Needle removal and recap assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an instrument cap removal device comprising: a housing comprising a first end, a second end, a lumen configured to receive at least a portion of an instrument cap, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a plurality of clamping elements positioned within the inner cavity, wherein the plurality of clamping elements are releasably engageable with each other to limit axial movement of the instrument cap within the housing. The present disclosure also relates to a syringe cap removal device and a method of removing a cap from an instrument.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods of use for safely removing and replacing needle caps on syringes or other injection devices, as well as devices and methods of use for improving the recycling and / or reuse of medical device components. Background Art

[0002] Syringes, injection devices, and other instruments with needles or sharp edges are used in various clinical or healthcare settings. Such instruments typically include a cap or shield that is placed over the needle or sharp edge when the instrument is stored or prepared for use. When the instrument is used in a specific procedure, the clinician or healthcare worker typically removes the cap or shield to expose the needle or sharp edge for use. Once use of the instrument is complete, the cap or shield is typically re-engaged to the instrument to cover the needle or sharp edge and prevent accidental needle sticks or cuts and / or prepare for disposal of the instrument. The possibility of accidental needle sticks or cuts is highest during the manual removal and replacement of the needle cap or cover. The present disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods of use thereof for safely removing and replacing caps covering instruments with sharp edges or needles.

[0003] The present disclosure also provides devices and methods of using the same for improving the reuse and / or recycling of medical device components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides an instrument cap removal device comprising a housing including a first end, a second end, an interior cavity, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the interior cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of an instrument cap. The instrument cap removal device may include a plurality of clamping elements positioned within the interior cavity, wherein the plurality of clamping elements can releasably engage with each other to restrict axial movement of the instrument cap within the housing.

[0005] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plurality of gripping elements are movable relative to each other along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0006] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plurality of clamping elements are magnetically engageable with one another.

[0007] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plurality of clamping elements can include a first semi-cylindrical body magnetically engageable with a second semi-cylindrical body.

[0008] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a plurality of clamping elements can be biased toward engagement with each other.

[0009] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each of the plurality of gripping elements can include a locking element that engages a surface of the instrument cap to restrict axial movement thereof within the housing.

[0010] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking element can include a ramped surface.

[0011] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking element can include a surface that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis opposite the ramp surface.

[0012] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the housing may include one or more retention tabs that limit axial movement of the plurality of clamping elements in the housing.

[0013] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the housing may include one or more release elements operable to release engagement between the plurality of clamping elements.

[0014] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more separation elements can include a depressible tab deflectable inwardly toward the lumen.

[0015] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the depressible tab can comprise a portion of a sidewall of the housing that is movable about a living hinge.

[0016] According to non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the present disclosure provides a syringe cap removal device, comprising a housing, the housing comprising: a first end, a second end, an inner cavity, one or more separation elements that can be deflected inwardly toward the inner cavity, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The device may include a first clamping element positioned in the inner cavity; and a second clamping element positioned in the inner cavity. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second clamping element may be magnetically engaged with the first clamping element. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first clamping element and the second clamping element may move relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first clamping element and the second clamping element may be configured to receive the syringe cap between the first clamping element and the second clamping element to limit the axial movement of the syringe cap.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first clamping element and the second clamping element can each include a locking element that engages a surface of the syringe cap to restrict axial movement thereof.

[0018] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the housing may include one or more retention tabs that limit axial movement of the plurality of clamping elements in the housing.

[0019] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the one or more decoupling elements may include two decoupling elements that are circumferentially offset by 180° and operable to release the engagement between the first clamping element and the second clamping element.

[0020] According to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for removing a cap from an instrument, comprising: inserting an instrument with a cap into an instrument cap removal device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein inserting the instrument includes positioning the cap between a plurality of clamping elements; limiting the axial movement of the cap with the plurality of clamping elements; and removing the instrument from the instrument cap removal device so that the cap remains in the instrument cap removal device.

[0021] Additional examples of the present disclosure will now be described in the following numbered clauses.

[0022] Item 1: An instrument cap removal device comprising: a housing including a first end, a second end, an inner cavity, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the inner cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of an instrument cap; and a plurality of clamping elements positioned within the inner cavity, wherein the plurality of clamping elements are capable of releasably engaging with each other to limit axial movement of the instrument cap within the housing.

[0023] Clause 2: The system of clause 1, wherein the plurality of gripping elements are movable relative to each other along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] Clause 3: The system of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the plurality of clamping elements are magnetically engageable with one another.

