Abstract: Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member and a seal member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal portions. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also is constituted so a portion of the seal member moves axially responsive to an axial force applied to the proximal end.

Abstract: Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member, a seal member, a compression member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal housings. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also forms a septum, which is compressed by the compression member to prevent seepage upon removal of a stylet.

Abstract: Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member and a seal member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal portions. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also is constituted so a portion of the seal member moves axially responsive to an axial force applied to the proximal end.

Abstract: A safety needle is provided. The safety needle includes a substantially hollow body and a needle assembly that includes a needle supported on a needle hub. The needle hub is movable in relation to the hollow body from an advanced position wherein a sharp tip of the needle extends from the hollow body to a retracted position wherein the sharp tip of the needle is positioned within the hollow body. The safety needle also includes a spring biased retraction mechanism that includes a constant force spring operatively connected to the needle hub. The constant force spring is a generally flat strip of prestressed material that is formed into constant coils around itself. The constant force spring is configured to bias the needle hub towards the retracted position wherein the spring provides a substantially constant force to the needle assembly while the needle assembly moves from the advanced position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A needle assembly is disclosed, which includes a needle hub, a metal cannula and a plastic tip. The needle hub defines a fluid flow path therethrough. The metal cannula is supported on a distal end of the needle hub, where the metal cannula defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the needle hub. The plastic tip member is connected to a distal end of the metal cannula, where the plastic tip member defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the metal cannula. Plastic tip further includes a channel groove that runs along the length of the plastic tip to allow fluid to flow into a distal end of the metal cannula. Additionally, the plastic tip member is configured to pierce a septum of a vial.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is provided that includes a housing configured for receipt of fluid and/or tissue for collecting fluid therefrom. A holder is configured with the housing to receive an evacuated tube. The holder can include a needle hub supporting a needle cannula in fluid communication with a port extending into a fluid well of the housing. A sloped bottom surface of the housing directs fluid to the fluid well. A sidewall extension or support component extends downward beyond the sloped bottom surface to allow the housing to be stood upright on a flat surface. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a tubular cavity to provide a recessed location of the needle cannula for preventing accidental needle injuries. An optional cap provides further shielding from needle cannula and safely maintains fluid in housing after use.

Abstract: A safety needle apparatus is provided. The safety needle apparatus includes a needle assembly including a needle mount and a needle cannula. The needle cannula defines a lumen and has a sharpened distal tip. The needle mount supports the proximal end of the needle cannula and is adapted to engage an intravenous line. The safety apparatus includes a shield positioned about the needle cannula. The needle cannula is movable in relation to the shield. The apparatus also includes a lock insert supported on the needle cannula and a locking member extending from an internal surface of the shield, wherein the locking insert and the locking member are configured to prevent movement of the needle cannula. Moreover, a platform including a base member, which is configured to support the needle cannula at a substantially orthogonal orientation to the plane of a top surface of the platform and supports the shield, is included.

Abstract: A phlebotomy needle is disclosed which includes structure to facilitate visualization of flashback. In one embodiment, a central portion of the needle includes a hole or opening which communicates with a flow channel defined by the needle and a transparent housing is positioned about the opening to facilitate visualization of blood flow through the needle. A material which allows passage of air and provides an indication of blood flow through the needle is positioned over the opening. In one embodiment, the material is in the form of a plug or, alternately, in the form of a patch or collar. The material can be encased in or provide a window in the transparent housing. In another embodiment, the phlebotomy needle includes a needle and a housing having a passive vent and a viewing region for visualizing blood flow in the housing.

Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when in the extended position.

Abstract: A safety shield apparatus is provided that includes a housing that defines a cavity. A distal end of the housing includes a cover having a movable tab. A hub is disposed for movement within the housing and includes a needle having a distal end and a movable projection. The hub is biased between an extended position, such that the distal end of the needle is exposed and the movable projection is releasably disposed with the cavity, and a retracted position whereby the distal end of the needle is disposed within the housing. The movable tab is engageable with the movable projection to release the movable projection from the cavity to facilitate movement of the hub. The distal end of the housing may define a lip that is configured to capture the distal end of the needle. The hub can define an angled distal surface to orient the needle out of axial alignment with the housing and into capture with the lip.

Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position.

Abstract: A safety shield apparatus is provided that includes a housing that defines a cavity. A distal end of the housing includes a cover having a movable tab. A hub is disposed for movement within the housing and includes a needle having a distal end and a movable projection. The hub is biased between an extended position, such that the distal end of the needle is exposed and the movable projection is releasably disposed with the cavity, and a retracted position whereby the distal end of the needle is disposed within the housing. The movable tab is engageable with the movable projection to release the movable projection from the cavity to facilitate movement of the hub. The distal end of the housing may define a lip that is configured to capture the distal end of the needle. The hub can define an angled distal surface to orient the needle out of axial alignment with the housing and into capture with the lip.

Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus including a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other and movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when in the extended position.

Abstract: A syringe is provided that includes a barrel including a nozzle having an interior opening. A plunger rod of the syringe has a first end and a second end. The second end includes an extension dimensioned to ensure that a member, disposed with the second end and enclosing the extension, abuts the interior opening. The barrel may include a distal wall that supports the nozzle and the plunger rod may include a correspondingly configured distal face. The extension may include a longitudinal length such that upon engagement of the member with the interior opening, the length of the extension prevents compressive deformation of the member between the distal wall and the distal face. The member can have a transverse wall and a cylindrical sidewall extending along the second end of the plunger rod. The transverse wall may have a substantially uniform thickness. The extension defines a distal portion which may be dimensioned for selective engagement of the member with the interior opening.

Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position.

Abstract: A needle cannula apparatus is provided which includes a needle hub that is mountable to an instrument and has a cantilevered portion extending therefrom. The cantilevered portion has a button member and a hub stop disposed at a distal end thereof. The needle hub defines at least one tab slot having a tab slot end. A shield is movably disposed about the needle hub and defines a shield slot configured for relative slidable movement of the button member therein. The shield slot includes a proximal enlarged slot section configured to engage the hub stop such that proximal movement of the shield is prevented. The shield further includes at least one tab stop that is configured for movement within the at least one tab slot of the needle hub and engagement with the tab slot end such that distal movement of the shield is prevented. The needle cannula hub may include at least one hub slot and the shield includes at least one shield rail.

Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when in the extended position.

Abstract: A gross filter in a drainage device for filtering fluids drained from the pleural cavity of a patient comprising a filter body having a first side panel, second side panel, back panel and bottom panel that assemble to form a generally box-shape filter with open front and top portions. The gross filter is located in the first of two subchambers that comprise the collection chamber. The filter body further comprises a filter screen sized for filtering gross particulates, such as blood clots, that may become entrained in fluid drained from a patient. The gross body is configured so as to permit the further filtering of fluids when blood clots have formed and blocked the filter screen of the filter's bottom panel from fluid flow therethrough, thereby allowing uninterrupted filtering of blood into the collection chamber through the first and second side panels instead.

Abstract: A progressive filtration system for a chest drainage unit during continuous autotransfusion that allows the user to clear the fluid pathway of blood clots and trapped air that form after filtration in a flushing action initiated by the user. The filtration system comprises a gross filter for filtering incoming blood at the inlet portion of a collection chamber of a chest drainage unit and a fine filter assembly located at the bottom portion of the collection chamber for refiltering collected blood prior to reinfusion of that blood back to the patient. The filter assembly includes a valve cap at the top portion of the assembly that functions as a one way valve that permits reflux of later developing blood clots that might clog the tubing once the blood has already passed through the assembly. The valve cap is also adapted for sealing engagement with a drop tube that places the filter assembly in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the collection chamber located at the top portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A valve for relieving an excess negative pressure condition inside a medical device comprising a diaphragm with an inner periphery and an outer periphery and an actuator having a piston extending axially therefrom which is inserted through the inner periphery of the diaphragm. The piston comprises a plurality of legs that form a void therebetween at the free end thereof. The outer periphery of the diaphragm is sandwiched between the upper and lower housings so as to create a hermetic seal that separates the valve into a venting side and a suction side. To relieve an excess negative pressure condition the diaphragm is operable in one of two positions. In the first position, a biasing members forces the inner periphery of the diaphragm in sealing engagement around the circumference of the piston so that a hermetic seal is maintained between the suction side and the venting side.