Patent Description:
Common types of intravenous catheter are peripheral IV catheters ("PIVCs"), peripherally inserted central catheters ("PICCs"), and midline catheters. Intravenous catheters may include "over-the needle" catheters, which may be mounted over a needle having a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip may be used to pierce skin and the vasculature of the patient. Insertion of the intravenous catheter into the vasculature may follow the piercing of the vasculature by the needle. The needle and the intravenous catheter are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the skin into the vasculature of the patient with a bevel of the needle facing up and away from the skin of the patient. Once placement of the needle within the vasculature has been confirmed, the user may temporarily occlude flow in the vasculature and withdraw the needle, leaving the intravenous catheter in place for future blood withdrawal and/or fluid infusion.

A catheter system having the features defined within the preamble of claim <NUM> is known from <CIT>.

When the needle is withdrawn from the intravenous catheter, clinician safety is a major concern. Not only is there a risk of needle-stick injury, the clinician wants to avoid any blood exposure from the needle. Competing for the clinician's desire for safety is a desire to maintain the intravenous catheter within the vasculature of the patient during withdrawal of the needle. Friction-based drag force as the needle is withdrawn from the intravenous catheter may lead to dislodgement of the catheter from the insertion site. Due to the friction-based drag force, the clinician may somewhat awkwardly hold the intravenous catheter in place while trying to withdraw the needle in a safe manner.

A catheter system according to the invention is defined by the features of claim <NUM>. Further embodiments are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

The present disclosure relates generally to catheter systems, as well as related devices and methods (not claimed, not forming part of the invention). Below described is a catheter system that includes a catheter adapter, which includes may a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall forming a lumen. The catheter system includes a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"), a midline catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter ("PICC"), or another suitable catheter.

The catheter system includes a needle assembly coupled to the catheter adapter. The needle assembly includes an introducer needle, which includes a distal tip and a bump feature. The distal tip is disposed distal to the catheter in a first position. The first position corresponds to an insertion position, ready for insertion into vasculature of a patient.

In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within a needle hub. In some embodiments, the needle hub may be proximate the housing. In some embodiments, the needle hub may include one or more grip features, which may facilitate movement of the needle hub in a proximal direction by a clinician to withdraw the introducer needle from the vasculature of the patient and the catheter.

The needle assembly includes a housing, which may include a distal opening, a proximal opening, and a pathway extending between the distal opening and the proximal opening. A diameter of the proximal opening is less than an outer diameter of the bump feature. The introducer needle extends through the pathway.

The housing may include a first portion, which includes a magnet extending there through. The magnet includes a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. In some embodiments, the magnet may include a permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the magnet may be oriented generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system.

The housing includes a second portion, which includes another magnet. The other magnet includes a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. In some embodiments, the other magnet may include a permanent magnet. The second magnetic pole of the other magnet is proximal to the first magnetic pole of the other magnet. In some embodiments, the other magnet may be oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system. In some embodiments, the magnet and/or the other magnet may be proximate or in communication with the pathway, which may increase a magnetic force between the magnet and the other magnet.

The second magnetic pole of the magnet is aligned with and repelled by the second magnetic pole of the other magnet. The introducer needle is disposed between the second magnetic pole of the magnet and the second magnetic pole of the other magnet. In some embodiments, the repulsion between the second magnetic pole of the magnet and the second magnetic pole of the other magnet may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle as the introducer needle is withdrawn. In some embodiments, because of the spacing and repulsion between the second magnetic pole of the magnet and the second magnetic pole of the other magnet, the second magnetic pole of the magnet and/or the second magnetic pole of the other magnet may be spaced apart from an outer surface of the introducer needle, which may reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducer needle as the introducer needle is withdrawn.

In some embodiments, the wall of the catheter adapter may include a slot. In some embodiments, the first magnetic pole of the magnet may be disposed within the slot, which may couple the needle assembly to the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, when the catheter adapter is coupled to the needle assembly via the other magnet disposed in the slot, a magnetic repelling force between the magnet and the other magnet may be at a high or peak value, which may simultaneously secure the catheter adapter and the needle assembly together and may reduce the friction-based drag force.

The distal tip of the introducer needle is configured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to a second position in which the bump feature contacts the proximal opening. The bump feature is prevented from passing through the proximal opening due to the outer diameter of the bump feature.

