WO2013014639A1 - Needle tip protector assembly for safety iv catheter assembly - Google Patents
Needle tip protector assembly for safety iv catheter assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013014639A1 WO2013014639A1 PCT/IB2012/053820 IB2012053820W WO2013014639A1 WO 2013014639 A1 WO2013014639 A1 WO 2013014639A1 IB 2012053820 W IB2012053820 W IB 2012053820W WO 2013014639 A1 WO2013014639 A1 WO 2013014639A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- needle
- retaining
- catheter
- arms
- assembly
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
- A61M25/06—Body-piercing guide needles or the like
- A61M25/0612—Devices for protecting the needle; Devices to help insertion of the needle, e.g. wings or holders
- A61M25/0618—Devices for protecting the needle; Devices to help insertion of the needle, e.g. wings or holders having means for protecting only the distal tip of the needle, e.g. a needle guard
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
- A61M25/06—Body-piercing guide needles or the like
- A61M25/0606—"Over-the-needle" catheter assemblies, e.g. I.V. catheters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/32—Needles; Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body; Devices for protection of needles
- A61M5/3205—Apparatus for removing or disposing of used needles or syringes, e.g. containers; Means for protection against accidental injuries from used needles
- A61M5/321—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles
- A61M5/3243—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles being axially-extensible, e.g. protective sleeves coaxially slidable on the syringe barrel
- A61M5/3245—Constructional features thereof, e.g. to improve manipulation or functioning
- A61M2005/3247—Means to impede repositioning of protection sleeve from needle covering to needle uncovering position
- A61M2005/325—Means obstructing the needle passage at distal end of a needle protection sleeve
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/32—Needles; Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body; Devices for protection of needles
- A61M5/3205—Apparatus for removing or disposing of used needles or syringes, e.g. containers; Means for protection against accidental injuries from used needles
- A61M5/321—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles
- A61M5/3243—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles being axially-extensible, e.g. protective sleeves coaxially slidable on the syringe barrel
- A61M5/3273—Means for protection against accidental injuries by used needles being axially-extensible, e.g. protective sleeves coaxially slidable on the syringe barrel freely sliding on needle shaft without connection to syringe or needle
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a medical device such as, for example a safety intravenous (IV) catheter assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to a needle tip protector assembly for safety IV catheter assembly with improved safety means and mechanism that automatically covers the sharp tip of the needle after withdrawal of the needle from the catheter and catheter hub.
- IV intravenous
- IV catheter assembly of this kind is generally known and, for example, used to administer fluid and/or medicine to a patient or to take blood from a patient.
- the present invention relates to a needle tip protector assembly for use in a safety intravenous (IV) catheter assembly with improved safety means and mechanism that automatically covers the sharp tip of the needle after withdrawal of the needle from the catheter tube and catheter hub.
- IV intravenous
- a safety IV catheter assembly comprising: a catheter tube having a distal end and a proximal end; a catheter hub having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is joined to the said catheter tube and the proximal end defines a chamber; a needle extending through the catheter hub and the catheter tube having opposite proximal and distal ends defining an axial direction, wherein the proximal end is joined to the needle hub and the distal end forms a sharp tip and a change in profile is provided between the proximal and distal ends of the needle; a tip protector assembly movably arranged in between the catheter hub and needle hub on the needle such that the tip protector assembly is retained partially and/or completely in the chamber of the catheter hub including: a base portion in the region of its proximal end having a needle passage with a through bore extending in an axial direction from a proximal side of the base portion to a distal side of the base portion; first and second
- the first and second retaining arms thus, help to retain the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly in the catheter hub in its ready position prior to use preventing the premature release of the tip protector assembly from the catheter hub before the needle tip is safely received inside the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly.
- the tip protector assembly is retained at least partially and/or completely inside and/or outside the catheter hub and is prevented from movement in the axial direction relative to the said catheter hub.
- the catheter hub is provided with second retaining means which may be provided inside and/or outside of the catheter hub for engaging and/or releasing the first retaining means provided in the tip protector assembly.
- the needle can be moved through the catheter hub and the catheter tube when the tip protector assembly is in a ready position and to a tip protecting position in which the tip of the needle is fully received in the tip protector assembly and wherein a locking mechanism is provided to secure the tip protector assembly together with the catheter hub when the tip protector assembly is in its ready position.
- the first arm and second arms of the tip protector assembly are provided with one or more first retaining means which is adapted to engage with the one or more second retaining means provided in the inner wall of the catheter hub which provides an additional safe and reliable engagement between the two components as long as the tip protector assembly is in its ready position.
- the present invention is also directed to a locking mechanism to secure steadily the tip protector assembly preventing any movement while it is retained with the catheter hub.
- first retaining means provided on the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly include one or more retaining protrusions, for example disc-like retaining protrusion or annular disc like retaining protrusion or at least part annular disc like retaining protrusion or combination thereof provided in the region of the distal ends of the first and second arms.
- the retaining protrusion is of part-circular, in particular semi-circular shape. More specifically, the retaining protrusion may have generally parallel proximal and distal faces and/or convex, in particular part-cylindrical, peripheral surface. The retaining protrusions are adapted to engage with second retaining means provided in the inner wall of the catheter hub.
- the second retaining means include one or more retaining depressions for example, a retaining recess/groove or annular retaining recess/groove or at least part annular recess/groove or combination thereof formed on the inner circumferential wall of the catheter hub.
- the first retaining means may be one or more depressions and second retaining means may be one or more protrusions.
- the first and second retaining means may also be formed by a combination of one or more retaining protrusions and one or more retaining depressions.
- the first retaining means provided on the first and second retaining arms include one or more retaining protrusions, for example hook or lug-like retaining protrusions adapted to engage with the second retaining means.
- the first retaining means may be formed by one or more retaining depressions, for example retaining recess/grooves.
- the first retaining means may also be formed by a combination of one or more retaining protrusions and one or more retaining depressions.
- the second retaining means provided on outer wall of the catheter hub include one or more retaining depressions, for examples, retaining recess/groove adapted to retain the first retaining means.
- the second retaining means may be formed by one or more retaining protrusions, for example hook or lug-like retaining protrusion.
- the second retaining means may also be formed by a combination of one or more retaining protrusions and one or more retaining depressions.
- the distal end of the transverse segments of the first and second retaining arms are angled and extend distally from the transverse segments and are slightly tilted towards the first and second arms forming an angle in the range between 0o to 10o.
- This angled extension and orientation of the first and second retaining arms provide restoration force and help the arms to act as springs having elastic properties thereby improving the retaining effect of the retaining arms with the second retaining means provided on the catheter hub.
- the first and second retaining arms engage with an outer surface of the catheter hub and help to retain the tip protector assembly in the catheter hub prior to use of the catheter, thus preventing the tip protector assembly from being removed from the catheter hub before the needle tip is safely received inside the tip protector assembly.
- the first arm includes a first free end and the second arm includes a second free end extending generally axially in a distal direction from the base portion.
- the first free end extends beyond the second free end and overlaps the second free end by an angled end section including a length and width configured to retain the tip of the needle within a tip holding space so that in protected position the angled end section abuts the needle, in particular the tip of the needle.
- the length and width of the angled end section are larger than the maximum outer profile of the needle and/or its diameter and adapted to confine the needle tip within a tip holding space.
- angled end section of the first arm may have an undercut for catching the needle tip.
- the portion forming the angled end section may be made of a second material different from the first material forming, for example the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly such that harder plastic material or portion reinforced with metal material or the like so that the needle abutting the angled end section cannot pierce through it and be retained firmly in the needle tip holding space even under application of excessive force.
- each of the at least one side of the inner walls of the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly has internal recess close to the base portion thereof forming a cavity or cut out.
- the extension of the region above the said internal recess towards the distal end in the axial direction forms protective side-flaps in at least one side thereof providing an enclosure for the needle passing therethrough.
- the protective side-flaps provided on the first and second arms surround the needle shaft when passing through the first and second arms.
- the distal end of each of the internal recess in the first and second arms defines a shoulder. The side-flaps help prevent the needle tip from protruding sideways out of the tip protector assembly, thereby further increasing the protective function thereof.
- the internal recesses provided in the arms facilitate deflectability and also improves restoration capabilities thereof.
- the internal recess provided in the first arm helps in improving deflectability as well as the restoration properties of first arm when the distal angled end thereof is no longer supported on the needle shaft.
- the internal recess increases the deflectability of the arms in the regions it is provided and thereby reduces the restoring force acting thereon, in particular on the angled end section of the first arm while it is being supported by the needle shaft. This allows the needle to be moved more easily relative to the first and second arms and in particular relative to the angled end section, as the frictional force acting on the needle is reduced.
- a floating stopper element e.g. a floating disk or washer is provided as a stopper element
- the shoulder formed by distal end of the said internal recess in the first and second arms act as movement limiting means.
- a tension creating element surrounds the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly, for example an elastic band in between the proximal and distal region of the first and second arms, in particular in a region proximal to the distal end of the first and second arms.
- the tension creating element exerts a restoring force on the first and second arms when tip protector assembly is in its ready position i.e. when the first and second arms are spread apart by the needle extending all the way through the tip protector assembly. Once the needle shaft no longer supports the angled end section of the first arm i.e. when the tip protector assembly is in its tip protecting position, the tension creating element aids the repositioning of the first arm back into axial alignment with the axial direction.
- the tension creating element defines a tip holding enclosure between the first and second arms and thus helps to prevent the needle shaft and the needle tip from protruding sideways out of the tip protector assembly.
- the tension creating element adds to the protective effect of the tip protector assembly by applying a radially confining biasing force.
- the tension creating element partly surrounds the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly i.e. instead of surrounding the two arms the tension creating elements biases the two arms by a linear biasing action.
- the tension creating element have the structure forming a link connecting the said first and second arms and which may be positioned and/or arranged in at least one of the either sides of first and second arms of the tip protector assembly.
- the tension creating element may have the structure forming a link connecting the said first and second arms and which may be positioned and/or arranged in both sides of first and second arms of the tip protector assembly.
