KR20240012402A - Retainer element for securing catheter adapter valves - Google Patents

Abstract

The catheter assembly can include a catheter adapter, the catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. It may include a side port disposed therebetween. The catheter assembly may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The catheter assembly may include a valve disposed within the lumen. The catheter assembly may include a retainer element configured to secure the annular valve within the lumen. The retainer element may be disposed within the lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve.

Description

Retainer element for securing catheter adapter valves

Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. Catheters can be used to infuse normal saline, various medications, total parenteral nutrients, or other fluids into a patient. Catheters may also be used to draw blood from a patient for diagnostic or other purposes.

A common type of catheter is an “over-the-needle” peripheral venous catheter (“PIVC”). As its name suggests, an over-the-needle PIVC can be mounted on an introducer needle with a sharp distal tip. The PIVC and introducer needle may be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. PIVC and introducer needles are generally inserted through the skin at a small angle and into the patient's vasculature.

To verify proper placement of the introducer needle and/or PIVC within the blood vessel, clinicians typically check for a “flashback” of blood within the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. Once placement of the needle is confirmed, the practitioner can remove the introducer needle, leaving the PIVC in place for subsequent fluid infusion.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any shortcomings or operate only in environments such as those described above. Instead, this background is provided merely to describe one example technical field in which some implementations described herein may be practiced.

The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access devices and related systems and methods. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to retainer elements for securing valves within catheter adapters, as well as related devices, systems and methods. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly can include a catheter adapter, and the catheter adapter can include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. . In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

In some embodiments, a catheter assembly can include a catheter secured within a catheter adapter and extending distally from a distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly can include an annular valve disposed within the lumen and configured to seal the side port from the lumen. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly can include a retainer element configured to secure the annular valve within the lumen. In some embodiments, the retainer element may be disposed within the proximal end of the annular valve or within a lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve. In some embodiments, the retainer element may contact the annular valve.

In some embodiments, the retainer element may include a ring, and the ring may be disposed proximal to the annular valve. In some embodiments, the retainer element can include a C-shape, and the retainer element can clamp the annular valve between the C-shape and the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, some portions of the annular valve within the open portion of the C-shape may be unclamped, which may promote opening of the annular valve in response to injection of fluid into the lumen from the side port. In some embodiments, some portion of the annular valve may be located on the same side of the catheter assembly as the side port. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include an antimicrobial coating disposed on the external surface of the retainer element.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly can include a valve disposed within a lumen, and a C-shaped retainer element secured within the lumen proximal to the valve. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the catheter adapter may define a lumen and include a narrow diameter portion proximal to the valve. In some embodiments, the C-shaped retainer element can be compressed and configured to move distally through the narrow diameter portion. In some embodiments, the C-shaped retainer element may be proximate to the valve.

In some embodiments, after being moved distally through the narrow diameter portion, the C-shaped retainer element may be configured to expand within the lumen proximal to the valve. In some embodiments, the lumen may include a first inner diameter distal to the narrow diameter portion and proximal to the valve, and a second inner diameter located in the narrow diameter portion. In some embodiments, the second inner diameter can be smaller than the first inner diameter. In some embodiments, the lumen may include a third inner diameter proximal to the narrow diameter portion. In some embodiments, the second inner diameter can be smaller than the third inner diameter.

In some embodiments, the width of the C-shaped retainer element may be wider than the distance from the narrow diameter portion to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the first inner diameter can be the same as the second inner diameter. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the C-shaped retainer element in its natural state may be larger than the first inner diameter.

