CN218045107U

CN218045107U - Catheter assembly

Info

Publication number: CN218045107U
Application number: CN202221309709.6U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈熙巍; 江涛; 马亦平; L·库纳尔蒂; 钟杰仁; T·黄
Original assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co
Current assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co
Priority date: 2021-05-27
Filing date: 2022-05-27
Publication date: 2022-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-27
Also published as: WO2022251015A1; EP4346978A1; KR20240012402A; CN115474934A; AU2022279949A1; JP2024520076A

Abstract

The utility model relates to a catheter assembly, include: 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; a catheter extending distally from a distal end of the catheter adapter; an annular valve disposed in the lumen and configured to seal the side port from the lumen; and a retainer element configured to secure the annular valve within the lumen, wherein the retainer element is disposed within the lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve or within the proximal end of the annular valve. The utility model discloses help the valve of fixed pipe adapter.

Description

Catheter assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access devices and related systems, and in particular to a catheter assembly.

Background

Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. Catheters may be used for infusion of saline solutions, various medications, total parenteral nutrition, 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 (over-the-needle) peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). As the name implies, a needle-over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter may be mounted over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The peripheral intravenous catheter and the introducer needle may be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the peripheral intravenous catheter with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. Peripheral intravenous catheters and introducer needles are typically inserted through the skin at a shallow angle into the patient's vasculature.

To verify proper placement of the introducer needle and/or peripheral intravenous catheter in the blood vessel, the clinician will typically confirm that there is "flashback" of blood in the flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. Once the needle is in place, the clinician may remove the introducer needle, leaving the peripheral intravenous catheter in place for future infusion of fluids.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, the background is provided merely to illustrate one exemplary technical field in which some embodiments described herein may be implemented.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access devices and related systems and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to retainer elements for securing a valve within a catheter adapter and related devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter that may 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 can include a side port that can be disposed between the distal end of the catheter adapter and the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

In some embodiments, a catheter assembly comprises: 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; a catheter extending distally from a distal end of the catheter adapter; an annular valve disposed in the lumen and configured to seal the side port from the lumen; and a retainer element configured to secure the annular valve within the lumen, wherein the retainer element is disposed within the lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve or within the proximal end of the annular valve.

In some embodiments, a catheter assembly comprises: a 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 a distal end of the catheter adapter; a valve disposed within the lumen; and a C-shaped retainer element secured within the lumen proximal to the valve.

In some embodiments, a catheter assembly comprises: a 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 a 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, wherein the retainer element is disposed within the lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve, wherein the retainer element comprises: a spring; or a metal disk.

In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a catheter secured within the catheter adapter and extending distally from a distal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include an annular valve disposed in the lumen and configured to seal the side port from the lumen. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a retainer element configured to secure the annular valve within the lumen. In some embodiments, the retainer element may be disposed within the lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve or within 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 comprise a ring, and the ring may be disposed proximal to the annular valve. In some embodiments, the retainer element may comprise a C-shape, and the retainer element may pinch the annular valve between the C-shape and the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, a portion of the annular valve located within the open portion of the C-shape may be undamped, which may facilitate opening of the annular valve in response to infusion of fluid from the side port into the lumen. In some embodiments, the 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 an outer surface of the holder element.

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

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

In some embodiments, the width of the C-shaped retainer element may be greater than the distance from the reduced diameter portion to the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the first inner diameter may be equal to the second inner diameter. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the C-shaped retainer element in its natural state may be greater than the first inner diameter.

In some embodiments, in a natural state, the distal end of the C-shaped retainer element may comprise a first outer diameter, while the proximal end of the C-shaped retainer element may comprise a second outer diameter, and the second outer diameter may be greater than the first outer diameter. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the catheter adapter forms a lumen, wherein the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter contact the inner surface.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a retainer element that may be configured to secure the annular valve within the lumen, and the retainer element is disposed within the lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve. In some embodiments, the retainer element may comprise a spring or a metal disc. In some embodiments, the spring may taper inwardly in the proximal direction. In some embodiments, the metal disk may include a central opening. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the metal disc may include a plurality of proximally extending protrusions configured to press into the inner surface. In some embodiments, the edge of the opening may include a plurality of distally extending teeth.