- the tension creating element includes the structure in the form of a ring.
- the tension creating element may not be a separate component of the tip protector assembly and can be integrally made therein. It may be made from an elastic material and/or materials having elastic properties, for example, silicone, rubber or the like.
- the tension creating element may be arranged or positioned in any of the region in between the proximal and distal regions of the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly.
- the change in profile may be defined as a needle section having a different dimension than the nominal diameter and may be created using various means.
- the change in profile may be for example, an enlargement and it may be made by crimping a portion of the needle either only on one side or point on the circumference of the needle or alternatively along both sides or symmetrically along the circumference of the needle.
- the change in profile may be formed in the form of a shoulder, bulge formed as an annular widening and by adding material onto the outer surface of the needle or by adding a sleeve to the needle for example, by welding, gluing or soldering etc.
- the added material may include a metal material, a plastic material, adhesive, resin or the like.
- the change in profile may, for example, be formed by build-up welding or by soldering of the additional material onto the needle. Alternatively, the additional material could be glued to the needle.
- the change in profile in the form of an enlargement may be referred to as a crimp, a sleeve, a annular sleeve, part annular sleeve, a bulge, a section of the needle with added material or combinations thereof.
- the inner profile of the needle can either be reduced in the region of the change in profile, for example, if the change in profile is formed by crimping, or it can be substantially constant throughout the length of the needle, for example, if the change in profile is formed by applying additional material to the needle shaft.
- the needle shaft may also be formed with a slit forming an opening arranged distally or proximally from the change in profile therein.
- the opening may be formed by a small slit which is cut into the needle shaft and which extends in axial direction for a small distance, for example 0.3 to 1mm.
- the opening is just large enough in order to provide an early blood flashback function close to the needle tip within the catheter tube such that the medical practitioner can recognize that needle has been placed correctly within the patient's vein.
- blood pours out of the opening within the needle shaft into the space between the needle shaft and the inner wall of the transparent catheter tube and visible to the medical practitioner.
- a groove may be provided either in the inner wall of one of the first and second arms extending substantially in the axial direction from the base portion.
- the groove acts as a guide groove for the needle shaft and aids the axial movement of the needle shaft relative to the tip protector assembly.
- the needle shaft is prevented from sliding sideways, in particular off the angled end section of the first arm. Such a sideways movement would significantly increase the force required to move the needle shaft relative to the tip protector assembly, which would prevent a correct functioning of the tip protector assembly.
- the guide groove can be provided in both the first and second arms.
- the tip protector assembly is made from a unitary plastic material or, or an elastomer or thermoplastic or any combination thereof such as thermoplastic elastomer.
- the tip protector assembly is made from multi-pieces and includes materials such as metal and/or plastic or any combination thereof.
- either of the first and second arms or both may be made of a resilient material or plastic material or metal material or combination thereof.
- the stopper element is arranged within the base portion and can be integrally formed within the base portion of the tip protector assembly.
- the stopper element is made of a second material different from a first material of the base portion and has a through-bore with a profile which is adapted to the principal outer profile of the needle shaft.
- the stopper element defines an axial bore having a cross-section adapted to the principal profile of the needle but being smaller than the radial dimension of the change in profile in the form of an enlargement forming the engagement means configured on the needle shaft.
- the stopper element is preferably arranged such that its axial-bore is in general alignment with the needle passage of the tip protector assembly.
- the stopper element surrounds the needle.
- the length of the stopper element i.e. its dimension seen in the axial direction, may vary.
- the stopper element can, for example, be disk or a ring or a washer or a tube.
- the outer profile of the stopper element does not have to have a circular outer profile. It is also possible that the outer profile of the stopper element is of non-circular form, for example, of oval or polygonal shape or other suitable geometric shape.
- the stopper element only partly surrounds the needle.
- the stopper element could have the shape of a slotted disk, ring or tube.
- the stopper element may also be arranged loosely on the needle between the two arms of the tip protector assembly and floating on the needle shaft and can be held in the area defined by the internal recess of the first and second arms.
- the stopper element may be formed by a tube-like element. It can be held by holding means, like one or more retaining protrusions or retaining depressions in a predetermined section of the tip protector assembly, for example in a region proximal to the base portion of the tip protector assembly.
- the stopper element can be arranged in floating condition in a pre-determined section in between the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly anywhere in between the proximal section and distal section thereof along the line of needle passage configured therein.
- the second material is of greater hardness and/or stiffness than the first material.
- the first material could be a plastic material and the second material could consist of a metal, a harder fiber material, a rubber material or a ceramic, or any other type of suitable material which is stiff and not as easily distortable as the first material.
- Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to methods of making/assembling and using an IV catheter assembly including the tip protector assembly when the tip protector assembly is in its ready position.
- Fig. 1A illustrates an IV catheter assembly in accordance with the present invention illustrating the tip protector assembly in its ready position
- Fig. 1B is a sectional illustration of an IV catheter assembly in accordance with the present invention illustrating the tip protector assembly in its ready position;
- Fig. 2 illustrates a needle, needle hub and tip protector assembly in its protective position being removed from the IV catheter assembly of Fig. 1;
- Figs. 3A - 3F illustrate the tip protector assembly of Figs. 1A and 1B wherein the tension creating element has been omitted for the sake of clarity;
- Figs. 4A - 4B illustrate two sectional illustrations of the details of tip protector assembly of Figs. 3A - 3F wherein the tension creating element has been omitted for the sake of clarity;
- Fig. 5 - illustrate sectional illustration of tip protector assembly of Figs. 3A - 3F wherein the tension creating element has been omitted for the sake of clarity;
- Fig. 6A - 6C are illustrations of different embodiments of the needles.
- the term 'proximal' refers to a region of the assembly/device or a location on the assembly/device which is closest to, for example, a medical practitioner using the assembly/device.
- the term 'distal' refers to a region of the assembly/device which is farthest from the medical practitioner, for example, the distal region of a needle will be the region of a needle containing the needle tip which is to be inserted e.g. into a patient's vein.
- first and second are merely identifiers and do not necessarily limit and/or restrict the features with such identifiers.
- the first arm may be called the second arm and vice-versa.
- the various embodiments of present invention are directed to an IV catheter assembly including a tip protector assembly.
- Fig. 1A and 1B show an IV catheter assembly 10 in accordance with the invention prior to use illustrating the tip protector assembly 12 being in its ready position.
- the catheter assembly 10 includes a catheter tube 26 having distal 30 and proximal 28 ends and a catheter hub 24 attached to the catheter tube 26 at the proximal end 28 of the catheter tube 26.
- the catheter hub 24 has an inner profile 32 which defines a chamber 34 of generally circular cross-section in which the tip protector assembly 12 is retained (as shown in Fig. 1B). In Fig. 1 only first 58and second 60 retaining arms of the tip protector assembly 12 can be seen.
- the IV catheter assembly 10 further includes a needle 14 extending through the catheter hub 24 and catheter tube 26 defining an axial direction A.
- the needle 14 has distal 30 and proximal 28 ends, wherein a sharp needle tip 18 is formed at the distal end 30 of the needle 14.
- a needle hub 20 is attached to the proximal end 28 of the needle 14.
- the needle shaft 16 has a generally constant principal profile, except for a change in profile 36, for example in the form of an enlargement 38 of the radial dimension of the needle 14 in at least one direction as compared to the principal profile.
- the change in profile 36 is provided in the region closer to the proximal end 28 of the needle 14.
- the change in profile 36 may be defined as a needle section having a different dimension than the nominal diameter and may be created using various means and which forms an engagement means.
- the change in profile 36 can be made, for example, by crimping the needle shaft 16. The function of the engagement means will be discussed in more detail further below.
- a port member 44 may be mounted on the catheter hub 24 at a proximal section 40 thereof, which makes it possible to connect, for example, a tube line to the catheter assembly 10 for collecting blood from a patient or delivering a fluid to be administered to a patient.
- the needle 14 Prior to use of the catheter assembly 10 as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, the needle 14 extends all the way through the chamber 34 of the catheter hub 24 as well as the catheter tube 26 and the needle tip 18 protrudes from a distal end 30 of the catheter tube 26. As mentioned above, this position of the needle 14 is also referred to as the 'ready position' in this context.
- a tip protector assembly 12 is movably arranged on the needle shaft 16 such that a substantial portion thereof is retained in the chamber 34 defined by the catheter hub 24. The purpose of the needle tip protector assembly 12 is to cover the needle tip 18 after placement of the catheter tube 26 in and withdrawal of the needle 14 from the patient's vein. This position can be referred to as 'tip protecting position' (Fig. 1B).
- the needle shaft 16 moves relative to the tip protector assembly 12 being retained in the chamber 34 of the catheter hub 24 by the first retaining means 64 provided on the first 50 and second 52 arms and first 58 and second 60 retaining arms in an engaging arrangement with the second retaining means 66 provided inside and/or outside the catheter hub 24 defining a chamber 34.
- the angled end section 54 is no longer supported on the needle shaft 16 and a restoring force ensures that the first arm 50 of the needle 14 is moved back into alignment with the axial direction A into its tip protecting position so that the needle tip 18 is blocked by the angled end section 54 of the tip protector assembly 12.
- the change in profile 36 e.g. in the form of the enlargement 38 engages with the base portion 46 of the needle shaft 16 and in particular with the stopper element 88 therein such that the tip protector assembly 12 can be pulled out of the catheter hub 24 together with the needle 14.
- the first retaining means 64 provided on the tip protector assembly 12 also disengage from the second retaining means 66 provided inside and/or outside the catheter hub 24 by the pulling force acting on the tip protector assembly 12 via the needle 14 and the stopper element 88.
- An axial movement of the needle 14 relative to the tip protector assembly 12 is now limited, as the angled end section 54 blocks the needle tip 18 and the base portion 46 in particular the stopper element 88 therein prevents the needle tip 18 from being removed via the base portion 46 and thus the needle tip 18 is safely surrounded by the tip protector assembly 12, as is shown in Fig. 2.
- the tip protector assembly 12 includes a base portion 46 at a proximal end 28 thereof.