In some embodiments, in the natural state, the distal end of the C-shaped retainer element may comprise a first outer diameter, and the proximal end of the C-shaped retainer element may comprise a second outer diameter, The outer diameter may be larger than the first outer diameter. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the catheter adapter defines a lumen, and the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter contact the interior surface.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly can include a retainer element that can be configured to secure the annular valve within the lumen, with the retainer element disposed within the lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve. In some embodiments, the retainer element may include a spring or metal disk. In some embodiments, the spring may be tapered inwardly in the proximal direction. In some embodiments, the metal disk can include a central opening. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the metal disk may include a number of proximally-extending protrusions configured to press against the inner surface. In some embodiments, the edge of the opening can include multiple distally-extending teeth.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following specific 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 instrumentalities shown in the drawings. Additionally, it should be understood that embodiments may be combined or different embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless claimed. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to be limiting.

Exemplary embodiments will be described and illustrated with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.
1A is a top perspective view of a prior art catheter assembly.
1B is a top perspective view of a prior art annular valve.
1C is a cross-sectional view of a prior art catheter assembly.
2A is a cross-sectional view of a prior art catheter assembly showing the annular valve in an open position.
2B is a cross-sectional view of a prior art catheter assembly showing the distal and proximal ends of a modified annular valve.
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an example catheter assembly showing an example retainer element, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter assembly of FIG. 3A, according to some embodiments.
Figure 3C is a top perspective view of the retainer element of Figure 3A, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the catheter assembly of FIG. 3A, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an example catheter assembly showing an example retainer element, according to some embodiments.
Figure 4B is a top perspective view of the retainer element of Figure 4A, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the catheter assembly of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments.
Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary catheter assembly, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an example retainer element, showing the example retainer element in its natural state or uncompressed, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 5C is a top perspective view of the retainer element of FIG. 5B illustrating the retainer element in its natural or uncompressed state, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 6A is a partial cutaway view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 5A illustrating the retainer element of FIG. 5B inserted into an example catheter adapter, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of the retainer element of FIG. 5B illustrating the retainer element of FIG. 5B in a compressed state, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 6C is a partial cutaway view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 5A illustrating a retainer element inserted into a catheter adapter, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 6D is a partial cutaway view of an example catheter assembly, illustrating example retainer elements, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 6E is a partial cutaway view of an example catheter assembly showing an example retainer element including an antimicrobial coating, according to some embodiments.
7A is a top perspective view of an exemplary catheter assembly, according to some embodiments.
7B is a top perspective view of an example retainer element, according to some embodiments.
Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of the retainer element of Figure 7B, according to some embodiments.
Figure 7D is a partial cutaway view of the catheter assembly of Figure 7A, showing the retainer element of Figure 7B, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of an example catheter assembly showing an example retainer element, according to some embodiments.
Figure 8B is a top perspective view of the retainer element of Figure 8A, according to some embodiments.
Figure 8C is a side view of the retainer element of Figure 8A, according to some embodiments.
Figure 8D is an enlarged partial cutaway view of the catheter assembly of Figure 8A, according to some embodiments.
Figure 8E is a top perspective view of an example retainer element, according to some embodiments.
Figure 8F is a side view of the retainer element of Figure 8E, according to some embodiments.

Referring now to Figures 1A-1C, a prior art catheter assembly 10 is shown. The prior art catheter assembly 10 includes a catheter adapter 12 including a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. A side port 18 is disposed between the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16 and is used for injection of fluids and medications. Catheter 20 extends distally from distal end 14 of catheter adapter 12. The prior art catheter assembly 10 includes an annular valve 22 configured to seal the side port 18 from the lumen 24 of the catheter adapter extending through the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16.

Now referring to FIG. 2A , a user can connect a syringe to side port 18 and inject fluid into side port 18 . Pressure created by the user pressing down on the plunger of the syringe and injecting fluid deforms the proximal end of the annular valve 22 downward, creating a gap between the annular valve 22 and the inner surface of the catheter adapter 12. can be created. In response to deformation of the proximal end of annular valve 22, fluid may then flow into lumen 24.

