Device and system for preventing fluid leakage and splashing in a catheter

Abstract

The tip shield can include a needle passage to receive the needle, a tip shield interior space to receive the needle guard, and a fluid restriction member. The fluid restriction member can be configured to restrict fluid leakage into and / or out of the needle tip shield. The fluid restriction member can be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance member disposed adjacent the needle passage that can impede fluid passage into the needle tip shield through the needle passage; (2) a fluid retention member that can retain fluid within the tip shield interior space; and (3) a splash guard that can prevent fluid splash when the needle guard is moved within the tip shield interior space from an open position to a closed position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to devices and systems that prevent fluid leakage and splatter in catheters. BACKGROUND

[0002] Catheters are commonly used for various infusion therapies. For example, catheters can be used to infuse fluids such as saline solutions, medications, total parenteral nutrition solutions, and the like, into a patient's body. Catheters can also be used to withdraw blood from a patient's body.

[0003] A common type of catheter is an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter ("PIVC"). Other common types of catheters include, but are not limited to, a peripheral puncture central catheter ("PICC"), a central venous catheter ("CVC"), and the like.

[0004] As the name implies, an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter can be installed over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The peripheral intravenous catheter and introducer needle can be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the peripheral intravenous catheter with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. The peripheral intravenous catheter and introducer needle are typically inserted through the skin at a shallow angle and into a blood vessel of the patient, such as an artery, vein, or other vasculature of the patient. Once the peripheral intravenous catheter has been properly placed within the blood vessel, the introducer needle can be withdrawn and the peripheral intravenous catheter can be secured within the blood vessel by securing the catheter adapter (coupled with the peripheral intravenous catheter) to the patient's skin with a dressing.

[0005] However, fluid leakage (e.g., blood, medication, saline solution, etc.) can occur during insertion of a catheter such as a PIVC. For example, blood leakage can occur during a Cathena (trademark) catheter insertion when the introducer needle is parked within the septum of the catheter adapter. In this configuration, blood can be able to leak out of the catheter adapter through a small space or gap formed between the septum and the introducer needle when the introducer needle is parked within the septum. This leaked blood can then flow into the needle tip shield through the needle channel of the needle tip shield. Once the blood has entered the needle tip shield, the blood can continue to leak out of the needle tip shield through the opening on the needle tip shield for receiving the V-clip safety mechanism. Furthermore, blood can splatter out of the opening when the V-clip is fired to trap the needle tip within the needle tip. Accordingly, improved devices, systems, and methods for limiting fluid splatter and leakage into and / or out of the needle tip shield would be desirable.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate one example technology area where some implementations described herein can be practiced. SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure relates generally to catheter devices and systems. In response to current state of the art, and in particular, in response to problems and needs in the art that have not been fully addressed by currently available catheter devices and systems for inhibiting fluid leakage and splatter during catheterization, various catheter devices and systems of the present disclosure have been developed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the needle tip shield can include a needle channel, a tip shield interior space, and a fluid restriction member. The needle channel can be formed through the needle tip shield and can receive the needle therethrough. The needle stopper can be received in the tip shield interior space, and the tip shield interior space can include an opening for insertion of the needle stopper into the tip shield interior space. The fluid restriction member can be configured to restrict fluid leakage into and / or out of the needle tip shield. The fluid restriction member can be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance member disposed adjacent to the needle channel and can prevent fluid from passing through the needle channel into the needle tip shield; (2) a fluid retention member that can retain fluid within the tip shield interior space; and (3) a splash guard member that can prevent fluid from splattering as the needle stopper moves within the tip shield interior space from an open position to a closed position.

[0009] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the option can include a fluid impedance member. In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member can include at least one of: a sponge, an absorbent plug, a foam, a wicking material, a hydrogel, a high viscosity silicone oil, an O-ring, a compliant septum, a membrane, a tip shield protrusion shaped to impede fluid from passing through the needle channel into the needle tip shield.