- First 50 and second 52 arms extend from a distal side/end 30 of the tubular base portion 46 generally in the axial direction A.
- the base portion 46 has a thorough bore 48 for receiving the needle 14 extending in the axial direction A.
- the profile of the bore is adapted to the principle outer profile of the needle 14.
- the first arm 50 of the tip protector assembly 12 is longer than the second arm 52 and has a distal section 42 which is angled towards the second arm 52 and substantially overlaps with the second arm 52, forming the angled end section 54 preferably having an undercut for catching the needle tip 18.
- the needle 14 In its ready position (Fig. 1A), the needle 14 extends completely through the tip protector assembly 12. In this position, the angled end section 54 of the first arm 50 is supported on the needle shaft 16 thereby deflecting the first arm 50 radially outwards.
- each of the at least one side of the inner walls 68 of the first 50and second 52 arms of the tip protector assembly 12 has a internal recess 72 close to the base portion 46 thereof forming a cavity or cut out 74.
- the extension of the region above the said internal recess 72 towards the distal end 30 in the axial direction A forms protective side-flap 76 (Figs. 4A and 4B) in at least one side thereof providing a enclosure for the needle 14 passing therethrough in both the first 50 and second 52 arms.
- the protective side-flaps 76 provided in at least one side of the first 50 and second 52 arms surround the needle shaft 16 when passing through the first 50 and second 52 arms. Moreover, the protective side-flaps 76 help prevent the needle tip 18 from protruding sideways out of the tip protector assembly 12, thereby further increasing the protective function thereof. It is to be understood that the protective side-flap 76 can be provided on the either sides of the first 50 and second 52 arms in a similar manner. Further, such internal recess 72 can be formed both on the inner 68 and outer 70 walls of the first 50 and second 52 arms or in a combination of the inner 68 and outer wall 70 of the first 50 and second 52 arms.
- the tip protector assembly 12 is also provided with first 58 and second 60 retaining arms in order to facilitate further the retention of the tip protector assembly 12 in the chamber 34 of the catheter hub 24, and in particular to prevent removal of the tip protector assembly 12 from the catheter hub 24 upon withdrawal of the needle 14 before the needle tip 18 has been safely received in the tip protector assembly 12.
- the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms thus prevent the tip protector assembly 12 retained in the catheter hub 24 from moving in a radial direction within the chamber 34.
- the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms as shown in greater detail in Figs. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B and 5 are connected to the base portion 46 of the tip protector assembly 12 by a transverse segment 56 extending in a direction opposing each other.
- the distal ends 30 of the transverse segments 56 of the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms are angled and extend distally from the transverse segments 56 and are slightly tilted towards the first 50 and second 52 arms.
- the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms form an angle in the range between 0o and 10o with the axial direction A, providing an open space 62 between the first retaining arm 58 and first arm 50 and second 60 retaining arms and second arm 52 of the tip protector assembly 12.
- first retaining means 64 in the form of one or more retaining protrusions 78, for example, at least one hook or lug like retaining protrusion 78.
- first retaining means lockingly engage with the corresponding second retaining means 66 in the form of one or more retaining depressions 80, for example at least a pair of grooves or recesses in a direction opposing each other on the outer wall 70 of the catheter hub 24.
- the tip protector assembly 12 is prevented from axial movement relative to the catheter hub 24 and effectively retained in the catheter hub 24 until a pulling force exerted by the needle 14 on the base portion 46 of the tip protector assembly 12 via the change in profile 36 of the needle 14 upon withdrawal of the needle 14 from the catheter becomes great enough to disengage the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms from the second retaining means 66 of the catheter hub 24.
- retaining depressions 80 provided on the outer wall 70 of the catheter hub 24 it is also possible to provide one or more retaining protrusions 78 or combination of either a protrusion 86 or a recess in the outer wall 70 of the catheter hub 24 to engage with the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms.
- retaining protrusions 78 provided on the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms it is also possible to provide one or more retaining depressions 80 or combination of either a retaining protrusion 78 or a depression to engage with the catheter hub 24.
- first retaining means 64 include one or more retaining protrusions 78, for example disc-like retaining protrusion 78 or annular disc like protrusion 86 or at least part annular disc like protrusion 86 provided in the region of the distal ends 30 of the first 50 and second 52 arms.
- the retaining protrusion 78 is of part-circular, in particular semi-circular shape. More specifically, the retaining protrusion 78 may have generally parallel proximal and distal faces and/or convex, in particular part-cylindrical, peripheral surface.
- the retaining protrusions 78 are adapted to engage with second retaining means 66 provided in the inner wall 68 of the catheter hub 24 when the tip protector assembly 12 is in its ready position.
- the second retaining means 66 include one or more retaining depressions 80 for example, a recess or annular recess/groove or at least part annular recess/groove formed on the inner circumferential wall of the catheter hub 24.
- first retaining means 64 provided on the first 50 and second 52 arms may be one or more retaining depressions 80 and second retaining means 66 provided on the inner wall 68 of the catheter hub 24 may be one or more retaining protrusions 78.
- first 64 and second 66 retaining means may also be formed by a combination of retaining protrusions 78 and retaining depressions 80.
- the base portion 46, the first 50 and second 52 arms, the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms are integrally formed, for example, from a plastic material by way of injection molding.
- this integral design is not compulsory. Instead, one or more of the named components could be made of a material that is different from the material of the other components, for example of metal material, and this component could be attached to the other components, for example, by gluing, soldering, welding or the like.
- a tension creating element 82 for example a rubber band, may surround preferably a distal section 42 of the first 50 and second 52 arms are such that deflection of at least the first arm 50 occurs mainly against a restoring force of the tension creating element 82.
- One or more protrusions 86 forming tapered outer surfaces 84 extending along the outer periphery of the first 50 and second 52 arms are provided in order to position the tension creating element 82 on the first 50 and second 52 arms are (Figs. 3A-3D).
- the tension creating element 82 is prevented from sliding off the distal sections 42 of the first 50 and second 52 arms are, when the first 50 and second 52 arms are spread apart against a restoring force of the tension creating element 82.
- the tension creating element 82 may not be a separate component of the tip protector assembly 12 and can be integrally made therein.
- the tension creating element 82 partly surrounds the first 50 and second 52 arms (not shown) of the tip protector assembly 12 i.e. instead of surrounding the two arms the tension creating elements 82 biases the two arms by a linear biasing action.
- the tension creating element 82 have the structure forming a link connecting the said first 50 and second 52 arms (not shown) and which may be positioned and/or arranged in at least one of the either sides of first 50 and second 52 armsof the tip protector assembly 12.
- the tension creating element 82 may have the structure forming a link connecting the said first 50 and second 52 arms (not shown) and which may be positioned and/or arranged in both sides of first 50 and second 52 armsof the tip protector assembly 12.
- a stopper element 88 is provided in the base portion 46 or on the distal side/end of the base portion 46, for example by insert molding.
- the stopper element 88 has an axial bore 90 which is aligned with the thorough-bore of the base portion 46.
- the axial bore 90 has a circular cross-section with its diameter being slightly larger than the principle diameter of the proximal section 40 of the needle shaft 16 relative to the stopper element 88. More specifically, the cross-section of the axial bore 90 of the stopper element 88 is adapted to the principal profile of the needle shaft 16 such that the stopper element 88 can slide along the needle shaft 16 with minimum friction.
- the diameter of the axial bore 90 is not only smaller than that of the needle passage 22 but also smaller than the maximum dimension of the change in profile 36 of the needle shaft 16, e.g. in the form of enlargement 38, in order to prevent the enlargement 38 from passing through the axial bore 90 and, thus, to prevent the tip protector assembly 12 from sliding off the needle 14.
- such a stopper element 88 would be made of a second material of a greater hardness and/or stiffness different from the first material of the base portion 46, such that the stopper element 88 withstands greater force exerted by the change in profile 36 of the needle 14 upon withdrawal of the needle 14 from the catheter tube 26, thereby more effectively preventing the change in profile 36 of the needle 14 from passing through the base portion 46 and thus more effectively preventing the tip protector assembly 12 from sliding off the needle 14.
- the stopper element 88 has a disk-like shape, similar to a washer or ring and is made of hard plastic, metal or ceramic and it can also be made out of any other material which is stiff and which can not easily be distorted.
- the stopper element 88 is made from a second material which is harder and less easily distortable than the first material of the base portion 46, has the effect that the tip protector assembly 12 is secured more effectively on the needle shaft 16 and can be retained even if excessive external force is applied when pulling on the needle 14, as the change in profile 36 in the form of, for example an enlargement 38 acting as engagement means is prevented from being pulled through the base portion 46 of the tip protector assembly 12.
- the tip protector assembly 12 provides a better protection against accidental pricking and thus increased safety for the person handling the catheter assembly 10.
- stopper element 88 need not be arranged in the base portion 46 itself, but can also be arranged at the distal side/section 42 thereof between the first 50 and second 52 arms of the tip protector assembly 12. Thus, the position of the stopper element 88 in between the first 50 and second 52 arms can be selected freely.
- the stopper element 88 may also be arranged loosely on the needle 14 between the two arms 50, 52 of the tip protector assembly 12 and floating on the needle shaft 16 and can be held in the area defined by the internal recess 72 of the first 50 and second 52 arms (not shown).
- the stopper element 88 may be formed by a tube-like element. It can be held by holding means, like one or more retaining protrusions 78 or retaining depressions 80 in a predetermined section of the tip protector assembly 12, for example in a region proximal to the base portion 46 of the tip protector assembly 12.
- the stopper element 88 can be arranged in floating condition in a pre-determined section in between the first 50 and second 52 arms of the tip protector assembly 12 anywhere in between the proximal section 40 and distal section 42 thereof along the line of needle passage 22 configured therein.
- Fig. 6A shows an embodiment of a needle 14 having a needle shaft 16, a needle tip 18 and a change in profile 36 in the form of an enlargement 38 formed for example, by a crimp.
- the crimp is made by a local depression 92 such that lateral protrusions 94 resulting from the crimping process.
