . However, in other embodiments, a dividing wall could be formed within the housing  505  similar to the embodiments described above. In other embodiments, the connector  530   a  could be replaced with a vacuum tube receiver similar to embodiments described above. In some embodiments, a seal  522  may be positioned within the housing  505  to isolate the compartment  520  from a distal portion  510   a  of the fluid pathway  510 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  500  may include a probe delivery mechanism  550  that enables a probe  553  to be advanced in a distal direction through an IV catheter and subsequently withdrawn in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, the compartment  520  may be formed as a hollow interior of the housing  505 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  550  may include a first guide wheel  555  having a gear  556  with teeth  556   a , an advancement wheel  552  having teeth  552   a  along its outermost edge such that advancement wheel  552  functions as a gear that drives gear  556 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  550  may further include a second guide wheel  561  that may be positioned below but adjacent to first guide wheel  555 . In some embodiments, the probe  553  may include an end  553   a  that is fixed to a portion of the housing  505  (e.g., a portion adjacent to advancement wheel  552 ). In some embodiments, the probe  353  may be straight or curved or looped or configured in any way to facilitate easy advancement. In some embodiments, the probe  553  may be initially routed in a proximal direction within the compartment  520  and then in a distal direction to pass between the first guide wheel  555  and the second guide wheel  561  and through the seal  522 . 
     In some embodiments, the first guide wheel  555  and the second guide wheel  561  can be positioned close together so that the probe  553  remains in contact with both guide wheels as probe  553  is advanced or retracted. For example, the second guide wheel  561  could be biased against the first guide wheel  555 . Accordingly, when a clinician rotates the advancement wheel  552 , the gear formed by the advancement wheel  552  may cause the first guide wheel  555  to rotate. In some embodiments, because the probe  553  is sandwiched between the first guide wheel  555  and the second guide wheel  561 , the rotation of the first guide wheel  555  may cause the probe  553  to be advanced or retracted depending on the direction of rotation. In some embodiments, the second guide wheel  561  can be configured to rotate to reduce any resistance caused as probe  553  is advanced or retracted. In some embodiments, one or both of the first guide wheel  555  and the second guide wheel  561  can be formed of or coated with a high friction material so that the probe  553  will not slide relative to the wheels (i.e., the friction will ensure that the wheels rotate as the probe is advanced or retracted). 
     In some embodiments, including the depicted embodiment, the housing  505  may include a window  570  (e.g., a section of the housing that is transparent) that enables a clinician to see within the compartment  520 . In some embodiments, the window  570  may enable the clinician to monitor the distance to which the probe  553  has been advanced. For example, a clinician may look through the window  570  to see where the curved portion of the probe  553  is positioned. In some embodiments, when this curved portion is positioned towards the proximal end  500   b , the clinician can determine that the probe  553  is fully retracted. In contrast, when the curved portion is positioned towards the distal end of the compartment  520 , the clinician can determine that the probe  553  is fully advanced. In some embodiments, the window  570  or another portion of the compartment  520  may include a ruler or other markings that represent the distance to which the probe  553  has been advanced when the curved portion of the probe  553  aligns with a particular marking. In some embodiments, the probe  553  may be colored to increase its visibility within the window  570 . In some embodiments, coloring of the probe  553  may vary along its length such that the coloring can represent the distance to which the probe  553  has been advanced. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates another example of a probe delivery device  600 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  600  may be similar or identical to one or more of the following in terms of one or more features and/or operation: the probe delivery device  100 , the probe delivery device  200 , the probe delivery device  300 , the probe delivery device  400 , and the probe delivery device  500 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  600  may include a housing  605  having a distal end  600   a , which may be configured in any manner described above, and a proximal end  600   b  from which tubing  630  having a connector  630   a  extends. In some embodiments, a fluid pathway  610  may extend within the probe delivery device  600  from tubing  630  to the distal end  600   a.    
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  600  may include a probe delivery mechanism  650  that enables a probe  653  to be advanced in a distal direction through an IV catheter and subsequently withdrawn in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, a compartment  620 / 620   a / 620   b  is formed within probe delivery device  600  and houses the probe delivery mechanism  650 . In some embodiments, a dividing wall  615  may create a probe channel  621  that extends distally from compartment  620  and joins fluid pathway  610  at a distal portion  610   a  of fluid pathway  610 . In some embodiments, a seal  622  may be positioned within and span the probe channel  621  to isolate the probe channel  621  from the fluid pathway  610 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  650  may include a pinion  655  that is configured to rotate within the compartment  620 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  650  may also include a rack mechanism  652  having a rack  652   b  and an actuator portion  652   a . In some embodiments, the actuator portion  652   a  may extend out from proximal portion  620   b  of the compartment  620  to thereby enable a clinician to use his or her thumb or finger to slide the rack mechanism  652  along the proximal portion  620   b  and distal portion  620   a  of compartment  620 . In some embodiments, the rack  652   b  may be positioned to interface with the pinion  655  so that the pinion  655  rotates as the rack  652   b  is slid laterally. In some embodiments, the pinion  655  may include a spool drum (not visible) around which the probe  653  may be wound. This spool drum of the pinion  655  can be similar to those described above. Accordingly, as the rack mechanism  652  is slid distally, the probe  653  may be advanced distally. Likewise, as the rack mechanism  652  is slid proximally, the probe  653  may be withdrawn proximally. In some embodiments, the position of actuator portion  652   a  can therefore represent the distance to which the probe  653  is advanced. In some embodiments, a ruler or other markings may be formed on a portion of housing  605  along which actuator portion  652   a  slides. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another example of a probe delivery device  700 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  700  may be similar or identical to one or more of the following in terms of one or more features and/or operation: the probe delivery device  100 , the probe delivery device  200 , the probe delivery device  300 , the probe delivery device  400 , the probe delivery device  500 , and the probe delivery device  600 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  700  may include a housing  705  having a distal end  700   a  forming a connector  706  and a proximal end  700   b  from which tubing  730  having a connector  730   a  extends. In some embodiments, a fluid pathway  710  may extend within the probe delivery device  700  from tubing  730  to distal end  700   a.    
