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.

When the needle is withdrawn from the intravenous catheter, clinician safety is a major concern.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 Friction-based drag force as the needle is withdrawn from the intravenous catheter may lead to dislodgement of the catheter from the insertion site.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.

The present disclosure relates generally to catheter systems, as well as related devices and methods. In some embodiments, a catheter system may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall forming a lumen. In some embodiments, the wall may include a slot. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter.

In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle assembly coupled to the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include an introducer needle, which may include a distal tip and a bump feature. In some embodiments, the distal tip may be disposed distal to the catheter in a first position. In some embodiments, the first position may correspond to an insertion position, ready for insertion into vasculature of a patient.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a housing, which may include a distal opening, a proximal opening, and a side opening. In some embodiments, a diameter of the proximal opening may be less than an outer diameter of the bump feature. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the side opening may be distal to a proximal end of the slot.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a spring clip, which may be disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the spring clip may include a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the first end may include a U-shaped portion, which may be partially disposed within the slot. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the side opening may be disposed within the U-shaped portion to bias the U-shaped portion outwardly. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion and/or an entirety of the spring clip may not contact the introducer needle, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle as the introducer needle is withdrawn.

In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the first position to a second position, the bump feature may contact the proximal opening. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to a third position, the housing and the proximal end of the side opening may move proximally, the U-shaped portion may be released and move inwardly, and the spring clip may block the distal opening. In some embodiments, blocking the distal opening may prevent needle stick injury. In some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip may abut the proximal end of the side opening, which may prevent the spring clip from moving distally in response to the withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to the third position.

In some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip may include a shield portion. In some embodiments, the shield portion may be generally L-shaped and may extend from the U-shaped portion. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to the third position, the shield portion may block the distal opening.

In some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip may include a lip, which may extend proximally from the shield portion. In some embodiments, the shield portion may be disposed in between the lip and the U-shaped portion. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to the third position, the distal tip may be disposed between the lip and the U-shaped portion.

In some embodiments, the spring clip may include an opening. In some embodiments, the introducer needle may extend through the opening of the spring clip. In some embodiments, the spring clip is spaced apart from opening, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle as the introducer needle is withdrawn. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the introducer needle proximal to the bump feature may be slightly less than the proximal opening of the housing such that the introducer needle contacts and is supported by the proximal opening. In these embodiments, a close fit between the introducer needle and the proximal opening of the housing may prevent blood leakage through the proximal opening of the housing.

In some embodiments, the spring clip may be generally U-shaped between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the opening of the spring clip may be disposed within a mouth of a general U-shape between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the mouth of the general U-shape between the first end and the second end may face in a distal direction, and a mouth of the U-shaped portion may face in a proximal direction.

In some embodiments, the housing may include a groove. In some embodiments, the second end of the spring clip may be disposed within the groove. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to the third position, the housing and the proximal end of the side opening may move proximally and the second end of the spring clip may move closer to a distal end of the groove.

In some embodiments, the housing may include one or more support ledges, which may be disposed lateral to the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a needle tip shield, which may include one or more contact surfaces. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield may include an elongated body with one or more arms extending inwardly from the elongated body. In some embodiments, the arms may include the contact surfaces. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield may not contact the introducer needle, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle as the introducer needle is withdrawn.

In some embodiments, a compression element may be disposed at least partially around the housing and the needle tip shield. In some embodiments, the contact surfaces may be aligned with the support ledges and the compression element may press the contact surfaces against the support ledges. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to the third position, the housing may move proximally and the contact surfaces may be unaligned with the support ledges such that the compression element moves the housing and the needle tip shield together and the needle tip shield blocks the distal opening.

In some embodiments, the wall may include a slot. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield may include a protrusion disposed within the slot. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to the third position, the housing may move proximally and the contact surfaces may be unaligned with the support ledges such that the compression element moves the housing and the needle tip shield together and the protrusion is removed from the slot. In some embodiments, in response to the protrusion being removed from the slot, the catheter adapter and the needle assembly may be uncoupled.

In some embodiments, the housing may include an outer housing. In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a bias element disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the bias element may include a proximal opening, which may include a diameter less than the outer diameter of the bump feature. In some embodiments, the introducer needle may extend through the distal opening of the housing and the proximal opening of the bias element.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include another spring clip, which may be disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the spring clip may include a U-shaped portion and an arm that extends distal to the U-shaped portion. In some embodiments, the arm may be engaged with the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the bias element may contact the U-shaped portion to bias the spring clip in a compressed position.

In some embodiments, the distal tip may be configured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to a particular second position in which the bump feature contacts the proximal opening of the bias element. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to a particular third position, the bias element may move proximal to the U-shaped portion to release the U-shaped portion from the compressed position and the arm from the catheter adapter, and the U-shaped portion may block the distal opening such that the distal tip of the introducer needle is prevented from exiting the distal opening.