- the crimping process is controlled such that the internal cross-sectional area of the needle 14 is not reduced substantially such that the internal profile of the needle shaft 16 is not affected.
- Fig. 6B shows the needle 14 according to Fig. 7A, however having a slit forming an opening 96 arranged slightly distally from the change in profile 36, such that it is still arranged within the catheter tube 26 in the ready position.
- the opening 96 just extends over about 0.5 mm in axial direction A and provides a through hole through the needle 14 wall.
- Fig. 6C shows the needle 14 according to Fig 6B, however with the slit forming an opening 96 arranged proximally from the change in profile 36.
- the opening 96 is dimensioned such that it does not affect the functioning of the tip protector assembly 12.
- securing the tip protector assembly 12 partially in the chamber 34 of the catheter hub 24 by means of first 64 and second 66 retaining means with the catheter hub 24 is a simple measure achieving a safe seat of the tip protector assembly 12 and which effectively prevents accidental removal of the tip protector assembly 12 from the catheter chamber 34 prior to the needle tip 18 being received in the tip protector assembly 12.
- This arrangement ensures correct protective function of the tip guard assembly 12 but also ensures that the tip protector assembly 12 is secured steadily inside the catheter hub 24 removing entirely the problem of pre-mature release when pulling force applied on the needle 14 to withdraw/disengage the needle hub 20 from the catheter hub 24.
- the risk of premature release of the tip protector assembly 12 from the catheter hub 24 during withdrawal of the needle 14 from the catheter and catheter hub 24 and, thus, the risk of accidental pricking by the needle 14 is reduced.
- the IV catheter assembly 10 including tip protector assembly 12 of the invention can be manufactured at reduced costs while at the same time the safety of the IV catheter assembly 10 is increased.
- the IV catheter assembly 10 including the tip protector assembly 12 is particularly inexpensive to manufacture if the base portion, the first 50 and second 52 arms,first 58 and second 60 retaining arms are integrally made from a first material.
- the first material may, for example, be a plastic material.
- the base portion 46, the first 50 and second 52 arms and the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms could be manufactured by injection moulding.
- the base portion 46, one of the first 50 and second 52 armsand the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms could be integrally made from a first material, for example a plastic material and the other one of the first 50 and second 52 arms and the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms could be made from a second material different from said first material.
- said one of the first 50 and second 52 arms could include a strip of material having spring-like properties, e.g. a strip of sheet metal or any other suitable material.
- the tip protector assembly 12 of the present invention can also be adapted such that without including the stopper element 88.
- the outer profile of the enlargement 38 on the needle shaft 16 must be greater than the profile of the thorough-bore 48 provided in the base portion 46 of the tip-protector assembly 12, in order to prevent the tip protector assembly 12 from sliding off the needle 14 in a distal direction.
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Abstract
The invention relates to a needle tip guard for a safety IV catheter assembly 10 comprising a catheter tube 26 having a distal end 30 and a proximal end 28; a catheter hub 24 having a distal end 30 and a proximal end 28, wherein the distal end 30 is joined to the said catheter tube 26 and the proximal end 28 defines a chamber 34; a needle 14 extending through the catheter hub 24 and the catheter tube 26 having opposite proximal 28 and distal 30 ends defining an axial direction A, wherein the proximal end 28 is joined to the needle hub 20 and the distal end 30 forms a sharp tip 18 and a change in profile 36 is provided between the proximal 28 and distal 30 ends of the needle 14; and a tip protector assembly 12 movably arranged in between the catheter hub 24 and needle hub 20 on the needle 14 such that the tip protector assembly 12 is retained partially and/or completely in the chamber 34 of the catheter hub 24 and wherein the tip protector assembly is configured to entrap the needle tip 18 upon withdrawal of the needle 14 from the catheter hub 24.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority from Indian Patent
Application No. 2109/DEL/2011 dated July 26, 2011, the entire disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a medical device such
as, for example a safety intravenous (IV) catheter assembly. More particularly,
the invention relates to a needle tip protector assembly for safety IV catheter
assembly with improved safety means and mechanism that automatically covers the
sharp tip of the needle after withdrawal of the needle from the catheter and
catheter hub.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An intravenous (IV) catheter assembly of this kind is
generally known and, for example, used to administer fluid and/or medicine to a
patient or to take blood from a patient.
Accidental needle sticks/pricks have become a major
concern to health-care worker. It is well known and understood by healthcare
workers that sharp surgical instruments, such as catheter needles, have a
significant potential for harm to healthcare workers.During surgery, handling
of these sharp instruments can lead to accidental sticks or puncture wounds
exposing the healthcare worker to the infections such as AIDS and hepatitis.
The chances of needle stick are increased during an emergency with several
aspects require to be handled. Likewise, during disposal, an exposed needle
point may be and usually is a threat to the medical waste handler.
Various safety IV catheter assemblies have been
developed to automatically cover and shield the needle tip after its withdrawal
from the patient. These assemblies have taken a number of embodiments and have
various degrees of elaboration. However, the safety mechanisms implemented in
these assemblies increase costs of manufacture substantially and may
malfunction, especially in a fluid-filled environment where it may stick or
slip. Some of the known needle protecting systems requires multiple parts,
which drives up the manufacturing cost for a disposable unit. The cost-benefit
requirements of the medical industry call for an inexpensive needle protecting
system which is disposable along with the needle. Furthermore, the system must
be quick and easy to use as to present as little in position as possible to the
administration and function of the safety IV catheter assembly.
Moreover, some IV catheter assemblies with the needle
guard that have been developed sometimes fail to prevent occurrence of
unintended needle stick injuries.Generally, in such assemblies a needle safety
device or needle guard is arranged completely in a chamber defined by the
catheter hub. In order to ensure correct protective function of the needle
guard, it is necessary that the needle guard is secured steadily in its ready
position while being secured inside in the catheter hub. However, such
assemblies suffers from the problem of premature release of the needle guard
from the catheter hub under retracting forces applied on the needle while
disengaging the needle hub from the catheter hub. In such a situation, the risk
of accidental needle stick injury is a real threat to the users/practitioners.
Moreover, such pre-mature release and un-steadiness of the needle guard in the
catheter hub affects its correct and effective function protecting the tip of
the needle.
There is need to protect the healthcare workers from
accidental needle pricks. Thus, there is a constant need for having a tip
protector assembly for a safety IV catheter assembly with improved safety means
that automatically covers the sharp tip of the needle after withdrawal of the
needle from the catheter and catheter hub preventing accidental pricks and
sticks and which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide
a protective system which is simple and dependable in its deployment,
inexpensive to manufacture, expedient in its operation and effective in
protecting a needle tip, and which ensures correct functioning even after
longer shelf life.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention
can be ascertained from the following disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a needle tip
protector assembly for use in a safety intravenous (IV) catheter assembly with
improved safety means and mechanism that automatically covers the sharp tip of
the needle after withdrawal of the needle from the catheter tube and catheter
hub.
According to one embodiment, a safety IV catheter
assembly is provided comprising: a catheter tube having a distal end and a
proximal end; a catheter hub having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein
the distal end is joined to the said catheter tube and the proximal end defines
a chamber; a needle extending through the catheter hub and the catheter tube
having opposite proximal and distal ends defining an axial direction, wherein
the proximal end is joined to the needle hub and the distal end forms a sharp
tip and a change in profile is provided between the proximal and distal ends of
the needle; a tip protector assembly movably arranged in between the catheter
hub and needle hub on the needle such that the tip protector assembly is
retained partially and/or completely in the chamber of the catheter hub
including: a base portion in the region of its proximal end having a needle
passage with a through bore extending in an axial direction from a proximal
side of the base portion to a distal side of the base portion; first and second
arms extending substantially in the axial direction from the distal side of the
base portion; at least one tension creating element surrounding partially
and/or completely the said first and second arms in a region proximal to the
distal ends thereof; at least one stopper element arranged in the base portion
having an axial bore with a dimension adapted to the principal outer profile of
the said needle; at least one pair of first and second retaining arms connected
to the base portion by transverse segments extending therefrom in a direction
opposing each other; and one or more first retaining means in an arrangement
engaging with the one or more second retaining means provided on the inner
and/or outer walls of the catheter hub for retaining the tip protector assembly
in the chamber as long as the first arm is in its deflected state rests over
the needle shaft.
The first and second retaining arms, thus, help to
retain the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly in the catheter
hub in its ready position prior to use preventing the premature release of the
tip protector assembly from the catheter hub before the needle tip is safely
received inside the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly.
According to an embodiment, the tip protector assembly
is retained at least partially and/or completely inside and/or outside the
catheter hub and is prevented from movement in the axial direction relative to
the said catheter hub. The catheter hub is provided with second retaining means
which may be provided inside and/or outside of the catheter hub for engaging
and/or releasing the first retaining means provided in the tip protector
assembly.
According to an embodiment, the needle can be moved
through the catheter hub and the catheter tube when the tip protector assembly
is in a ready position and to a tip protecting position in which the tip of the
needle is fully received in the tip protector assembly and wherein a locking
mechanism is provided to secure the tip protector assembly together with the
catheter hub when the tip protector assembly is in its ready position.
According to an embodiment, the first arm and second
arms of the tip protector assembly are provided with one or more first
retaining means which is adapted to engage with the one or more second
retaining means provided in the inner wall of the catheter hub which provides
an additional safe and reliable engagement between the two components as long
as the tip protector assembly is in its ready position. Thus, the present
invention is also directed to a locking mechanism to secure steadily the tip
protector assembly preventing any movement while it is retained with the
catheter hub.
According to an embodiment, first retaining means
provided on the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly include one
or more retaining protrusions, for example disc-like retaining protrusion or
annular disc like retaining protrusion or at least part annular disc like
retaining protrusion or combination thereof provided in the region of the
distal ends of the first and second arms. According to a preferred embodiment,
the retaining protrusion is of part-circular, in particular semi-circular
shape. More specifically, the retaining protrusion may have generally parallel
proximal and distal faces and/or convex, in particular part-cylindrical,
peripheral surface. The retaining protrusions are adapted to engage with second
retaining means provided in the inner wall of the catheter hub. The second
retaining means include one or more retaining depressions for example, a
retaining recess/groove or annular retaining recess/groove or at least part
annular recess/groove or combination thereof formed on the inner
circumferential wall of the catheter hub. In an alternative embodiment, the
first retaining means may be one or more depressions and second retaining means
may be one or more protrusions. As a further alternative, the first and second
retaining means may also be formed by a combination of one or more retaining
protrusions and one or more retaining depressions.
