Passive safety shield
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.
This patent application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/275,209, filed Nov. 1, 2002, which is a U.S. National Phase application of PCT/US02/06524, filed Mar. 4, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/272,864, filed Mar. 2, 2001 by Fiser et al. The entire contents of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/275,209 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/272,864 are hereby incorporated by reference herein. The present application claims the benefit of and/or priority to each of the above-referenced applications.
BACKGROUND1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to safety apparatus for medical needles, and more particularly, to safety apparatus that are extensible and automatically deployed to prevent hazardous exposure to a medical needle.
2. Background of the Related Art
Cross-contamination and infection from potentially fatal diseases transmitted by inadvertent needle sticks have resulted in the development of a wide variety of safety medical needle devices used in the areas of I.V. therapy, venipuncture, phlebotomy, syringes and specialty medical needle devices. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,348,544, 5,584,818, 5,735,827, 5,738,665, 5,910,130 and 5,925,020. These diseases include the HIV virus, several strains of hepatitis and other blood and body fluid borne diseases.
Safety medical devices, similar to those exemplified above, require action from a practitioner performing an infusion, blood collection, etc., to deploy needle protection. For example, such devices may require a flip tab release, manually activated actuator, force application to a plunger rod, etc., to enclose a needle subsequent to a medical procedure. These type devices disadvantageously require forced activation of the device and can result in uncontrolled manipulation, faulty operation and a dangerous condition to the practitioner, thereby defeating the intended purpose of the safety device.
Another disadvantage of prior art devices includes actuation of needle protection as a conscious decision and within the purview of the practitioner. Consequently, the safety device may not be employed resulting in non-assurance of compliant safety practices. Further, some devices disadvantageously require complete expulsion of all syringe contents prior to deployment of needle protection. Still others include excessive or unexpected forces during deployment of needle protection based on uncontrolled forward movement of a shield or the like. This drawback may result in injury to the practitioner and patient.
It would therefore be desirable to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art by providing a safety apparatus for medical needles which is extensible and automatically deployed to prevent hazardous exposure to a medical needle.
SUMMARYAccordingly, a safety apparatus for medical needles which is extensible and automatically deployed to prevent hazardous exposure to a medical needle is provided. One of the advantages of the present disclosure is a reduction of needle stick injuries involving contaminated needles. This results in increased safety to practitioners and patients during medical procedures for treatment and diagnosis of patients, such as, for example, combative patients, etc. Another advantage of the present disclosure is assured compliance with safety practices because of automatic deployment.
It is contemplated that the safety apparatus disclosed provides structure which is maintained in a ready to use position with safety features being activated automatically during a medical procedure. It is further contemplated that the safety apparatus is adaptable to standard infusion and blood collection devices, such as, for example, luer type syringes. It is envisioned that the safety apparatus of the present disclosure does not require forced activation from the practitioner for deployment. Alternatively, the safety apparatus may include manual override features.
In one particular embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a safety apparatus is provided. The safety apparatus 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. It is contemplated that the extensible frame may be joined by an intermediate segment(s) disposed between the proximal segment and the distal segment. It is envisioned that the extensible frame can include one or a plurality of segments.
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. It is contemplated that the arm may extend from the proximal segment and releasably engage the needle hub, extend from the needle hub and releasably engage the distal segment, extend from the distal segment and releasably engage the needle hub, extend from the proximal segment and releasably engage the distal segment, extend from the distal segment and releasably engage the proximal segment, or, alternatively, extend from any intermediate, proximal or distal segment and releasably engage any other intermediate, proximal or distal segment.
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.
In an alternate embodiment, the safety apparatus includes a needle hub and an extensible frame connected thereto. The extensible frame including a proximal segment and a distal segment. The extensible frame being resiliently biased from a retracted position to an extended position. An arm member extends from any one of the needle hub and segments. The arm member releasably engages any other one of the needle hub and segments to fix the extensible frame in a position between the retracted position and the extended position.
