Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A safety needle system operable with a medical device includes: a housing with a needle mount having a needle; and a sheath telescopically engaged with the housing and surrounding the needle such that the sheath operates in a retracted position, in which the sheath exposes the needle, and an extended position, in which the sheath surrounds the needle. The sheath is coupleable to the medical device such that removal of the needle from the medical device draws the sheath over the needle, transitioning the sheath from the retracted position to the extended position. In one embodiment, the system includes a slider engaged with the sheath and/or housing and including a restraint that engages and disengages the sheath to respectively reinforce and weaken the coupling of the sheath and medical device. In another embodiment, the sheath includes a longitudinal track that slidingly engages a setting of the housing between sheath positions.

Abstract: A needle guard may include a base portion having a hole adapted to accommodate a needle shaft of a needle such that the needle may extend through the hole and move relative to the needle guard from a ready position in which the needle tip is outside the needle guard to a protective position in which the needle tip is covered by the needle guard. Arms of the needle guard may extend distally from the base portion generally in an axial direction. The arms may comprise sections bent to define a passage for the needle in the needle guard. An intravenous catheter apparatus may include the needle guard in combination with a needle and a catheter tube attached to a catheter hub, the catheter hub having a chamber. The needle guard may be slidably arranged on the needle shaft and housed in the chamber of the catheter hub.

Abstract: A needle guard assembly having a resilient arm extending from a base situated to slide along the shaft of a needle, In one implementation the needle guard has an elongate containment member that rides with the resilient arm and is co-operable with the resilient arm to effectuate a covering of the entire distal tip of the needle upon the needle being refracted into the needle guard.

Abstract: Needle assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needle assemblies having a tip protector with a plurality of wall surfaces for preventing contact with the needle tip from a side. Aspects of the tip protectors discussed herein include a first protector body having an arm for blocking a needle tip surrounded by a second protector body having a plurality of wall surfaces.

Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: The invention comprises a syringe body (10) having a distal end (10B) fitted with an injection needle (14), at least one sheath (16, 18) inside which the body is positioned, and a protective cap (40) able to be retained relative to the syringe body (10) to cover the needle (14) and be separate from this body to release the needle. The device comprises a non-return unit (50) able to oppose a refitting of the cap (40) in its protection position once the needle has been released. This non-return unit, for example, comprises an elastic lip (50) joined to the sheath or the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing blood exposure or contamination upon withdrawal of a hypodermic needle is provided. The apparatus may include a needle having a tip and a shield configured to at least partially entrap the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle. The apparatus may further include a blood stabilizing material disposed such that upon withdrawal of the needle the blood stabilizing material is disposed in operative association with the needle tip such that blood carried by the needle is prevented from escaping the apparatus. In some exemplary implementations, the blood stabilizing material may be disposed on one or more surfaces of the shield. The shield of the hypodermic needle may include protective device and/or a housing for shielding the needle tip upon withdrawal. The housing may be adapted to at least partially cover the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle.

Abstract: A needle guard assembly having a resilient arm extending from a base situated to slide along the shaft of a needle. In one implementation the needle guard has an elongate containment member that rides with the resilient arm and is co-operable with the resilient arm to effectuate a covering of the entire distal tip of the needle upon the needle being refracted into the needle guard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle safety device for a medical device, the needle safety device comprising: a base portion having a bore extending along a longitudinal center axis therethrough for receiving a needle; and two opposing jaws extending from the base portion generally in the axial direction and each having a head portion in the region of its free end, wherein the needle safety device includes a locking projection for securing the needle safety device to the medical device. The needle safety device according to the invention further provides at least one elastic element mounted to the jaws in a non-surrounding manner lateral to the center axis in a region between the base portion and the head portions, wherein at least one elastic element and the jaws are configured such that the jaws can be spread apart against a restoring force of at least one elastic element in order to allow the needle received in the bore to extend all the way through the needle safety device.

