Extension set and related systems and methods

An extension set to provide access to a patient's vascular system, comprising:

• a fluid path assembly comprising an instrument, an extension tube, and a proximal connector configured to couple to a blood collection set;
• a tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface, wherein a translation handle is coupled to the outer surface and configured to move between the proximal end and the distal end;
• and
• the instrument disposed within the tube and comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the instrument is engaged with the translation handle and configured to move between a proximal position and a distal position, wherein in response to the translation handle moving to the distal end of the tube, the distal end of the instrument extends beyond the distal end of the tube;
• wherein the translation handle facilitates movement of the instrument without direct contact between the translation handle and the instrument;
• and
• wherein the proximal end of the instrument comprises a coupler element positioned within the tube, with the translation handle compressing a portion of the tube in between the coupler element and the translation handle in a direction orthogonal to movement of the translation handle, and wherein the portion of the tube engages with the coupler element such that movement of the translation handle along the outer surface of the tube translates the distal end of the instrument between the retracted position and the advanced position.

A method to provide access to a patient's vascular system, comprising:

• coupling an extension set to a catheter assembly, wherein the extension set comprises:
• a tube, comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface;
• an instrument disposed within the tube, the instrument comprising a proximal end and a distal end;
• a translation handle coupled to the outer surface of the tube, wherein the translation handle is configured to move along the outer surface of the tube between a proximal position and a distal position to translate the distal end of the instrument between a retracted position and an advanced position, wherein in response to the distal end of the instrument being in the advanced position, the distal end of the instrument extends beyond the distal end of the tube;
• and
• a coupler element provided at the proximal end of the instrument and positioned within the tube;
• wherein the translation handle facilitates moving of the instrument without direct contact between the translation handle and the instrument;
• wherein coupling the extension set to the catheter assembly comprises coupling the distal end of the tube to the catheter assembly;
• moving the translation handle along the tube from a proximal position to a distal position, wherein in response to the translation handle moving to the distal position, the distal end of the instrument extends beyond the distal end of the tube into the catheter assembly;
• wherein, as the translation handle is moved along the tube from the proximal position to the distal position, the translation handle mechanically pinches and compresses a portion of the tube in between the coupler element and the translation handle in a direction orthogonal to movement of the translation handle, with the portion of the tube engaging with the coupler element such that movement of the translation handle along the outer surface of the tube translates the distal end of the instrument between the retracted position and the advanced position.