In some embodiments, the bias element may include an inner housing, which may surround the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the bias element may include a base and an extension extending distally from the base. In some embodiments, the extension may contact the U-shaped portion to bias the spring clip in the compressed position. In some embodiments, the base may include the proximal opening of the bias element. In some embodiments, the extension is spaced apart from the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the extension may include a rod. In some embodiments, the housing may include an inner support wall. In some embodiments, the extension may extend through the inner support wall and may be slidable through the inner support wall.

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

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a catheter system, which may include a needle assembly coupled to a catheter adapter. The needle assembly may include a housing, an introducer needle, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a needle tip shield feature. A distal tip of the introducer needle may be configured to be proximally withdrawn from a first position to a second position in which a bump feature of the introducer needle contacts and is prevented from moving through the proximal opening. In response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to a third position, the housing may move proximally, and the needle tip shield feature may be released to block the distal opening. The needle tip shield feature may not contact the introducer needle when the distal tip moves proximally from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle. <FIG> further describe examples of the catheter system, according to some embodiments.

Referring now to <FIG>, a catheter system <NUM> is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may include a catheter adapter <NUM>, which may include a distal end <NUM>, a proximal end <NUM>, and a wall <NUM> forming a lumen <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lumen <NUM> may extend through the distal end <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wall <NUM> may include a slot <NUM>. In some embodiments, the slot <NUM> may include a hole extending through the wall <NUM> or a groove.

In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may include a catheter <NUM> extending distally from the distal end <NUM> of 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 <NUM> 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.

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

In some embodiments, the needle assembly <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, which may include a distal opening <NUM>, a proximal opening <NUM>, and a side opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, a diameter of the proximal opening <NUM> may be 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. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the housing <NUM> may include a washer, which may include the proximal opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a proximal end <NUM> of the side opening <NUM> may be distal to a proximal end <NUM> of the slot <NUM>. In some embodiments, the needle assembly <NUM> may include a spring clip <NUM>, which may be disposed within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first end <NUM> may include a U-shaped portion <NUM>, which may be partially disposed within the slot <NUM>. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the side opening <NUM> may be disposed within the U-shaped portion <NUM> to bias and hold the U-shaped portion <NUM> outwardly. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion <NUM> and/or an entirety of the spring clip <NUM> may not contact the introducer needle <NUM>, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> as the introducer needle <NUM> is withdrawn.

In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion <NUM> may be generally U-shaped, which may include a V-shape or another bend shape that is suitable for retaining the proximal end <NUM> of the side opening <NUM> when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion may include a <NUM>° bend. In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> may be constructed of metal or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> may be resilient.

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

Referring now to <FIG>, the distal tip <NUM> is illustrated between the first position and a second position. Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the first position to the second position, illustrated, for example, in <FIG>, the bump feature <NUM> may contact the proximal opening <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the second position to a third position, illustrated, for example, in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the side opening <NUM> may move proximally, the U-shaped portion <NUM> may be released and move inwardly, and the spring clip <NUM> may block the distal opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first end <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> may abut the proximal end <NUM> of the side opening <NUM>, which may prevent the spring clip <NUM> from moving distally in response to the withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the second position to the third position. In some embodiments, the distal tip <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may move approximately <NUM> or another suitable distance between the first position and the second position, which may facilitate ease of withdrawal and capture of the distal tip <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip <NUM> may include a needle tip shield feature or a shield portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the shield portion <NUM> may be generally L-shaped and may extend from the U-shaped portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the second position to the third position, the shield portion <NUM> may block the distal opening <NUM> such that the distal tip <NUM> is prevented from exiting the distal opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> or the shield portion <NUM> may also prevent blood from leaking out of the distal opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first end <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> may include a lip <NUM>, which may extend proximally from the shield portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the shield portion <NUM> may be disposed in between the lip <NUM> and the U-shaped portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the second position to the third position, the distal tip <NUM> may be disposed between the lip <NUM> and the U-shaped portion <NUM>. In these embodiments, the first end <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> may cross a longitudinal axis <NUM> (see also <FIG>) of the catheter system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> may include an opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the introducer needle <NUM> may extend through the opening <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> may be spaced apart from opening <NUM>, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> as the introducer needle <NUM> is withdrawn proximally. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the introducer needle <NUM> proximal to the bump feature <NUM> may be slightly less than the proximal opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM> such that the introducer needle contacts and is supported by the proximal opening <NUM>. In these embodiments, a close fit between the introducer needle <NUM> and the proximal opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may prevent blood leakage through the proximal opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> may be generally U-shaped between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the opening <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> may be disposed within a mouth of a general U-shape between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mouth of the general U-shape between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may face in a distal direction, and a mouth of the U-shaped portion <NUM> may face in a proximal direction.