A method for infusing fluids to a subject is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a safety apparatus, similar to those described; attaching a needle hub of the safety apparatus to a syringe; removing a sheath cap of the safety apparatus to expose a needle cannula; drawing liquid via the needle cannula into the syringe; removing a sheath from the safety apparatus; performing an infusion with the syringe and safety apparatus; removing the needle cannula from a subject such that a needle cover automatically encloses the distal end of the needle cannula.
In an alternate embodiment, the method infuses fluids to a subject with a single needle including the steps of: providing a safety apparatus including a needle hub configured to support a needle cannula, an extensible frame, connected to the needle hub, including at least one segment and being resiliently biased from a retracted position to an extended position to actuate an automatic locking cover extending from the segment, and a sheath having a sheath cap and being configured to support the safety apparatus; attaching the needle hub to a syringe; removing the sheath cap to expose a length of the needle cannula; inserting the needle cannula in a vial to draw liquid, via the needle cannula, into the syringe such that the sheath prevents the automatic locking cover from actuating; removing the sheath from the safety apparatus without actuating the automatic locking cover; performing an infusion with the syringe and safety apparatus; and removing the needle cannula from the subject such that the locking cover automatically encloses a distal end of the needle cannula
The present disclosure is designed to automatically shield hypodermic, blood collection, trocar, etc., needles and cannulas upon removal from a patient to protect healthcare practitioners from inadvertent needlesticks and associated potential blood borne pathogen exposure. The safety apparatus may lock in an irreversible manner upon full deployment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe objects and features of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present disclosure, as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objectives and advantages may be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The exemplary embodiments of the safety apparatus and methods of operation disclosed are discussed in terms of medical needles for infusion of fluids and fluid collection, and more particularly, in terms of a medical needle apparatus, employing a needle cannula, that is extensible and automatically deployed to prevent hazardous exposure to the needle cannula, including, for example, inadvertent needle stick. It is contemplated that the needle cannula may be shielded during use including storage, transport, fluid infusion and/or collection, subsequent thereto, etc. It is envisioned that the present disclosure, however, finds application to a wide variety of cannula needles and devices for the infusion of preventive medications, medicaments, therapeutics, etc. to a subject. It is also envisioned that the present disclosure may be employed for collection of body fluids, including, those employed during procedures relating to venipuncture, phlebotomy, digestive, intestinal, urinary, veterinary, etc.
In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a structure that is closer to a practitioner, and the term “distal” refers to a portion that is further from the practitioner. As used herein, the term “subject” refers to a patient that receives infusions or has blood and/or fluid collected therefrom using the safety apparatus. According to the present disclosure, the term “practitioner” refers to an individual administering an infusion, performing fluid collection, installing or removing a needle cannula from a safety shield apparatus and may include support personnel.
The following discussion includes a description of the safety apparatus, followed by a description of the method of operating the safety apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Turning now to the figures wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views. Referring initially to
An extensible frame 56 is connected to needle hub 42. Extensible frame 56 includes a proximal segment 58, mounted with needle hub 42 via stem 57, which is connected via hinge 59 to a distal segment 60. Extensible frame 56 is resiliently biased from a retracted position (
Locking arm 50 releasably engages proximal segment 58 to fix extensible frame 56 in a ready-to-use position (
Safety apparatus 40 is contemplated for use in the field of medical fluid infusion and/or collection. More particularly, safety apparatus 40 is envisioned to be a single infusion/collection, disposable needle device employing, among other things, safety features having shielding capabilities to prevent inadvertent sticking or punctures of practitioners and subjects, as well as uniform and dependable movement of extensible frame 56 during a procedure and a locking mechanism for reliable use. The above advantages, among others, realized from the present disclosure are attained through the disclosed safety apparatus 40, which is extensible to a protective configuration, as discussed herein below. These features of the present disclosure advantageously facilitate a safe infusion and/or collection of fluids and prevent inadvertent needle stick of a practitioner and subject.