[0010] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the option can include a fluid retention member. In some embodiments, the fluid retention member can include at least one of: a cap disposed over the opening to retain fluid within the tip shield interior space, and an absorbent material disposed within the tip shield interior space to retain fluid within the tip shield interior space.

[0011] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the selection can include an anti-splash member. In some embodiments, the anti-splash member can include at least one of a dampening member and a shock absorbing material. In some embodiments, the needle stop can include a V-shaped clip movable between an open position and a closed position such that: (1) in the open position, the V-shaped clip allows the needle to advance distally through the needle passageway; (2) in the closed position, the V-shaped clip prevents the needle from advancing distally through the needle passageway; (3) the dampening member can be coupled to the V-shaped clip to slow movement of the V-shaped clip as it moves from the open position to the closed position; and (4) the shock absorbing material can be disposed within the tip shield interior space adjacent to the V-shaped clip to slow movement of the V-shaped clip as it moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0012] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the dampening member can include a viscoelastic material.

[0013] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the dampening member can further include a reinforcing member coupled to the viscoelastic material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the needle tip shield can prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield and can include a needle passageway and a fluid impedance member. The needle passageway can be formed through the needle tip shield and can receive the needle therethrough. The fluid impedance member can be disposed adjacent to the needle passageway and can prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield through the needle passageway.

[0015] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the fluid impedance member can include an absorbent material including at least one of a sponge, an absorbent plug, a foam, and a wicking material.

[0016] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the fluid impedance member can include a viscous material including at least one of a hydrogel and a high viscosity silicone oil.

[0017] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the fluid impedance member can include a compliant material including at least one of an O-ring and a compliant septum.

[0018] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the fluid impedance member can include a needle tip shield protrusion shaped to prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield.

[0019] In some embodiments, the needle tip shield can further include a recess adjacent to the needle passageway in which the fluid impedance member is received.

[0020] In some embodiments, the needle tip shield can further include a membrane coupled to the needle tip shield adjacent to the needle passageway that prevents fluid from entering the needle tip shield.

[0021] In some embodiments, a needle tip shield can retain fluid within the needle tip shield and can include a needle channel, a tip shield interior space, and a fluid retention member. The needle channel can be formed through the needle tip shield and can receive a needle therethrough. The needle stopper can be received in the tip shield interior space, and the tip shield interior space can include an opening for inserting the needle stopper into the tip shield interior space. The fluid retention member can retain fluid within the tip shield interior space.

[0022] In some embodiments of a needle tip shield, the fluid retention member can include a cap positioned over the opening to retain fluid within the tip shield interior space.

[0023] In some embodiments of a needle tip shield, the cap can include at least one of a band, a heat seal material, a film, and a plastic cap.

[0024] In some embodiments of a needle tip shield, the cap can be coupled to the needle tip shield by at least one of an adhesive, a snap feature, an interference feature, a heat seal material, a glue, and a sonic weld.

[0025] In some embodiments of a needle tip shield, the fluid retention member can include at least one of a sponge, a foam, an absorbent material, a wicking material, and a coagulating material.

[0026] In some embodiments of a needle tip shield, the fluid retention member can be positioned within the tip shield interior space.

[0027] In some embodiments of a needle tip shield, the fluid retention member can be coupled to the needle stopper.