In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include a groove <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second end <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> may be disposed within the groove <NUM>. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the second position to the third position, the housing <NUM> and the proximal end <NUM> of the side opening <NUM> may move proximally and the second end <NUM> of the spring clip <NUM> may move closer to a distal end of the groove <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the needle assembly <NUM> may be removed from the catheter adapter <NUM> in response to proximally withdrawing the distal tip <NUM> from the second position to the third position and release of the U-shaped portion from the proximal end <NUM> of the side opening <NUM> and the slot <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a catheter system <NUM> is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may include or correspond to the catheter system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may be similar or identical to the catheter system <NUM> of <FIG> in terms of one or more included components and/or operation. <FIG> illustrate the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> in a first position, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, a needle assembly <NUM> of the catheter system <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, which may include or correspond to the housing <NUM> of <FIG>, and a needle tip shield <NUM>. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include one or more support ledges <NUM>, which may be disposed lateral to the introducer needle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield <NUM> may include one or more contact surfaces <NUM>. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield <NUM> may include an elongated body <NUM> with one or more arms <NUM> extending inwardly from the elongated body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the arms <NUM> may include the contact surfaces <NUM>. In some embodiments, the arms <NUM> may be lateral to the introducer needle <NUM> and may not contact the introducer needle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield <NUM> may not contact the introducer needle <NUM>, as illustrated, for example, in <FIG>, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> as the introducer needle <NUM> is withdrawn.

In some embodiments, a compression element <NUM> may be disposed at least partially around the housing <NUM> and the needle tip shield <NUM>. In some embodiments, the compression element may include a spring band, which may be annular. In some embodiments, the contact surfaces <NUM> may be aligned with the support ledges <NUM>, and the compression element <NUM> may press the contact surfaces <NUM> against the support ledges <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include a distal opening <NUM> and a proximal opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, a diameter of the proximal opening <NUM> may be 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, a proximal end of the housing <NUM> may include a washer, which may include the proximal opening <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the first position to a second position, illustrated, for example, in <FIG>, the bump feature <NUM> may contact the proximal opening <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the second position to a third position, illustrated, for example, in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may move proximally and the contact surfaces <NUM> may be unaligned with the support ledges <NUM>. In response, as illustrated in <FIG>, for example, the compression element <NUM> moves the housing <NUM> and the needle tip shield <NUM> together and the needle tip shield <NUM> blocks the distal opening <NUM> and/or prevents blood from leaking out of the distal opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the wall <NUM> of the catheter adapter <NUM> may include a slot <NUM>. In some embodiments, the slot <NUM> may include a hole extending through the wall <NUM> or a groove. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> disposed within the slot <NUM>. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the second position to the third position, the housing <NUM> may move proximally and the contact surfaces <NUM> may be unaligned with the support ledges <NUM> such that the compression element <NUM> moves the housing <NUM> and the needle tip shield <NUM> together and the protrusion <NUM> is removed from the slot <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, in response to the protrusion <NUM> being removed from the slot <NUM>, the catheter adapter <NUM> and the needle assembly <NUM> may be uncoupled. In some embodiments, the needle assembly <NUM> may be removed from the catheter adapter <NUM> in response to proximally withdrawing the distal tip <NUM> from the second position to the third position and uncoupling of the catheter adapter <NUM> and the needle assembly <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a catheter system <NUM> is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may include or correspond to the catheter system <NUM> and/or the catheter system <NUM>. In some embodiments, 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. <FIG> illustrates the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> in a first position, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the catheter system <NUM> may include a needle assembly <NUM>, which may include an outer housing <NUM>, which may include or correspond to the housing <NUM> of <FIG> and/or the housing <NUM> of <FIG>. In some embodiments, the needle assembly <NUM> may include a bias element <NUM>, which may be disposed within the outer housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bias element <NUM> may include a proximal opening <NUM>, which may include a diameter less than the 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 introducer needle <NUM> may extend through a distal opening <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM> and the proximal opening <NUM> of the bias element <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly <NUM> may include a spring clip <NUM>, which may be disposed within the outer housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> may include a U-shaped portion <NUM> and an arm <NUM> that extends distal to the U-shaped portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the arm <NUM> may be engaged with the catheter adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, an end of the arm <NUM> may include a finger, which may be disposed in a groove of the catheter adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bias element <NUM> may contact the U-shaped portion <NUM> to bias the spring clip <NUM> in a compressed position, as illustrated, for example in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the distal tip <NUM> may be configured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to a second position in which the bump feature <NUM> contacts the proximal opening <NUM> of the bias element <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the second position to a third position, the bias element <NUM> may move proximal to the U-shaped portion <NUM> to release the U-shaped portion <NUM> from the compressed position and the arm <NUM> from the catheter adapter <NUM>, and the U-shaped portion <NUM> may block the distal opening <NUM> such that the distal tip <NUM> of the introducer needle <NUM> is prevented from exiting the distal opening <NUM> and/or blood is prevent from leaking out of the distal opening <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the bias element <NUM> may include an inner housing, which may surround the introducer needle <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the bias element <NUM> may include a base <NUM> and an extension <NUM> extending distally from the base <NUM>. In some embodiments, the extension <NUM> may contact the U-shaped portion <NUM> to bias the spring clip <NUM> in the compressed position. In some embodiments, the base <NUM> may include the proximal opening <NUM> of the bias element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the extension <NUM> may be spaced apart from the introducer needle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the extension <NUM> may include a rod or another suitable shape that may not interfere with the introducer needle <NUM> as it is withdrawn. In some embodiments, the outer housing <NUM> may include an inner support wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the extension <NUM> may extend through the inner support wall <NUM> and may be slidable through the inner support wall <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when the distal tip <NUM> is in the first position and the second position, the spring clip <NUM> may exert a strong force on the extension <NUM>. Thus, in some embodiments, to bias the spring clip <NUM> and hold the U-shaped portion <NUM> in the compressed position, the extension <NUM> may be disposed below the introducer needle <NUM>. In further detail, in some embodiments, the extension <NUM> may be disposed on a side of the introducer needle <NUM> opposite a mouth of the U-shaped portion <NUM> and towards the arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip <NUM> proximally from the second position to a third position, the extension <NUM> may move proximal to the U-shaped portion <NUM> to release the U-shaped portion <NUM> from the compressed position.