Referring now to FIG. 2B , with repeated use of the annular valve 22, fluid injected into the side port 18 tends to migrate into the space between the annular valve 22 and the inner surface of the catheter adapter 12. This leads to deformation of the annular valve 22 and reduces adhesion between the annular valve 22 and the catheter adapter 12. During subsequent fluid injections, the annular valve 22 may be displaced a large distance in the proximal direction, which may lead to unsealing of the side port 18 and leakage of infusion fluid or blood.

Referring now to Figures 3A-3D, in some embodiments, catheter assembly 30 can include a catheter adapter 32, wherein the catheter adapter has a distal end 34, a proximal end 36, and a catheter adapter. It may include a lumen 38 extending through the distal end 34 of 32 and the proximal end 36 of catheter adapter 32. In some embodiments, catheter adapter 32 may include a side port 33 disposed between the distal end 34 of catheter adapter 32 and the proximal end 36 of catheter adapter 32. In some embodiments, catheter assembly 30 may be similar or identical to prior art catheter assembly 10 with respect to one or more included features and/or operation.

In some embodiments, catheter assembly 30 may include a catheter 40 secured within catheter adapter 32 and extending distally from the distal end 34 of catheter adapter 32. In some embodiments, catheter 40 may include a peripheral venous catheter, a central line catheter, or a peripherally inserted central catheter. In some embodiments, catheter assembly 30 may include an annular valve 41 disposed within lumen 38 and configured to seal side port 33 from lumen 38.

In some embodiments, annular valve 41 may include a distal end 42 and a proximal end 44. In some embodiments, catheter assembly 30 may include a retainer element 46 configured to secure annular valve 41 within lumen 38 . In some embodiments, retainer element 46 may be disposed within lumen 38 proximal to proximal end 44 of annular valve 41 . In some embodiments, retainer element 46 may contact annular valve 41. In some embodiments, retainer element 46 may contact annular valve 41 in response to injection of fluid through side port 33.

In some embodiments, retainer element 46 may include a ring, and the ring may be disposed proximal to annular valve 41 . In some embodiments, the ring may be press-fitted within lumen 38 of catheter adapter 32 or secured in another suitable manner. In some embodiments, the ring may prevent the annular valve 41 from moving proximally in response to injection of fluid through the side port 33, which may include high pressure injection of 300 psi or more. In some embodiments, the width of the retainer element 46 may be about 0.5 mm or another suitable width to reduce movement of the annular valve 41.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C , in some embodiments, retainer element 46 may include a C-shape, wherein retainer element 46 connects annular valve 41 to a C-shape and a catheter adapter ( 32) It can be tightened or clamped between. In some embodiments, some portions of the annular valve 41 within the open portion 48 of the C-shape may not be clamped, which is the annular valve responsive to injection of fluid into the lumen 38 from the side port 33. It can promote the opening of (41). In some embodiments, the open portion 48 of the C-shape may be located between the first end 50 and the second end 52 of the C-shape. In some embodiments, some portion of annular valve 41 may be located on the same side of catheter assembly 30 as side port 33. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the proximal end 44 of the annular valve 41 may be deformed downward, allowing fluid to flow from the side port 33 into the lumen 38 during fluid injection. In some embodiments, side port 33 may be disposed on the upper end of catheter adapter 32 and a portion may be disposed on the upper end of annular valve 41. In some embodiments, catheter assembly 30 may include an antimicrobial coating disposed on the exterior surface of retainer element 46.

Referring now to Figures 5A-6C, in some embodiments, catheter assembly 60 can include a catheter adapter 61, wherein the catheter adapter has a proximal end 62, a distal end 64, and a catheter adapter. It may include a lumen 66 extending through the distal end 64 of the catheter adapter 61 and the proximal end 62 of the catheter adapter 61. In some embodiments, catheter adapter 61 has a side port disposed between the distal end 64 of catheter adapter 61 and the proximal end 62 of catheter adapter 21 (e.g., the side port in FIG. 7A (99)). In some embodiments, catheter assembly 60 may include a catheter secured within catheter adapter 61 and extending distally from the distal end 64 of catheter adapter 61 . In some embodiments, valve 68 disposed within lumen 66 may include a single-piece septum, a two-piece septum, or other suitable septum or valve.