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  700  may include a probe delivery mechanism  750  that enables a probe  753  to be advanced in a distal direction through an IV catheter and subsequently withdrawn in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, a compartment  720  is formed within the probe delivery device  700  and houses the probe delivery mechanism  750 . In some embodiments, a dividing wall  715  creates a probe channel  721  that extends distally from the compartment  720  and joins the fluid pathway  710  at a distal portion  710   a  of the fluid pathway  710 . In some embodiments, a seal  722  may be positioned within and span the probe channel  721  to isolate the probe channel  721  from the fluid pathway  710 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  750  may include a shaft  751  that is positioned at a proximal end of probe channel  721  and an advancement wheel  752  that is positioned within compartment  720  and extends out from housing  705 . In some embodiments, the advancement wheel  752  may include teeth  752   a  that interface with teeth  751   a  of the shaft  751 . Accordingly, when a clinician rotates the advancement wheel  752 , the shaft  751  will be moved linearly within the probe channel  721 . In some embodiments, the probe  753  can be secured within the shaft  751  so that, when the shaft  751  is moved linearly, the probe  753  will advance distally or withdraw proximally depending on the direction of rotation of the advancement wheel  752 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another example of a probe delivery device  800 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  800  may be similar or identical to one or more of the following in terms of one or more features and/or operation: the probe delivery device  100 , the probe delivery device  200 , the probe delivery device  300 , the probe delivery device  400 , the probe delivery device  500 , the probe delivery device  600 , and the probe delivery device  700 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  800  may include a housing  805  having a distal end  800   a , which may be configured in any manner described above, and a proximal end  800   b  that forms a vacuum tube receiver  830  having a needle  831  covered by a protective sheath  832 . In some embodiments, a fluid pathway  810  may extend within the probe delivery device  800  from needle  831  to distal end  800   a.    
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  800  may include a probe delivery mechanism  850  that enables a probe  853  to be advanced in a distal direction through an IV catheter and subsequently withdrawn in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, a compartment  820  is formed within the probe delivery device  800  and houses the probe delivery mechanism  850 . In some embodiments, a dividing wall  815  may create a probe channel  821  that extends distally from compartment  820  and joins the fluid pathway  810  at a distal portion  810   a  of the fluid pathway  810 . In some embodiments, a seal  822  may be positioned within and span the probe channel  821  to isolate the probe channel  821  from the fluid pathway  810 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  850  may include a sliding member  851  having an actuator portion  851   a  that extends out from the compartment  820  and a wheel  851   b  that is connected to the actuator portion  851   a . In some embodiments, the compartment  820  can be configured to allow the sliding member  851  to slide distally and proximally within the compartment  820  when a clinician applies a force to the actuator portion  851   a . In some embodiments, an end  853   a  of the probe  853  can be fixed to the housing  805  towards a distal end of compartment  820 . In some embodiments, the probe  853  is initially routed in a proximal direction around wheel  851   b  and then in a distal direction through probe channel  821 . In some embodiments, the wheel  851   b  can be configured to retain the probe  853  in contact with the wheel  851   b  even while the sliding member  851  is slid within the compartment  820  (e.g., using retaining bars (not illustrated) that perform a similar function as the secondary wheels  462 ). Accordingly, as the sliding member  851  is slid distally, wheel  851   b  can rotate to thereby advance the probe  853  in a distal direction. In some embodiments, because the probe  853  is “folded back” on itself, the probe  853  will be advanced/retracted twice the distance that sliding member  851  is advanced/retracted. 
     A number of variations have been described in the context of particular depicted embodiments. It is noted that, even though not explicitly described for each depicted embodiment, such variations may apply to any of the above-described or depicted embodiments. A number of additional variations may also be made as is now described. 