Referring back to <FIG>, the spring clip <NUM> is illustrated according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> include any suitable spring clip. <FIG> illustrates the arm <NUM>, the finger <NUM> angled with respect to the arm <NUM>, the U-shaped portion <NUM>, and a coupler portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coupler portion <NUM> may be coupled to an inner surface of the outer housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> may be resilient. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion may be generally U-shaped, which may include a V-shape or another suitable bend shape. In some embodiments, the spring clip <NUM> may be constructed of metal or another suitable material.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, one or more of the catheter systems described in the present disclosure may be configured to reduce friction-induced drag force on an introducer needle during withdrawal of the introducer needle from the patient and a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the reduced friction-induced drag may reduce a likelihood of the clinician accidentally dislodging the catheter 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.

Referring now to <FIG>, the catheter system <NUM>, the catheter system <NUM>, and the catheter system <NUM> may be configured to reduce 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 graph of <FIG> may correspond to one or more of the following: the catheter system <NUM>, the catheter system <NUM>, and 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.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating a lower drag force of an example catheter system of the present disclosure ("Low drag <NUM>") versus catheter systems known in the art ("Normal <NUM> Ga"), according to some embodiments. As illustrated in <FIG>, a load on the catheter system ("Low drag <NUM>") remains lower at various extension or withdrawal distances of the introducer needle compared with the other catheter systems known in the art. The load or drag force for the catheter system ("Low drag <NUM>") may average at about <NUM> N, while the catheter systems known in the art have a load or drag force of about <NUM> to <NUM>. 6N on average. In some embodiments, the catheter system ("Low drag <NUM>") may include or correspond to the catheter system <NUM> of <FIG> and may be configured to reduce friction-induced drag force on the introducer needle <NUM> during withdrawal of the introducer needle <NUM> from the patient.

Claim 1:
A catheter system, comprising:
a catheter adapter, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall forming a lumen;
a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter;
a needle assembly coupled to the catheter adapter, the needle assembly comprising:
an introducer needle, comprising a distal tip and a bump feature, wherein the distal tip is disposed distal to the catheter in a first position;
a housing, comprising:
a distal opening;
a proximal opening, wherein a diameter of the proximal opening is less than an outer diameter of the bump feature, wherein the introducer needle extends through the distal opening and the proximal opening; and
a support ledge lateral to the introducer needle;
a needle tip shield, comprising a contact surface; and
a compression element disposed at least partially around the housing and the needle tip shield, wherein the contact surface is aligned with the support ledge and the compression element presses the contact surface against the support ledge, wherein in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the first position to a second position, the bump feature contacts the proximal opening, wherein in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to a third position, the housing moves proximally and the contact surface is unaligned with the support ledge such that the compression element moves the housing and the needle tip shield together and the needle tip shield blocks the distal opening.