In some embodiments, the interior surface of the catheter adapter 61 may define a lumen 66 and include a narrow diameter portion 70 proximate the valve 68. In some embodiments, lumen 66 has a first inner diameter 71 distal to narrow diameter portion 70 and proximal to valve 68, and a second inner diameter located in narrow diameter portion 70. 72) may be included. In some embodiments, second inner diameter 72 may be smaller than first inner diameter 71 . In some embodiments, lumen 66 may include a third inner diameter 73 proximal to narrow diameter portion 70 . In some embodiments, second inner diameter 72 can be less than or equal to third inner diameter 73.

In some embodiments, valve 68 within lumen 66 may be configured to seal the proximal end 62 of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, catheter assembly 60 may include a C-shaped retainer element 74 configured to secure valve 68 within lumen 66 . For example, C-shaped retainer element 74 may secure valve 68 in response to injection of fluid through the side port, which may include high pressure injection of 300 psi or more.

In some embodiments, C-shaped retainer element 74 may be disposed within lumen 66 proximal to valve 68. In some embodiments, C-shaped retainer element 74 may be proximate to valve 68. In some embodiments, C-shaped retainer element 74 may contact valve 68. In some embodiments, C-shaped retainer element 74 may contact the valve in response to injection of fluid through a side port distal to valve 68.

It should be understood that embodiments may be combined. For example, catheter assembly 60 may be similar or identical to catheter assembly 30 of FIGS. 3 and 4 and/or prior art catheter assembly 10 with respect to one or more features and/or operation. . In some embodiments, the C-shaped retainer element 74 may be disposed within a catheter adapter 32 , which may include a narrow diameter portion 70 , and/or proximal to the annular valve 41 . In some embodiments, valve 68 may be replaced with an annular valve 41.

In some embodiments, C-shaped retainer element 74 may be secured within lumen 66 proximal to valve 68. In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , C-shaped retainer element 74 may be compressed and configured to move distally through narrow diameter portion 70 . In some embodiments, in response to the C-shaped retainer element 74 being compressed, the first end 76 and second end 78 of the C-shaped retainer element 74 may be brought closer together; /There is or can be contacted.

In some embodiments, after being moved distally through the narrow diameter portion 70, the C-shaped retainer element 74 is positioned distal to the narrow diameter portion 70, for example as shown in FIG. 6C. and/or may be configured to expand within lumen 66 proximate to valve 68. In these and other embodiments, C-shaped retainer element 74 may be press fit with catheter adapter 61. In some embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 6A, the width of the C-shaped retainer element 74 is less than the distance from the narrow diameter portion 70 to the proximal end 62 of the catheter adapter 61. It can be wide. In some embodiments, the width of the C-shaped retainer element 74, which is greater than the distance from the narrow diameter portion 70 to the proximal end 62, allows the user to attach the C-shaped retainer element 74 to the catheter adapter 61. ) can be easily inserted into the body.

In some embodiments, first inner diameter 71 may be the same as second inner diameter 72. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 80 of the natural C-shaped retainer element 74, for example shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, may be larger than the first inner diameter 71, and thus C- The shaped retainer element 74 is compressed to move distally into the narrow diameter portion 70. In some embodiments, narrow diameter portion 70 may include a protrusion, two opposing protrusions, or an annular protrusion.