     In some embodiments, a probe delivery mechanism may include a spring or other mechanism that becomes loaded as the probe is advanced. In such embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism may also include a ratcheting or locking mechanism that prevents the spring from unloading until the clinician releases the ratcheting or locking mechanism (e.g., by pressing a button). Once released, the spring can cause the probe to automatically retract. For example, in the context of  FIG. 2 , a spring and ratcheting mechanism may be incorporated into the spool  251 , and a release button may be integrated into the housing  205 . In such cases, as the spool  251  is rotated to advance the probe  253 , the spring will become loaded. Once the clinician desires to withdraw the probe  253 , he or she may press the button to release the ratcheting mechanism. The loaded spring will then cause the spool  251  to rotate in the reverse direction to cause the probe  253  to be wound back around the spool drum  251   c . Similar techniques could be employed on any of the embodiments that employ a wheel, spool or other rotating member. With regards to the probe delivery mechanism  650  and the probe delivery mechanism  850 , a linear spring could be loaded as the respective actuator portion is slid distally and unloaded in response to the clinician releasing a ratcheting or other locking mechanism. 
     In any of described embodiments, the probe delivery device may include some type of indicia representing how far the probe is advanced. Such indicia could be passive (e.g., ruler markings, labels, colors, scales, numbers, symbols, etc.) or active (e.g., a digital display, a speaker, etc.). Also, in any of the described embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism may include mechanisms for preventing over-advancement or over-retraction of the probe. For example, the embodiments that employ rotating components could include stops that contact the rotating components when the probe has reached its maximum advancement distance. As suggested above, although the depicted embodiments show the fluid pathway extending to the proximal end of the probe delivery device, in some embodiments, the fluid pathway could extend out from the probe delivery device at a point other than the proximal end including towards a distal end of the probe delivery device. As an example only, the fluid pathway  110  could extend out of the probe delivery device  100  towards the distal portion  110   a  at a point opposite the probe delivery mechanism  150  to form a vacuum tube receiver or other connector. 
     In any of the described embodiments, the fluid pathway and the probe channel may be the same pathway/channel. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates a probe delivery device  900  that resembles the probe delivery device  100  except that the probe delivery device  900  does not include the fluid pathway  110  or the seal  122 . Instead, the probe channel  121  forms the distal portion of the fluid pathway. In some embodiments, a proximal portion  910  of the fluid pathway can extend from the spool  155  to the needle  131  (or any other connector/adapter that may be employed). In such embodiments, the probe  153  may be in the form of a tube such that the probe  153  forms the proximal portion  910  of the fluid pathway. In other words, the proximal end of the probe  153  may extend proximally (or in some other direction) from the spool  155  to connect to the needle  131 . In other variations, separate tubing may extend from the probe channel or the compartment that houses the probe delivery mechanism to form the proximal end of the fluid pathway. For example, a separate tube or channel could be formed from compartment  520 ,  620  or  820  to form a fluid pathway to a vacuum tube receiver or other connector. 
       FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate another example of a probe delivery device  1000 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1000  may be similar or identical to one or more of the following in terms of one or more features and/or operation: the probe delivery device  100 , the probe delivery device  200 , the probe delivery device  300 , the probe delivery device  400 , the probe delivery device  500 , the probe delivery device  600 , the probe delivery device  700 , the probe delivery device  800 , and the probe delivery device  900 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1000  may include a housing  1005 , which may include a distal end  1000   a  and a proximal end  1000   b . In some embodiments, the distal end  1000   a  may include any type of connector to enable the probe delivery device  1000  to be connected to an IV catheter device  1002  or could incorporate an IV catheter. In some embodiments, the proximal end  1000   b  may be configured to form a vacuum tube receiver, which may include a needle covered by a protective sheath (see, for example,  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 10B , the proximal end  1000   b  may include a Luer connector or another suitable type of connector that couples to a blood collection device  1012 . 
     In some embodiments, a fluid pathway  1010  may extend within the probe delivery device  1000  through the distal end  1000   a  and the proximal end  1000   b  of the housing  1005 . Accordingly, when the blood collection device  1012  is coupled to the proximal end  1000   b , a blood sample can be collected through the fluid pathway  1010 . In some embodiments, the fluid pathway  1010  may be configured to connect a side port of the IV catheter device  1002  with the blood collection device  1012  and may be disposed laterally to the cross-section of  FIGS. 10A-10B . In some embodiments, the fluid pathway  1010  may extend through a tube coupled to and/or integrated with the side port of the IV catheter device  1002  and the blood collection device  1012 , as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 10C . In  FIG. 10C , the housing  1005  is transparent, according to some embodiments, which allows illustration of internal components of the housing  1005 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1000  may include a probe delivery mechanism  1050  that enables a probe  1053  to be advanced in a distal direction through an IV catheter  1054  and/or subsequently withdrawn in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, the probe  1053  may include a wire constructed of nickel titanium or another suitable material. In some embodiments, a compartment  1020  may be formed within the probe delivery device  1000  and may house the probe delivery mechanism  1050 . In some embodiments, a dividing wall  1015  may create a probe channel  1021  that extends distally from the compartment  1020  and joins the fluid pathway  1010  at a distal portion  1010   a  of the fluid pathway  1010 . 
