Systems and Methods for Phlebotomy Through a Peripheral IV Catheter

Abstract

An apparatus includes an introducer coupleable to a peripheral intravenous line, with the introducer having a proximal end and a distal end, a catheter defining a lumen between a proximal end and a distal end, with the catheter movable from a first position where the distal end of the catheter is positioned within the introducer to a second position where the distal end of the catheter is positioned outside of the introducer, and an actuator coupled to the catheter and configured to move the catheter between the first position and the second position. The actuator moves relative to the introducer in a direction extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the introducer when the catheter moves from the first position to the second position.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 an introducer coupleable to a peripheral intravenous line, the introducer having a proximal end and a distal end;   a catheter defining a lumen between a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter movable from a first position where the distal end of the catheter is positioned within the introducer to a second position where the distal end of the catheter is positioned outside of the introducer; and   an actuator coupled to the catheter and configured to move the catheter between the first position and the second position, wherein the actuator moves relative to the introducer in a direction extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the introducer when the catheter moves from the first position to the second position.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the actuator is positioned outside of the introducer. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the introducer includes a sheath defining a lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the catheter. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the introducer includes a port, and wherein the catheter is received by the port. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the introducer includes a locking mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the locking mechanism is a luer lock. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the catheter is between a 16 gauge and a 26 gauge. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the catheter has a Shore durometer of 20 Shore A to 50 Shore D. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the actuator extends through an opening of the introducer. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the opening of the introducer comprises a slot. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the catheter is positioned outside of the introducer in the first position and the second position of the catheter. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus comprising:
 an introducer coupleable to a peripheral intravenous line, the introducer having a proximal end and a distal end;   a catheter defining a lumen between a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter movable from a first position where the distal end of the catheter is positioned within the introducer to a second position where the distal end of the catheter is positioned outside of the introducer; and   a locking mechanism configured to fluidically couple the peripheral intravenous line to the introducer and place the catheter into fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line, wherein a protruding portion of the catheter extends from the proximal end of the introducer, the protruding portion having a first length when the catheter is in the first position and a second length when the catheter is in the second positon, and wherein the second length is smaller than the first length.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising an actuator coupled to the catheter and configured to move the catheter between the first position and the second position, wherein the actuator moves relative to the introducer in a direction extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the introducer when the catheter moves from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the introducer includes a sheath defining a lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the catheter. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the proximal end of the introducer includes a port, and wherein the catheter is received by the port. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the locking mechanism is a luer lock. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein a portion of the actuator extends through an opening of the introducer.