Abstract: The invention relates 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; a needle extending through the catheter hub and the catheter tube having opposite proximal and distal ends defining an axial direction A, wherein the proximal end is joined to the needle hub and the distal end forms a needle tip and a change in profile is provided between the proximal and distal ends of the needle; and a tip protector assembly being arranged movably on the needle in-between the catheter hub and needle hub outside the catheter hub in an arrangement engaging with one or more second locking means provided on the catheter hub in its ready position, wherein the first arm is deflected radially outwards by the needle against a restoring force, wherein the tip protector assembly is configured to entrap the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle from the catheter hub.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly has a hollow outer needle, an outer-needle hub fixed to the base of the outer needle, an inner needle in the outer needle, an inner-needle hub fixed to the base of the inner needle, a tube connected to the base of the outer-needle hub, and a protector that, when the inner needle is removed from the outer needle, covers at least the point of the inner needle and disconnectably connected to the outer-needle hub. A finger hold is formed in a projecting manner on a protector cover of the protector, and the finger hold is pressed by a finger to move the outer needle in the direction of its tip relative to the inner needle. The finger hold causes force applied in the direction in which the finger hold projects relative to the center axis of the outer needle to act on the finger hold.

Abstract: An infusion set (101) includes an inserter (121) pivotally connected to a base (111). The inserter (121) includes a catheter (173) and an introducer needle (167). The catheter (173) is movable from a first catheter position disposed substantially entirely within the inserter (121) to a second catheter position in which a free end of the catheter (173) is disposed externally of the inserter (121) and the base (111). The introducer needle (167) is movable between a first introducer needle position disposed substantially entirely within the inserter (121) and a second introducer needle position in which a free end of the introducer needle (167) is disposed externally of the inserter (121) and the base (111). An activation button (141) is movable between first and second button positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle tip guard for 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 A, 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; and 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 and wherein the tip protector assembly is configured to entrap the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle from the catheter hub.

Abstract: Embodiments of a catheter insertion device are discussed comprising: an approximately hollow cylindrical catheter sleeve, at whose distal end a catheter is attached; a needle sleeve with a hollow needle, which is attached thereto and which, when ready for use, extends through the catheter sleeve and the catheter, and; a needle protective element that is arranged inside the catheter sleeve while being able to move on the needle. Said needle protective element has an engaging section that engages with an engaging device, which is formed in the vicinity of the needle tip, when the hollow needle is withdrawn from the catheter sleeve. A check valve is placed inside the catheter sleeve between the catheter and the needle protective element. The hollow needle, when ready for use, extends through said check valve, and the check valve automatically closes once the needle is withdrawn.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.

Abstract: Devices and methods for guidewire assisted placement of catheters into blood vessels are described. Some of the devices and methods relate to automated or partially automated or assisted insertion and placement of an intravenous catheter into a vein or artery of a patient. Other of the devices are blood draw devices and methods for insertion and placement of an intravenous device into a vein or artery of a patient or to withdraw a blood sample from the patient. The devices also provide for guide wire tip inspection after use.

Abstract: A hinged cap device for use with a syringe includes a base defining an interior cavity for mounting onto a tip and a cap connected to the base by a living hinge. The cap is moveable from a ready position to an open position to expose a needle, and from the open position to a secured position to prevent relative rotation between the cap and the base. A first latching mechanism is on the cap for engaging the needle, the first latching mechanism locatable on a first side of the needle in the ready position and locatable on a second side of the needle in the secured position. The needle is disengageable from the first latching mechanism in the ready position, and the needle is not disengageable from the first latching mechanism in the secured position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a catheter instrument 1000 comprising a needle tip shielding device 100, a catheter hub 200 and a needle unit 300, wherein the needle unit 300 is provided with connecting means 301 for connection to the catheter hub 200, and with connecting means 302 for connection to an external device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a safety needle assembly that includes a syringe and a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism includes a housing defining an internal cavity, a shield member at least partially disposed within the internal cavity, and first and second locking members that are configured to selectively engage and maintain the shield member in one or more predetermined positions. The locking members are movable between a locked position, in which the locking members are in engagement with the shield member to substantially prevent axial movement thereof, and a release position, in which the locking members are disengaged from the shield member to permit axial movement thereof. The first and second locking members each include biasing members. The biasing member of the each locking member is positioned to cooperate with the other locking member to normally bias the locking members towards the locked position.