The component parts of safety apparatus 40 may be fabricated from a material suitable for medical applications, such as, for example, polymerics or metals, such as stainless steel, depending on the particular medical application and/or preference of a practitioner. Semi-rigid and rigid polymerics are contemplated for fabrication, as well as resilient materials, such as molded medical grade polypropylene. It is envisioned that the component parts of safety apparatus 40 may be injection molded, by using, for example, synthetic resinous material. However, one skilled in the art will realize that other materials and fabrication methods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in accordance with the present disclosure, also would be appropriate. Safety shield apparatus 40 may be integrally assembled of its constituent parts. Alternatively, portions of safety shield apparatus 40 can be monolithically formed and assembled therewith. Safety apparatus 40 is contemplated for adaptability with existing blood collection tube holders, luer lock syringes, luer slip syringes, etc.
Hub 42 includes a standard luer lock connection 62 and a bonding area 64 for attachment with proximal end 48 of needle 44. Locking arm 50 and proximal segment 58 are affixed to needle hub 42 via first member 52 and stem 57, respectively, however, these components may be directly mounted to needle hub 42. Locking pin 55 of locking arm 50 has a cylindrical configuration and extends transverse to longitudinal axis x. Locking pin 55 is employed to releasably fix extensible frame 56 in the ready to use position (
Referring to
It is contemplated that other springs may be used to resiliently bias extensible frame 56 and activate safety tip cover 76. For example, referring to
Referring back to
Flaps 68 are flexible such that upon application of a sufficient force, as will be discussed, locking pin 55 engages flaps 68. Flaps 68 elastically deform, allowing locking pin 55 to exit retaining pockets 66. Upon exit of locking pin 55, flaps 68 return to a non-deformed position, due to their elasticity. This configuration sufficiently closes retaining pockets 66 to prevent re-entry of locking pin 55.
For example, as an infusion is performed and distal end 46 of needle 44 is inserted into a subject, rearward axial movement of a safety tip cover 76, extending from distal segment 60, along needle 44, causes extensible frame 56 to retract towards the retracted position. Proximal segment 58 moves generally rearward and rotates, as shown by arrow A in
It is contemplated that safety apparatus 40 may have one or a plurality of retaining pockets 66. It is further contemplated that retaining pockets 66 may be variously disposed with extensible frame 56, needle hub 42, etc., and flaps 68 formed of various flexibilities according to the particular requirements of a medical needle application and/or preference of the practitioner. Pockets 66 have a unidirectional releasable locking feature that may be easily activated and difficult to reengage. Alternative releasably engageable structure may be used, such as, for example, ball and socket, frangible, etc.
Safety tip cover 76 is hingedly attached with distal segment 60 to allow relative movement therebetween during movement of safety tip cover 76 along longitudinal axis x. Safety tip cover 76 travels proximally to the retracted position and distally along needle 44 to the extended position of extensible frame 56. In the extended position, safety tip cover 76 is configured to substantially enclose distal end 46 of needle 44.
Referring to
In an alternate embodiment, as shown in
In the extended position, member 92 forces pin 90 into transverse cavity 88 and lockingly prevents distal end 46 from exiting safety tip cover 76. This configuration advantageously prevents hazardous exposure to needle 44.
Referring to
Referring to
Push tab 102 is movable relative to proximal segment 58 from a flip-up position (
Referring to
Alternatively, as shown in
Referring to
In accordance with the present disclosure, safety tip cover 76 of safety apparatus 40 is movable to a plurality of positions along longitudinal axis x of needle 44. These positions include a ready to use position (
Safety apparatus 40 also includes an extended position, such as, for example, a locked or safe position (
In operation, safety apparatus 40 may be properly sterilized and otherwise prepared for storage, shipment and use. Referring to
Sheath 104 is removed, as shown in
As needle 44 is removed, in the direction of arrow shown in
In an alternate embodiment, as shown in
In an alternate embodiment, as shown in
In another alternate embodiment, as shown in
Referring to
An extensible frame 456, includes a proximal segment 458 which is hingedly connected, via tab 459, to a distal segment 460. Proximal segment 458 is mounted to needle hub 442 via a pin hinge 462.