The utility model discloses help the valve of fixed pipe 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 is also to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention, unless so required. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of a prior art catheter assembly;

FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of a prior art annular valve;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a prior art catheter assembly;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a prior art catheter assembly showing the annular valve in an open position;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a prior art catheter assembly showing the distal and proximal ends of a deformed annular valve;

fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an example catheter assembly, illustrating 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;

FIG. 3C is an upper perspective view of the retainer element of FIG. 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, illustrating an example retainer element, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4B is an upper perspective view of the retainer element of FIG. 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;

FIG. 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, according to some embodiments, showing the example retainer element in a natural state or uncompressed;

fig. 5C is an upper perspective view of the retainer element of fig. 5B, showing the retainer element in a natural state or uncompressed, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 5A showing the retainer element of FIG. 5B being inserted into an exemplary catheter adapter in accordance with some embodiments;

fig. 6B is an upper perspective view of the retainer element of fig. 5B, showing the retainer element of fig. 5B in a compressed state, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 5A showing a retainer element inserted into the catheter adapter according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6D is a partial cross-sectional view of an example catheter assembly showing an example retainer element, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6E is a partial cross-sectional view of an example catheter assembly showing an example retainer element including an antimicrobial coating, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7A is an upper perspective view of an exemplary catheter assembly according to some embodiments;

fig. 7B is an upper perspective view of an exemplary retainer element according to some embodiments;

fig. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the retainer element of fig. 7B according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7D is a partial cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 7A showing the retainer element of FIG. 7B, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8A is an upper perspective view of an example catheter assembly according to some embodiments, illustrating an example retainer element;

FIG. 8B is an upper perspective view of the retainer element of FIG. 8A according to some embodiments;

fig. 8C is a side view of the retainer element of fig. 8A according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8D is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 8A according to some embodiments;

fig. 8E is an upper perspective view of an exemplary retainer element according to some embodiments; and

fig. 8F is a side view of the retainer element of fig. 8E according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 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 injecting fluids and medication. The catheter 20 extends distally from the distal end 14 of the catheter adapter 12. The prior art catheter assembly 10 includes an annular valve 22 configured to seal the side port 18 from a catheter adapter lumen 24 extending through the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16.

Referring now to fig. 2A, a user may connect an injector to the side port 18 and inject fluid into the side port 18. The pressure generated by the user pushing down on the plunger of the syringe and injecting the fluid can deform the proximal end of the annular valve 22 downward to form a gap between the annular valve 2 and the inner surface of the catheter adapter 12. In response to deformation of the proximal end of the annular valve 22, fluid may then flow into the lumen 24.

Referring now to fig. 2B, due to the 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, causing the annular valve 22 to deform and reduce adhesion between the annular valve 22 and the catheter adapter 12. During a subsequent fluid injection, the annular valve 22 may be displaced a large distance in the proximal direction, resulting in unsealing of the side port 18 and leakage of the infusate or blood.

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

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

In some embodiments, the 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, a retainer element 46 may be disposed within the lumen 38 proximal to the proximal end 44 of the annular valve 41. In some embodiments, the retainer element 4 may be in contact with the annular valve 41. In some embodiments, retainer element 46 may contact annular valve 41 in response to infusion of fluid through side port 33.

In some embodiments, the retainer element 46 may comprise a ring, and the ring may be disposed proximal to the annular valve 41. In some embodiments, the ring may be press fit within the lumen 38 of the catheter adapter 3 or secured in other suitable manners. 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 equal to or greater than 300 psi). In some embodiments, the width of the retainer element 46 may be about 0.5mm or other suitable width to reduce movement of the annular valve 41.

Referring now to fig. 4A-4C, in some embodiments, retainer element 46 may comprise a C-shape, and retainer element 46 may pinch or pinch annular valve 41 between the C-shape and catheter adapter 32. In some embodiments, a portion of the annular valve 41 located within the C-shaped opening portion 48 may not be clamped, which may facilitate opening of the annular valve 41 in response to infusion of fluid from the side port 33 into the lumen 38. In some embodiments, the open portion 48 of the C-shape may be located between a first end 50 and a second end 52 of the C-shape. In some embodiments, the portion of annular valve 41 may be located on the same side of conduit assembly 30 as side port 33. Thus, in some embodiments, the proximal end 44 of the annular valve 41 may be deformed downward to allow fluid to flow from the side port 33 into the lumen 38 during fluid infusion. In some embodiments, side port 33 may be disposed on top of catheter adapter 32, and the portion may be disposed on top of annular valve 41. In some embodiments, catheter assembly 30 may include an antimicrobial coating disposed on an outer surface of holder element 46.