The distal tip of the introducer needle is configured to be withdrawn proximally from the second position to a third position. In response to withdrawing the distal tip of the introducer needle proximally from the second position to the third position, the second portion slides proximally with respect to the first portion and the second magnetic pole of the magnet is aligned with and attracted to the first magnetic pole of the other magnet such that the magnet moves inwardly towards the other magnet. In some embodiments, in response to the magnet moving inwardly towards the other magnet, the magnet may block the distal opening and/or prevent blood from leaking out the distal opening. In some embodiments, blocking the distal opening may prevent needle stick injury. In some embodiments, when the distal tip is disposed in the third position, a magnetic attraction force between the magnet and the other magnet may be at a high or peak value, which may facilitate securement of the distal tip within the housing.

In some embodiments, the other magnet may shield the distal tip within the housing when the distal tip is disposed in the third position, and may also act as a coupling component configured to couple the needle assembly to the catheter adapter when the distal tip is in the first position and/or the second position. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip of the introducer needle proximally from the second position to the third position, the second magnetic pole of the magnet may be aligned with and attracted to the first magnetic pole of the other magnet such that the magnet moves inwardly towards the other magnet and is removed from the slot. In some embodiments, in response to the other magnet being removed from the slot, the catheter adapter and the needle assembly may be uncoupled and/or the needle assembly may be removed from the catheter adapter.

In some embodiments, the magnet may be replaced with a temporary magnet. In some embodiments, the temporary magnet may include steel, iron, or another suitable material. In these and other embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be integrally formed and may not slide with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the introducer needle may be disposed between the other magnet and the temporary magnet.

The distal tip of the introducer needle is configured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to the second position. In response to withdrawing the distal tip of the introducer needle proximally from the first position to the second position, the bump feature contacts the proximal opening of the housing, the distal tip may be disposed proximal to the temporary magnet and the other magnet, and the temporary magnet may move inwardly towards the other magnet to block the distal opening and/or prevent blood from leaking out the distal opening.

In some embodiments, the other magnet may include a permanent magnet, and the temporary magnet may be attracted to the permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the temporary magnet may contact and/or press lightly on the introducer needle when the distal tip is in the first position due to the attraction between the temporary magnet and the other magnet. In some embodiments, the other magnet may be spaced apart from the introducer needle when the distal tip is in the first position, which may reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducer needle as the introducer needle is withdrawn. In some embodiments, the other magnet may contact and/or press lightly on the introducer needle when the distal tip is in the first position.

In some embodiments, the temporary magnet may be disposed within the slot. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip of the introducer needle proximally from the first position to the second position, the temporary magnet may move inwardly towards the permanent magnet and may be removed from the slot. In some embodiments, in response to the temporary magnet being removed from the slot, the catheter adapter and the needle assembly may be uncoupled and/or the needle assembly may be removed from the catheter adapter.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present inventin as defined by the appended claims.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

Referring now to <FIG>, a catheter system <NUM> includes a catheter adapter <NUM>, which includes a distal end <NUM>, a proximal end <NUM>, and a wall <NUM> forming a lumen. The catheter system <NUM> includes a catheter <NUM> extending distally from the distal end <NUM> of the catheter adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter <NUM> may be secured within the catheter adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter <NUM> may include a peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"), a midline catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter ("PICC"), or another suitable catheter.

In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may include any suitable catheter adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter <NUM> may include a side port in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, an extension tube may be integrated within the side port and may be part of an extension set. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter <NUM> may be straight or non-integrated and may not include the extension tube.

The catheter system <NUM> includes a needle assembly <NUM> coupled to the catheter adapter <NUM>. The needle assembly <NUM> includes an introducer needle <NUM>, which includes a distal tip <NUM> and a bump feature. In some embodiments, the introducer needle <NUM> may be constructed of metal, and the distal tip <NUM> may be sharp. The distal tip <NUM> is disposed distal to the catheter <NUM> in a first position, as illustrated, for example in <FIG>. The first position corresponds to an insertion position, ready for insertion into vasculature of a patient.

In some embodiments, a proximal end of the introducer needle <NUM> may be secured within a needle hub <NUM> of the needle assembly <NUM>. The needle assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the needle hub <NUM> may include one or more grip features <NUM>, which may facilitate movement of the needle hub in a proximal direction by a clinician to withdraw the introducer needle <NUM> from the vasculature of the patient and the catheter.

Referring now to <FIG>, a catheter system <NUM> is illustrated, according to some embodiments. The catheter system <NUM> includes or corresponds to the catheter system <NUM> of <FIG>. The catheter system <NUM> is similar or identical to the catheter system <NUM> of <FIG> in terms of one or more included components and/or operation.