Abstract: A hub (40) can be displaced between an initial position at which the hub is located on a front end side of an inner cavity of a shield (20) and an inner needle (50) penetrates an outer needle (30) and a retracted position at which the hub is located on a rear end side of the inner cavity of the shield and the inner needle is housed within the inner cavity of the shield. A stopper (170) includes an insertion portion (172) that is inserted into the inner cavity of the shield and a base portion (180) that is located on a rear end of the insertion portion. The base portion includes a roof portion (183) that exposes part of an outer circumferential face of a tube (60) connected to the hub and covers the remainder thereof, and a pair of grasping portions (185) that are arranged to sandwich the tube and can be elastically displaced so as to grip the tube.

Abstract: A needle assembly including a needle tip guard and needle is provided. The needle tip guard includes a proximal base defining an opening that is dimensioned for passage of the needle therethrough, first and second clamp members extending from the proximal base and defining an internal cavity, and a finger tab extending from the proximal base. Each of the first and second clamp members define an inner surface including a protrusion extending into the internal cavity. A distal end of each of the clamp members includes a clamp arm, the clamp arms being supported for movement between an open position and a closed position. The finger tab includes a contacting portion for engagement by a user.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. The insertion tool unifies needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed within the needle. A guidewire advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. In one embodiment a catheter advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. Each advancement assembly can include a slide or other actuator that enables a user to selectively advance the desired component. Guidewire and catheter advancement assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective sleeve for containing medical lines, comprising: (a) a foldable sleeve comprising first and second side panels, and adapted to be opened and closed along its longitudinal axis so as to form a conduit for medical lines, at least one of the panels being transparent, the foldable sleeve adapted to be reversibly opened along its longitudinal axis, and having releasable closures to maintain the foldable sleeve in a folded closed position; and (b) a plurality of rigid members incorporated into the sleeve and along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An infusion set adapted to be secured to a skin surface includes a fixed base member and a movable slide member. The fixed base member is connectable to the skin surface. The movable slide member has a needle or cannula connected thereto and is movable relative to the fixed base member. The movable slide member is movable from a first position in which the needle or cannula is not exposed externally of the fixed base member to a second position in which the needle or cannula is exposed externally of the fixed base member. The movable slide member is locked to the fixed base member in the second position.

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A device may include a hollow needle, a dilator mounted coaxially on the needle, and a sheath mounted coaxially on the dilator. The dilator may be slideably displaceable relative to the sheath.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter inserter device comprising a catheter threader body on which is slidably attached a septum activator, a catheter threader, and a needle hub. Some embodiments further include a safety bar that is configured to assist in coordinating the movement of the various components of the device during a catheterization procedure. In general, the septum activator provides a pathway through a septum of a Luer adapter. The Luer adapter comprises a wedge seal that is configured to receive a base portion of a catheter that is inserted into the Luer adapter by the catheter threader. Accordingly, the device of the present invention simultaneously accesses the vasculature of a patient while assembling the catheter into the Luer adapter. The final configuration provides an integrated unit that is attached to the patient and in fluid communication with patient's vascular system.

Abstract: An infusion set (101) includes a base (121), a flexible catheter (142) and an introducer needle (134). The flexible catheter (142) is movable from a first catheter position disposed substantially entirely within the base (121) to a second catheter position in which a free end of the flexible catheter (142) is disposed externally of the base (121). The introducer needle (134) is movable between a first introducer needle position disposed substantially entirely within the base (121) and a second introducer needle position in which a free end of the introducer needle (134) is disposed externally of the base (121). An activation button (161) is movable between first and second button positions.

Abstract: A plurality of different vascular access assemblies are described which protect a clinician from accidental needle stick injury upon withdrawal of a needle from a catheter assembly. Each of the vascular access assemblies include a safety device for guarding the needle tip of the needle upon withdrawal of a needle from the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A device may include a hollow needle, a dilator mounted coaxially on the needle, and a sheath mounted coaxially on the dilator. The dilator may be slideably displaceable relative to the sheath.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to catheter assemblies having a tip protector, a valve, a valve opener, and optionally a needle wiper. The valve opener is disposed inside a catheter hub and is configured to be pushed by an IV set luer connector to open a valve following successful catheterization to pass fluids or other solutions through the catheter. A tip protector is incorporated to block the needle tip and prevent the same from accidental needle stick. A wiper is optionally included to wipe blood deposits from the needle when the same is retracted from the catheter.

