Patent Publication Number: US-2023135459-A1

Title: Tube Support for Blood Draw Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/273,259, entitled “Tube Support for Blood Draw Device”, filed Oct. 29, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices for use with intravenous (IV) catheters and, more specifically, to medical devices with features for limiting deflection of flexible catheters. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Blood collection devices, when used with indwelling IV catheters, can include displaceable catheters that are advanced beyond the tip of the indwelling catheter for blood collection. Often, when the displaceable catheter is advanced, it can encounter an obstruction, resulting in deflection of the catheter. Examples of obstructions include the friction of the seal within the blood collection device, torturous path within an integrated catheter, pinching of the catheter tubing as it dives into the skin, thrombus, fibrin, and valves. Such deflections can reduce the ability of the displaceable catheter to extend beyond the tip of the indwelling catheter, and thus limits their use for blood collection. Accordingly, a need exists in the art for devices that limit buckling, and that ensure timely and effective blood collection. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect or embodiment, a blood draw device for use with a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining a lumen, a secondary catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining a lumen, an introducer having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume configured to movably receive the catheter, and an actuator movably coupled to the introducer. The actuator having a first portion disposed outside of the introducer and a second portion disposed in the inner volume of the introducer, with the second portion of the actuator comprising a main body having a first height and an extension having a second height. The second height is smaller than the first height. The main body and the extension define an opening, with the catheter and the secondary catheter attached to the actuator and in fluid communication with the opening. At least a portion of the extension is received within the lumen of the secondary catheter. 
     The extension of the second portion of the actuator may be entirely received within the lumen of the secondary catheter. The first height of the main body of the actuator may be equal to or less than a height of the secondary catheter. The main body of the actuator, the extension of the actuator, and the secondary catheter may be circular in a transverse cross-section, with the first height of the main body of the actuator, the second height of the extension of the actuator, and the height of the secondary catheter being diameters of the respective main body of the actuator, the extension of the actuator, and the secondary catheter. 
     The inner volume of the introducer may have a height, with the height of the inner volume of the introducer less than 5% larger than the first height of the main body of the actuator. 
     The inner volume of the introducer may have a height, with the height of the inner volume of the introducer less than 10% larger than the first height of the main body of the actuator. 
     The actuator may be attached to the secondary catheter via an adhesive positioned between the secondary catheter and the extension of the second portion of the actuator. The actuator may be attached to the secondary catheter via solvent bonding at an interface between the secondary catheter and the extension of the second portion of the actuator. 
     The actuator may be attached to the secondary catheter via at least one barb positioned on the extension of the second portion of the actuator. 
     The introducer may define a groove extending in a direction extending from the proximal end of the introducer to the distal end of the introducer, with the groove positioned within the inner volume of the introducer and configured to receive a portion of the catheter during use of the blood draw device. The introducer may include a first member and a second member attached to the first member, with the first member and the second member defining a gap configured to receive a part of the first portion of the actuator, and with the groove of the introducer configured to prevent the catheter from moving through the gap during use of the blood draw device. 
     The distal end of the introducer may have a lock configured to couple the introducer to an intravenous line. The proximal end of the catheter may be received within the opening of the actuator. The proximal end of the secondary catheter may include a coupler. 
     The actuator may be configured to move relative to the introducer to move the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which the distal end of the catheter is disposed beyond the distal end of the introducer. 
     In one aspect or embodiment, a blood draw device for use with a PIVC includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining a lumen, a secondary catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining a lumen, an introducer having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume configured to movably receive the catheter, and an actuator movably coupled to the introducer. The actuator having a first portion disposed outside of the introducer and a second portion disposed in the inner volume of the introducer, with the catheter and the secondary catheter attached to the actuator. The actuator is configured to move relative to the introducer to move the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which the distal end of the catheter is disposed beyond the distal end of the introducer. The introducer defines a groove extending in a direction extending from the proximal end of the introducer to the distal end of the introducer, with the groove positioned within the inner volume of the introducer and configured to receive a portion of the catheter during use of the blood draw device. 