In some embodiments, the needle hub <NUM> may be proximate the housing <NUM>, as illustrated, for example in <FIG>. The lumen <NUM> extends through the distal end <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM>. The housing <NUM> of the needle assembly <NUM> includes a distal opening <NUM>, a proximal opening <NUM>, and a pathway <NUM> extending between the distal opening <NUM> and the proximal opening <NUM>. The pathway <NUM> extends to the proximal opening <NUM>. A diameter of the proximal opening <NUM> is less than an outer diameter of the bump feature <NUM> such that the bump feature <NUM> may not pass through the proximal opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bump feature <NUM> may include any suitable feature having an increased outer diameter. The introducer needle <NUM> extends through the pathway <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM>, which includes a magnet <NUM> extending there through. The magnet <NUM> includes a first magnetic pole 44a and a second magnetic pole 44b. In some embodiments, the first magnetic pole 44a may be opposite the second magnetic pole 44b. For example, the first magnetic pole 44a may include a South Pole and the second magnetic pole 44b may include a North Pole or the first magnetic pole 44a may include a North Pole and the second magnetic pole 44b may include a South Pole. In some embodiments, the magnet <NUM> may include a permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the magnet <NUM> may be oriented generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the catheter system <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> includes a second portion <NUM>, which includes another magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the proximal opening <NUM> may be disposed in the second portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the distal opening <NUM> may be disposed between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. The other magnet <NUM> includes a first magnetic pole 50a and a second magnetic pole 50b. In some embodiments, the first magnetic pole 50a may be opposite the second magnetic pole 50b. For example, the first magnetic pole 50a may include a South Pole and the second magnetic pole 50b may include a North Pole or the first magnetic pole 50a may include a North Pole and the second magnetic pole 50b may include a South Pole. In some embodiments, the first magnetic pole 44a of the magnet <NUM> and the first magnetic pole 50a of the other magnet <NUM> may be a same pole and may be repelled by each other. In some embodiments, the second magnetic pole 44b of the magnet <NUM> and the second magnetic pole 50b of the other magnet <NUM> may be a same pole and repelled by each other.

In some embodiments, the other magnet <NUM> may include a permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the second magnetic pole 50b of the other magnet <NUM> may be proximal to the first magnetic pole 50a of the other magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the other magnet <NUM> may be oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the magnet <NUM> and/or the other magnet <NUM> may be proximate or in communication with the pathway <NUM>, which may increase a magnetic force between the magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM>.

The second magnetic pole 44b of the magnet <NUM> is generally aligned with and repelled by the second magnetic pole 50b of the other magnet <NUM>, as illustrated, for example, in <FIG>. The introducer needle <NUM> is disposed between the second magnetic pole 44b of the magnet <NUM> and the second magnetic pole 50b of the other magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the magnetic repulsion between the second magnetic pole 44b of the magnet <NUM> and the second magnetic pole 50b of the other magnet <NUM> may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> as the introducer needle <NUM> is proximally withdrawn.

In some embodiments, due to the magnetic repulsion between the second magnetic pole 44b of the magnet <NUM> and the second magnetic pole 50b of the other magnet <NUM>, the second magnetic pole 44b of the magnet <NUM> and/or the second magnetic pole 50b of the other magnet <NUM> may be spaced apart from an outer surface of the introducer needle <NUM>, which may reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> as the introducer needle <NUM> is proximally withdrawn. In some embodiments, the magnet <NUM> and/or the other magnet <NUM> may lightly contact the introducer needle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the introducer needle <NUM> may be spaced apart from all or a portion of the housing <NUM> forming the pathway <NUM>, which may reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> as the introducer needle <NUM> is proximally withdrawn.

In some embodiments, an inner surface of the wall <NUM> of the catheter adapter <NUM> may include a slot <NUM>, which may include a hole extending through the first portion <NUM> or a groove. In some embodiments, the first magnetic pole 44a of the magnet <NUM> may be disposed within the slot <NUM>, which may couple the needle assembly <NUM> to the catheter adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the catheter adapter <NUM> is coupled to the needle assembly <NUM> via the other magnet <NUM> disposed in the slot <NUM>, a magnetic repelling force between the magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM> may be at a high or peak value, which may secure the catheter adapter <NUM> and the needle assembly <NUM> together and may simultaneously reduce the friction-based drag force.