[0028] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the embodiments of the disclosure claimed. It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It should also be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined or other embodiments can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure, unless such changes are expressly excluded. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail by the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an example catheter system utilizing a needle tip shield in accordance with some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 2A is Figure 1front perspective view of a needle tip shield of

[0032] Figure 2B a needle tip shield of Figure 2A

[0033] Figure 2C a needle tip shield of Figure 2A

[0034] Figure 3A a bottom perspective view of a needle tip shield of Figure 1

[0035] a needle tip shield of Figure 3B Figure 3A a bottom perspective view of a needle tip shield of

[0036] Figure 4 Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of a needle tip shield of

[0037] Figure 5A a perspective view of a v-shaped clip coupled with a dampening member

[0038] Figure 5B a v-shaped clip of Figure 5A

[0039] Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of a needle tip shield of Figure 1

[0040] It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the present disclosure and can not be to scale. Additionally, the drawings can illustrate example implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The exemplary implementations of this disclosure will be best understood by reference made to the drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views. It is readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the implementations of the apparatus and system, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of example implementations of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 1 ​​​​​​An exploded view of a catheter system 100 that can be used with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown in accordance with some embodiments. However, it should be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure can be used with any catheter system that is currently available in the art. The catheter system 100 can include a needle assembly 110, a needle tip shield 200, a catheter adapter body 130, and a catheter 140 coupled to a distal end of the catheter adapter body 130, wherein the needle assembly 110 includes a needle 150 coupled to a needle hub 160.

[0043] Figures 2A-2C Various views of the needle tip shield 200 are shown. Figure 1 Figure 2A is a front perspective view of the needle tip shield 200; Figure 1 Figure 2B is the needle tip shield 200 coupled with a fluid impedance member 400; Figure 2A is the needle tip shield 200 coupled with a membrane 500. Figure 2C Figure 2A

[0044] The needle tip shield 200 can include a needle channel 210 formed through the needle tip shield 200. The needle channel 210 can be configured to slidably receive the needle 150 therethrough. In some embodiments, the needle 150 can have a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of the needle channel 210 such that a small gap that can allow fluid to pass therethrough can exist between the needle 150 and the needle channel 210. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield 200 can also include a tip shield tab 240. In some embodiments, the tip shield tab 240 can encircle (or surround) the needle channel 210 and / or distally protrude away from the needle channel 210. In some embodiments, a recess 250 can be formed in the tip shield tab 240.

[0045] In some embodiments, a fluid impedance member 400 can be disposed adjacent to the needle channel 210. The fluid impedance member 400 can prevent / stop fluid from entering the needle tip shield 200 through the needle channel 210 by forming a seal around the needle 150. Preventing and / or reducing blood from flowing into the needle tip shield 200 can eliminate subsequent leakage of blood from the needle tip shield 200 and / or increase the length of time before blood leakage from the needle tip shield 200 occurs.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 can be placed within the recess 250 formed in the tip shield tab 240, as shown in Figure 2B

[0047] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 can include an absorbent material.

[0048] ​​​​​In some embodiments, the absorbent material can include, but is not limited to, a sponge, an absorbent plug, a foam, a wicking material (e.g., cellulose, gelatin, microspun web, PEG material, etc.), a coagulating material, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 can include a viscous material.

[0050] In some embodiments, the viscous material can include, but is not limited to, a hydrogel, a high viscosity silicone oil, etc.

[0051] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 can include a compliant material.

[0052] In some embodiments, the compliant material can include an O-ring, a compliant septum, etc.

[0053] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 can include a membrane 500 positioned distal to the needle channel 210. The membrane 500 can block / prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield 200.

[0054] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 can be coupled to the needle tip shield 200 adjacent to the needle channel.

[0055] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 can be coupled to the tip shield tab 240.

[0056] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 can be coupled to a distal end of the tip shield tab 240, as shown in Figure 2C

[0057] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 can include a needle hole (not shown) for receiving the needle 150 therethrough.

[0058] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 can include a penetrable membrane. In these embodiments, the needle 150 can penetrate the membrane 500 when the needle 150 is inserted through the needle tip shield 200.

[0059] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 (and / or the fluid impedance member 400) can be coupled to the needle tip shield 200 (and / or to the tip shield tab 240) by any suitable means including, but not limited to, an adhesive, a cement, a snap feature, an interference feature, a heat seal material, a sonic weld, etc.