A resilient member, such as, for example, leaf spring 464 is coupled to proximal segment 458 and distal segment 460. Leaf spring 464 is configured to bias extensible frame 456 from a retracted position (
Proximal segment 458 includes tab 459 disposed for movement within a slot 461 of distal segment 460 to guide travel of extensible frame 456. Slot 461 includes a channel 466. Tab 459 is disposed in channel 466 to releasably fix extensible frame 456 between the retracted position and the extended position, in for example, a ready to use position (
Alternatively, the safety features may be manually activated by pressing on the top of extensible frame 456. This capability provides a backup in the event needle 444 is not inserted a sufficient depth into a subject to automatically deploy safety tip cover 476.
Prior to use of safety apparatus 440, extensible frame 456 is configured so that tab 459 is disposed in channel 466 of slot 461. This configuration restricts extension of extensible frame 456 to a ready to use position and locates safety tip cover 476 back slightly to reveal distal end 446 of needle 444. As shown in
Safety tip cover 476 slides down the shaft of needle 444 as needle 444 is withdrawn from the subject, driven by the spring force of leaf spring 464. As shown in
Referring to
Leaf spring 564 is coupled to distal segment 560 via a catch 588 such that engagement of leaf spring 564 with catch 588 releasably fixes extensible frame 556 between the retracted position and the extended position, in for example, a ready to use position (
Safety tip cover 576 slides down the shaft of needle 544 as needle 544 is withdrawn from the subject, driven by the spring force of leaf spring 564. As shown in
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
Claims
1. A passively activated safety needle assembly comprising:
- a needle cannula with opposite proximal and distal ends; and
- a shield assembly having a safety shield slidably mounted on said needle cannula and movable from a proximal position substantially adjacent said proximal end of said needle cannula to a distal position surrounding said distal end of said needle cannula, said shield assembly further comprising a plurality of hingedly connected arms with at least two arms being hingedly connected at a hinge connection extending between said safety shield and a location in proximity to said proximal end of said needle cannula for limiting distal movement of said safety shield along said needle cannula, said shield assembly further comprising a torsion spring securably disposed at said hinge connection for urging said safety shield from said proximal position to said distal position.
2. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a safety cap frictionally mounted over said needle cannula and over portions of said shield assembly for holding said safety shield in said proximal position.
3. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a needle hub secured to said proximal end of said needle cannula, and wherein said plurality of arms comprises a distal arm articulated to said safety shield and a proximal arm articulated in proximity to said hub, said proximal and distal arms being hingedly connected to one another at said hinge connection.
4. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 3, wherein said torsion spring is disposed between said hub and said proximal arm, said torsion spring urging said proximal arm about said articulation to said base for expanding said proximal and distal arms relative to one another and propelling said safety shield distally along said needle cannula.
5. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 4, wherein the base further comprises a thumb grip projecting from said base at a location opposite said proximal arm.
6. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 3, wherein said torsion spring is mounted at said hinged connection between said proximal and distal arms for urging said proximal and distal arms into an expanded condition and thereby driving said safety shield distally along said needle cannula.
7. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 3, wherein said shield assembly further comprises a base securely mounted to said needle hub, said proximal arm being articulated to said base.
8. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 3, wherein said safety cap includes a notch for slidably receiving said arms and holding said arms in a collapsed condition.
9. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 3, wherein said safety shield is unitary with said distal arm.
10. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 3, wherein said proximal arm is unitary with said base.