     The introducer may include a first member and a second member attached to the first member, with the first member and the second member defining a gap configured to receive a part of the first portion of the actuator, and with the groove of the introducer configured to prevent the catheter from moving through the gap during use of the blood draw device. The first member may include a top flange and a body extending from the top flange, with the top flange of the first member defining the groove. The groove may extend from the distal end of the introducer to the proximal end of the introducer. The groove may extend only a portion of a length extending from the distal end of the introducer to the proximal end of the introducer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of a blood draw device in a first configuration in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic illustration of the blood draw device of  FIG.  1    in a second configuration in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a blood draw device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view of the blood draw device of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a partial rear view of the blood draw device of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the blood draw device of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of a prior art blood draw device; 
         FIG.  8    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Area A shown in  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of a prior art blood draw device, showing a catheter with a deflected position; 
         FIG.  10    is a partial cross-sectional view of a blood draw device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is a partial cross-sectional view of a blood draw device in accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of an actuator in accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  13    is a transverse cross-sectional view of a blood draw device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 
     It should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all values and sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 11,090,461, which discloses medical devices including fluid transfer devices, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in one aspect or embodiment, a fluid transfer device  100  for phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line or catheter in a first configuration and second configuration, respectively, is shown. The fluid transfer device  100  (also referred to herein as “blood draw device” or “transfer device”) can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. As described in further detail herein, the transfer device  100  is configured to couple to and/or otherwise engage an indwelling peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC)  105  to transfer fluid from (e.g., aspiration of blood) and/or transfer fluid to (e.g., infusion of a drug or substance) a portion of a patient. 
     The transfer device  100  includes at least an introducer  110 , a catheter  160  (or cannula), and an actuator  170 . The introducer  110  can be any suitable configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the introducer  110  can be an elongate member having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the introducer  110  and/or one or more features or surface finishes of at least an outer surface of the introducer  110  can be arranged to increase the ergonomics of the transfer device  100 , which in some instances, can allow a user to manipulate the transfer device  100  with one hand (i.e., single-handed use). 
     The introducer  110  has a proximal end portion  111  and a distal end portion  112  and defines an inner volume  113 . Although not shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the proximal end portion  111  of the introducer  110  can include an opening or port configured to movably receive a portion of the catheter  160 . As such, a first portion of the catheter  160  can be disposed within the inner volume  113  and a second portion of the catheter  160  can be disposed outside of the inner volume  113 . The opening or port can be any suitable configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the opening and/or port can include a seal or the like configured to form a substantially fluid tight seal with an outer surface of the portion of the catheter  160  disposed therein. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the opening and/or port can be such that a user can place the catheter  160  in selective contact with a surface of the proximal end portion  111  defining the opening and/or port, which in turn, can clamp and/or pinch the catheter  160  to selectively obstruct a lumen of the catheter  160 , as described in further detail herein with reference to specific embodiments. 
     The distal end portion  112  of the introducer  110  includes and/or is coupled to a lock configured to physically and fluidically couple the introducer  110  to the PIVC  105  (see e.g.,  FIG.  2   ). For example, in some embodiments, the distal end portion  112  can include a coupler or the like such as a Luer Lok™ configured to physically and fluidically couple to an associated coupler of the lock. In some embodiments, the lock is configured to selectively engage and/or contact the PIVC  105  to couple the introducer  110  thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the shape, size, and/or arrangement of the lock is such that the lock forms three points of contact with the PIVC  105 . In some embodiments, such an arrangement can provide structural rigidity and/or support to the PIVC  105  as a portion of the lock (e.g., a blunt tip cannula or the like) is inserted into a portion of the PIVC  105 , as described in further detail herein. 
     In some aspects or embodiments, the distal end portion  112  of the introducer  110  can include and/or can be coupled to a support member or the like that is operable in placing the introducer  110  and/or transfer device  100  at a predetermined angle relative to a target surface. For example, in some embodiments, the arrangement of the lock can be such that placing a predetermined portion of the lock in contact with a target surface, in turn, places the introducer  110  and/or transfer device  100  at a predetermined and/or desired angle relative to the target surface. In other embodiments, a support member and/or the like can be coupled to the distal end portion  112  of the introducer  110  and configured to place the introducer  110  and/or transfer device  100  at the predetermined and/or desired angle relative to the target surface. In some instances, the target surface can be a cutaneous surface of a body through which the PIVC  105  is inserted (e.g., an outer surface of a patient&#39;s arm or the like). In some aspects or embodiments, the predetermined angle can be, for example, between about 0° and about 30°, between about 4° and about 15°, between about 8° and about 10°, or any other suitable angle. 