[0025] Clause 4: The system of clause 3, wherein the plurality of gripping elements comprises a first semi-cylindrical body magnetically engageable with a second semi-cylindrical body.

[0026] Clause 5: The system of any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of gripping elements are biased toward engagement with each other.

[0027] Clause 6: The system of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein each of the plurality of gripping elements comprises a locking element that engages a surface of an instrument cap to limit axial movement of the instrument cap within the housing.

[0028] Clause 7: The system of clause 6, wherein the locking element comprises a ramped surface.

[0029] Clause 8: The system of clause 7, wherein the locking element includes a surface opposite the ramp surface that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0030] Clause 9: The system of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the housing includes one or more retention tabs that limit axial movement of the plurality of clamping elements within the housing.

[0031] Clause 10: The system of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the housing comprises one or more release elements operable to release the engagement between the plurality of gripping elements.

[0032] Clause 11: The system of clause 10, wherein the one or more separation elements comprise depressible tabs deflectable inwardly toward the lumen.

[0033] Clause 12: The system of clause 11, wherein the depressible tab comprises a portion of a sidewall of the housing that is movable about a living hinge.

[0034] Item 13: A syringe cap removal device comprising: a housing, a first clamping element and a second clamping element, the housing comprising: a first end, a second end, an inner cavity, one or more separation elements, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, the separation element being capable of deflecting inwardly toward the inner cavity, the first clamping element being positioned in the inner cavity, the second clamping element being positioned in the inner cavity, wherein the second clamping element being capable of magnetically engaging with the first clamping element, wherein the first clamping element and the second clamping element are capable of moving relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first clamping element and the second clamping element are configured to receive the syringe cap between the first clamping element and the second clamping element to limit axial movement of the syringe cap.

[0035] Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein the first and second clamping elements each comprise a locking element that engages a surface of the syringe cap to limit axial movement of the syringe cap.

[0036] Clause 15: The system of clause 13 or 14, wherein the housing includes one or more retention tabs that limit axial movement of the first and second clamping elements within the housing.

[0037] Clause 16: The system of any of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the one or more decoupling elements comprise two decoupling elements that are circumferentially offset by 180° and are operable to release engagement between the first clamping element and the second clamping element.

[0038] Item 17: A method of removing a cap from an instrument, comprising: inserting an instrument with a cap into the instrument cap removal device of any one of items 1 to 16, wherein inserting the instrument includes positioning the cap between a plurality of clamping elements; limiting the axial movement of the cap with the plurality of clamping elements; and removing the instrument from the instrument cap removal device so that the cap remains in the instrument cap removal device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure and their implementation will become more apparent, and the present disclosure itself will also be better understood by referring to the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a cap removal assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 a partial exploded assembly view of the cap removal assembly;

[0042] Figure 3 for Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a housing of the cap removal assembly;

[0043] Figure 4 for Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the cap removal assembly;

[0044] Figure 5 To connect to Figure 1 a side view of the syringe with the cap removed;

[0045] Figure 6 To connect to Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of a syringe with a cap removal assembly;

[0046] Figure 7 To connect to Figure 5 another cross-sectional view of the syringe with the cap removed;

[0047] Figure 8 for Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a syringe cap within a cap removal assembly;

[0048] Figure 9 To connect to Figure 1 a perspective view of a syringe with the cap removed;

[0049] Figure 10 To connect to Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of a syringe with a cap removal assembly; and

[0050] Figure 11 To connect to Figure 9Another cross-sectional view of the syringe with the cap removed assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for implementing the present invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives will remain apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0052] For the purposes of the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and their derivatives shall relate to the concepts as they are oriented in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative variations unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0053] The words "comprise" and "include" etc. do not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in any claim or the entire specification. In this specification, "comprise" means "include", and "include" means "including".

[0054] As used herein, "at least one" is synonymous with "one or more." For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, or C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.

[0055] The term "at least" is synonymous with "greater than or equal to." The terms "first," "second," and the like are not intended to denote any particular order or sequence, but rather to refer to distinct conditions, properties, or elements. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0056] All numbers used in the specification and claims should be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." "About" means within plus or minus 25 percent of the recited value. However, this should not be considered a limitation of any analysis of values ​​under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0057] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein should be understood to encompass the starting and ending values ​​and any and all subranges or subratios contained therein. For example, a recited range or ratio of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios starting with a minimum of 1 or greater and ending with a maximum of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent averages of the specified ranges and / or ratios.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , Figures 1 to 4 A cap removal device, generally designated 10, is shown operable to safely and securely remove and / or replace a cap on a needle, syringe, and / or other sharp instrument or device. The cap removal device 10 may include or define a housing 12 defining or including a first end 14, a second end 16 opposite the first end 14, and an interior cavity 18 extending at least partially between the first end 14 and the second end 16. A longitudinal axis A1 may extend from the first end 14 to the second end 16 in a direction through the housing 12.