[0060] In some embodiments, the tip shield tab 240 can be shaped to block fluid from entering the needle tip shield 200. For example, the tip shield tab 240 can include a shape similar to a tip shield tab of a Venflon (trademark) catheter (not shown) having a revolver pistol shaped tab design.

[0061] ​Figures 3A-4 FIG. 1 illustrates a needle tip shield 200 in combination with a fluid retention member that can retain fluid within the needle tip shield 200; Figure 1 FIG. 2 illustrates various views of a needle tip shield 200 in combination with a fluid retention member that includes a cap 600. Specifically, Figure 3A FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a needle tip shield 200 in combination with a fluid retention member that includes a cap 600; Figure 1 FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a needle tip shield 200 in combination with a fluid retention member that includes a cap 600; Figure 3B FIG. 5 illustrates a needle tip shield 200 in combination with a fluid retention member that includes a cap 600 coupled to the needle tip shield 200; and Figure 3A FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a needle tip shield 200 in combination with a fluid retention member that includes a cap 600 coupled to the needle tip shield 200. Figure 4 Figure 1 The needle tip shield 200 can include a tip shield interior space 220 configured to receive a needle guard, such as a V-clip 300 (as one non-limiting example), therein. The tip shield interior space 220 can also include an opening 230 for inserting the V-clip 300 into the tip shield interior space 220.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fluid retention member includes a cap 600. The cap 600 can be placed over the opening 230 to retain fluid within the tip shield interior space 220, as shown in

[0063] In some embodiments, the cap 600 can include any suitable material, including but not limited to a band, a heat seal material, a film, a plastic cap, and the like. Figure 3B

[0064] In some embodiments, the cap 600 can be coupled to the needle tip shield 200 over the opening 230 by any suitable means, including but not limited to an adhesive, a glue, a snap feature, an interference feature, a heat seal material, a sonic weld, and the like.

[0065] In some embodiments, the fluid retention member can include an absorbent material.

[0066] In some embodiments, a first absorbent material 710 can be coupled to the V-clip 300 or other needle guard, as shown in

[0067] In some embodiments, the first absorbent material 710 can be coupled to a surface 310 of the V-clip 300 adjacent to the needle 150. In this manner, the first absorbent material 710 can absorb fluid from the needle 150 as the needle 150 slides through the first absorbent material 710. Figure 4

[0068] In some embodiments, a second absorbent material 720 can be placed within the tip shield interior space 220 and / or coupled to the needle tip shield 200, as shown in

[0069] In some embodiments, the second absorbent material 720 can be placed within the tip shield interior space 220 and / or coupled to the needle tip shield 200, as shown in Figure 4 ​​​The second absorbent material 720 can absorb fluid within the tip shield interior space 220 that would otherwise come into contact with the second absorbent material 720 in this way. However, it will also be appreciated that any number of absorbent materials can be placed within the tip shield interior space 220 and / or coupled to any portion of the needle tip shield 200 and / or the v-clip 300 to help retain fluid within the needle tip shield 200.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first absorbent material 710 and / or the second absorbent material 720 can each comprise any suitable material including, but not limited to, a sponge, a foam, a wicking material (e.g., cellulose, gelatin, micro-weave mesh, PEG material, etc.), a coagulation material, etc.

[0071] Figure 5A and 5B the v-clip 300 coupled to and detached from the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 1 FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of the v-clip 300 of FIG. 1 1 with the dampening member 800 coupled to the v-clip 300, while Figure 5A is a perspective view of the v-clip 300 of FIG. 1 1 with the dampening member 800 coupled to the v-clip 300, while Figure 5B is a perspective view of the v-clip 300 of FIG. 1 1 with the dampening member 800 coupled to the v-clip 300, while Figure 5A is a perspective view of the v-clip 300 of FIG. 1 1 with the dampening member 800 coupled to the v-clip 300, while