     In some embodiments, to isolate the compartment  1020  from the fluid pathway  1010 , a seal  1022  (e.g., an elastomeric septum) may be positioned within and span the probe channel  1021 . In some embodiments, the probe  1053  may extend through a slit or other opening formed within seal  1022 . In some embodiments, the seal  1022  may provide support to probe  1053  to prevent it from buckling as it is advanced. 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery mechanism  1050  may include a spool  1055  and an advancement wheel  1052 , both of which may be configured to rotate within the compartment  1020 . In some embodiments, the spool  1055  may be positioned adjacent to the advancement wheel  1052  (e.g., towards the probe channel  1021  relative to the advancement wheel  1052 ). In some embodiments, the advancement wheel  1052  may be positioned to extend partially out from the compartment  1020  to thereby enable a clinician to use his or her thumb or finger to rotate the advancement wheel  1052 . In some embodiments, the spool  1055  may include a gear  1056  having teeth  1056   a . Likewise, in some embodiments, the advancement wheel  1052  may include teeth  1052   a  and may therefore function as a gear. In some embodiments, the teeth  1052   a  may interface with the teeth  1056   a  so that the spool  1055  is rotated when the advancement wheel  152  is rotated. In some embodiments, the teeth  1052   a  may be formed along the outermost edge of the advancement wheel  1052 . In other embodiments, however, teeth  1052   a  may be formed along a portion of advancement wheel that is inset relative to the outermost edge. 
       FIG. 10D  provides an exploded rear view of the probe delivery mechanism  1050  in isolation, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the spool  1055  and the advancement wheel  152  may include axles  1055   b  and  1052   b , respectively, by which these components are positioned within the compartment  1020  and around which these components rotate. In some embodiments, the spool  1055  may include a spool drum  1055   a  around which the probe  1053  may be wound. Therefore, when the spool  1055  is rotated, the rotation may cause probe  1053  to be advanced or retracted along the probe channel  1021  depending on the direction in which the advancement wheel  1052  is rotated. In some embodiments, the gear formed by the advancement wheel  1052  may have a larger diameter than the gear  1056  to thereby cause probe  1053  to be advanced or retracted a larger distance relative to the amount of rotation of advancement wheel  1052 . In contrast, in other embodiments, the gear formed by the advancement wheel  1052  may have an equal or smaller diameter than the gear  1056 . In such embodiments, the probe  1053  may advance or retract a smaller distance relative to the amount of rotation of the advancement wheel  1052  but such advancement or retraction may be accomplished with a reduced amount of force to the advancement wheel  1052 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1000  may include a seal (not illustrated) within the compartment  1020  that isolates the spool drum  1055   a  and the probe  1053  from the external environment. In some embodiments, the seal  1022  may or may not be employed since fluid entering the probe channel  1021  may be prevented from escaping the compartment  1020  by the seal within the compartment  1020 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1000  may facilitate needle-free delivery of a probe  1219  into vasculature of the patient for blood collection, fluid delivery, patient or device monitoring, or other clinical needs by utilizing an existing vascular access device dwelling within the vasculature of the patient, such as the IV catheter device  1002 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1000  may reduce trauma to the vein, decrease fill time, and overcome thrombus and fibrin sheath in or around the vascular access device that may otherwise prevent blood draw. 
     In some embodiments, the spool  1055  may be turned or allowed to turn to advance the probe  1053  in a distal direction. In some embodiments, it is important that there is a means to stop the spool  1055  and/or the advancement wheel  1052 . In further detail, in some embodiments, the advancement wheel  1052  may include a stop member  1059  and the housing  1005  may include another stop member  1061 . In some embodiments, the stop member  1059  may be disposed on an outer surface of the advancement wheel  1052  and/or the other stop member  1061  may be disposed on an inner surface  1057  of the housing  1005 . In some embodiments, the stop member  1059  and/or the other stop member  1061  may include a protrusion or another element configured to contact or interfere with each other and stop further rotation of the advancement wheel  1052 . In some embodiments, the stop member  1059  and the other stop member  1061  may be configured to contact each other to stop rotation of the advancement wheel  1052  and the spool  1055 . 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates the advancement wheel  1052  and the probe  1053  in a first configuration, according to some embodiments.  FIG. 10B  illustrates the advancement wheel  1052  and the probe  1053  in a second configuration, in which the probe  1053  is advanced, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the advancement wheel  1052  may be rotated between the first configuration and the second configuration but may be prevented from completing a full turn by contact between the stop member  1059  and the other stop member  1061 , which may stop rotation of the advancement wheel  1052 . In some embodiments, the advancement wheel  1052  may be rotated in an opposite direction from the second configuration to the first configuration to retract the probe  1053  after use. In some embodiments, the advancement wheel  1052  may be prevented from rotating more than 360 degrees because of contact between the stop member  1059  and the other stop member  1061 . 
     In some embodiments, the advancement wheel may be rotated in a first direction from the first configuration to the second configuration. In some embodiments, in the first configuration, the stop member  1059  and the other stop member  1061  may contact each other to stop rotation of the advancement wheel  1052  in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the stop member  1059  and the other stop member  1061  may be configured to contact each other to prevent further rotation of the advancement wheel  1052  in the first direction, thereby stopping advancement of the probe  1053  in the distal direction. 