According to an embodiment, the first retaining means
provided on the first and second retaining arms include one or more retaining
protrusions, for example hook or lug-like retaining protrusions adapted to
engage with the second retaining means. In an alternative embodiment, the first
retaining means may be formed by one or more retaining depressions, for example
retaining recess/grooves. As a further alternative, the first retaining means
may also be formed by a combination of one or more retaining protrusions and
one or more retaining depressions.
According to an embodiment, the second retaining means
provided on outer wall of the catheter hub include one or more retaining
depressions, for examples, retaining recess/groove adapted to retain the first
retaining means. In an alternative embodiment, the second retaining means may
be formed by one or more retaining protrusions, for example hook or lug-like
retaining protrusion. As a further alternative, the second retaining means may
also be formed by a combination of one or more retaining protrusions and one or
more retaining depressions.
According to an embodiment, the distal end of the
transverse segments of the first and second retaining arms are angled and
extend distally from the transverse segments and are slightly tilted towards
the first and second arms forming an angle in the range between 0º to 10º. This
angled extension and orientation of the first and second retaining arms provide
restoration force and help the arms to act as springs having elastic properties
thereby improving the retaining effect of the retaining arms with the second
retaining means provided on the catheter hub. The first and second retaining
arms engage with an outer surface of the catheter hub and help to retain the
tip protector assembly in the catheter hub prior to use of the catheter, thus
preventing the tip protector assembly from being removed from the catheter hub
before the needle tip is safely received inside the tip protector assembly.
According to an embodiment, the first arm includes a
first free end and the second arm includes a second free end extending
generally axially in a distal direction from the base portion. The first free
end extends beyond the second free end and overlaps the second free end by an
angled end section including a length and width configured to retain the tip of
the needle within a tip holding space so that in protected position the angled
end section abuts the needle, in particular the tip of the needle. The length
and width of the angled end section are larger than the maximum outer profile
of the needle and/or its diameter and adapted to confine the needle tip within
a tip holding space.
As a preferred alternative, angled end section of the
first arm may have an undercut for catching the needle tip. Further, the
portion forming the angled end section may be made of a second material
different from the first material forming, for example the first and second
arms of the tip protector assembly such that harder plastic material or portion
reinforced with metal material or the like so that the needle abutting the
angled end section cannot pierce through it and be retained firmly in the
needle tip holding space even under application of excessive force.
According to an embodiment, each of the at least one
side of the inner walls of the first and second arms of the tip protector
assembly has internal recess close to the base portion thereof forming a cavity
or cut out. The extension of the region above the said internal recess towards
the distal end in the axial direction forms protective side-flaps in at least
one side thereof providing an enclosure for the needle passing therethrough.
The protective side-flaps provided on the first and second arms surround the
needle shaft when passing through the first and second arms. The distal end of
each of the internal recess in the first and second arms defines a shoulder.
The side-flaps help prevent the needle tip from protruding sideways out of the
tip protector assembly, thereby further increasing the protective function
thereof. Moreover, the internal recesses provided in the arms facilitate
deflectability and also improves restoration capabilities thereof. In
particular, the internal recess provided in the first arm helps in improving
deflectability as well as the restoration properties of first arm when the
distal angled end thereof is no longer supported on the needle shaft. Thus, the
internal recess increases the deflectability of the arms in the regions it is
provided and thereby reduces the restoring force acting thereon, in particular
on the angled end section of the first arm while it is being supported by the
needle shaft. This allows the needle to be moved more easily relative to the
first and second arms and in particular relative to the angled end section, as
the frictional force acting on the needle is reduced. In the embodiment, where
a floating stopper element e.g. a floating disk or washer is provided as a
stopper element the shoulder formed by distal end of the said internal recess
in the first and second arms act as movement limiting means.
According to an embodiment, a tension creating element
surrounds the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly, for example
an elastic band in between the proximal and distal region of the first and
second arms, in particular in a region proximal to the distal end of the first
and second arms. The tension creating element exerts a restoring force on the
first and second arms when tip protector assembly is in its ready position i.e.
when the first and second arms are spread apart by the needle extending all the
way through the tip protector assembly. Once the needle shaft no longer
supports the angled end section of the first arm i.e. when the tip protector
assembly is in its tip protecting position, the tension creating element aids
the repositioning of the first arm back into axial alignment with the axial
direction. This repositioning is necessary so that the angled end section can
block the needle tip from axially sliding out of the tip protector assembly. In
addition, the tension creating element defines a tip holding enclosure between
the first and second arms and thus helps to prevent the needle shaft and the
needle tip from protruding sideways out of the tip protector assembly. Thus,
the tension creating element adds to the protective effect of the tip protector
assembly by applying a radially confining biasing force.
In a preferred alternative, the tension creating
element partly surrounds the first and second arms of the tip protector
assembly i.e. instead of surrounding the two arms the tension creating elements
biases the two arms by a linear biasing action.
In another preferred alternative, the tension creating
element have the structure forming a link connecting the said first and second
arms and which may be positioned and/or arranged in at least one of the either
sides of first and second arms of the tip protector assembly.
In yet another preferred alternative, the tension
creating element may have the structure forming a link connecting the said
first and second arms and which may be positioned and/or arranged in both sides
of first and second arms of the tip protector assembly.
In one embodiment, the tension creating element
includes the structure in the form of a ring.
In one embodiment, the tension creating element may
not be a separate component of the tip protector assembly and can be integrally
made therein. It may be made from an elastic material and/or materials having
elastic properties, for example, silicone, rubber or the like.
In one embodiment, the tension creating element may be
arranged or positioned in any of the region in between the proximal and distal
regions of the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly.
The change in profile may be defined as a needle
section having a different dimension than the nominal diameter and may be
created using various means. The change in profile may be for example, an
enlargement and it may be made by crimping a portion of the needle either only
on one side or point on the circumference of the needle or alternatively along
both sides or symmetrically along the circumference of the needle.
In a preferred alternative, the change in profile may
be formed in the form of a shoulder, bulge formed as an annular widening and by
adding material onto the outer surface of the needle or by adding a sleeve to
the needle for example, by welding, gluing or soldering etc. The added material
may include a metal material, a plastic material, adhesive, resin or the like.
In the case of the added material being metal material, the change in profile
may, for example, be formed by build-up welding or by soldering of the
additional material onto the needle. Alternatively, the additional material
could be glued to the needle. The change in profile in the form of an
enlargement may be referred to as a crimp, a sleeve, a annular sleeve, part
annular sleeve, a bulge, a section of the needle with added material or
combinations thereof. Further, the inner profile of the needle can either be
reduced in the region of the change in profile, for example, if the change in
profile is formed by crimping, or it can be substantially constant throughout
the length of the needle, for example, if the change in profile is formed by
applying additional material to the needle shaft.
In one embodiment, the needle shaft may also be formed
with a slit forming an opening arranged distally or proximally from the change
in profile therein. The opening may be formed by a small slit which is cut into
the needle shaft and which extends in axial direction for a small distance, for
example 0.3 to 1mm. The opening is just large enough in order to provide an
early blood flashback function close to the needle tip within the catheter tube
such that the medical practitioner can recognize that needle has been placed
correctly within the patient's vein. In case of correct, positioning of the
needle, blood pours out of the opening within the needle shaft into the space
between the needle shaft and the inner wall of the transparent catheter tube
and visible to the medical practitioner.
In one embodiment, a groove may be provided either in
the inner wall of one of the first and second arms extending substantially in
the axial direction from the base portion. The groove acts as a guide groove
for the needle shaft and aids the axial movement of the needle shaft relative
to the tip protector assembly. Moreover, the needle shaft is prevented from
sliding sideways, in particular off the angled end section of the first arm.
Such a sideways movement would significantly increase the force required to
move the needle shaft relative to the tip protector assembly, which would
prevent a correct functioning of the tip protector assembly. Alternatively, the
guide groove can be provided in both the first and second arms.
In one embodiment, the tip protector assembly is made
from a unitary plastic material or, or an elastomer or thermoplastic or any
combination thereof such as thermoplastic elastomer. In other embodiments, the
tip protector assembly is made from multi-pieces and includes materials such as
metal and/or plastic or any combination thereof. For example, either of the
first and second arms or both may be made of a resilient material or plastic
material or metal material or combination thereof.
In one embodiment, the stopper element is arranged
within the base portion and can be integrally formed within the base portion of
the tip protector assembly. The stopper element is made of a second material
different from a first material of the base portion and has a through-bore with
a profile which is adapted to the principal outer profile of the needle shaft.
Preferably, the stopper element defines an axial bore having a cross-section
adapted to the principal profile of the needle but being smaller than the
radial dimension of the change in profile in the form of an enlargement forming
the engagement means configured on the needle shaft. The stopper element is
preferably arranged such that its axial-bore is in general alignment with the
needle passage of the tip protector assembly.
According to an embodiment, the stopper element
surrounds the needle. The length of the stopper element, i.e. its dimension
seen in the axial direction, may vary. As such, the stopper element can, for
example, be disk or a ring or a washer or a tube. However, it is to be
understood that the outer profile of the stopper element does not have to have
a circular outer profile. It is also possible that the outer profile of the
stopper element is of non-circular form, for example, of oval or polygonal
shape or other suitable geometric shape.
According to an alternative, it is also possible that
the stopper element only partly surrounds the needle. In this case, the stopper
element could have the shape of a slotted disk, ring or tube.
