CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No.
61/608,195, filed March 8, 2012, entitled "Multi-Functions Shield for Blood Collection", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a needle assembly and, more particularly, to a shieldable blood collection needle assembly.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Needle assemblies are used for collecting specimens of fluid, such as blood, from a patient. Some such needle assemblies are intended for use with an evacuated tube and include a housing with a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage extending between the ends. Such needle assemblies further include at least one needle cannula mounted to the housing. The needle cannula includes a sharply pointed distal end that projects distally beyond the housing, a proximal end that projects proximally beyond the housing, and a lumen that provides communication between the opposed ends of the needle cannula. Some needle assemblies include separate proximal and distal cannulas and rely upon a portion of the housing to provide communication between the lumens of the respective cannulas. The distal end of the needle cannula typically is beveled to a tip that is sufficiently sharp for piercing the skin of the patient and accessing the vein or other source of fluid that is to be collected. The proximal end of the needle cannula is configured for piercing the rubber stopper on an evacuated tube. The proximal end of the needle cannula typically is covered by a needle pierceable resealable multi-sample sleeve. The sleeve is compressed by the rubber stopper of the evacuated tube and punctured by the proximal end of the needle cannula as the proximal end of the needle cannula is urged into communication with the evacuated tube. The evacuated tube is typically received by a needle holder secured to the proximal end of the housing.
[0004] Prior to use, the needle assembly also typically includes an IV shield and a non-patient shield mounted respectively over the distal end of the needle cannula and the proximal end of the needle cannula. The IV shield and the non-patient shield are frictionally retained on the housing and can be separated through axial movement of the shields away from the housing. The combined needle assembly and evacuated tube is employed by initially urging the pointed distal end of the needle cannula into a blood vessel of a patient. Once the targeted blood vessel has been accessed, the evacuated tube is urged into the needle holder such that the proximal point of the needle cannula pierces the septum of the tube. Low pressure conditions within the evacuated tube, as well as the patient's own vasculature pressure, generate a flow of blood from the patient through the needle cannula and into the evacuated tube. The evacuated tube may be removed from the needle holder after a sufficient quantity of blood has been collected. One or more additional evacuated tubes may similarly be urged into the open end of the needle holder for drawing one or more additional samples of blood to be analyzed. The needle cannula is then withdrawn from the patient after a sufficient volume of blood has been collected for the required analytical procedure.
[0005] Many fluid collection needle assemblies are provided with a flashback chamber that communicates with the needle cannula. The flashback chamber typically is formed at least partly from a transparent or translucent material and is intended to receive a portion of the blood flow shortly after a vein has been accessed properly. The flashback chamber gives a positive indication of venous entry after a vein is entered with the distal end of the needle cannula.
[0006] In order to reduce the risk of an accidental needle stick, or contact that could transmit pathogens from the patient to the medical practitioner, the needle cannula is shielded after contact with the patient. Shields have taken many different forms. For example, some shields telescope over the needle cannula and frictionally engage the housing. Other shields are telescoped over the housing and can be moved distally over the needle cannula to effect shielding. Other shields are hingedly mounted to or near the housing and can be rotated from an open position, where the needle cannula is exposed, to a closed position, where the needle cannula is shielded.
US 2003/0220614 A1 discloses a safety shield assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.
US 5,662,617 discloses a manually pivoted barrier assembly for shielding a piercing element.
US 2011/0178427 A1 and
US 2003/0229315 A1 each disclose a flashback blood collection needle.
US 5,509,907 discloses a syringe needle guard assembly provided with a hypodermic needle retaining body.
WO 98/11928 A1 discloses a protection device for medical needles.
EP 1 346 739 A1 discloses a pivoting safety shield for needly devices.
WO 2008/109845 A2 discloses a safety blood collection assembly with an indicator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The subject matter of the invention is defined by independent claim 1.
In one embodiment, a needle assembly includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, an IV cannula projecting distally from the housing, and an IV shield having an engagement. The housing has a shield seat and the IV cannula has a distal tip. The IV shield has a pre-use position where the IV shield covers the distal tip of the IV cannula and the engagement is disengaged from the shield seat, and a use position where the engagement is engaged with the shield seat and the IV shield is adapted to move between a non-shielded position, in which the distal tip is exposed, and a shielded position, in which the distal tip is shielded by the IV shield.
