Becton, Dickinson and Company
CATHETER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FLASHBACK VISUALIZATION AT VARIOUS BLOOD PRESSURES

Abstract:

A catheter system may include a catheter adapter and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter. The catheter system may include a needle assembly, which may include a plug, an outer housing, and an introducer needle. An outer surface of the plug may include multiple grooves, which may be in fluid communication with the introducer needle and configured to receive blood flashback. The grooves may include a first groove having a first surface-area-to-volume ratio, and a second groove having a second surface-area-to-volume ratio. The first surface-area-to-volume ratio may be less than the second surface-area-to-volume ratio. The first groove may have a greater volume than the second groove. The outer housing may seal a top of the first groove and a top of the second groove to prevent blood from flowing out the top of the first groove and the top of the second groove.