     In some aspects or embodiments, the distal end portion  112  of the introducer  110  (and/or the lock) can include a seal or the like that can be transferred from a sealed configuration to a substantially open configuration to place at least a portion of the inner volume  113  in fluid communication with the lock. The seal can include a back flow prevention mechanism such as a one-way valve or the like that can allow, for example, the catheter  160  to be advanced in the distal direction therethrough while limiting and/or substantially preventing a fluid flow, outside the catheter  160 , in the proximal direction through the seal. 
     As described above, the introducer  110  defines the inner volume  113 , which extends between the proximal end portion  111  and the distal end portion  112 . The inner volume  113  has and/or defines a first portion  114  configured to receive a first portion  171  of the actuator  170  and a second portion  115  configured to receive the catheter  160  and a second portion  175  of the actuator  170 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . More specifically, an inner surface of the introducer  110  that defines the inner volume  113  can have, for example, a tortuous cross-sectional shape (not shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) such that an axis defined by the first portion  114  of the inner volume  113  is parallel to and offset from an axis defined by the second portion  115  of the inner volume  113 . In this manner, the first portion  114  of the inner volume  113  can be spaced apart from the second portion  115  of the inner volume  113  without being fluidically isolated therefrom. The first portion  114  of the inner volume  113  can extend through a wall of the introducer  110 . In other words, the introducer  110  can define a slot, channel, track, opening, and/or the like that is in fluid communication with the first portion  114  of the inner volume  113 . Conversely, the second portion  115  of the inner volume  113  can be entirely defined and/or enclosed (at least in the circumferential direction) by the introducer  110 . Moreover, in some aspects or embodiments, the tortuous cross-sectional shape of the inner volume  113  is such that the second portion  115  cannot be viewed (e.g., is out of the line of sight) via the slot or the like in fluid communication with the first portion  114  of the inner volume  113 , which in turn, can limit and/or substantially prevent contamination of the catheter  160  disposed therein. 
     The catheter  160  of the transfer device  100  includes a proximal end portion  161  and a distal end portion  162  and defines a lumen  163  that extends through the proximal end portion  161  and the distal end portion  162 . The catheter  160  is movably disposed within the second portion  115  of the inner volume  113  defined by the introducer  110  and is coupled to the actuator  170 . The catheter  160  can be moved (e.g., via movement of the actuator  170 ) between a first position and a second position to transition the transfer device  100  between the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively. More specifically, at least the distal end portion  162  of the catheter  160  is disposed within the second portion  115  of the inner volume  113  when the catheter  160  is in the first position ( FIG.  1   ) and at least a portion of the catheter  160  extends through the PIVC  105  to place a distal end of the catheter  160  in a distal position relative to a portion of the PIVC  105  when the catheter  160  is in the second position ( FIG.  2   ). Although not shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in some embodiments, the transfer device  100  can include a secondary catheter or the like that is coupled to the actuator  170  and in fluid communication with the catheter  160 . In such embodiments, the secondary catheter can be, for example, disposed in a proximal position relative to the catheter  160  and can be configured to extend through the opening and/or port defined by the proximal end portion  111  of the introducer  110 . In this manner, a proximal end portion of the secondary catheter can be coupled to a vacuum (air or liquid) source, a fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, and/or the like, which in turn, places the catheter  160  in fluid communication therewith. Moreover, in embodiments including the secondary catheter, the catheter  160  can be entirely disposed within the introducer  110  when the catheter  160  is in the first position. 