[0059] The housing 12 may include or define an opening 20 at or near the first end 14, providing access to the interior cavity 18. The housing 12 may include or define one or more retention tabs 22 extending at least partially into the opening 20 from a rim or circumference surrounding a portion of the first end 14 of the housing 12. The one or more retention tabs 22 may be circumferentially spaced apart and / or radially offset from one another around the housing 12. In one non-limiting example, the one or more retention tabs 22 may include two tabs spaced 180° apart from one another. In another non-limiting example, the one or more retention tabs 22 may be equally spaced apart from one another around the perimeter or circumference of the housing 12.

[0060] The housing 12 may include or define one or more separation elements 24 coupled to and / or defined by a sidewall of the housing 12. The one or more separation elements 24 may be pressed and / or at least partially moved into the interior cavity 18 in a direction substantially perpendicular and / or transverse to the longitudinal axis. In one non-limiting example, the separation element may include or define a portion of a sidewall of the housing 12, the portion of the sidewall of the housing 12 forming or including a living hinge such that a portion of the one or more separation elements 24 may be deflected inwardly into the interior cavity 18. The one or more separation elements 24 may be movable or deflected from a first position, in which at least a portion of the one or more separation elements 24 is substantially aligned with and / or parallel to an outer surface or perimeter of the housing 12, to a second position, in which at least a portion of the one or more separation elements 24 is angled and / or non-parallel relative to the outer surface or perimeter of the housing 12. The one or more separation elements 24 may be biased toward the first position.

[0061] The one or more separation elements 24 may be circumferentially spaced and / or radially offset around the housing 12. In one non-limiting example, the one or more separation elements 24 may include two retaining elements spaced 180° apart from each other. In another non-limiting example, the one or more separation elements 24 may be equally spaced from each other around the perimeter or circumference of the housing 12.

[0062] As described herein, the housing 12 is sized and shaped to accommodate or receive a cap for a needle, syringe, infuser, or other sharp-edged instrument. In one non-limiting example, the housing 12 can have a substantially cylindrical shape. Alternatively, other polygonal shapes or cross-sectional profiles can be implemented to provide the features and functionality disclosed herein.

[0063] The housing 12 can be constructed of sufficiently durable materials to provide the features and functionality disclosed herein, such materials including polymers, metals, and / or combinations or composites thereof. The housing 12 can include one or more anchors, fasteners, or other components to enable the housing 12 to be attached or secured to a surface in a patient environment or clinical setting. Additionally and / or alternatively, the housing 12 can include one or more gripping or holding features that enable or facilitate handheld use.

[0064] The cap removal device 10 may include one or more gripping elements 26 that are at least partially positioned within the interior cavity 18 of the housing and are operable to restrict, retain, and / or otherwise capture a cap of a needle, syringe, or other device described herein. The gripping elements 26 may be sized and shaped to be at least partially positioned within the interior cavity 18 of the housing. The one or more gripping elements 26 may be supported by, connected to, or otherwise engaged with at least a portion of the housing 12 to maintain a desired position of the one or more gripping elements 26. In one non-limiting example, the housing 12 may include or define a shelf 28 to support the axial position of the one or more gripping elements 26 within the housing 12.

[0065] The one or more gripping elements 26 are releasably engaged with one another. The one or more gripping elements 26 can be moved within the housing 12 from a first position, in which the one or more gripping elements 26 are engaged, coupled, or otherwise in contact with one another, to a second position, in which the one or more gripping elements 26 are disengaged, separated, or otherwise spaced apart from one another. The movement of the one or more gripping elements 26 from the first position to the second position can be along an axis that is substantially transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the device 10.

[0066] One or more clamping elements 26 can be biased toward the first engaged position so that an external force or actuation is required to transition the one or more clamping elements 26 to the second disengaged position. When the external force or actuation is removed or released, the one or more clamping elements 26 can automatically return to the first position from the second position. In one non-limiting example, the one or more clamping elements 26 can be magnetized or otherwise magnetically attracted to each other. In another example, a resilient member, such as a spring, an elastic band, etc. can be coupled to the one or more clamping elements 26 and / or integrally formed with the one or more clamping elements 26 to provide the biased positioning and features disclosed herein.