Referring now to Figure 6D, the outer diameter of the C-shaped retainer element 74 may be increased in the proximal direction. In some embodiments, in its natural state, the distal end 79 of the C-shaped retainer element 74 may comprise a first outer diameter and the proximal end 81 of the C-shaped retainer element 74 may include a second outer diameter. In some embodiments, the second outer diameter can be larger than the first outer diameter. In some embodiments, the second outer diameter and proximal end 81 may include a barb, two opposing barbs, or an annular barb (e.g., as shown in Figure 6D). In some embodiments, the second outer diameter may increase friction between the C-shaped retainer element 74 and the catheter adapter 61 to prevent the valve 68 from moving. In some embodiments, the interior surface of catheter adapter 61 may define lumen 66, and the first outer diameter and second outer diameter may contact the interior surface. Referring now to FIG. 6F , in some embodiments, catheter assembly 60 may include an antimicrobial coating 82 disposed on the outer surface of C-shaped retainer element 74.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7D , in some embodiments, catheter assembly 90 can include a catheter adapter 92, which catheter adapter has a distal end 94, a proximal end 96, and a distal end. It may include a lumen extending through end 94 and proximal end 96. In some embodiments, catheter 98 may extend distally from distal end 94 of catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, catheter assembly 90 may include retainer element 100. In some embodiments, valve 102 disposed within lumen 104 extending through distal end 94 and proximal end 96 comprises a single-piece septum, a two-piece septum, or other suitable septum or valve. It can be included. In some embodiments, catheter adapter 92 may include a side port 99 in fluid communication with the lumen distal to valve 102.

In some embodiments, catheter assembly 90 may be similar or identical with respect to one or more features and/or operation of one or more of the following: catheter assembly 60 of FIGS. 4 and 5 , FIGS. 3 and 5 4, catheter assembly 30, and prior art catheter assembly 10. In some embodiments, retainer element 100 or retainer element 106 may be disposed within catheter adapter 32 , which may include flange 103 , and/or proximal to annular valve 41 . In some embodiments, valve 102 may be replaced with an annular valve 41.

In some embodiments, retainer element 100 can be configured to secure annular valve 102 within lumen 104, with retainer element 100 proximal to lumen 104 with respect to the proximal end of valve 102. can be placed within. In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 7B-7D , retainer element 100 may include a spring. In some embodiments, the spring may be tapered inwardly in the proximal direction, allowing the spring to act as a wedge to retain the valve 102 if the valve 102 is to be displaced by high pressure, thereby Allows to maintain sealing.

In some embodiments, the proximal end of the spring may contact the flange 103 of the catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the spring may be engaged in an interference fit with the catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the spring may be coupled in an interference fit at and/or proximal to flange 103 . In some embodiments, movement of the valve 102 into the spring may expand the diameter of the end coil of the spring in contact with the catheter adapter 92, thereby further increasing the interference of the spring with the catheter adapter 92. You can. In some embodiments, retainer element 100 may prevent valve 102 from dislodging during injection of fluid into the side port at high pressure, such as 300 psi, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8F , in some embodiments, the retainer element 106 of the catheter assembly 90 may include a metal disk, which may be circular in shape. In some embodiments, retainer element 106 may be disposed proximally to valve 102 and may prevent valve 102 from dislodging at high pressures and thereby maintain a seal.

8A-8D , in some embodiments, the outer edge of the metal disk may include a number of proximally-extending protrusions 110 configured to press against the inner surface of the catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, proximally-extending protrusions 110 may act as claws that pierce the inner surface of catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, the proximal-extending protrusions 110 may be evenly spaced around the outer edge of the metal disk. In some embodiments, the metal disk may include three or another suitable number of proximally-extending protrusions 110, which may facilitate proper fixation of valve 102.

In some embodiments, the metal disk may include a central opening 112. In some embodiments, the central opening 112 may be large enough to allow the introducer needle 108 to pass through. In some embodiments, the edges of central opening 112 may include a number of distally-extending teeth 114, which may be elastomeric, capable of gripping valve 102. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the distally-extending teeth 114 can reduce the likelihood that the valve 102 will compress the central opening 112 when high pressure is applied.