     In some embodiments, the outer surface of the advancement wheel  1052  may include a bump  1063  and/or another bump  1065  that may be spaced apart from the stop member  1059 . In some embodiments, a width of the other stop member  1061  may be approximately equal to or slightly less than a space between the bump  1063  and the stop member  1059  and/or a space between the other bump  1065  and the stop member  1059 . Thus, in some embodiments, the other stop member  1061  may fit snugly between the bump  1063  and the stop member  1059  and/or between the other bump  1065  and the stop member  1059 . In some embodiments, the bump  1063  and/or the other bump  1065  may provide some securement of the probe  1053  in the advanced position and/or the retracted position. 
     In some embodiments, the bump  1063  may provide resistance to movement and turning of the advancement wheel  1052  when the advancement wheel  1052  is in the first configuration. In some embodiments, the other bump  1065  may provide resistance to movement and turning of the advancement wheel  1052  when the advancement wheel  1052  is in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the bump  1063  and/or the other bump  1065  may each have a width and/or a height less than that of the stop member  1059  such that the resistance to movement and turning of the advancement wheel  1052  provided by the bump  1063  and/or the other bump  1065  can be overcome, for example, to turn the advancement wheel  1052  from the first configuration to the second configuration and from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some embodiments, the stop member  1059  may extend inwardly further than the other stop member  1061  to facilitate blocking passage of the other stop member  1061 , 
     It is understood that in some embodiments, the bump  1063  and/or the other bump  1065  may be disposed on the inner surface of the housing  1005  to perform a same or similar function. In these embodiments, the bump  1063  and/or the other bump  1065  may be spaced apart from the other stop member  1061 , and a width of the stop member  1059  may be approximately equal to or slightly less than a space between the bump  1063  and the other stop member  1061  and/or a space between the other bump  1065  and the other stop member  1061 . It is also understood that the bump  1063 , the other bump  1065 , or an additional bump or bumps may be placed at alternate locations on the outer surface of the advancement wheel  1052  and/or the inner surface of the housing  1005 . In these embodiments, one or more of the bump  1063 , the other bump  1065 , and the additional bump or bumps may signal to the clinician that the advancement wheel  1052  and therefore the spool  1055  and the probe  1053  are in a particular position. 
       FIGS. 11A-11E  illustrate another example of a probe delivery device  1100 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1100  may be similar or identical to one or more of the following in terms of one or more features and/or operation: the probe delivery device  100 , the probe delivery device  200 , the probe delivery device  300 , the probe delivery device  400 , the probe delivery device  500 , the probe delivery device  600 , the probe delivery device  700 , the probe delivery device  800 , the probe delivery device  900 , and the probe delivery device  1000 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1100  may be moved from  FIG. 11A  to  FIG. 11B  to  FIG. 11C  to  FIG. 11D  to  FIG. 11E . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1100  may include a first wheel  1102  and a second wheel  1104 . In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  of the probe delivery device  1100  may include or correspond to the advancement wheel  152  of  FIG. 1 , the spool  155  of  FIG. 1 , the spool  251  of  FIG. 2 , the spool  351  of  FIG. 3 , the spool  451  of  FIG. 4 , the advancement wheel  552  of  FIG. 5 , the first guide wheel  555  of  FIG. 5 , the pinion  655  of  FIG. 6 , the advancement wheel  752  of  FIG. 7 , or the advancement wheel  1052  of  FIG. 10 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1100  may include a housing  1105 , which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing  1105  may be configured to couple to an IV catheter device. In some embodiments, the housing  1105  of the probe delivery device  1100  may include or correspond to the housing  105  of  FIG. 1 , the housing  205  of  FIG. 2 , the housing  305  of  FIG. 3 , the housing  405  of  FIG. 4 , the housing  505  of  FIG. 5 , the housing  605  of  FIG. 6 , the housing  705  of  FIG. 7 , the housing  805  of  FIG. 8 , or the housing  1005  of  FIG. 10 . 
     In some embodiments, an inner surface  1107  of the housing  1105  may include a housing stop member  1109 , which may include a protrusion. In some embodiments, the housing stop member  1109  may include a first side  1109   a  and a second side  1109   b , which may be opposite the first side  1109   a.    
     In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may rotate on an axle  1111 . In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may include a protrusion or rod  1110 , which may rotate on the axle  1111 . In some embodiments, the axle  1111  may be aligned with a center axis of the first wheel  1102 . In some embodiments, the second wheel  1104  may be disposed on the rod  1110  and configured to slip with respect to the rod  1110  and/or rotate independently from the rod  1110 . In some embodiments, the second wheel  1104  may ride directly on the axle  1111 , along with the first wheel  1102 . In some embodiments, the axle  1111  may extend inwardly from the housing  1105 . In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  and the second wheel  1104  may rotate about a same axis and/or the second wheel  1104  may be disposed within the first wheel  1102 . 