[0008] The IV shield may include a body that defines a longitudinal slot adapted to receive the IV cannula and a needle catch adapted to engage the IV cannula when the IV shield is in the shielded position. The body of the IV shield may engage the distal end of the housing when the IV shield is in the pre-use position and the IV shield may be pivotable relative to the housing when the IV shield is in the use position. The engagement may comprise a locking pin and the IV shield may be pivotable about the locking pin in the use position. The needle assembly may further include a non-patient cannula projecting from the housing, and a non-patient shield for removably shielding the non-patient cannula adapted to engage the proximal end of the housing. The shield seat may include a projection that defines an opening to receive the engagement of the IV shield. The opening of the shield seat may be tapered to lock the engagement to the shield seat after insertion of the engagement into the opening. The engagement may comprise a locking pin with the shield seat substantially c-shaped about the locking pin.
[0009] In a further embodiment, a needle assembly includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a shield seat, a cannula having an IV end projecting distally from the housing and a non-patient end projecting proximally from the housing, and a shield secured to the housing. The shield has a pre-use position where the shield covers the non-patient end of the cannula, and a use position where the shield is capable of covering the IV end of the cannula.
[0010] The housing may have a chamber wall extending between the proximal and distal ends for defining a chamber in the housing. The cannula may define an opening in fluid communication with the chamber. The housing may have a first portion and a second portion with the first portion secured to the second portion, and where the shield and the first portion of the housing are formed integrally. The shield may be secured to the first portion of the housing via a living hinge, and the shield may be pivotable between a non-shielded position and a shielded position. The shield may include a non-patient portion adapted to cover a portion of the non-patient end of the cannula and an IV portion adapted to cover a portion of the IV end of the cannula. The IV portion of the shield may include a needle catch adapted to engage the IV end of the cannula when the shield is in the use position. The shield may include a non-patient portion adapted to cover a portion of the non-patient end of the cannula, and an IV portion adapted to cover a portion of the IV end of the cannula, where the IV portion of the shield includes a needle catch adapted to engage the IV end of the cannula when the shield is in the use position. The housing may include a projection with the shield secured to the housing about the projection and with the shield being pivotable relative to the housing between the pre-use position and the use position. The cannula may include two distinct cannulae. The shield may be engaged with the shield seat in the use position and capable of rotating from a non-shielded position, in which a tip of the IV end is exposed, to a shielded position, in which the tip of the IV end is shielded.
[0011] In another embodiment, a needle assembly includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, a cannula having an IV end projecting distally from the housing and a non-patient end projecting proximally from the housing, and an IV shield pivotally secured to the housing. The IV shield has a pre-use position, where the IV shield covers a portion of the IV end of the cannula, and a use position, where the IV shield is adapted to move between a non-shielded position and a shielded position. At least one of the sidewalls includes a first projection adapted to temporarily engage the housing when the IV shield is in the pre-use position, and at least one of the sidewalls includes a second projection adapted to permanently engage the housing when the IV shield is in the shielded position.
[0012] In certain configurations, the sidewalls are spaced via an end wall extending between the pair of sidewalls. In other configurations, the IV shield includes a needle catch adapted to engage the IV end of the cannula when the IV shield is in the shielded position. Each of the sidewalls may include a pair of semi-spherical projections adapted to temporarily engage the housing when the IV shield is in the pre-use position.
[0013] Further details and advantages of the invention will become clear upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like parts are designated with like reference numerals throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a needle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a right side view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a left side view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the assembly with a non-patient shield removed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the assembly with a needle holder secured thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the assembly with a needle holder secured thereto and the removal of a needle shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the attachment of the needle shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the needle shield in a non-shielded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the needle assembly shown in FIG. 1 showing the needle shield in a non-shielded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the needle shield in a non-shielded position and with an evacuated tube received by the needle holder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the needle shield in a shielded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the needle assembly shown in FIG. 1 showing the needle shield in a shielded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 showing the needle shield in a shielded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a needle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a needle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 20 showing a shield in a non-shielded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the shield shown in FIG. 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a front view of a needle assembly showing a shield in a pre-use position according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the needle assembly of FIG. 23 showing the shield in a use position and in a non-shielded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a front view of the needle assembly of FIG. 23 showing the shield in a use position and in a shielded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawing figures or otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and embodiments. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting.
