Patent attributes
A catheter assembly includes a peripheral intravenous (“PIV”) portion that provides expedited vascular access. The catheter assembly includes an elongate catheter body defining a first lumen and includes a CVC portion, a transition portion, and a PIV portion. The PIV portion defines a relatively smaller diameter, a tapered tip, and a lumen configured to receive a needle. The needle extends through a needle access aperture, disposed through a side wall of the catheter body, through the PIV lumen, to a point beyond a distal end of the catheter body. A clinician accesses a vasculature using the needle and the PIV portion. The needle is then removed and a guidewire advanced through the lumen of the catheter body and the PIV portion into the vasculature. The CVC portion is then advanced over the guidewire into the vasculature, self-dilating the insertion site as the transition portion enters the vasculature.