[0067] In one non-limiting example, the one or more clamping elements 26 include a pair of clamping elements. In another example, more than two clamping elements can be implemented. The one or more clamping elements 26 can each include or define a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, such that when the one or more clamping elements 26 are engaged with each other, a substantially cylindrical body is formed, which can receive at least a portion of a cap of a needle, syringe, or other device therein. The one or more clamping elements can be aligned or oriented concentrically and / or coaxially relative to the housing 12.

[0068] Some and / or all of the gripping elements 26 may include or define one or more locking elements 30 configured and / or operable to engage, abut, or contact the cap of a needle, syringe, infuser, or other sharp-edged instrument, as described herein, to restrict movement of the cap while within the lumen 18 of the housing 12. In one example, the one or more locking elements 30 may each include a protrusion or other surface extending radially and / or transversely to the longitudinal axis inwardly toward the lumen 18 of the housing 12. The locking elements 30 may include or define a substantially planar surface 30a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1, wherein the substantially planar surface faces or is oriented downwardly and / or in the direction of the second end 16 of the housing 12. The locking elements 30 may include a ramp or angled surface 30b opposite the planar surface 30. The ramp or angled surface 30b may face upwardly and / or be oriented toward the first end 14 of the housing 12.

[0069] The one or more locking elements 30 may be positioned on or around the clamping element 26 such that the locking element 30 is adjacent to or proximate to the opening 20 and / or the first end 14 of the housing 12. The one or more locking elements 30 may be radially or circumferentially spaced around the periphery or edge of the clamping element 26. In one non-limiting example, the one or more locking elements 30 may include two locking elements spaced 180° apart from each other, with one locking element positioned to, extending from, and / or otherwise coupled to each clamping element. In another non-limiting example, the one or more locking elements 30 may be equally spaced from each other around the periphery or circumference of the clamping element 26 and / or the housing 12.

[0070] In a non-limiting example of use, the cap removal device 10 can be used to remove and replace the cap of a needle, syringe or other sharp instrument. Initially, the cap removal device 10 can be configured or positioned so that the gripping element 26 is positioned such that Figure 1 The cap removal device 10 may be anchored or attached to a table or other surface in a clinical setting, or may be handheld for use.

[0071] Reference Figures 5 and 6An instrument 40 with a cap 42 can be at least partially inserted into the interior 18 of the housing 12 through the opening 20 in the first end 14 and between the clamping elements 26. In the illustrated example, the instrument 40 comprises a syringe having a barrel 44, a plunger 46, and a needle 48, but other instruments can also be used and benefit from the features disclosed herein. In one example, the cap 42 can include a rigid outer shield 42a and an inner needle shield 42b. However, using the structures, components, and features disclosed herein, single-piece caps and / or other multi-part cap configurations can be removable and replaceable. Inserting the cap 42 into the housing 12 disengages the clamping elements 26 from each other and transitions the clamping elements 26 to the second position. Separation or disengagement of the clamping elements 26 by inserting the cap 42 can be facilitated, at least in part, by the inclined surface 30b of the locking element 30 on the clamping element, which contacts the inclined surface 30b of the locking element 30 during insertion. Alternatively, a tapered or angled surface of the cap 42 itself can force the clamping elements 26 to separate.

[0072] Reference Figure 7 , when the instrument 40 and the cap 42 are inserted into the lumen 18 between the clamping elements 26 to a sufficient depth and / or move toward the second end 16 and past the locking element 30, the clamping element 26 can move back to the first engaged position due to its biased configuration. In this first position, the locking element 30 moves radially inward to axially restrict the removal or movement of the cap 42 within the housing 12. In one example, the substantially planar surface 30a of the locking element 30 abuts, engages, or otherwise contacts the rim, flange, perimeter, recess, or other portion 42c of the cap to prevent the cap 42 from axial movement and removal from the housing 12. In addition and / or as an alternative to the interaction between the locking element 30 and the cap 42, the clamping element 26 can provide lateral pressure or a clamping force on the cap 42 to restrict its movement or removal.

[0073] Reference Figure 8 , the instrument 40 can be axially removed from the cap removal device 10 while the gripping elements 26 prevent the cap 42 from leaving the housing 12, thereby removing the cap 42 from the instrument 40. When the instrument 40 is removed while the gripping elements 26 are engaged with the cap 42, the retention tabs 22 prevent the gripping elements 26 from being removed from the housing. As the instrument 40 is removed from the cap removal device 10, the cap 42 remains in the lumen 18 and between the gripping elements 26.