     The catheter  160  can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the catheter  160  can have an outer diameter (e.g., between a 10-gauge and a 30-gauge) that is substantially similar to or slightly smaller than an inner diameter defined by a portion of the lock coupled to the distal end portion  112  of the introducer  110 . In this manner, an inner surface of the portion of the lock can guide the catheter  160  as the catheter  160  is moved between the first position and the second position. Such an arrangement can limit and/or can substantially prevent bending, deforming, and/or kinking of a portion of the catheter  160  as the portion is moved between the first position and the second position. The catheter  160  can have a length that is sufficient to place a distal surface of the catheter  160  in a desired position relative to a distal surface of the PIVC  105  when the catheter  160  is in the second position. In other words, the length of the catheter  160  can be sufficient to define a predetermined and/or desired distance between the distal surface of the catheter  160  and the distal surface of the PIVC  105  when the catheter  160  is in the second position. In some instances, placing the distal surface of the catheter  160  at the predetermined and/or desired distance from the distal surface of the PIVC  105  can, for example, place the distal surface of the catheter  160  in a desired position within a vein, as described in further detail herein. 
     The catheter  160  can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, which in turn, can result in the catheter  160  having any suitable stiffness or durometer. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the catheter  160  can be formed of a braided material or the like, which can change, modify, and/or alter a flexibility of the catheter  160  in response to a bending force or the like. In some aspects or embodiments, forming the catheter  160  of the braided material or the like can reduce a likelihood of kinking and/or otherwise deforming in an undesired manner. In addition, forming at least a portion of the catheter  160  of a braided material can result in a compression and/or deformation in response to a compression force exerted in a direction of a longitudinal centerline defined by the catheter  160  (e.g., an axial force or the like). In this manner, the catheter  160  can absorb a portion of force associated with, for example, impacting an obstruction or the like. As described in further detail herein, in some instances, at least a portion of the catheter  160  can deform in response to the force associated with impacting such an obstruction or the like. 
     The actuator  170  of the transfer device  100  can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. As described above, the actuator  170  includes the first portion  171  movably disposed within the first portion  114  of the inner volume  113  and the second portion  175  movably disposed within the second portion  115  of the inner volume  113  and coupled to the catheter  160 . Although not shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the actuator  170  can have a cross-sectional shape that is associated with and/or otherwise corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the inner volume  113  (e.g., the tortuous cross-sectional shape). Thus, an axis defined by the first portion  171  of the actuator  170  is parallel to and offset from an axis defined by the second portion  175  of the actuator  170 . 
     The arrangement of the actuator  170  and the introducer  110  is such that the first portion  171  extends through the slot or the like in fluid communication with the first portion  114  of the inner volume  113 . As such, a first region of the first portion  171  of the actuator  170  is disposed outside of the introducer  110  and a second region of the first portion  171  of the actuator  170  is disposed in the first portion  114  of the inner volume  113 . In this manner, a user can engage the first region of the first portion  171  of the actuator  170  and can move the actuator  170  relative to the introducer  110  to move the catheter  160  coupled to the second portion  175  of the actuator  170  between the first position and the second position. Although not shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in some embodiments, the first portion  171  of the actuator  170  can include a tab, protrusion, and/or surface that is in contact with an outer surface of the introducer  110 . In such embodiments, the outer surface of the introducer  110  can include, for example, a set of ribs, ridges, bumps, grooves, and/or the like along which the tab, protrusion, and/or surface of the first portion  171  advances when the actuator  170  is moved relative to the introducer  110 , which in turn, produces a haptic output or feedback (acoustic, tactile and visual) which can provide an indication associated with a position of the distal end portion  162  of the catheter  160  to the user. 
     In some aspects or embodiments, the arrangement of the first portion  171  of the actuator  170  and the outer surface of the introducer  110  is such that the actuator  170  is disposed at an angle relative to the introducer  110 . That is to say, the contact between the first portion  171  of the actuator  170  and the outer surface of the introducer  110  tilts the actuator  170  relative to the introducer  110 . Accordingly, a longitudinal centerline of the actuator  170  can be nonparallel to a longitudinal centerline of the introducer  110 . Furthermore, with the actuator  170  coupled to the proximal end portion  161  of the catheter  160 , angling and/or tilting the actuator  170  results in a force (e.g., a pre-load force or the like) exerted on the catheter  160  that is sufficient to bend at least a portion of the catheter  160  (e.g., the catheter  160  is placed in a biased configuration), as described in further detail herein. 