As yet another preferred alternative, the stopper
element may also be arranged loosely on the needle between the two arms of the
tip protector assembly and floating on the needle shaft and can be held in the
area defined by the internal recess of the first and second arms. As such the
stopper element may be formed by a tube-like element. It can be held by holding
means, like one or more retaining protrusions or retaining depressions in a
predetermined section of the tip protector assembly, for example in a region
proximal to the base portion of the tip protector assembly. Alternatively, the
stopper element can be arranged in floating condition in a pre-determined
section in between the first and second arms of the tip protector assembly
anywhere in between the proximal section and distal section thereof along the
line of needle passage configured therein.
To define the reference to first material and second
material as used herein, preferably, the second material is of greater hardness
and/or stiffness than the first material. For example, the first material could
be a plastic material and the second material could consist of a metal, a
harder fiber material, a rubber material or a ceramic, or any other type of
suitable material which is stiff and not as easily distortable as the first
material.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention
relates to methods of making/assembling and using an IV catheter assembly
including the tip protector assembly when the tip protector assembly is in its
ready position.
Further advantageous embodiments of the invention and
preferred assemblies for carrying out the invention are disclosed in connection
with the accompanying drawings.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be explained in more
detail in the following with reference to preferred embodiments and to the
accompanying drawings in which are shown:
Fig. 1A illustrates an IV catheter assembly in
accordance with the present invention illustrating the tip protector assembly
in its ready position;
Fig. 1B is a sectional illustration of an IV catheter
assembly in accordance with the present invention illustrating the tip
protector assembly in its ready position;
Fig. 2 illustrates a needle, needle hub and tip
protector assembly in its protective position being removed from the IV
catheter assembly of Fig. 1;
Figs. 3A - 3F illustrate the tip protector assembly
of Figs. 1A and 1B wherein the tension creating element has been omitted for
the sake of clarity;
Figs. 4A - 4B illustrate two sectional illustrations
of the details of tip protector assembly of Figs. 3A - 3F wherein the tension
creating element has been omitted for the sake of clarity;
Fig. 5 - illustrate sectional illustration of tip
protector assembly of Figs. 3A - 3F wherein the tension creating element has
been omitted for the sake of clarity;
Fig. 6A - 6C are illustrations of different
embodiments of the needles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, the term 'proximal' refers to a
region of the assembly/device or a location on the assembly/device which is
closest to, for example, a medical practitioner using the assembly/device. In
contrast to this, the term 'distal' refers to a region of the assembly/device
which is farthest from the medical practitioner, for example, the distal region
of a needle will be the region of a needle containing the needle tip which is
to be inserted e.g. into a patient's vein.
Further, as used herein the term first and second are
merely identifiers and do not necessarily limit and/or restrict the features
with such identifiers. For example, when viewed from another perspective, the
first arm may be called the second arm and vice-versa.
The various embodiments of present invention are
directed to an IV catheter assembly including a tip protector assembly.
Fig. 1A and 1B show an IV catheter assembly 10 in
accordance with the invention prior to use illustrating the tip protector
assembly 12 being in its ready position. The catheter assembly 10 includes a
catheter tube 26 having distal 30 and proximal 28 ends and a catheter hub 24
attached to the catheter tube 26 at the proximal end 28 of the catheter tube
26. The catheter hub 24 has an inner profile 32 which defines a chamber 34 of
generally circular cross-section in which the tip protector assembly 12 is
retained (as shown in Fig. 1B). In Fig. 1 only first 58and second 60 retaining
arms of the tip protector assembly 12 can be seen.
The IV catheter assembly 10 further includes a needle
14 extending through the catheter hub 24 and catheter tube 26 defining an axial
direction A. The needle 14 has distal 30 and proximal 28 ends, wherein a sharp
needle tip 18 is formed at the distal end 30 of the needle 14. A needle hub 20
is attached to the proximal end 28 of the needle 14. The needle shaft 16 has a
generally constant principal profile, except for a change in profile 36, for
example in the form of an enlargement 38 of the radial dimension of the needle
14 in at least one direction as compared to the principal profile. Preferably,
the change in profile 36 is provided in the region closer to the proximal end
28 of the needle 14. The change in profile 36 may be defined as a needle
section having a different dimension than the nominal diameter and may be
created using various means and which forms an engagement means. The change in
profile 36 can be made, for example, by crimping the needle shaft 16. The
function of the engagement means will be discussed in more detail further
below.
A port member 44 (not shown) may be mounted on the
catheter hub 24 at a proximal section 40 thereof, which makes it possible to
connect, for example, a tube line to the catheter assembly 10 for collecting
blood from a patient or delivering a fluid to be administered to a patient.
Prior to use of the catheter assembly 10 as shown in
Figs. 1A and 1B, the needle 14 extends all the way through the chamber 34 of
the catheter hub 24 as well as the catheter tube 26 and the needle tip 18
protrudes from a distal end 30 of the catheter tube 26. As mentioned above,
this position of the needle 14 is also referred to as the 'ready position' in
this context. A tip protector assembly 12 is movably arranged on the needle
shaft 16 such that a substantial portion thereof is retained in the chamber 34
defined by the catheter hub 24. The purpose of the needle tip protector
assembly 12 is to cover the needle tip 18 after placement of the catheter tube
26 in and withdrawal of the needle 14 from the patient's vein. This position
can be referred to as 'tip protecting position' (Fig. 1B).
When the needle 14 is withdrawn from the catheter
tube 26 and catheter hub 24 the needle shaft 16 moves relative to the tip
protector assembly 12 being retained in the chamber 34 of the catheter hub 24
by the first retaining means 64 provided on the first 50 and second 52 arms and
first 58 and second 60 retaining arms in an engaging arrangement with the
second retaining means 66 provided inside and/or outside the catheter hub 24
defining a chamber 34. Once the needle tip 18 is received in the tip protector
assembly 12 and passes the angled end section 54 of the first arm 50, at this
point the angled end section 54 is no longer supported on the needle shaft 16
and a restoring force ensures that the first arm 50 of the needle 14 is moved
back into alignment with the axial direction A into its tip protecting position
so that the needle tip 18 is blocked by the angled end section 54 of the tip
protector assembly 12. At the same time, it is to be understood that the change
in profile 36 e.g. in the form of the enlargement 38 engages with the base
portion 46 of the needle shaft 16 and in particular with the stopper element 88
therein such that the tip protector assembly 12 can be pulled out of the
catheter hub 24 together with the needle 14. In such position, the first
retaining means 64 provided on the tip protector assembly 12 also disengage
from the second retaining means 66 provided inside and/or outside the catheter
hub 24 by the pulling force acting on the tip protector assembly 12 via the
needle 14 and the stopper element 88. An axial movement of the needle 14
relative to the tip protector assembly 12 is now limited, as the angled end
section 54 blocks the needle tip 18 and the base portion 46 in particular the
stopper element 88 therein prevents the needle tip 18 from being removed via
the base portion 46 and thus the needle tip 18 is safely surrounded by the tip
protector assembly 12, as is shown in Fig. 2.
As can be seen in more detail in Figs. 3A-3F, 4A-4B
and 5, the tip protector assembly 12 includes a base portion 46 at a proximal
end 28 thereof. First 50 and second 52 arms extend from a distal side/end 30 of
the tubular base portion 46 generally in the axial direction A. The base
portion 46 has a thorough bore 48 for receiving the needle 14 extending in the
axial direction A. The profile of the bore is adapted to the principle outer
profile of the needle 14. The first arm 50 of the tip protector assembly 12 is
longer than the second arm 52 and has a distal section 42 which is angled
towards the second arm 52 and substantially overlaps with the second arm 52,
forming the angled end section 54 preferably having an undercut for catching
the needle tip 18. In its ready position (Fig. 1A), the needle 14 extends
completely through the tip protector assembly 12. In this position, the angled
end section 54 of the first arm 50 is supported on the needle shaft 16 thereby
deflecting the first arm 50 radially outwards.
In contrast to the first arm 50 and because of lack
of distal angled end section 54, the second arm 52 has less deflectablitly than
the first arm 50 when the needle 14 extends through the tip protector assembly
12. Nevertheless, in order to facilitate deflectability of both the first 50
and second 52 arms, each of the at least one side of the inner walls 68 of the
first 50and second 52 arms of the tip protector assembly 12 has a internal
recess 72 close to the base portion 46 thereof forming a cavity or cut out 74.
The extension of the region above the said internal recess 72 towards the
distal end 30 in the axial direction A forms protective side-flap 76 (Figs. 4A
and 4B) in at least one side thereof providing a enclosure for the needle 14
passing therethrough in both the first 50 and second 52 arms. The protective
side-flaps 76 provided in at least one side of the first 50 and second 52 arms
surround the needle shaft 16 when passing through the first 50 and second 52
arms. Moreover, the protective side-flaps 76 help prevent the needle tip 18
from protruding sideways out of the tip protector assembly 12, thereby further
increasing the protective function thereof. It is to be understood that the
protective side-flap 76 can be provided on the either sides of the first 50 and
second 52 arms in a similar manner. Further, such internal recess 72 can be
formed both on the inner 68 and outer 70 walls of the first 50 and second 52
arms or in a combination of the inner 68 and outer wall 70 of the first 50 and
second 52 arms.
The tip protector assembly 12 is also provided with
first 58 and second 60 retaining arms in order to facilitate further the
retention of the tip protector assembly 12 in the chamber 34 of the catheter
hub 24, and in particular to prevent removal of the tip protector assembly 12
from the catheter hub 24 upon withdrawal of the needle 14 before the needle tip
18 has been safely received in the tip protector assembly 12. The first 58 and
second 60 retaining arms thus prevent the tip protector assembly 12 retained in
the catheter hub 24 from moving in a radial direction within the chamber
34.
The first 58 and second 60 retaining arms as shown in
greater detail in Figs. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B and 5 are connected to the base portion
46 of the tip protector assembly 12 by a transverse segment 56 extending in a
direction opposing each other. The distal ends 30 of the transverse segments 56
of the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms are angled and extend distally
from the transverse segments 56 and are slightly tilted towards the first 50
and second 52 arms. Preferably, the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms form
an angle in the range between 0º and 10º with the axial direction A, providing
an open space 62 between the first retaining arm 58 and first arm 50 and second
60 retaining arms and second arm 52 of the tip protector assembly 12.