As shown in FIGS. 8E and 8F , in some embodiments, the outer edge of retainer element 106 may include multiple proximally-extending teeth 116. In some embodiments, proximal-extending teeth 116 may act as claws that pierce the interior surface of catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, the proximal-extending teeth 116 may be evenly spaced around the outer edge of the metal disk. In some embodiments, a large number of proximally-extending teeth 116 can increase the surface area in contact with the interior surface of the catheter adapter. For example, the metal disk may include 18 to 22 proximally-extending teeth 116. In some embodiments, the metal disk may include any suitable number of proximally-extending teeth 116.

All examples and conditional language referred to herein are for educational purposes to assist the reader in understanding the invention and concepts presented by the inventor to contribute to the art, and are not limited to such specifically cited examples and terms. It is considered not to be. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

A catheter assembly comprising:
A catheter adapter, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter, and a side port disposed between the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter. adapter;
a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter;
an annular valve disposed within the lumen and configured to seal the side port from the lumen; and
A catheter assembly comprising a retainer element configured to secure an annular valve within a lumen, wherein the retainer element is disposed within the lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve or within a proximal end of the annular valve. According to paragraph 1,
A catheter assembly wherein the retainer element contacts the annular valve. According to paragraph 1,
A catheter assembly, wherein the retainer element includes a ring, and the ring is disposed proximal to the annular valve. According to paragraph 1,
A catheter assembly, wherein the retainer element includes a C-shape, and the retainer element clamps an annular valve between the C-shape and the catheter adapter. According to paragraph 4,
A catheter assembly wherein some portion of the annular valve within the open portion of the C-shape is not clamped. According to clause 5,
A catheter assembly, wherein some portion of the annular valve is located on the same side of the catheter assembly as the side port. According to paragraph 1,
A catheter assembly, further comprising an antimicrobial coating disposed on an external surface of the retainer element. A catheter assembly comprising:
a catheter adapter, the catheter adapter comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter;
a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter;
A valve disposed within the lumen; and
A catheter assembly comprising a C-shaped retainer element secured within a lumen proximal to the valve. According to clause 8,
A catheter assembly. According to clause 9,
A catheter assembly in which a C-shaped retainer element proximates a valve. According to clause 10,
A catheter assembly, wherein after being moved distally through the narrow diameter portion, the C-shaped retainer element is configured to expand within the lumen proximal to the valve. According to clause 9,
The lumen includes a first inner diameter distal to the narrow diameter portion and proximal to the valve, and a second inner diameter located in the narrow diameter portion, the second inner diameter being smaller than the first inner diameter. According to clause 12,
The lumen further includes a third inner diameter proximal to the narrow diameter portion, the second inner diameter being smaller than the third inner diameter. According to clause 13,
A catheter assembly wherein the width of the C-shaped retainer element is greater than the distance from the narrow diameter portion to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. According to clause 13,
A catheter assembly, wherein the first inner diameter is the same as the second inner diameter. According to clause 12,
A catheter assembly, wherein the outer diameter of the C-shaped retainer element in its natural state is greater than the first inner diameter. According to clause 9,
In its natural state, the distal end of the C-shaped retainer element includes a first outer diameter and the proximal end of the C-shaped retainer element includes a second outer diameter, the second outer diameter being larger than the first outer diameter, and the catheter adapter an interior surface of which defines a lumen, and wherein the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter contact the interior surface. A catheter assembly comprising:
a catheter adapter, the catheter adapter comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter;
a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter;
A valve disposed within the lumen; and
A retainer element configured to secure the annular valve within the lumen, the retainer element comprising a retainer element disposed within the lumen proximal to a proximal end of the annular valve,
The retainer elements are:
spring; or
A catheter assembly comprising a metal disk. According to clause 18,
A catheter assembly, wherein the spring tapers medially in a proximal direction. According to clause 18,
A catheter assembly, wherein the metal disk includes a central opening, an outer edge of the metal disk includes a plurality of proximally-extending protrusions configured to press against the interior surface, and an edge of the opening includes a plurality of distally-extending teeth.

Images