Abstract: A safety catheter device includes a catheter hub, a housing removably coupled to the catheter hub; a needle, and a member, the housing including a radially outwardly directed projection operable to engage the interior aspect of the catheter hub and radially moveable inwardly sufficiently to disengage therefrom, the projection being held against moving radially inwardly sufficiently to disengage when the needle is in a first position with the needle distal tip exposed and being free to move radially inwardly sufficiently to disengage coincident with the needle being moved into a second position with the needle distal tip disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A bi-directional cannula feature capture mechanism is described herein. Generally, the capture mechanism comprises an inner housing, an outer housing, and a cannula. The inner housing comprises a proximal and a distal cannula feature mating component. The outer housing is adapted to slidably receive the inner housing in a proximal direction. Additionally, the cannula extends through the inner housing and the cannula's feature has a proximal engagement and a distal engagement. The proximal and distal engagements are respectively configured to irreversibly engage the proximal and distal cannula feature mating components when the cannula tip is moved into a shielded position.

Abstract: A needle-based medical device and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A needle device includes a hub having a longitudinal axis; a needle having a sharp distal tip; and a needle shield assembly associated with the needle and moveable from a non-shielding position to a shielding position. In the shielding position, the sharp distal tip is covered by at least part of the needle shield assembly. A bushing disposed about the needle, and a latch for engaging with the hub when the needle shield assembly is in the non-shielding position are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a catheter instrument 1000 comprising a needle tip shielding device 100, a catheter hub 200 and a needle unit 300, wherein the needle unit 300 is provided with connecting means 301 for connection to the catheter hub 200, and with connecting means 302 for connection to an external device.

Abstract: An indwelling needle is provided which has a simple structure and is capable of securely mounting a needle tip protective tool on the tip portion of an internal needle. The indwelling needle A consists of an external needle 10 including a cannula 11 and a housing 12, an internal needle 20 including a metal needle 21 and a hub 22 and a needle tip protective tool 30. The needle tip protective tool 30 is mounted on the housing 12 with the metal needle 21 inserted into an inner section so that the metal needle 21 can be removed together with the internal needle 20 from the external needle 10. A main body 31 of the needle tip protective tool 30 has a cylindrical shape. Window sections 34a, 34b are provided on opposing circumferential surfaces of the main body 31. On a rear end marginal section of window section 34a, a movable gripped section 32 is provided whose outer section 32b extends toward the outside of the main body 31 and whose end consists of a grip section 32c.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter assembly is disclosed which includes a catheter assembly, a needle assembly and a needle guard assembly. The needle guard assembly includes a needle guard, a biasing member and a bushing. The bushing is slidably positioned about the needle and includes an inner diameter which is smaller than an enlarged diameter portion of the needle such that the needle cannot be withdrawn through the bore of the bushing.

Abstract: A needle assembly including a needle tip guard and needle is provided. The needle tip guard includes a proximal base defining an opening that is dimensioned for passage of the needle therethrough, first and second clamp members extending from the proximal base and defining an internal cavity, and a finger tab extending from the proximal base. Each of the first and second clamp members define an inner surface including a protrusion extending into the internal cavity. A distal end of each of the clamp members includes a clamp arm, the clamp arms being supported for movement between an open position and a closed position. The finger tab includes a contacting portion for engagement by a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of a catheter insertion device are discussed comprising: an approximately hollow cylindrical catheter sleeve, at whose distal end a catheter is attached; a needle sleeve with a hollow needle, which is attached thereto and which, when ready for use, extends through the catheter sleeve and the catheter, and; a needle protective element that is arranged inside the catheter sleeve while being able to move on the needle. Said needle protective element has an engaging section that engages with an engaging device, which is formed in the vicinity of the needle tip, when the hollow needle is withdrawn from the catheter sleeve. A check valve is placed inside the catheter sleeve between the catheter and the needle protective element. The hollow needle, when ready for use, extends through said check valve, and the check valve automatically closes once the needle is withdrawn.