Referring now to <FIG>, the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> is configured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to a second position in which the bump feature <NUM> contacts the proximal opening The bump feature <NUM> is prevented from passing through the proximal opening <NUM> due to the outer diameter of the bump feature <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> is configured to be withdrawn proximally from the second position to a third position. In response to withdrawing the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> proximally from the second position to the third position, the second portion <NUM> slides proximally with respect to the first portion <NUM>, and the second magnetic pole 44b of the magnet <NUM> is generally aligned with and attracted to the first magnetic pole 50a of the other magnet <NUM> such that the magnet <NUM> moves inwardly towards the other magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, in response to the magnet <NUM> moving inwardly towards the other magnet <NUM>, the magnet <NUM> may block the distal opening <NUM> and/or prevent blood from leaking out the distal opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the distal tip <NUM> is disposed in the third position, a magnetic attraction force between the magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM> may be at a high or peak value, which may facilitate securement of the distal tip <NUM> within the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may be locked when the distal tip <NUM> is in the third position such that the distal tip <NUM> is prevented from exposure and bypassing the magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may be locked via geometry of one or more components of the catheter system <NUM>, such as, for example, the magnet <NUM> and/or the other magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may be locked due to the inward motion of the magnet <NUM>, and the strength of the magnetic attraction force between the magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may include a lube or coating, which may reduce undesirable forces within the catheter system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the other magnet <NUM> may shield the distal tip <NUM> within the housing <NUM> when the distal tip <NUM> is disposed in the third position and may also act as a coupling component configured to couple the needle assembly <NUM> to the catheter adapter <NUM> when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position and/or the second position. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> proximally from the second position to the third position, the second magnetic pole 44b of the magnet <NUM> may be generally aligned with and attracted to the first magnetic pole 50a of the other magnet <NUM> such that the magnet <NUM> moves inwardly towards the other magnet <NUM> and is removed from the slot <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, in response to the other magnet <NUM> being removed from the slot <NUM>, the catheter adapter <NUM> and the needle assembly <NUM> may be uncoupled and/or the needle assembly <NUM> may be removed from the catheter adapter <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a catheter system <NUM> is illustrated, according to some embodiments. The catheter system <NUM> includes or corresponds to the catheter system <NUM> of <FIG> and/or the catheter system <NUM> of <FIG>. The catheter system <NUM> may be similar or identical to the catheter system <NUM> of <FIG> and/or the catheter system <NUM> of <FIG> in terms of one or more included components and/or operation.

In some embodiments, the magnet <NUM> of the catheter system <NUM> of <FIG> may be replaced with a temporary magnet <NUM> in the catheter system <NUM>. In some examples not forming part of the invention, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be integrally formed and may not slide with respect to each other. In some examples not forming part of the invention, , the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be monolithically formed as a single unit. In some embodiments, the temporary magnet <NUM> may include steel, iron, metal, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the introducer needle <NUM> may be disposed between the other magnet <NUM> and the temporary magnet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the other magnet <NUM> may include a permanent magnet, and the temporary magnet <NUM> may be attracted to the permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the temporary magnet <NUM> may contact and/or press lightly on the introducer needle <NUM> when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position due to the attraction between the temporary magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the other magnet <NUM> may be spaced apart from the introducer needle <NUM> when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position, which may reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> as the introducer needle <NUM> is withdrawn. In some embodiments, the other magnet <NUM> may contact and/or press lightly on the introducer needle <NUM> when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position. In some embodiments, the temporary magnet <NUM> may be disposed within the slot <NUM>, which may couple and secure the needle assembly <NUM> to the catheter adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, a magnetic attraction force between the temporary magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM> may be constant.

Referring now to <FIG>, the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> is configured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to the second position. In response to withdrawing the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> proximally from the first position to the second position, the bump feature <NUM> contacts the proximal opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the distal tip <NUM> may be disposed proximal to the temporary magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> proximally from the first position to the second position, the temporary magnet <NUM> may move inwardly towards the other magnet <NUM> to block the distal opening <NUM> and/or prevent blood from leaking out the distal opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> proximally from the first position to the second position, the temporary magnet <NUM> may move inwardly towards the other magnet <NUM> and may be removed from the slot <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may be locked when the distal tip <NUM> is in the second position such that the distal tip <NUM> is prevented from exposure and bypassing the temporary magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may be locked via geometry of one or more components of the catheter system <NUM>, such as, for example, the temporary magnet <NUM> and/or the other magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may be locked due to the inward motion of the temporary magnet <NUM>, and the strength of the magnetic attraction force between the temporary magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may include a lube or coating, which may reduce undesirable forces within the catheter system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, in response to the temporary magnet <NUM> being removed from the slot <NUM>, the catheter adapter <NUM> and the needle assembly <NUM> may be uncoupled and/or the needle assembly <NUM> may be removed from the catheter adapter <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the temporary magnet <NUM> may be replaced with the magnet <NUM>, which may be oriented such that the first magnetic pole 44a is aligned with the second magnetic pole 50b when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position and/or the second position. In these and other embodiments, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be integrally formed and may not slide with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be monolithically formed as a single unit.