[0016] Referring to
FIGS. 1-18, one embodiment of a needle assembly
10 includes a housing
12 with a proximal end
14, a distal end
16, and a generally cylindrical-shaped outer sidewall
18 extending between the ends
14, 16. Outer sidewall
18 is formed from a transparent or translucent plastic material and defines a chamber
20 within the housing between the proximal and distal ends
14, 16. The housing
12 also includes a generally cylindrical-shaped inner sidewall
22 that extends from the distal end
16 toward the proximal end
14. The inner sidewall
22 is substantially concentrically disposed within the outer sidewall
18 and is also formed from a transparent or translucent plastic material. The inner sidewall
22 defines a flashback chamber
24 such that fluid collected in the flashback chamber
24 can be observed from locations externally of the needle assembly
10. The flashback chamber
24 is in fluid communication with the chamber
20 such that the chamber
20 may also contribute to an indication of flashback.
[0017] The needle assembly
10 further includes an IV cannula
26 with a proximal end
28, a distal end
30, and a lumen
32 extending between the ends
28, 30. The distal end
30 of the IV cannula
26 is disposed externally of the housing
12 and includes a distal tip
34 that is beveled to a sufficiently sharp tip for piercing skin and tissue of a patient. The IV cannula
26 is secured to the housing
12 with the proximal end
28 of the IV cannula
26 positioned substantially adjacent to the distal end
16 of the housing
12. The lumen
32 of the IV cannula
26 is in fluid communication with the flashback chamber
24. The needle assembly
10 also includes a non-patient cannula
36 secured to the proximal end
14 of the housing
12. The non-patient cannula
36 includes a proximal end
38 disposed externally of the housing
12, a distal end
40 disposed adjacent to the flashback chamber
24, and a lumen
42 extending between the ends
38, 40. The proximal end
38 is adapted to pierce a rubber stopper of an evacuated tube, which is discussed in more detail below. The lumen
42 of the non-patient cannula
36 is substantially axially aligned with the lumen
32 of the IV cannula
26. A sleeve
44 is mounted over a portion of the non-patient cannula
36 that is disposed externally of the housing
12. The sleeve
44 is mounted to the proximal end
14 of the housing
12 and is formed from a material that is substantially impervious to liquid, readily pierceable by the proximal end
38 of the non-patient cannula
36, and resiliently resealable. The sleeve
44 is adapted to collapse distally upon being engaged by the rubber stopper of an evacuated tube. The IV cannula
26, the non-patient cannula
36, and the housing
12 cooperate to provide an early indication of venous entry due to the flashback of blood in the flashback chamber
24 and/or the chamber
20 of the housing
12. Other suitable flashback arrangements, however, may be utilized such as arrangements using vented plugs.
[0018] Referring still to
FIGS. 1-18, the needle assembly
10 includes a collar
46 that extends circumferentially around the housing
12 at the proximal end
14 thereof. The collar
46 is formed integrally with the housing
12, but also may be formed separately and mechanically secured to the housing
12. The collar
46 has a proximal end
48 axially spaced from a distal end
50. The collar
46 is provided with a shield seat
52 that includes a C-shaped projection
54 extending radially outward from the collar
46 and defining a tapered opening
56.
[0019] The needle assembly
10 further includes an IV shield
58 with a proximal end
60 and a distal end
62. The IV shield
58 includes an elongate body
64 that defines an opening
66 adjacent to the proximal end
60 of the IV shield
58 and an interior space
68 that is adapted to receive the IV cannula
26. The elongate body
64 also defines a longitudinal slot
70 that extends from the proximal end
60 to a position adjacent to the distal end
62 of the IV shield
58. In particular, the longitudinal slot
70 extends from the opening
66 of the elongate body
64 in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body
64 toward the proximal end
60 of the IV shield
58. Further, the elongate body
64 of the IV shield
58 includes an engagement
72 that is adapted to be secured to the shield seat
52 of the housing
12. The engagement
72 includes a pair of L-shaped extensions
74 extending from the elongate body
64 of the IV shield
58 with a back plate
75 extending between the L-shaped extensions
74. A pin
76 extends laterally between the L-shaped extensions
74. The pin
76 is shaped and configured to be received by the tapered opening
56 of the shield seat
52, which is discussed in more detail below. The pin
76 is cylindrically-shaped, although other suitably shaped pins may be utilized. The IV shield
58 also includes a needle catch
78 positioned within the interior space
68 that is adapted to be secured and locked to the IV cannula
26. The needle assembly
10 also includes a non-patient shield
80 with a proximal end
82 and a distal end
84. The non-patient shield
80 includes an elongate body
86 that defines an opening
88 adjacent to the proximal end
82 of the non-patient shield
80 and an interior space
90 that is adapted to receive the non-patient cannula
36.