Abstract: An insertion head for medical or pharmaceutical applications includes a base having a lower side which can be positioned on organic tissue; an insertion means movably mounted by the base and insertable into the tissue; where the insertion means is movable relative to the base from a protective position in which a free end of the insertion means is short of the lower side of the base, into an insertion position in which the free end protrudes beyond the lower side; a handle which projects from the base and includes a first handle component and a second handle component movable relative to the base and the first handle component; and a coupling that transmits a movement of the second handle component into a movement of the insertion means.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly has a hollow outer needle, an outer-needle hub fixed to the base end of the outer needle, an inner needle inserted into the outer needle, an inner-needle hub fixed to the base end of the inner needle, a tube connected to the base end (or a side section) of the outer-needle hub so that the inner cavity of the tube is communicated with the inner cavity of the outer needle, and a protector that, when the inner needle is removed from the outer needle, covers at least the point of the inner needle and disconnectably connected to the outer-needle hub. A finger hold is formed in a projecting manner on a protector cover of the protector, and the finger hold is pressed by a finger to move the outer needle in the direction of its tip relative to the inner needle.

Abstract: Improvements in a safety hypodermic needle and a method of making the same are disclosed. The improvements relate to a commercial embodiment of a patented safety needle and comprise a tubular member extruded from a flexible elastomeric or rubber-like polymeric material. The tubular member is extruded with two ribs extending from the outer wall of the tubular member and spaced apart 90° circumferentially. The wall of the tubular member is provided with through cuts to form a cutout on one wall portion and an elongated lever on the opposite wall portion in the 90° space between the ribs. The cuts separate the wall of the tubular member into two outwardly flexible arms, each having a single rib thereon adjacent an edge of the arm. One end of the tubular member is stretched over the needle hub of a hypodermic needle and the other end is stretched over a needle cup which houses the sharp needle point. The needle cup is provided with a needle opening through which the needle extends during use.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an integrated syringe-device which can store a volume of fluid for infusion, can connect via an air-tight connector to another device (such as a luer connector), can flush fluid through the connector into the other device, and can deliver a cap that forms an air-tight closure to the device connector.

Abstract: An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle.

Abstract: A fluid vessel insertion device (10), typically for medical use, comprises a puncture member (18) arranged for location within a sleeve (20), and a retraction mechanism (44, 48, 60) for retracting the puncture member relative to the sleeve. The puncture member (18) is retractable in use between a first condition in which an end (18A) of the puncture member protrudes beyond an end (24) of the sleeve and a second condition in which the end of the puncture member is within the sleeve (20). The retraction mechanism (44, 48, 60) actuates the puncture member between the first and second conditions in response to fluid pressure at the end (18A) of the puncture member. The device may be used during positioning of the sleeve in a desired fluid vessel, such as, for example, during intravenous cannulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a catheter insertion device, which has a catheter hub at the proximal end of a catheter, a tubular needle hub, at which a hollow needle is fixed and extends through the catheter hub and the catheter in a ready position such that the needle tip projects over the distal end of the catheter, a protective barrel which is received in the tubular needle hub in the ready position and is releasably connected to the catheter hub, and a pressure spring arranged between the needle hub and the protective barrel and which displaces the needle hub and the protective barrel apart from each other in an axial direction, wherein a manually operable holding member is provided between the needle hub and the protective barrel, and holds the needle hub in the ready position at the protective barrel against the bias of the pressure spring, so that after the holding member is released, the pressure spring moves the needle hub into a protective position in relation to the protective barrel, in wh

Abstract: The present invention is a protective sleeve for containing medical lines, comprising: (a) a foldable sleeve comprising first and second side panels, and adapted to be opened and closed along its longitudinal axis so as to form a conduit for medical lines, at least one of the panels being transparent, the foldable sleeve adapted to be reversibly opened along its longitudinal axis, and having releasable closures to maintain the foldable sleeve in a folded closed position; and (b) a plurality of rigid members incorporated into the sleeve and along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to catheter assemblies having a tip protector, a valve, a valve opener, and optionally a needle wiper. The valve opener is disposed inside a catheter hub and is configured to be pushed by an IV set luer connector to open a valve following successful catheterization to pass fluids or other solutions through the catheter. A tip protector is incorporated to block the needle tip and prevent the same from accidental needle stick. A wiper is optionally included to wipe blood deposits on the needle when the same is retracted from the catheter.