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

In some embodiments, the inner surface of catheter adapter 61 can form lumen 66 and can include a reduced diameter portion 70 proximal of valve 68. In some embodiments, lumen 66 may include a first inner diameter 71 distal to reduced diameter portion 70 and proximal to valve 68 and a second inner diameter 72 at reduced diameter portion 70. In some embodiments, the second inner diameter 72 may be smaller than the first inner diameter 71. In some embodiments, the lumen 66 can include a third inner diameter 73 proximal to the reduced diameter portion 70. In some embodiments, the second inner diameter 72 may be less than or equal to the third inner diameter 73.

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, after moving distally through reduced diameter portion 70, C-shaped retainer element 74 may be configured to expand within lumen 66 proximal of reduced diameter portion 70 and/or proximate valve 68, as shown, for example, in fig. 6C. In these and other embodiments, the C-shaped retainer element 74 may engage the catheter adapter 61 in a press-fit manner. In some embodiments, the width of the C-shaped retainer element 74 can be greater than the distance from the reduced diameter portion 70 to the proximal end 62 of the catheter adapter 61, for example, as shown in fig. 6A. In some embodiments, a width of the C-shaped retainer element 74 that is greater than the distance from the reduced diameter portion 70 to the proximal end 62 can facilitate insertion of the C-shaped retainer element 74 into the catheter adapter 61 by a user.

In some embodiments, the first inner diameter 71 may be equal to the second inner diameter 72. In some embodiments, an outer diameter 80 of the C-shaped retainer element 74 in its natural state (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5B-5C) may be larger than the first inner diameter 71 such that the C-shaped retainer element 74 is compressed to move distal of the reduced diameter portion 70. In some embodiments, reduced diameter portion 70 can include one protrusion, two opposing protrusions, or an annular protrusion.

Referring now to fig. 6d, the outer diameter of the c-shaped retainer element 74 may increase in the proximal direction. In some embodiments, in a natural state, the distal end 79 of the C-shaped retainer element 74 may comprise a first outer diameter, while the proximal end 81 of the C-shaped retainer element 74 may comprise a second outer diameter. In some embodiments, the second outer diameter may be greater than the first outer diameter. In some embodiments, the second outer diameter and proximal end 81 may include one barb, two opposing barbs, or an annular barb (e.g., as shown in fig. 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 shifting. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the catheter adapter 61 may form the lumen 66, and the first and second outer diameters may contact the inner surface. Referring now to fig. 6E, in some embodiments, catheter assembly 60 may include an antimicrobial coating 82 disposed on an outer surface of C-shaped retainer element 74.

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

In some embodiments, catheter assembly 90 may be similar or identical in one or more features and/or operational aspects to one or more of the following: catheter assembly 60 of fig. 4-5, catheter assembly 30 of fig. 3-4, and catheter assembly 10 of the prior art. 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, the retainer element 100 may be configured to secure the valve 102 within the lumen 104, and the retainer element 100 may be disposed within the lumen 104 proximal to the proximal end of the valve 102. In some embodiments, the retainer element 100 may comprise a spring, for example, as shown in fig. 7B-7D. In some embodiments, the spring may taper inwardly in the proximal direction, which may allow the spring to act as a wedge to hold the valve 102, and thus maintain the seal, in the event the valve 102 is displaced due to high pressure.

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 engage the catheter adapter 92 in an interference fit. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the spring may engage at the flange 103 and/or proximal to the flange 103 in an interference fit. In some embodiments, movement of the valve 102 into the spring may cause the diameter of the end coil of the spring contacting the catheter adapter 92 to expand, further increasing the amount of interference of the spring with the catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, the retainer element 100 may prevent movement of the valve 102 during input of fluid into the side port at high pressure (e.g., 300 psi).

Referring now to fig. 8A-8F, in some embodiments, retainer element 10 of catheter assembly 90 may comprise a metal disc, which may be circular. In some embodiments, the retainer element 106 may be positioned proximal to the valve 102 and may prevent the valve 102 from being pushed out under high pressure, thereby maintaining a seal.

As shown in fig. 8A-8D, in some embodiments, the outer edge of the metal disk may include a plurality of proximally extending protrusions 110 configured to press into the inner surface of the catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, the proximally extending protrusion 110 may act as a detent that pokes into the inner surface of the catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, the proximally extending projections 110 may be evenly spaced around the outer edge of the metal disc. In some embodiments, the metal disk may include three proximally extending protrusions 110 (which may facilitate adequate fixation of the valve 102), or other suitable number.