In some embodiments, the magnet <NUM> may contact and/or press lightly on the introducer needle <NUM> when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position due to the attraction between the magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the other magnet <NUM> may be spaced apart from the introducer needle <NUM> when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position, which may reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> as the introducer needle <NUM> is withdrawn. In some embodiments, the other magnet <NUM> may contact and/or press lightly on the introducer needle <NUM> when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position. In some embodiments, the magnet <NUM> may be disposed within the slot <NUM>, which may couple and secure the needle assembly <NUM> to the catheter adapter <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> proximally from the first position to the second position, the magnet <NUM> may move inwardly towards the other magnet <NUM> to block the distal opening <NUM> and/or prevent blood from leaking out the distal opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> proximally from the first position to the second position, the magnet <NUM> may move inwardly towards the other magnet <NUM> and may be removed from the slot <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a graph of remaining withdrawal distance of the distal tip <NUM> versus pull force is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the graph of <FIG> may correspond to the catheter system <NUM>. As illustrated in the graph, in some embodiments, a highest attraction force f between the magnet <NUM> and the other magnet <NUM> or between the other magnet <NUM> and the temporary magnet <NUM> may be achieved in the third position, when the distal tip <NUM> may be shielded within the housing <NUM>. The remaining withdrawal distance and pull force values of the graph of <FIG> are meant to be examples for illustration purposes and are not limiting.

Referring now to <FIG>, the catheter system <NUM> and/or the catheter system <NUM> may be configured to reduce or eliminate friction-induced drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> during withdrawal of the introducer needle <NUM> from the patient and a catheter assembly, which may include the catheter adapter <NUM> and the catheter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> and/or the catheter system <NUM> may be configured to reduce or eliminate friction-induced drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> during final stages of withdrawal of the introducer needle <NUM> from the patient and the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the graph of <FIG> may correspond to the catheter system <NUM> and/or the catheter system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the reduced friction-induced drag may reduce a likelihood of the clinician accidentally dislodging the catheter <NUM> from an insertion site and the vasculature. The distance and relative force magnitude values of <FIG> are meant to be examples for illustration purposes and are not limiting.

Claim 1:
A catheter system (<NUM>), comprising:
a catheter adapter (<NUM>), comprising a distal end (<NUM>), a proximal end (<NUM>), and a wall (<NUM>) forming a lumen;
a catheter (<NUM>) extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter; and
a needle assembly (<NUM>) coupled to the catheter adapter, the needle assembly comprising:
an introducer needle (<NUM>), comprising a distal tip (<NUM>) and a bump feature (<NUM>), wherein the distal tip is disposed distal to the catheter in a first position; and
a housing (<NUM>), comprising:
a distal opening (<NUM>);
a proximal opening (<NUM>), wherein a diameter of the proximal opening is less than an outer diameter of the bump feature;
a pathway (<NUM>) extending between the distal opening and the proximal opening, wherein the introducer needle extends through the pathway; and
a first portion (<NUM>), comprising a magnet (<NUM>) extending through the first portion, wherein the magnet comprises a first magnetic pole (44a) and a second magnetic pole (44b);
a second portion (<NUM>) comprising another magnet (<NUM>), wherein the other magnet comprises a first magnetic pole (50a) and a second magnetic pole (50b), wherein the second magnetic pole (50b) of the other magnet (<NUM>) is proximal to the first magnetic pole (50a) of the other magnet (<NUM>), wherein the second magnetic pole (44b) of the magnet (<NUM>) is generally aligned with and repelled by the second magnetic pole (50b) of the other magnet (<NUM>), wherein the introducer needle (<NUM>) is disposed between the second magnetic pole (44b) of the magnet (<NUM>) and the second magnetic pole (50b) of the other magnet (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the distal tip (<NUM>) of the introducer needle (<NUM>) is configured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to a second position in which the bump feature (<NUM>) contacts the proximal opening (<NUM>) and proximally from the second position to a third position, wherein in response to withdrawing the distal tip (<NUM>) of the introducer needle (<NUM>) proximally from the second position to the third position, the second portion (<NUM>) slides proximally with respect to the first portion (<NUM>) and the second magnetic pole (44b) of the magnet (<NUM>) is aligned with and attracted to the first magnetic pole (50a) of the other magnet (<NUM>) such that the magnet (<NUM>) moves inwardly towards the other magnet (<NUM>).