     In some aspects or embodiments, the transfer device  100  can be disposed in the first configuration prior to use (e.g., shipped, stored, prepared, etc. in the first configuration). In use, a user can manipulate the transfer device  100  to couple the introducer  110  to the indwelling PIVC  105  (e.g., via the lock coupled to and/or assembled with the introducer  110 ). With the transfer device  100  coupled to the PIVC  105 , the user can engage the first portion  171  of the actuator  170  to move the actuator  170  relative to the introducer  110 , which in turn, moves the catheter  160  from the first position (e.g., disposed within the introducer  110 ) toward the second position. The arrangement of the actuator  170  and the introducer  110  is such that advancing the actuator  170  relative to the introducer  110  produces a haptic output and/or feedback configured to provide an indicator associated with the position of the distal end portion  162  of the catheter  160  relative to the introducer  110  and/or the PIVC  105  to the user. For example, based on the haptic feedback or any other suitable indicator, the user can place the catheter  160  in the second position such that the distal surface of the catheter  160  extends a desired distance beyond the distal surface of the PIVC  105 , as described above. 
     With the catheter  160  in the second position (e.g., with the transfer device  100  in the second configuration shown in  FIG.  2   ), the user can establish fluid communication between a fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, and/or the like, and the catheter  160 . For example, as described above, in some embodiments, the user can couple the secondary catheter (not shown) to the fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, and/or the like. Although described as establishing fluid communication between the catheter  160  and the fluid reservoir or fluid source after placing the catheter  160  in the second position, in other embodiments, the user can establish fluid communication between the catheter  160  and the fluid reservoir or fluid source prior to moving the actuator  170  relative to the introducer  110 . With the catheter  160  in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and/or fluid source, the transfer device  100  can then transfer a fluid from the patient or transfer a fluid to the patient via the catheter  160  extending through and beyond the PIVC  105 . 
     In some instances, the catheter  160  can impact an obstruction or the like as the user advances the catheter  160  (via the actuator  170 ) from the first position to the second position. In some such instances, the catheter  160  can be configured to bend, deform, and/or otherwise reconfigure in response to a force exerted by the user. That is to say, a force (e.g., an activation or actuation force) exerted by the user on the actuator  170  that otherwise is sufficient to move the catheter  160  toward the second position results in a deflection, deformation and/or reconfiguration of at least a portion of the catheter  160  when the catheter  160  impacts an obstruction or the like. Moreover, with at least a portion of the catheter  160  being pre-loaded (e.g., bent, bowed, biased, deflected, and/or deformed in response to the angle of the actuator  170 , as described above), the deflection, deformation, and/or reconfiguration of the portion of the catheter  160  can be predetermined, anticipated, and/or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 9   , a fluid transfer device  200  according to a further embodiment is shown. The fluid transfer device  200  (also referred to herein as “blood draw device” or “transfer device”) can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration and can be coupled to a PIVC (not shown in  FIGS.  3 - 9   ), for example, via a lock and/or adapter. As described in further detail herein, a user can transition the transfer device  200  from a first configuration to a second configuration to advance a catheter through an existing, placed, and/or indwelling PIVC (i.e., when the transfer device  200  is coupled thereto) such that at least an end portion of the catheter is disposed in a distal position relative to the PIVC. Moreover, with peripheral intravenous lines each having a shape, size, and/or configuration that can vary based on, for example, a manufacturer of the PIVC and/or its intended usage, the transfer device  200  can be arranged to allow the transfer device  200  to be coupled to a PIVC having any suitable configuration and subsequently, to advance at least a portion of a catheter through the PIVC substantially without kinking, snagging, breaking, and/or otherwise reconfiguring the catheter in an undesirable manner. In addition, the transfer device  200  can be manipulated by a user to place a distal surface of the catheter a predetermined and/or desired distance beyond a distal surface of the PIVC to be disposed within a portion of a vein that receives a substantially unobstructed flow of blood. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the transfer device  200  includes an introducer  210 , a lock  240 , a catheter  260 , a secondary catheter  265 , and an actuator  270 . The introducer  210  can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the introducer  210  can be an elongate member having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the introducer  210  and/or one or more features or surface finishes of at least an outer surface of the introducer  210  can be arranged to increase the ergonomics of the transfer device  200 , which in some instances, can allow a user to manipulate the transfer device  200  with one hand (i.e., single-handed use). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 9   , the introducer  210  of the transfer device  200  includes a first member  220  and a second member  230  that are coupled to collectively form the introducer  210 . The first member  220  includes a proximal end portion  221  and a distal end portion  222 . The actuator  270  includes a first portion  271 , a second portion  275 , and a wall  277  extending therebetween. The first portion  271  of the actuator  270  is at least partially disposed within the first portion  214  of the inner volume  213  defined by the introducer  210  and the second portion  275  of the actuator  270  is disposed within a second portion  215  of the inner volume  213 . The first portion  271  of the actuator  270  can be engaged and/or manipulated by a user (e.g., by a finger or thumb of the user) to move the actuator  270  relative to the introducer  210 . The first portion  271  of the actuator  270  may include a set of ridges and/or any suitable surface finish that can, for example, increase the ergonomics of the actuator  270  and/or transfer device  200 . The first portion  271  of the actuator  270  includes a tab  273  disposed at or near a proximal end portion of the engagement member  272 . The tab  273  can be any suitable tab, rail, ridge, bump, protrusion, knob, roller, slider, etc. The tab  273  is configured to selectively engage ribs  237  on an outer surface of the second member  230  of the introducer  210 . A proximal end portion  211  of the introducer  210  defines an opening  217 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 - 9   , conventionally, the second portion  275  defines an opening  276  configured to receive a proximal end portion  261  of the catheter  260  and a distal end portion  267  of the secondary catheter  265 . A portion of the secondary catheter  265  is disposed in the opening  217  defined by the introducer such that the distal end portion  267  is at least partially disposed in the second portion  215  of the inner volume  213  and coupled to the second portion  275  of the actuator  270  while the proximal end portion  266  of the secondary catheter  265  is disposed outside of the introducer  210 . The proximal end portion  266  of the secondary catheter  265  is coupled to and/or otherwise includes a coupler  269 . The coupler  269  is configured to physically and fluidically couple the secondary catheter  265  to any suitable device such as, for example, a fluid reservoir, fluid source, syringe, evacuated container holder (e.g., having a sheathed needle or configured to be coupled to a sheathed needle), pump, and/or the like. Positioning the distal end portion  267  of the secondary catheter  265  within the opening  276  of the actuator  270  limits a minimum height or diameter of the second portion  275  of the actuator  270 . For example, in the conventional arrangement of the actuator  270  of  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the actuator may be overmolded onto the secondary catheter  265 , which necessitates a predetermined wall thickness of material of the actuator  270  surrounding the secondary catheter  265 . As shown in  FIG.  9   , a healthcare worker can exert a force on the actuator  270  to move the actuator  270  in a distal direction relative to the introducer  210 , which in turn, moves the catheter  260  toward its second position (e.g., the distal position), as indicated by the arrow DD. In some instances, however, the catheter  260  (e.g., the distal end of the catheter  260 ) may encounter or impact an obstruction or the like that hinders or prevents further distal movement of the catheter  260 . With the distal end of the catheter  260  in contact with the obstruction, the force exerted by the healthcare worker on the actuator  270  (e.g., in the DD direction) results in a “clutching” (e.g., deflection, deformation, bending, bowing, etc.) of the catheter  260 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 - 12   , in one aspect or embodiment of the present application, the actuator  170 ,  270  of either of device  100  or device  200 , includes a first portion  302  disposed outside of the introducer  110 ,  210  and a second portion  304  disposed in the inner volume  113 ,  213  of the introducer  110 ,  210 , with the second portion  304  of the actuator  170 ,  270  having a main body  306  having a first height  308  and an extension  310  having a second height  312 . The second height  312  is smaller than the first height  308 . The main body  306  and the extension  310  define an opening  314 , with the catheter  160 ,  260  and the secondary catheter  165 ,  265  