[0020] Referring to
FIGS. 9-18, the IV shield
58 has a pre-use position (shown in
FIGS. 9 and
10) and a use position (shown in
FIGS. 13-18). When the IV shield
58 is in the pre-use position, the IV shield
58 covers the distal tip
34 of the IV cannula
26. More specifically, in the pre-use position, the interior space
68 of the IV shield
58 receives the IV cannula
26 and the proximal end
60 of the IV shield
58 frictionally engages the housing
12 and abuts the collar
46 of the housing
12. Further, in the pre-use position, the engagement
72 of the IV shield
58 is disengaged from the shield seat
52 and circumferentially spaced from the shield seat
52 on the housing
12. As shown in
FIG. 9, for example, the engagement
72 of the IV shield
58 is positioned opposite or 180 degrees from the shield seat
52. As shown in
FIG. 11, the IV shield
58 is transitioned from the pre-use position to the use position by moving the IV shield
58 in a distal direction away from the housing
12 to remove the frictional engagement with the housing
12. As shown in
FIG. 12, the IV shield
58 is rotated and the engagement
72 of the IV shield
58 is secured to the shield seat
52 of the housing
12 such that the pin
76 is circumferentially surrounded by the C-shaped projection
54. The tapered opening
56 of the C-shaped projection
54 allows the pin
76 to be pushed through the tapered opening
56, but substantially restricts subsequent removal of the pin
76 from the tapered opening
56.
[0021] When in the use position, the IV shield
58 has a non-shielded position (shown in
FIGS. 12-15) and a shielded position (shown in
FIGS. 16-18). In particular, the IV shield
58 is pivotable between the non-shielded position and the shielded position via the connection between the engagement
72 and the shield seat
52. In the non-shielded position, the IV shield
58 is spaced from the IV cannula
26 and is aligned to the IV cannula
26 at an obtuse angle of, for example, about 120 degrees such that the IV shield
58 does not interfere with the IV cannula
26 during use by a health care technician. The IV shield
58 is transitioned to the shielded position by rotating the IV shield
58 towards the IV cannula
26 such that the longitudinal slot
70 of the elongate body
64 accommodates the IV cannula
26 and allows the IV shield
58 to cover the distal tip
34 of the IV cannula
26. When the IV shield
58 is in the shielded position, the IV cannula
26 is positioned in the interior space
68 of the IV shield
58 with the needle catch
78 engaging the IV cannula
26. The needle catch
78 limits further rotation of the IV shield
58 relative to the housing
12 and IV cannula
26 to prevent exposure of the distal tip
34 after use. The needle catch
78 is a resiliently deflectable member that will yield in response to contact with the IV cannula
26 as the IV shield
58 is rotated toward the IV cannula
26, but returns to an undeflected position and locks the IV cannula
26 within the shield
58.
[0022] Referring to
FIGS. 9-11, the needle assembly
10 is used by separating the non-patient shield
80 from the collar
46 and threading a needle holder
92 onto the housing
12. Referring to
FIGS. 11 and
12, the IV shield
58 is then removed from the housing
12 and secured to the shield seat
52 of the housing
12 as discussed above. With the IV shield
58 in the non-shielded position and rotated away from the IV cannula
26, a phlebotomist guides the distal tip
34 of the IV cannula
26 into a targeted blood vessel (not shown). A pressure differential between the blood in the vein and the pressure within the housing
12 will cause blood to flow through the lumen
32 of the IV cannula
26. Blood will typically appear in the flashback chamber
24 quickly after access to the blood vessel has been attained. Referring to
FIG. 15, the phlebotomist then inserts an evacuated tube
94 into the needle holder
92. The evacuated tube
94 includes a rubber stopper that collapses the sleeve
44. The proximal end
38 of the non-patient cannula
36 pierces the sleeve
44 and then pierces the stopper of the evacuated tube
94. The phlebotomist may accumulate one or more samples of blood in this manner.
[0023] After collecting the last sample of blood, the phlebotomist urges the needle assembly
10 and needle holder
92 from the patient and rotates the IV shield
58 from the non-shielded position to the shielded position. As a result, the IV cannula
26 is positioned within the interior space
68 of the IV shield
58 with the IV shield
58 surrounding the IV cannula
26. Sufficient rotation of the IV shield
58 causes the needle catch
78 to engage the IV cannula
26 and lock the IV shield
58 to the IV cannula
26. The needle assembly
10 can then be disposed of in a suitable sharps receptacle.