     In some embodiments, an inner surface  1113  of the first wheel  1102  may include a first wheel stop member  1115 , which may include a protrusion. In some embodiments, a gap may be disposed between the housing stop member  1109  and the first wheel stop member  1115 . In some embodiments, the second wheel  1104  may include a tab  1117 , which may be configured to bridge the gap between the housing stop member  1109  and the first wheel stop member  1115 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1100  may include a probe. In some embodiments, the housing probe of the probe delivery device  1100  may include or correspond to the probe  153  of  FIG. 1 , the probe  253  of  FIG. 2 , the probe  353  of  FIG. 3 , the probe  453  of  FIG. 4 , the probe  553  of  FIG. 5 , the probe  653  of  FIG. 6 , the probe  753  of  FIG. 7 , the probe  853  of  FIG. 8 , or the probe  1053  of  FIG. 10 . 
     In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may be configured to rotate to advance the probe in a distal direction through the distal end of the housing  1105 . In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may be configured to rotate more than one full turn. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1100  may be disposed in a first configuration, as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 11A . 
     In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device  1100  being disposed in the first configuration, the tab  1117  may be disposed between the housing stop member  1109  and the first wheel stop member  1115  and may contact the housing stop member  1109  and the first wheel stop member  1115 . In these embodiments, a first side  1117   a  of the tab  1117  may contact a first side  1109   a  of the housing stop member  1109  and a second side  1117   b  of the tab  1117  may contact a first side  1115   a  of the first wheel stop member  1115 . In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device  1100  being disposed in the first configuration, the first wheel  1102  and/or the second wheel  1104  may be prevented from rotating in a first direction  1121 , toward the housing stop member  1109 , but may be configured to rotate in a second direction  1123  opposite the first direction  1121 . In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may be configured to rotate more than one full turn in the second direction. 
     In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device  1100  being disposed in the first configuration, the first wheel  1102  may be configured to rotate independent from the housing  1105  and the second wheel  1104  in a second direction  1123  until the first wheel stop member  1115  contacts the tab  1117 . In these embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may be configured to rotate independent from the housing  1105  and the second wheel  1104  in the second direction  1123  opposite the first direction  1121  until a second side  1115   b  of the first wheel stop member  1115  contacts the first side  1117   a  of the tab  1117 , which may be disposed on an opposite side of the tab  1117  as the second side  1117   b . In these embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may be configured to rotate almost one full turn independent from the housing  1105  and the second wheel  1104 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe may be in a retracted or fully retracted position in response to the probe delivery device  1100  being in the first configuration. In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel  1102  rotating independent from the housing  1105  and the second wheel  1104  in the second direction  1123  until the first wheel stop member  1115  contacts the second side  1117   b  of the tab  1117 , the first wheel  1102  and the second wheel  1104  are configured to rotate together further in the second direction  1123  until the probe delivery device  1100  is disposed in a second configuration. In these embodiments, the first wheel  1102  and the second wheel  1104  may be configured to rotate together almost one full turn. 
     In some embodiments, the probe may be in an advanced or fully advanced position in response to the probe delivery device  1100  being in the second configuration. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the tab  1117  may be disposed between the housing stop member  1109  and the first wheel stop member  1115  and may contact the housing stop member  1109  and the first wheel stop member  1115 . In these embodiments, the second side  1117   b  of the tab  1117  may contact the second side  1109   b  of the housing stop member  1109  and the first side  1117   a  of the tab  1117  may contact the second side  1115   b  of the first wheel stop member  1115 , as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 11E . 
     In some embodiments,  FIG. 11B  illustrates the first wheel  1102  rotating in the second direction  1123  independently from the first configuration. In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may rotate in the second direction  1123  independently from the first configuration until the first side  1115   a  of the first wheel stop member  1115  contacts the first side  1117   a  of the tab  1117 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11C , for example. In some embodiments,  FIG. 11D  illustrates the first wheel  1102  and the second wheel  1104  may rotate together further in the second direction  1123 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11D , for example. In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  and the second wheel  1104  may rotate together until the second side  1117   b  of the tab  1117  contacts the second side  1109   b  of the housing stop member  1109 , as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 11E , preventing further rotation in the second direction  1123 . 
     In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may be configured to rotate almost two full turns, from the first configuration to the second configuration. In is understood that in some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1100  one or more other wheels that operate in a similar fashion to the second wheel  1104  to each allow almost another full turn of the first wheel  1102 . In these embodiments, the one or more other wheels may be disposed between the second wheel  1104  and the housing stop member  1109 . 
     In some embodiments, the first wheel  1102  may extend out from the housing  1105 , which may facilitate turning of the first wheel  1102  by a digit of the clinician. In some embodiments, in order to advance the probe, the clinician may rotate the portion of the first wheel  1102  exposed from the housing  1105  toward the distal end  1100   a  of the housing  1105  or in the second direction  1123  to advance the probe distally. In some embodiments, the clinician may rotate the portion of the first wheel  1102  exposed from the housing  1105  away from the distal end  1100   a  of the housing  1105  or in the first direction  1121  to retract the probe proximally. 
