Flush instrument with blood exposure protection and related methods

A method for accessing a patient's vascular system, the method comprising:

• positioning a tube proximate the vascular system, the tube comprising an exterior surface and a lumen with a proximal end and a distal end;
• connecting the proximal end to a source of pressurized fluid;
• dispensing pressurized fluid from the source to deploy a guidewire by sliding the guidewire distally, from a retracted position in which the guidewire resides in the lumen, to a deployed position in which the guidewire extends beyond the distal end;
• and
• performing at least one step selected from the group consisting of:
• retracting the guidewire from the deployed position to the retracted position by sliding a retraction mechanism, slidably coupled to the exterior surface, proximally;
• and
• actuating a protective shield to extend distally from the distal end of the tube to cover the guidewire in the deployed position.

A system for accessing a patient's vascular system, the system comprising:

• a tube comprising a wall that defines an exterior surface and a lumen with a proximal end and a distal end;
• a guidewire that is deployable by sliding distally from a retracted position in which the guidewire resides in the lumen, to a deployed position in which the guidewire extends beyond the distal end, the guidewire comprising:
• a distal portion with an elongated shape;
• and
• a proximal portion with a coupling feature with a cross-sectional shape that is enlarged relative to the distal portion;
• and
• a retraction mechanism that can be actuated to retract the guidewire from the deployed position to the retracted position;
• wherein:
• the proximal end is connectable to a source of pressurized fluid;
• the guidewire is deployable in response to pressure, proximal to the lumen, from the source of pressurized fluid;
• the system comprises an extension set for a vascular access device (VAD);
• and
• the distal end comprises a blunt cannula configured to mate with a needleless access connector of the VAD.