attached to the actuator  170 ,  270  and in fluid communication with the opening  314 . At least a portion of the extension  310  is received within a lumen  316  of the secondary catheter  165 ,  265 . By providing the extension  310  of the second portion  304  of the actuator  170 ,  270  within the lumen  316  of the secondary catheter  165 ,  265 , a space  318  between the second portion  304  of the actuator  170 ,  270  and the introducer  110 ,  210  can be minimized thereby further confining the catheter  160 ,  260  within the introducer  110 ,  210  and limiting the amount of deflection of the catheter  160 ,  260  during use of the devices  100 ,  200 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  10 - 12   , in one aspect or embodiment, the extension  310  of the second portion  304  of the actuator  170 ,  270  is entirely received within the lumen  316  of the secondary catheter  165 ,  265 , although other suitable arrangements and positions may be utilized. The first height  308  of the main body  306  of the actuator  170 ,  270  may be equal to or less than a height  320  of the secondary catheter  165 ,  265 . The main body  306  of the actuator  170 ,  270 , the extension  310  of the actuator  170 ,  270 , and the secondary catheter  165 ,  265  may be circular in a transverse cross-section, and the first height  308  of the main body  306  of the actuator  170 ,  270 , the second height  312  of the extension  310  of the actuator  170 ,  270 , and the height  320  of the secondary catheter  165 ,  265  may be diameters of the respective main body  306  of the actuator  170 ,  270 , the extension  310  of the actuator  170 ,  270 , and the secondary catheter  165 ,  265 . In one aspect or embodiment, a height  322  of the inner volume  113 ,  213  of the introducer  110 ,  210  may be less than 5% larger than the first height  308  of the main body  306  of the actuator  170 ,  270 . In one aspect or embodiment, the height  322  of the inner volume  113 ,  213  of the introducer  110 ,  210  is less than 10% larger than the first height  308  of the main body  306  of the actuator  170 ,  270 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , in one aspect or embodiment, the actuator  170 ,  270  is attached to the secondary catheter  165 ,  265  via an adhesive positioned between the secondary catheter  165 ,  265  and the extension  310  of the second portion  304  of the actuator  170 ,  270 . The actuator  170 ,  270  may also be attached to the secondary catheter  165 ,  265  via solvent bonding or an interference fit at an interface between the secondary catheter  165 ,  265  and the extension  310  of the second portion  304  of the actuator  170 ,  270 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , in one aspect or embodiment, the actuator  170 ,  270  is attached to the secondary catheter  165 ,  265  via at least one barb  330  positioned on the extension  310  of the second portion  304  of the actuator  170 ,  270 . As shown in  FIG.  12   , the actuator  170 ,  270  includes a plurality barbs  330 , with each barb  330  extending radially outward from the extension  310  of the actuator  170 ,  270 , although one or more barbs  330  may be provided. 
     Referring to  FIG.  13   , in one aspect or embodiment, the introducer  110 ,  210  of either transfer device  100 ,  200  defines a groove  360  extending in a direction extending from the proximal end  111 ,  211  of the introducer  110 ,  210  to the distal end  112 ,  212  of the introducer  110 ,  210 , with the groove  360  positioned within the inner volume  113 ,  213  of the introducer  110 ,  210  and configured to receive a portion of the catheter  160 ,  260  during use of the transfer device  100 ,  200 . The introducer  110 ,  210  may include a first member  362  and a second member  364  attached to the first member  362 , with the first member  362  and the second member  364  defining a gap  366  configured to receive a part of the first portion  302  of the actuator  170 ,  270 , and with the groove  360  of the introducer  110 ,  210  configured to prevent the catheter  160 ,  260  from moving through the gap  366  during use of the device  100 ,  200 . For example, as the catheter  160 ,  260  bows or deflects, as shown in  FIG.  9   , the groove  360  engages at least a portion of the catheter  160 ,  260  to restrict the movement of the catheter  160 ,  260  and prevent the catheter  160 ,  260  from moving through the gap  366 . As shown in  FIG.  13   , the first member  362  includes a top flange  368  and a body  370  extending from the top flange  368 , with the top flange  368  of the first member  362  defining the groove  360 . In one aspect or embodiment, the groove  360  extends from the distal end  112 ,  212  of the introducer  110 ,  210  to the proximal end  111 ,  211  of the introducer  110 ,  210 . In one aspect or embodiment, the groove  360  extends only a portion of a length extending from the distal end  112 ,  212  of the introducer  110 ,  210  to the proximal end  111 ,  211  of the introducer  110 ,  210 . 
     Although the present disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.