     It is understood, however, in some embodiments, positions of the housing stop member  1109  and the first wheel stop member  1115  may be reversed. In these embodiments, the clinician may rotate the portion of the first wheel  1102  exposed from the housing  1105  away from the distal end  1100   a  of the housing  1105  or in the first direction  1121  to advance the probe distally and/or the clinician may rotate the portion of the first wheel  1102  exposed from the housing  1105  away from the distal end  1100   a  of the housing  1105  or in the first direction  1121  to retract the probe proximally. In some embodiments, a location of the housing stop member  1109 , the tab  1117 , and the first wheel stop member  1115  in the first configuration may vary. 
     In some embodiments, additional geometry can be added to the first wheel  1102  and/or housing  1105  so there would be a detent at a beginning and/or an end of rotation or travel of the first wheel  1102 . In some embodiments, multiple detents may act against the second wheel  1104 , and the second wheel  1104  may slide axially to allow one detent to act at a time. The additional geometry may include different ramp angles to encourage one ramp to act before the other. An example the additional geometry is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12K  illustrate another example of a probe delivery device  1200 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1200  may be similar or identical to one or more of the following in terms of one or more features and/or operation: the probe delivery device  100 , the probe delivery device  200 , the probe delivery device  300 , the probe delivery device  400 , the probe delivery device  500 , the probe delivery device  600 , the probe delivery device  700 , the probe delivery device  800 , the probe delivery device  900 , the probe delivery device  1000 , and the probe delivery device  1100 . In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1200  may be moved from a position of  FIGS. 12A / 12 B to  FIG. 12C / 12 D to  FIG. 12E / 12 F to  FIG. 12G  to  FIG. 12H / 12 I to  FIG. 12J / 12 K. 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1200  may include a first wheel  1202  and a second wheel  1204 . In some embodiments, the first wheel  1202  of the probe delivery device  1200  may include or correspond to the advancement wheel  152  of  FIG. 1 , the spool  155  of  FIG. 1 , the spool  251  of  FIG. 2 , the spool  351  of  FIG. 3 , the spool  451  of  FIG. 4 , the advancement wheel  552  of  FIG. 5 , the first guide wheel  555  of  FIG. 5 , the pinion  655  of  FIG. 6 , the advancement wheel  752  of  FIG. 7 , the advancement wheel  1052  of  FIG. 10 , or the first wheel  1102  of  FIG. 11 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1200  may include a housing  1205 , which may include a distal end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing  1205  may be configured to couple to an intravenous catheter device. In some embodiments, the housing  1205  of the probe delivery device  1200  may include or correspond to the housing  105  of  FIG. 1 , the housing  205  of  FIG. 2 , the housing  305  of  FIG. 3 , the housing  405  of  FIG. 4 , the housing  505  of  FIG. 5 , the housing  605  of  FIG. 6 , the housing  705  of  FIG. 7 , the housing  805  of  FIG. 8 , the housing  1005  of  FIG. 10 , or the housing  1105  of  FIG. 11 . 
     In some embodiments, an inner surface  1207  of the housing  1205  may include a housing stop member  1209 , which may include a protrusion. In some embodiments, the housing stop member  1209  may include a first side  1209   a  and a second side  1209   b , which may be opposite the first side  1209   a.    
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1200  may include an axle  1211 , and the first wheel  1202  may be configured to rotate with the axle  1211 , which may be concentric with the first wheel  1202 . In some embodiments, an inner surface  1213  of the first wheel  1202  may include a first wheel stop member  1215 , which may include a protrusion. In some embodiments, a gap may be disposed between the housing stop member  1209  and the first wheel stop member  1215 . In some embodiments, the second wheel  1204  may include a tab  1217  configured to bridge the gap between the housing stop member  1209  and the first wheel stop member  1215 . In some embodiments, the second wheel  1204  may be disposed on the axle  1211 . In some embodiments, the second wheel  1204  may be configured to rotate with the axle  1211  and move axially along the axle  1211 . 
     In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1200  may include a probe. In some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1200  may include a probe. In some embodiments, the housing probe of the probe delivery device  1100  may include or correspond to the probe  153  of  FIG. 1 , the probe  253  of  FIG. 2 , the probe  353  of  FIG. 3 , the probe  453  of  FIG. 4 , the probe  553  of  FIG. 5 , the probe  653  of  FIG. 6 , the probe  753  of  FIG. 7 , the probe  853  of  FIG. 8 , or the probe  1053  of  FIG. 10 . In some embodiments, the probe may include a wire constructed of nickel titanium or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the first wheel  1202  may be configured to rotate to advance the probe  1219  in a distal direction through the distal end of the housing  1205 . In some embodiments, the first wheel  1202  may be configured to rotate more than one full turn. 
     In some embodiments, the inner surface  1207  of the housing  1205  may include a housing detent  1225 . In some embodiments, the inner surface  1207  of the housing  1205  may include a housing ramped surface  1127 . In some embodiments, the housing detent  1225  may be disposed between the housing stop member  1209  and the housing ramped surface  1227 . In some embodiments, the inner surface  1213  of the first wheel  1202  may include a first wheel detent  1229 . In some embodiments, the inner surface  1213  may include a first wheel ramped surface  1231 . In some embodiments, the first wheel detent  1229  may be disposed between the first wheel stop member  1215  and the first wheel ramped surface  1231 . 