[0072] By slowing the firing speed of the v-clip 300 as it is fired, each of these v-clip 300 designs can suppress fluid splash as the v-clip 300 "fires" or "snaps closed" within the tip shield interior space 220. For example, the v-clip 300 can move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the v-clip 300 can allow the needle 150 to advance distally through the needle channel 210. In the closed position, the v-clip 300 can prevent the needle 150 from advancing distally through the needle channel 210. Thus, in the closed position, the v-clip 300 can act as a safety mechanism to trap the tip of the needle 150 within the needle tip shield 200. When the needle 150 is pulled proximally enough to allow the v-clip 300 (which can be elastic) to fire and move toward the closed position, the v-clip 300 can fire to the closed position.

[0073] In some embodiments, the splash guard member includes a dampening member 800 coupled to the v-clip 300, as shown in Figure 5A so as to slow its movement as the v-clip 300 moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0074] In some embodiments, the dampening member 800 includes a viscoelastic material that can be used to slow the movement of the V-clip 300 as it moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0075] In some embodiments, the anti-splatter member includes the dampening member 800 that incorporates a stiffening member 900 that can be coupled to the dampening member 800 to form a constrained layer dampening member.

[0076] In some embodiments, the stiffening member 900 can be used to increase the viscoelastic force that can be associated with the viscoelastic material in order to further slow the movement of the V-clip 300 as it moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0077] In some embodiments, the stiffening member 900 can include any suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, tape, fabric, etc.

[0078] In some embodiments, the dampening member 800 and / or the stiffening member 900 can be coupled to the V-clip 300 and / or to each other by any suitable means including, but not limited to, adhesive, glue, snap features, interference features, heat sealing material, sonic welding, etc.

[0079] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a needle tip end shield 200 is shown with an anti-splatter member placed within the tip shield interior space 220. Figure 1

[0080] In some embodiments, the anti-splatter member can include a shock absorbing material 1000 that is placed adjacent to the V-clip 300. The shock absorbing material 1000 can be used to slow the movement of the V-clip 300 as it moves from the open position to the closed position and to prevent / reduce fluid splatter.

[0081] In some embodiments, the shock absorbing material 1000 can include any suitable material including, but not limited to, foam, sponge, absorbent material, wicking material (e.g., cellulose, gelatin, micro-weave mesh, PEG material, etc.), coagulation material, etc.

[0082] ​It will be appreciated that any / all of the fluid restriction members described herein can be used individually and / or in combination with any / all of the other fluid restriction members described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the needle tip shield 200 can generally include one or more of the fluid restriction members described herein, each of which can be configured to restrict fluid splashing and / or fluid leakage into and / or out of the needle tip shield 200. In some embodiments, the fluid restriction member can be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance member disposed adjacent to the needle passage 210 that impedes fluid from passing through the needle passage 210 into the needle tip shield 200 (e.g., see Figures 2A-2C ); (2) a fluid retention member that retains fluid within the tip shield interior space 220 (e.g., see Figures 3A-4 ); and (3) an anti-splashing member that inhibits fluid splashing as the V-clip 300 or needle stop moves within the tip shield interior space 220 from an open position to a closed position (e.g., see Figures 5A-6 ).

[0083] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or

[0084] Similarly, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise expressly stated, is intended to be interpreted in accordance with the philosophy of this disclosure. That is, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited to the exact features or embodiments

[0085] The recitation of "first" with regard to a feature or element in a claim does not necessarily implicate the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in "means-plus-function" format are intended to meet the format requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the essential scope of the disclosure.

[0086] Standard medical orientations, reference planes, and descriptive terminology are employed in this specification. For example, anterior refers to toward the front of the body. Posterior refers to toward the back of the body. Superior refers to toward the head. Inferior refers to toward the feet. Medial refers to toward the midline of the body. Lateral refers to away from the midline of the body. Axial refers to toward the central axis of the body. Abaxial refers to away from the central axis of the body. Ipsilateral refers to on the same side of the body. Contralateral refers to on the opposite side of the body. The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions. The midsagittal plane divides the body into left and right halves that are mirror images of one another. The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions. These descriptive terms can be applied to living or non-living bodies.