[0074] Reference Figures 9 and 10To replace the cap 42 onto the instrument 40, the instrument 40 can be reinserted through the opening 20 at the first end 14 of the housing to engage the cap to the instrument 40 by a friction fit, snap fit, fit, etc., which can engage the cap 42 to the instrument 40 before removal. Once the instrument 40 has been reengaged with the cap 42, the separation element 24 can be actuated to disengage the clamping elements 26 from each other and transition to the second position. In one example, the separation element 24 can be actuated by pressing or deflecting the outer surface of the housing 12 so that a portion of the separation element 24 wedges into the seam or joint between the clamping elements 26 to space the clamping elements 26 apart from each other.

[0075] Reference Figure 11 Once the separation element 24 has been actuated to transition the clamping element 26 to the second disengaged position, the instrument 40 with the attached cap 42 can be axially removed from the cap removal device 10 without the locking element 30 and / or the clamping element 26 restricting or preventing the cap 42 from being removed from the housing 12.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is not limited to what is specifically shown and described above. In addition, unless mentioned to the contrary above, it should be noted that all figures are not drawn to scale. It is worth noting that in the accompanying drawings, system components are represented by conventional symbols where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure due to details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In addition, although certain embodiments or drawings described herein may illustrate features that are not explicitly indicated in other drawings or embodiments, it should be understood that the features and components of the examples disclosed herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may be included in various different combinations or configurations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In accordance with the above teachings, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An instrument cap removal device comprising: a housing comprising a first end, a second end, an interior cavity, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the interior cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of an instrument cap; and A plurality of gripping elements are positioned within the interior cavity, wherein the plurality of gripping elements are releasably engageable with one another to restrict axial movement of the instrument cap within the housing.

2. The instrument cap removal device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of clamping elements are movable relative to each other along axes transverse to the longitudinal axis.

3. The instrument cap removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plurality of clamping elements are magnetically engageable with one another.

4. The instrument cap removal device according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of clamping elements includes a first semi-cylindrical body magnetically engageable with a second semi-cylindrical body.

5. The instrument cap removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plurality of clamping elements are biased toward engagement with each other.

6. The instrument cap removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each of the plurality of gripping elements includes a locking element that engages a surface of an instrument cap to limit axial movement of the instrument cap within the housing.

7. The instrument cap removal device according to claim 6, wherein: The locking element includes a ramp surface.

8. The instrument cap removal device according to claim 7, wherein: The locking element includes a surface opposite the ramp surface that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

9. The instrument cap removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The housing includes one or more retention tabs that limit axial movement of the plurality of clamping elements within the housing.

10. The instrument cap removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The housing includes one or more release elements operable to release engagement between the plurality of clamping elements.

11. The instrument cap removal device according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more separation elements include a depressible tab deflectable inwardly toward the lumen.

12. The instrument cap removal device according to claim 11, wherein: The depressible tab comprises a portion of a side wall of the housing that is movable about a living hinge.

13. A syringe cap removal device comprising: A housing, comprising: The first end, The second end, Inner cavity, one or more separation elements deflectable inwardly toward the lumen, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a first clamping element positioned within the inner cavity; and a second clamping element positioned within the inner cavity, wherein the second clamping element is magnetically engageable with the first clamping element, wherein the first clamping element and the second clamping element are movable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and The first clamping element and the second clamping element are configured to receive the syringe cap between the first clamping element and the second clamping element to limit axial movement of the syringe cap.

14. The syringe cap removal device according to claim 13, wherein: The first and second clamping elements each include a locking element that engages a surface of the syringe cap to limit axial movement of the syringe cap.

15. The syringe cap removal device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The housing includes one or more retention tabs that limit axial movement of the first clamping element and the second clamping element within the housing.

16. The syringe cap removal device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the one or more separation elements comprise two separation elements that are circumferentially offset by 180° and are operable to release the engagement between the first clamping element and the second clamping element.

17. A method of removing a cap from an instrument, comprising: inserting an instrument with a cap into an instrument cap removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein inserting the instrument comprises positioning the cap between a plurality of clamping elements; limiting axial movement of the cap with the plurality of gripping elements; and The instrument is removed from the instrument cap removal device such that the cap remains in the instrument cap removal device.

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