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 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 apparatus is provided which includes a needle hub having an arm extending therefrom and an extensible frame connected to the needle hub. The extensible frame includes a proximal segment that is hingedly connected to a distal segment. The extensible frame is resiliently biased from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the arm releasably enages the promixmal segment to fix the extensible frame in a position between the retracted position and the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, the safety apparatus includes an extensible frame including a proximal segment which is hingedly connected to a distal segment. A resilient member is coupled to the proximal segment and the distal segment. The resilient member is configured to bias the extensible frame from a retracted position to an extended position. A method for infusing fluids to a subject is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for positioning a compression member about the septum of a seal member. In one embodiment, a source of low pressure or vacuum is provided to draw the septum of seal member into the hollow body of the compression member. In an alternative embodiment, a molding apparatus is provided which is dimensioned to receive a compression member and configured to facilitate molding of the septum within the compression member. In another embodiment, the septum of the seal member includes a septum having a tab extending from the septum. The tab is configured to assist positioned of a compression member about the septum.

Abstract: A safety shield apparatus including a safety shield and mounting structure for mounting the safety shield to a medical needle. The safety shield includes a distal segment, a proximal segment and a retention member. The distal segment is pivotally secured to the proximal segment and the proximal segment is pivotally secured to the retention member. The retention member includes an opening for receiving a nose of a medical needle device, e.g., a blood collection device. In one embodiment, a retaining collar is provided which is dimensioned to be press-fit about the nose of the medical needle device to secure the safety shield to the medical needle device. Alternatively, mounting structure is formed directly on the retention member to secure the safety shield to the medical needle device.

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 syringe assembly is provided comprising an annular syringe body, a plunger adapted to travel therein in response to manual force, said plunger terminating in an elastomeric seal in sealing engagement with the interior surface of the syringe body, said seal having admixed therein a lubricant capable of migrating through the elastomeric seal to bloom on the surface thereof, thereby imparting enhanced lubricity thereto reducing the movement forces necessary to enable controlled plunger movement.

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: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. The medical needle shield apparatus includes a first member, such as, for example, a syringe barrel having a needle mounted therewith. A second member, such as, for example, a shield is mounted with the first member. The shield is movable between a first position whereby the needle is exposed and a second position whereby the needle is covered. A lock is mounted with the barrel such that the shield is slidably movable along an outer surface of the lock. The lock includes a tang that is movable radially outward to fix the shield in the second 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: A safety apparatus is provided which includes a needle hub having an arm extending therefrom and an extensible frame connected to the needle hub. The extensible frame includes a proximal segment that is hingedly connected to a distal segment. The extensible frame is resiliently biased from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the arm releasably engages the proximal segment to fix the extensible frame in a position between the retracted position and the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, the safety apparatus includes an extensible frame including a proximal segment which is hingedly connected to a distal segment. A resilient member is coupled to the proximal segment and the distal segment. The resilient member is configured to bias the extensible frame from a retracted position to an extended position. A method for infusing fluids to a subject is disclosed.

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 apparatus is provided which includes a needle hub having an arm extending therefrom and an extensible frame connected to the needle hub. THe extensible frame includes a proximal segment that is hingedly connected to a distal segment. The extensible frame is resiliently biased from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the arm releasably enages the promixmal segment to fix the extensible frame in a position between the retracted position and the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, the safety apparatus includes an extensible frame including a proximal segment which is hingedly connected to a distal segment. A resilient member is coupled to the proximal segment and the distal segment. The resilient member is configured to bias the extensible frame from a retracted position to an extended position. A method for infusing fluids to a subject is disclosed.