11. A passively activated safety needle assembly comprising:
- a needle assembly having a needle cannula with opposite proximal and distal ends, a needle hub securely mounted to said proximal end of said needle cannula and being configured for mounting to a medical implement;
- a shield assembly having a safety shield slidably mounted on said needle cannula and movable from a proximal position adjacent said hub to a distal position surrounding said distal end of said needle cannula, said shield assembly further comprising a distal arm hingedly connected to said safety shield, a proximal arm hingedly connected to said distal arm at a hinge and a base hingedly connected to said proximal arm, said base being securely mounted to said hub of said needle assembly, said shield assembly further comprising a torsion spring secured to said hinge and mounted to at least one of said arms for moving said arms in a direction for urging said safety shield to said distal position; and
- a safety cap releasably engaged over said needle cannula and over portions of said shield assembly for holding said shield assembly in said proximal position.
12. A passively activated safety needle assembly comprising:
- a needle with opposite proximal and distal ends; and
- a shield assembly having a needle point guard slidably mounted on said needle and movable from a proximal position substantially adjacent said proximal end of said needle to a distal position surrounding said distal end of said needle, said shield assembly further comprising a plurality of hingedly connected arms with at least two arms being hingedly connected at a hinge connection extending between said needle point guard and a location in proximity to said proximal end of said needle for limiting distal movement of said needle point guard along said needle, said shield assembly further comprising a spring securably disposed at said hinge connection for urging said needle point guard from said proximal position to said distal position.
13. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 12, further comprising a safety cap frictionally mounted over said needle and over portions of said shield assembly for holding said needle point guard in said proximal position.
14. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 12, further comprising a needle hub secured to said proximal end of said needle, and wherein said plurality of arms comprises a distal arm articulated to said needle point guard and a proximal arm articulated in proximity to said hub, said proximal and distal arms being hingedly connected to one another at said hinge connection.
15. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 14, wherein said spring is disposed between said hub and said proximal arm, said spring urging said proximal arm about said articulation to said base for expanding said proximal and distal arms relative to one another and propelling said needle point guard distally along said needle.
16. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 15, wherein the base further comprises a thumb grip projecting from said base at a location opposite said proximal arm.
17. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 14, wherein said spring is mounted at said hinged connection between said proximal and distal arms for urging said proximal and distal arms into an expanded condition and thereby driving said needle point guard distally along said needle.
18. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 14, wherein said shield assembly further comprises a base securely mounted to said needle hub, said proximal arm being articulated to said base.
19. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 14, wherein said safety cap includes a notch for slidably receiving said arms and holding said arms in a collapsed condition.
20. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 14, wherein said needle point guard is unitary with said distal arm.
21. The passively activated safety needle assembly of claim 14, wherein said proximal arm is unitary with said base.
22. A passively activated safety needle assembly comprising:
- a needle assembly having a needle with opposite proximal and distal ends, a needle hub securely mounted to said proximal end of said needle and being configured for mounting to a medical implement;
- a shield assembly having a needle point guard slidably mounted on said needle and movable from a proximal position adjacent said hub to a distal position surrounding said distal end of said needle, said shield assembly further comprising a distal arm hingedly connected to said needle point guard, a proximal arm hingedly connected to said distal arm at a hinge and a base hingedly connected to said proximal arm, said base being securely mounted to said hub of said needle assembly, said shield assembly further comprising a spring secured to said hinge and mounted to at least one of said arms for moving said arms in a direction for urging said needle point guard to said distal position; and
- a safety cap releasably engaged over said needle and over portions of said shield assembly for holding said shield assembly in said proximal position.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 20, 2004
Publication Date: Mar 17, 2005
Inventors: Richard Fiser (Kirkwood, MO), Alan Ranford (Creve Coeur, MO), James Carlyon (Leadwood, MO), Eugene Weilbacher (Chesterfield, MO), Lee Burnes (Wilbraham, MA)
Application Number: 10/970,196