[0024] Referring to
FIG. 19, a second embodiment of a needle assembly
110 includes a housing
112 having a proximal end
114 and a distal end
116 with a generally cylindrical-shaped outer sidewall
118 extending between the ends to define a chamber
120 within the housing
112. The needle assembly
110 further includes a cannula
122 extending through the housing
112 and having an IV end
124 projecting distally from the housing
112 and a non-patient end
126 projecting proximally from the housing
112. The cannula
122 defines a notch
128 that is in fluid communication with the chamber
120 of the housing
112. The needle assembly
110 also includes a shield
130 secured to the housing
112 via a living hinge
132, although other suitable arrangements for securing the shield
130 to the housing
112 may be utilized. The housing
112 includes a first portion
134 and a second portion
136 with the first portion
134 secured to the second portion
136 at respective flanges
138, 140 of the first and second portions
134, 136. The first portion
134 and the shield
130 are formed integrally as a single component. The second portion
136 of the housing
112 defines a recess
142 for receiving a catch
144 provided on the shield
130.
[0025] Referring still to
FIG. 19, the shield
130 includes an
IV portion
146 adapted to surround a portion of the IV end
124 of the cannula
122 and a non-patient portion
148 adapted to surround a portion of the non-patient end
126 of the cannula
122. The IV portion
146 and the non-patient portion
148 of the housing are positioned opposite from each other and separated via a central wall
150. The IV portion
146 of the shield
130 includes a needle catch
152 adapted to engage the IV end
124 of the cannula
122. The shield
130 has a pre-use position where the non-patient portion
148 of the shield
130 covers a portion of the non-patient end
126 of the cannula
122 and a use position where the IV portion
146 of the shield
130 covers a portion of the IV end
124 of the cannula
122. The shield
130 is pivotable relative to the housing
112 between the non-patient position and the IV position via the living hinge
132. When the shield
130 is in the pre-use position, the catch
144 on the shield
130 frictionally engages the recess
142 provided on the second portion
136 of the housing
112 to temporarily secure the shield
130 to the housing
112. During use of the needle assembly
110, the shield
130 is pivoted away from the housing
112 to the use position shown in
FIG. 19 where the shield
130 is capable of covering the IV end
124 of the cannula
122. A holder (not shown) may then be secured to the second portion
136 of the housing
112 in a similar manner as described above and shown in
FIGS. 1-18. After completing a blood sample collection, the shield
130 is pivoted forward towards the housing
112 to cover the IV end
124 of the cannula
122. Upon sufficient movement and/or force, the needle catch
152 engages the cannula
122 and prevents further movement of the shield
130 relative to the housing
112 such that re-exposure of the IV end
124 of the cannula
122 is prevented. Thus, the shield
130 is utilized to shield and protect the non-patient end
126 of the cannula
122 prior to use and also as a safety shield to shield the IV end
124 of the cannula
122 after use.
[0026] Referring to
FIGS. 20-22, a third embodiment of a needle assembly
170 includes a housing
172 having a proximal end
174 and a distal end
176 with a generally cylindrical-shaped outer sidewall
178 extending between the ends
174, 176 to define a chamber
180 within the housing
172. The needle assembly
170 also includes a cannula
182 extending through the housing
172 and having an IV end
184 projecting distally from the housing
172 and a non-patient end
186 projecting proximally from the housing
172. The cannula
182 defines a notch
188 that is in fluid communication with the chamber
180 of the housing
172. The needle assembly
170 further includes a shield
190 having a body
192 with a first end
194 and a second end
196. The body
192 of the shield
190 includes an IV portion
198 adapted to surround a portion of the IV end
184 of the cannula
182 and a non-patient portion
200 adapted to surround a portion of the non-patient end
186 of the cannula
182. The IV portion
198 and the non-patient portion
200 of the housing
172 are positioned opposite from each other and may be separated via a central wall (not shown) in a similar manner as shown in
FIG. 19 and described above. The housing
172 includes a shield seat
202 for securing the shield
190 to the housing
172. The shield seat
202 includes a pair of protrusions
204 extending radially outward from the housing
172 and positioned opposite each other. The shield
190 further includes a mounting portion
206 for engaging the shield seat
202 on the housing
172 to secure the shield
190 to the housing
172. The mounting portion
206 of the shield
190 is formed by one or more inwardly extending projections
208. The shield
190 also includes a needle catch
210 adapted to engage the IV end
184 of the cannula
182.