[0087] The phrases “connected to,” “coupled to,” “engaged with,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components can be functionally coupled to one another even though they do not directly contact one another. The term “abutting” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with one another, although the items need not necessarily be attached together. The phrase “fluid communication” means that two features are connected such that fluid within one feature can pass into the other feature.

[0088] As defined herein, “substantially equal to” means “equal to” or within about a 10% relative deviation of one another.

[0089] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0090] While specific embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the scope of the appended claims is not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations which will be obvious to those skilled in the art can be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the devices and systems disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the following claims.

[0091] All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended to be construed to cover all processes, products, and compositions of matter similar to those products and that can come within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents, and without limitation. While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A needle tip shield, comprising: a needle channel formed through the needle tip shield for receiving a needle therethrough; a tip shield interior space in which a needle stopper is received, wherein the needle stopper comprises a V-clip, the tip shield interior space comprises an opening for inserting the needle stopper into the tip shield interior space; and a fluid restriction member configured to restrict fluid leakage into and / or out of the needle tip shield, wherein the fluid restriction member comprises a splash guard member that prevents fluid splashing when the needle stopper is moved within the tip shield interior space from an open position to a closed position, wherein the splash guard member comprises a dampening member and a stiffening member coupled to an inner surface of a V-shaped portion of the V-clip, wherein the dampening member is disposed between the stiffening member and the V-clip.

2. The needle tip shield of claim 1, wherein: the V-clip is movable between the open position and the closed position such that: in the open position, the V-clip allows a needle to advance distally through the needle channel; in the closed position, the V-clip prevents the needle from advancing distally through the needle channel; and the dampening member is coupled to the V-clip to slow movement of the V-clip when it is moved from the open position to the closed position.

3. The tip end shield of claim 1, wherein, the dampening member comprises a viscoelastic material.

4. The tip end shield of claim 3, wherein, the stiffening member is coupled to the viscoelastic material.

5. The needle tip shield of claim 1, further comprising: a tip shield tab surrounding the needle channel and having a cylindrical recess formed therein; and a fluid resistance member disposed adjacent to the needle channel and blocking fluid from entering the needle tip shield through the needle channel, wherein the fluid resistance member is placed within the cylindrical recess formed in the tip shield tab, wherein the fluid resistance member comprises an absorbent material; and a needle slidably disposed within the needle channel, wherein the absorbent material contacts an entire outer circumference of the needle to block fluid from entering the needle tip shield through the needle channel, wherein a distal end of the needle tip shield is configured to be coupled to a catheter adapter body.

6. The needle tip shield of claim 1, further comprising: a fluid retention member that retains fluid within the tip shield interior space, wherein the fluid retention member comprises at least one of: a sponge; a foam; and a coagulating material, wherein the fluid retention member is placed within the tip shield interior space.

7. The needle tip shield of claim 6, further comprising a cover comprising at least one of: a band; a heat-seal material; a film; and a plastic cover.

8. The needle tip shield of claim 6, further comprising a cover coupled to the needle tip shield by at least one of: snap feature; interference feature; heat seal material; adhesive; and sonic welding.

9. The tip end shield of claim 6, wherein, The fluid retention member is coupled to the needle guard.

10. The needle tip shield of claim 1, further comprising: a fluid retention member that retains fluid within the tip shield interior space, wherein the fluid retention member comprises an absorbent material; wherein the fluid retention member is disposed within the tip shield interior space.

11. The needle tip shield of claim 1, further comprising: a fluid retention member that retains fluid within the tip shield interior space, wherein the fluid retention member comprises a wicking material; wherein the fluid retention member is disposed within the tip shield interior space.

12. The needle tip shield of claim 6, further comprising a cap coupled to the needle tip shield by an adhesive.

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