     In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device  1200  being disposed in a first configuration, the tab  1217  may be disposed within the housing detent  1225  and the first wheel detent  1229  and the first wheel  1202 . In these embodiments, the first wheel  1202  may be prevented from rotating in a first direction  1221  but may be configured to rotate in a second direction  1223  opposite the first direction  1221 . In some embodiments, the first wheel  1202  may be configured to rotate more than one full turn in the second direction  1223 . In some embodiments, the housing detent  1225  may be disposed across from the first wheel detent  1229  in the first configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the first wheel  1202  may be configured to rotate in the second direction  1223  to advance the probe in the distal direction through the distal end of the housing  1205 . In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel  1202  rotating in the second direction from the first configuration, the tab  1217  may be removed from the first wheel detent  1229  before the tab  1217  is removed from the housing detent  1225 . In these embodiments, the tab  1217  may be removed from the housing detent  1225  in response to the tab  1217  sliding toward the inner surface  1213  of the first wheel  1202 . In some embodiments, the tab  1217  may be removed from the first wheel detent  1229  before the tab  1217  is removed from the housing detent  1225  because the housing detent  1225  may be shallower than the first wheel detent  1229  or have a shallower angle for the tab  1217  to ramp out of the housing detent  1225 . 
     In some embodiments, the housing ramped surface  1227  may be ramped towards the housing detent  1225 . In some embodiments, the first wheel ramped surface  1231  may be ramped towards the first wheel detent  1229 . In some embodiments, the housing ramped surface  1227  and the first wheel ramped surface  1231  may be ramped in differing directions. 
     In some embodiments, the inner surface  1207  of the housing  1205  may include another housing detent  1233  and/or another housing ramped surface  1235 . In some embodiments, the other housing detent  1233  may be disposed between the housing stop member  1209  and the other housing ramped surface  1235  and on an opposite side of the housing stop member  1209  as the housing detent  1225 . In some embodiments, in response to the probe delivery device  1200  being disposed in the second configuration, the tab  1217  may be disposed within the other housing detent  1233  and another first wheel detent  1239 . 
     In some embodiments, the first wheel  1202  may be configured to rotate from the first configuration to the second configuration, and the tab  1217  may be disposed within the other housing detent  1233  and the other first wheel detent  1239  in the second configuration. In some embodiments, in order to move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the tab  1217  may contact the housing stop member  1209 . In some embodiments, in response to the tab  1217  contacting the housing stop member  1209  and further rotation of the first wheel  1202  in the second direction, the tab  1217  may move along another first wheel ramped surface  1237  and may be pushed by the other first wheel ramped surface  1237  towards the inner surface  1207  of the housing  1205  and into the other housing detent  1233 . 
     In some embodiments, when the tab  1217  may snap into and/or snap out of the housing detent  1225 , the other housing detent  1233 , and the first wheel detent  1229 , which may provide resistance to movement or rotation. In some embodiments, one or more of the housing ramped surface  1227 , the first wheel ramped surface  1231 , and the other housing ramped surface  1235  may facilitate guidance of the tab  1217  and the second wheel  1204  and may move the second wheel  1204  axially along the axle  1211 . 
     In some embodiments, in response to the first wheel  1202  and the second wheel  1204  moving in the second direction  1223  from the first configuration to the second configuration, the tab  1217  may contact the housing stop member  1209 . In some embodiments, in response to the tab  1217  contacting the housing stop member  1209  and further rotation of the first wheel  1202  in the second direction  1223 , the tab  1217  may move along other first wheel ramped surface  1237  and is pushed by the other first wheel ramped surface  1237  into the other housing detent  1233 . In some embodiments, when the tab  1217  is inserted into the other housing detent  1233 , it may snap into other first wheel detent  1239 . In some embodiments, the other first wheel ramped surface  1231  may be ramped towards the first wheel detent  1229  and may facilitate guidance of the tab  1217 . 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the inner surface  1207  of the housing  1205  may include the other housing detent  1233 . It is understood that in some embodiments, the probe delivery device  1200  may be modified such that the tab  1217  snaps out of the housing detent  1225  first, prior to snapping out of the first wheel detent  1229 . In these embodiments, the first wheel  1202  may include the other housing detent  1233  and/or the other ramped surface  1235 , which may be disposed on an opposite side of the first wheel stop member  1215  as the first wheel detent  1229 . In these embodiments, a particular arrangement on the inner surface  1207  of one or more of the housing ramped surface  1227 , the other ramped surface  1235 , the housing stop member  1209 , the housing detent  1225 , stop member, and the other housing detent  1233  illustrated in  FIG. 12  may instead be disposed on the inner surface of the first wheel  1202 . In these embodiments, one or more of the first wheel ramped surface  1231 , the other first wheel ramped surface  1237 , the first wheel stop member  1215 , the first wheel detent  1229 , and the other first wheel detent  1239  may instead be disposed on the inner surface  1207  of the housing  1205 . In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the tab  1217  may be disposed within the other housing detent  1233  on the inner surface  1213  of the first wheel and one of the housing detent and the first wheel detent. In these and other embodiments, the first direction  1221  and the second direction  1223  may be reversed. 
     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.