[0027] Referring still to
FIGS. 20-22, the shield
190 has a pre-use position where the non-patient portion
200 of the shield
190 covers a portion of the non-patient end 186 of the cannula
182 and a use position where the IV portion
198 of the shield covers a portion of the IV end
184 of the cannula
182. The shield
190 is pivotable relative to the housing
172 between the pre-use position and the use position via the connection between the mounting portion
206 of the shield
190 and the shield seat
202 on the housing
172. In particular, the connection between the shield
190 and the housing
172 allows the shield
190 to rotate 360 degrees. The needle assembly
170 is used in a similar manner as the needle assembly
110 described above and shown in
FIG. 11.
[0028] Referring to
FIGS. 23-25, a fourth embodiment of a needle assembly
230 includes a housing
232 with a proximal end
234, a distal end
236, and a generally cylindrical-shaped outer sidewall
238 extending between the ends
234, 236. Outer sidewall
238 defines a chamber
240 within the housing
232 between the proximal and distal ends
234, 236. The needle assembly
230 further includes a cannula
242 having an IV end
244 projecting distally from the housing
232 and a non-patient end
246 projecting proximally from the housing
232. The cannula
242 defines a notch
248 that is in fluid communication with the chamber
240 of the housing
232. As shown in
FIG. 24, a sleeve
250 is mounted over a portion of the non-patient end
246 of the cannula
242. The housing
232 further includes a collar
252 that extends circumferentially around the housing
232. The collar
252 is formed integrally with the housing
232, but also may be formed separately and mechanically secured to the housing
232.
[0029] Referring still to
FIGS. 23-25, the needle assembly
230 further includes an IV shield
254 with a first end
256 and a second end
258. The IV shield
254 includes an elongate body
260 having an end wall
262 and a pair of sidewalls
264 extending from the end wall
262 to define an interior space
266 for receiving the IV end
244 of the cannula
242. The IV shield
254 is secured to the housing
232 via a living hinge
268. In particular, the first end
256 of the IV shield
254 is secured to the collar
252 of the housing
232. One or both of the sidewalls
264 of the IV shield
254 includes a pair of semi-spherical shaped projections
270 that are adapted to temporarily engage the housing
232. The IV shield
254 also includes a needle catch
272 adapted to engage the IV end
244 of the cannula
242. As shown in
FIG. 24, the needle assembly
230 also includes a non-patient shield
274 with a proximal end
276 and a distal end
278. The non-patient shield
274 includes a cylindrical shaped body
280 that defines a pair of openings
282 adjacent to the respective proximal and distal ends
276, 278 of the non-patient shield
274.
[0030] The IV shield
254 has a pre-use position (shown in
FIG. 23) and a use position (shown in
FIGS. 24 and
25). When the IV shield
254 is in the pre-use position, the IV shield
254 covers the IV end
244 of the cannula
242. More specifically, in the pre-use position, the interior space
266 of the IV
shield 254 receives the IV end
244 of the cannula
242 and the distal end
236 of the housing is positioned between the semi-spherical shaped projections
270 of the IV shield
254. The IV shield
254 is temporarily held in the pre-use position via the semi-spherical shaped projections
270 of the IV shield
254. The IV shield
254 is transitioned from the pre-use position to the use position by moving the IV shield
254 in a proximal direction away from the housing
232. Upon application of sufficient force to the IV shield
254, the semi-spherical shaped projections
270 will disengage from the housing
232 thereby allowing further rotation of the IV shield
254 to the position shown in
FIG. 24.
[0031] When in the use position, the IV shield
254 has a non-shielded position (shown in
FIG. 24) and a shielded position (shown in
FIG. 25). The IV shield
254 is pivotable between the non-shielded position and the shielded position via the living hinge
268. In the non-shielded position, the IV shield
254 is spaced from the IV end
244 of the cannula
242 and is transitioned to the shielded position by rotating the IV shield
254 towards the IV end
244 of the cannula
242 such that the interior space
266 of the IV shield
254 receives the IV end
244 of the cannula
242. As the IV shield
254 is rotated toward the IV end
244 of the cannula
242, the distal end
236 of the housing
232 engages the spherical shaped projections
270 with further rotation of the IV shield
254 causing disengagement of the housing
232 from the spherical shaped projections
270. The IV shield
254 is rotated until the needle catch
272 of the IV shield
254 engages the IV end
244 of the cannula
242, which prevents exposure of the IV end
244 of the cannula
242 after use.