The distal ends 30 of the first 58 and second 60
retaining arms are also provided with first retaining means 64 in the form of
one or more retaining protrusions 78, for example, at least one hook or lug
like retaining protrusion 78. When the tip protector assembly 12 is in the
ready position, first retaining means lockingly engage with the corresponding
second retaining means 66 in the form of one or more retaining depressions 80,
for example at least a pair of grooves or recesses in a direction opposing each
other on the outer wall 70 of the catheter hub 24. Because of the engagement
between the first retaining means 64 and second retaining means 66, the tip
protector assembly 12 is prevented from axial movement relative to the catheter
hub 24 and effectively retained in the catheter hub 24 until a pulling force
exerted by the needle 14 on the base portion 46 of the tip protector assembly
12 via the change in profile 36 of the needle 14 upon withdrawal of the needle
14 from the catheter becomes great enough to disengage the first 58 and second
60 retaining arms from the second retaining means 66 of the catheter hub
24.
It is to be noted that instead of the retaining
depressions 80 provided on the outer wall 70 of the catheter hub 24 it is also
possible to provide one or more retaining protrusions 78 or combination of
either a protrusion 86 or a recess in the outer wall 70 of the catheter hub 24
to engage with the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms. Likewise, instead of
the retaining protrusions 78 provided on the first 58 and second 60 retaining
arms it is also possible to provide one or more retaining depressions 80 or
combination of either a retaining protrusion 78 or a depression to engage with
the catheter hub 24.
In order to enhance further the retaining effect of
the tip protector assembly 12 in the catheter hub 24, the distal ends 30 of the
first 50 and second 52 arms are provided with first retaining means 64 (not
shown). The first retaining means 64 include one or more retaining protrusions
78, for example disc-like retaining protrusion 78 or annular disc like
protrusion 86 or at least part annular disc like protrusion 86 provided in the
region of the distal ends 30 of the first 50 and second 52 arms. According to a
preferred embodiment, the retaining protrusion 78 is of part-circular, in
particular semi-circular shape. More specifically, the retaining protrusion 78
may have generally parallel proximal and distal faces and/or convex, in
particular part-cylindrical, peripheral surface. The retaining protrusions 78
are adapted to engage with second retaining means 66 provided in the inner wall
68 of the catheter hub 24 when the tip protector assembly 12 is in its ready
position. The second retaining means 66 include one or more retaining
depressions 80 for example, a recess or annular recess/groove or at least part
annular recess/groove formed on the inner circumferential wall of the catheter
hub 24.
In a preferred alternative, the first retaining means
64 provided on the first 50 and second 52 arms may be one or more retaining
depressions 80 and second retaining means 66 provided on the inner wall 68 of
the catheter hub 24 may be one or more retaining protrusions 78. As a further
alternative, the first 64 and second 66 retaining means may also be formed by a
combination of retaining protrusions 78 and retaining depressions 80.
As shown in Figs. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B and 5, the base
portion 46, the first 50 and second 52 arms, the first 58 and second 60
retaining arms are integrally formed, for example, from a plastic material by
way of injection molding. However, it is to be understood that this integral
design is not compulsory. Instead, one or more of the named components could be
made of a material that is different from the material of the other components,
for example of metal material, and this component could be attached to the
other components, for example, by gluing, soldering, welding or the like.
Even though the first 50 and second 52 arms are have
certain elastic properties, a tension creating element 82, for example a rubber
band, may surround preferably a distal section 42 of the first 50 and second 52
arms are such that deflection of at least the first arm 50 occurs mainly
against a restoring force of the tension creating element 82. One or more
protrusions 86 forming tapered outer surfaces 84 extending along the outer
periphery of the first 50 and second 52 arms are provided in order to position
the tension creating element 82 on the first 50 and second 52 arms are (Figs.
3A-3D). Because of the tapered outer surfaces 84 the tension creating element
82 is prevented from sliding off the distal sections 42 of the first 50 and
second 52 arms are, when the first 50 and second 52 arms are spread apart
against a restoring force of the tension creating element 82. In a preferred
alternative, the tension creating element 82 may not be a separate component of
the tip protector assembly 12 and can be integrally made therein.
In another preferred alternative, the tension
creating element 82 partly surrounds the first 50 and second 52 arms (not
shown) of the tip protector assembly 12 i.e. instead of surrounding the two
arms the tension creating elements 82 biases the two arms by a linear biasing
action. In another preferred alternative, the tension creating element 82 have
the structure forming a link connecting the said first 50 and second 52 arms
(not shown) and which may be positioned and/or arranged in at least one of the
either sides of first 50 and second 52 armsof the tip protector assembly 12. In
yet another preferred alternative, the tension creating element 82 may have the
structure forming a link connecting the said first 50 and second 52 arms (not
shown) and which may be positioned and/or arranged in both sides of first 50
and second 52 armsof the tip protector assembly 12.
As is best seen in Figs. 4A, 4B and 5, a stopper
element 88 is provided in the base portion 46 or on the distal side/end of the
base portion 46, for example by insert molding. The stopper element 88 has an
axial bore 90 which is aligned with the thorough-bore of the base portion 46.
The axial bore 90 has a circular cross-section with its diameter being slightly
larger than the principle diameter of the proximal section 40 of the needle
shaft 16 relative to the stopper element 88. More specifically, the
cross-section of the axial bore 90 of the stopper element 88 is adapted to the
principal profile of the needle shaft 16 such that the stopper element 88 can
slide along the needle shaft 16 with minimum friction. At the same time the
diameter of the axial bore 90 is not only smaller than that of the needle
passage 22 but also smaller than the maximum dimension of the change in profile
36 of the needle shaft 16, e.g. in the form of enlargement 38, in order to
prevent the enlargement 38 from passing through the axial bore 90 and, thus, to
prevent the tip protector assembly 12 from sliding off the needle 14.
Preferably, such a stopper element 88 would be made
of a second material of a greater hardness and/or stiffness different from the
first material of the base portion 46, such that the stopper element 88
withstands greater force exerted by the change in profile 36 of the needle 14
upon withdrawal of the needle 14 from the catheter tube 26, thereby more
effectively preventing the change in profile 36 of the needle 14 from passing
through the base portion 46 and thus more effectively preventing the tip
protector assembly 12 from sliding off the needle 14. Preferably, the stopper
element 88 has a disk-like shape, similar to a washer or ring and is made of
hard plastic, metal or ceramic and it can also be made out of any other
material which is stiff and which can not easily be distorted.
The fact that the stopper element 88 is made from a
second material which is harder and less easily distortable than the first
material of the base portion 46, has the effect that the tip protector assembly
12 is secured more effectively on the needle shaft 16 and can be retained even
if excessive external force is applied when pulling on the needle 14, as the
change in profile 36 in the form of, for example an enlargement 38 acting as
engagement means is prevented from being pulled through the base portion 46 of
the tip protector assembly 12. Hence, it is less likely that the tip protector
assembly 12 is removed from the needle 14 tip accidentally and, as a result,
the tip protector assembly 12 provides a better protection against accidental
pricking and thus increased safety for the person handling the catheter
assembly 10.
Further, it is to be understood, that the stopper
element 88 need not be arranged in the base portion 46 itself, but can also be
arranged at the distal side/section 42 thereof between the first 50 and second
52 arms of the tip protector assembly 12. Thus, the position of the stopper
element 88 in between the first 50 and second 52 arms can be selected
freely.
As a preferred alternative, the stopper element 88
may also be arranged loosely on the needle 14 between the two arms 50, 52 of
the tip protector assembly 12 and floating on the needle shaft 16 and can be
held in the area defined by the internal recess 72 of the first 50 and second
52 arms (not shown). As such the stopper element 88 may be formed by a
tube-like element. It can be held by holding means, like one or more retaining
protrusions 78 or retaining depressions 80 in a predetermined section of the
tip protector assembly 12, for example in a region proximal to the base portion
46 of the tip protector assembly 12. Alternatively, the stopper element 88 can
be arranged in floating condition in a pre-determined section in between the
first 50 and second 52 arms of the tip protector assembly 12 anywhere in
between the proximal section 40 and distal section 42 thereof along the line of
needle passage 22 configured therein.
Fig. 6A shows an embodiment of a needle 14 having a
needle shaft 16, a needle tip 18 and a change in profile 36 in the form of an
enlargement 38 formed for example, by a crimp. The crimp is made by a local
depression 92 such that lateral protrusions 94 resulting from the crimping
process. Preferably, the crimping process is controlled such that the internal
cross-sectional area of the needle 14 is not reduced substantially such that
the internal profile of the needle shaft 16 is not affected.
Fig. 6B shows the needle 14 according to Fig. 7A,
however having a slit forming an opening 96 arranged slightly distally from the
change in profile 36, such that it is still arranged within the catheter tube
26 in the ready position. The opening 96 just extends over about 0.5 mm in
axial direction A and provides a through hole through the needle 14 wall.
Thereby, an early blood flashback within the transparent catheter tube 26 can
be achieved when the needle 14 is positioned into the patient's vein. Based on
this blood flashback, the practitioner can see right after puncturing the
patient whether the needle 14 has been positioned correctly due to a small
amount of patient's blood oozing out the space between the needle shaft 16 and
the transparent catheter tube 26.
Fig. 6C shows the needle 14 according to Fig 6B,
however with the slit forming an opening 96 arranged proximally from the change
in profile 36. The opening 96 is dimensioned such that it does not affect the
functioning of the tip protector assembly 12.
It is to be understood that securing the tip
protector assembly 12 partially in the chamber 34 of the catheter hub 24 by
means of first 64 and second 66 retaining means with the catheter hub 24 is a
simple measure achieving a safe seat of the tip protector assembly 12 and which
effectively prevents accidental removal of the tip protector assembly 12 from
the catheter chamber 34 prior to the needle tip 18 being received in the tip
protector assembly 12. Not only this arrangement ensures correct protective
function of the tip guard assembly 12 but also ensures that the tip protector
assembly 12 is secured steadily inside the catheter hub 24 removing entirely
the problem of pre-mature release when pulling force applied on the needle 14
to withdraw/disengage the needle hub 20 from the catheter hub 24. Hence, the
risk of premature release of the tip protector assembly 12 from the catheter
hub 24 during withdrawal of the needle 14 from the catheter and catheter hub 24
and, thus, the risk of accidental pricking by the needle 14 is reduced.