In some embodiments, the metal disk may include a central opening 112. In some embodiments, central opening 112 is just large enough to pass introducer needle 108. In some embodiments, the edge of the central opening 112 may include a plurality of distally extending teeth 114, which may grip the valve 102, which may be elastomeric. Thus, in some embodiments, the distally extending teeth 114 may reduce the likelihood of the valve 102 extruding through the central opening 112 when high pressure is applied.

As shown in fig. 8E-8F, in some embodiments, the outer edge of the retainer element 106 may include a plurality of proximally extending teeth 116. In some embodiments, the proximally extending teeth 116 may act as detents that dig into the inner surface of the catheter adapter 92. In some embodiments, the proximally extending teeth 116 may be evenly spaced around the outer edge of the metal disc. In some embodiments, the large number of proximally extending teeth 116 may increase the surface area in contact with the inner surface of the catheter adapter. For example, the metal disc may include 18-22 proximally extending teeth 116. In some embodiments, the metal disc may include any suitable number of proximally extending teeth 116.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A catheter assembly, characterized in that the catheter assembly comprises:

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;

a catheter extending distally from a distal end of the catheter adapter;

an annular valve disposed in the lumen and configured to seal the side port from the lumen; and

a retainer element configured to secure the annular valve within the lumen, wherein the retainer element is disposed within the lumen proximal to the proximal end of the annular valve or within the proximal end of the annular valve.

2. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer element contacts the annular valve.

3. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer element comprises a ring, wherein the ring is disposed proximal to the annular valve.

4. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer element comprises a C-shape, wherein the retainer element sandwiches the annular valve between the C-shape and the catheter adapter.

5. The catheter assembly of claim 4, wherein a portion of the annular valve located within the open portion of the C-shape is not pinched.

6. The catheter assembly of claim 5, wherein the portion of the annular valve is located on the same side of the catheter assembly as the side port.

7. The catheter assembly of claim 1, further comprising an antimicrobial coating disposed on an outer surface of the retainer element.

8. A catheter assembly, comprising:

a 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 a distal end of the catheter adapter;

a valve disposed within the lumen; and

a C-shaped retainer element secured within the lumen proximal to the valve.

9. The catheter assembly of claim 8, wherein an inner surface of the catheter adapter forms the lumen and includes a reduced diameter portion proximal to the valve, wherein the C-shaped retainer element is configured to be compressed to move distally through the reduced diameter portion.

10. The catheter assembly of claim 9, wherein the C-shaped retainer element is proximate the valve.

11. The catheter assembly of claim 10, wherein the C-shaped retainer element is configured to expand within the lumen proximal to the valve after moving distally through the reduced diameter portion.

12. The catheter assembly of claim 9, wherein the lumen comprises a first inner diameter distal to the reduced diameter portion and proximal to the valve and a second inner diameter at the reduced diameter portion, wherein the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter.

13. The catheter assembly of claim 12, wherein the lumen further comprises a third inner diameter proximal to the reduced diameter portion, wherein the second inner diameter is less than the third inner diameter.

14. The catheter assembly of claim 13, wherein the width of the C-shaped retainer element is greater than the distance from the reduced diameter portion to the proximal end of the catheter adapter.

15. The catheter assembly of claim 13, wherein the first inner diameter is equal to the second inner diameter.

16. The catheter assembly of claim 12, wherein an outer diameter of the C-shaped retainer element in a natural state is larger than the first inner diameter.

17. The catheter assembly of claim 9, wherein in a natural state, a distal end of the C-shaped retainer element includes a first outer diameter and a proximal end of the C-shaped retainer element includes a second outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter is greater than the first outer diameter, wherein an inner surface of the catheter adapter forms the lumen, wherein the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter contact the inner surface.

18. A catheter assembly, characterized in that the catheter assembly comprises:

a catheter extending distally from a distal end of the catheter adapter;

a valve disposed within the lumen; and

a retainer element configured to secure an annular valve within the lumen, wherein the retainer element is disposed within the lumen proximal to a proximal end of the annular valve, wherein the retainer element comprises:

a spring; or

A metal disk.

19. The catheter assembly of claim 18, wherein the spring tapers inwardly in a proximal direction.

20. The catheter assembly of claim 18, wherein the metal disc comprises a central opening, wherein an outer edge of the metal disc comprises a plurality of proximally extending protrusions configured to press into an inner surface, wherein an edge of the opening comprises a plurality of distally extending teeth.