Moreover, the IV catheter assembly 10 including tip
protector assembly 12 of the invention can be manufactured at reduced costs
while at the same time the safety of the IV catheter assembly 10 is increased.
The IV catheter assembly 10 including the tip protector assembly 12 is
particularly inexpensive to manufacture if the base portion, the first 50 and
second 52 arms,first 58 and second 60 retaining arms are integrally made from a
first material. The first material may, for example, be a plastic material.
Thus, the base portion 46, the first 50 and second 52 arms and the first 58 and
second 60 retaining arms could be manufactured by injection moulding.
Alternatively, the base portion 46, one of the first
50 and second 52 armsand the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms could be
integrally made from a first material, for example a plastic material and the
other one of the first 50 and second 52 arms and the first 58 and second 60
retaining arms could be made from a second material different from said first
material. For example, said one of the first 50 and second 52 arms could
include a strip of material having spring-like properties, e.g. a strip of
sheet metal or any other suitable material.
Although this invention has been disclosed in the
context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the
specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses
of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. For
example, the tip protector assembly 12 of the present invention can also be
adapted such that without including the stopper element 88. In this case, the
outer profile of the enlargement 38 on the needle shaft 16 must be greater than
the profile of the thorough-bore 48 provided in the base portion 46 of the
tip-protector assembly 12, in order to prevent the tip protector assembly 12
from sliding off the needle 14 in a distal direction. Thus, from the foregoing
description, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many
changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit
or scope of the invention as set forth herein.
Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the
foregoing description be limited to the exact description set forth above, but
rather that such description be construed as encompassing all of the features
of patentable novelty that reside in the present invention, including all the
features and embodiments that would be treated as equivalents thereof by those
skilled in the relevant art. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present
invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed
embodiments described above.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 IV catheter assembly
12 tip protector assembly
14 needle
16 needle shaft
18 needle tip
20 needle hub
22 needle passage
24 catheter hub
26 catheter tube
28 proximal end
30 distal end
32 inner profile
34 chamber
36 change in profile
38 enlargement
40 proximal section
42 distal section
44 port member
46 base portion
48 thorough bore
50 first arm
52 second arm
54 angled end section
56 transverse segment
58 first retaining arm
60 second retaining arm
62 open space
64 first retaining means
66 second retaining means
68 inner wall
70 outer wall
72 internal recess
74 cavity or cut out
76 protective side flap
78 retaining protrusion
80 retaining depression
82 tension creating element
84 tapered outer surface
86 protrusion
88 stopper element
90 axial bore
92 local depression
94 lateral protrusion
96 opening
Aaxial direction
Claims (22)
- A safety IV catheter assembly 10 comprising:a catheter tube 26 having a distal end 30 and a proximal end 28;a catheter hub 24 having a distal end 30 and a proximal end 28, wherein the distal end 30 is joined to the said catheter tube 26 and the proximal end 28 defines a chamber 34;a needle 14 extending through the catheter hub 24 and the catheter tube 26 having opposite proximal 28 and distal 30 ends defining an axial direction A, wherein the proximal end 28 is joined to the needle hub 20 and the distal end 30 forms a sharp tip 18 and a change in profile 36 is provided between the proximal 28 and distal 30 ends of the needle 14;a tip protector assembly 12 movably arranged in between the catheter hub 24 and needle hub 20 on the needle 14 such that the tip protector assembly 12 is retained partially and/or completely in the chamber 34 of the catheter hub 24 including:a base portion 46 in the region of its proximal end 28 having a needle passage 22 with a thorough bore 48 extending in an axial direction A from a proximal side of the base portion 46 to a distal side of the base portion 46;first 50 and second 52 arms extending substantially in the axial direction A from the distal section 42 of the base portion 46;at least one tension creating element 82 surrounding partially and/or completely the said first 50 and second 52 arms in a region proximal to the distal ends 30 thereof;at least one stopper element 88 arranged in the base portion 46 having an axial bore 90 with a dimension adapted to the principal outer profile of the said needle 14;at least one pair of first 58 and second 60 retaining arms connected to the base portion 46 by transverse segments 56 extending therefrom in a direction opposing each other; andone or more first retaining means 64 in an arrangement engaging with the one or more second retaining means 66 provided on the inner 68 and/or outer 70 walls of the catheter hub 24 for retaining the tip protector assembly 12 in the chamber 34 as long as the first arm 50 is in its deflected state rests over the needle shaft 16.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first retaining means 64 include one or more retaining protrusions 78 or retaining depressions 80 or combination thereof arranged in the region of the distal ends 30 of the first 58 and second 60 retaining arms.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first retaining means 64 include one or more retaining protrusions 78 or retaining depressions 80 or combination thereof arranged in the distal section 42 of the first 50 and second 52 arms in a direction opposing each other.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second retaining means 66 include one or more retaining depressions 80 or retaining protrusions 78 or combination thereof arranged in the outer wall 70 of the catheter hub 24 in a direction opposing each other.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second retaining means 66 include one or more retaining depressions 80 or retaining protrusions 78 or combination thereof arranged in the inner wall 68 of the catheter hub 24 in a direction opposing each other.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one side of the inner wall 68s of the first 50 and second 52 arms of the tip protector assembly 12 has internal recess 72 close to the base portion 46 thereof forming a cavity or cut out 74.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 6, wherein the extension of the region above the internal recess 72 towards the distal end 30 in the axial direction A forms protective side-flaps 76 in at least one side thereof providing a enclosure for the needle 14 passing therethrough.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal ends 30 of the transverse segments 56 are angled and extend distally from the transverse segments 56 and are slightly tilted towards the first 50 and second 52 arms forming an angle in the range between 0º to 10º.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the retaining protrusion 78 is a hook or lug-like retaining protrusion 78 or disc-like retaining protrusion 78 or annular disc like retaining protrusion 78 or at least part annular disc-like retaining protrusions 78 or combination thereof.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the retaining depression 80 is a retaining recess/groove or annular retaining recess/groove or at least part annular recess/groove or combination thereof.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein either of the first 50 and second 52 arms or both may be made of a resilient material or plastic material or metal material or combination thereof.
- The IV catheter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm 50 includes a first free end and the second arm 52 includes a second free end extending generally axially in a distal direction from the base portion 46.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first free end extends beyond the second free end and overlaps the second free end by an angled end section 54.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 13, wherein the length and width of the angled end section 54 are larger than the maximum outer profile of the needle 14 and/or its diameter and adapted to confine the needle tip 18 within a tip holding space.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the change in profile 36 is formed by an enlargement 38 of the radial dimension of the needle 14 in at least one direction as compared with a principal profile of the needle 14 having an outer profile one dimension of which is larger than a maximum dimension of the profile of the thorough bore 48.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 15, wherein the enlargement 38 is a crimp or a sleeve or a bulge or a section of the needle 14 with added material or combinations thereof.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in 1, wherein the stopper element 88 is arranged being integrally formed within the base portion 46 such that its axial-bore is in general alignment with the needle passage 22 and is made of a second materialdifferent from a first material of the base portion 46.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper element 88 surrounds the needle 14 and is adisk or a ring or a washer or a tube.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper element 88 partly surrounds the needle 14 and is a slotted disk, ring or tube.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in any one of the claims 17 to 19, wherein the stopper element 88 defines an axial bore 90 having a cross-section adapted to the principal profile of the needle 14 but being smaller than the radial dimension of the change in profile 36.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein needle shaft 16 is formed with a slit forming an opening 96 arranged distally or proximally from the change in profile 36.
- The IV catheter assembly 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tension creating element 82 have the structure forming a link connecting the said first 50 and second 52 arms and arranged in at least one of the either sides of first 50 and second 52 arms of the tip protector assembly 12.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/235,202 US9345862B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2012-07-26 | Needle tip protector assembly for safety IV catheter assembly |
EP12756032.4A EP2736577B1 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2012-07-26 | Needle tip protector assembly for safety iv catheter assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IN2109DE2011 | 2011-07-26 | ||
IN2109/DEL/2011 | 2011-07-26 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2013014639A1 true WO2013014639A1 (en) | 2013-01-31 |
Family
ID=46800231
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB2012/053820 WO2013014639A1 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2012-07-26 | Needle tip protector assembly for safety iv catheter assembly |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9345862B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2736577B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013014639A1 (en) |
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EP2862591A1 (en) * | 2013-10-17 | 2015-04-22 | Poly Medicure Limited | Intravenous (IV) catheter apparatus |
WO2015082559A1 (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-11 | B. Braun Melsungen Ag | Safety needle assemblies and related methods |
WO2016163939A1 (en) * | 2015-04-09 | 2016-10-13 | Vigmed Ab | Needle tip shielding device and catheter hub therefore |
CN106456904A (en) * | 2014-04-18 | 2017-02-22 | 贝克顿·迪金森公司 | Needle capture safety interlock for catheter |
US10500376B2 (en) | 2013-06-07 | 2019-12-10 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | IV catheter having external needle shield and internal blood control septum |
WO2021004880A3 (en) * | 2019-07-08 | 2021-03-11 | B. Braun Melsungen Ag | Hybrid safety spring clip for sharp medical devices and related methods |
US11511052B2 (en) | 2014-11-10 | 2022-11-29 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Safety IV catheter with V-clip interlock and needle tip capture |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US8323249B2 (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2012-12-04 | The Regents Of The University Of Michigan | Integrated vascular delivery system |
US8771230B2 (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2014-07-08 | Tangent Medical Technologies, Llc | Integrated vascular delivery system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US9345862B2 (en) | 2016-05-24 |
EP2736577B1 (en) | 2022-11-30 |
US20140163470A1 (en) | 2014-06-12 |
EP2736577A1 (en) | 2014-06-04 |
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