Leak and splash control for catheter devices and systems

Abstract

The needle tip shield includes a needle passage formed through the needle tip shield for receiving a needle therethrough, a tip shield interior space for receiving a needle block therein, and a fluid restricting member. The fluid restricting member may be configured to limit fluid leakage into and / or from the needle tip shield. The fluid restricting member may be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance member disposed adjacent to the needle passage that prevents fluid from entering the needle tip shield through the needle passage; (2) a fluid retaining member that retains fluid within the tip shield interior space; and (3) a splash prevention member that inhibits splashing of fluid when the needle block moves from an open position to a closed position within the tip shield interior space.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to catheter devices and systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters may be used to infuse fluids, such as saline, medications, total parenteral nutrition, etc. into a patient. Catheters may also be used to withdraw blood from a patient.

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

[0004] As the name suggests, an over-the-needle PIVC may be fitted over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The PIVC and introducer needle may be assembled such that the distal tip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of the PIVC with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. The PIVC and introducer needle are typically inserted at a shallow angle through the skin and into the patient's blood vessel, such as an artery, vein, or other vascular system of the patient. Once the PIVC is properly positioned within the vessel, the introducer needle is withdrawn and the PIVC may be secured within the vessel by securing the catheter adapter (coupled to the PIVC) to the patient's skin with a bandage.

[0005] However, during insertion of a catheter such as a PIVC, fluid leakage (e.g., blood, medication, saline, etc.) may occur. For example, blood leakage may occur during insertion of a Catena™ while the introducer needle is secured within the septum of the catheter adapter. In this configuration, while the introducer needle is secured within the septum, blood may be able to leak out of the catheter adapter through a small space or gap formed between the septum and the introducer needle. This leaked blood may then flow through the needle passage in the needle tip shield and into the needle tip shield. Once blood enters the needle tip shield, it may then proceed to leak out of the needle tip shield through an opening in the needle tip shield that receives the V-clip safety mechanism. Additionally, when the V-clip fires to trap the needle tip within the needle tip, blood may splash out of the opening. Thus, improved devices, systems, and methods for limiting fluid splash and leakage into and / or out of the needle tip shield would be desirable.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in certain environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate one example technology area in which some of the embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0008] In some embodiments, the needle tip shield may include a needle passage, a tip shield interior space, and a fluid restricting member. The needle passage may be formed through the needle tip shield and may receive a needle therethrough. The tip shield interior space may receive a needle block therein, and the tip shield interior space may include an opening for inserting the needle block into the tip shield interior space. The fluid restricting member may be configured to restrict fluid leakage into and / or from the needle tip shield. The fluid restricting member may be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance member disposed adjacent the needle passage that may prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield through the needle passage, (2) a fluid retaining member that may retain fluid within the tip shield interior space, and (3) a splash prevention member that may inhibit splashing of fluid when the needle block moves from an open position to a closed position within the tip shield interior space.

[0009] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the selection may include a fluid impedance member, which in some embodiments may include at least one of a sponge, an absorbent plug, a foam, a wicking material, a hydrogel, a high viscosity silicone lube, an O-ring, a conformable septum, a membrane, and a tip shield nose shaped to prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield through the needle passageway.

[0010] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the selection may include a fluid retention member, in some embodiments, the fluid retention member may include at least one of a cover 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 may include a shatterproof member. In some embodiments, the shatterproof member may include at least one of a damping member and a shock absorbing material. In some embodiments, the needle block may include a V-clip movable between an open position and a closed position, such as: (1) in an open position, the V-clip allows the needle to advance distally through the needle passage; (2) in a closed position, the V-clip prevents the needle from advancing distally through the needle passage; (3) a damping member may be coupled to the V-clip to slow movement of the V-clip as the V-clip moves from the open position to the closed position; and (4) a shock absorbing material may be disposed within the tip shield interior space adjacent the V-clip to slow movement of the V-clip as the V-clip moves from the open position to the closed position.

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

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

[0014] In some embodiments, the needle tip shield may prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield and may include a needle passageway and a fluid impedance member. The needle passageway may be formed through the needle tip shield and may receive the needle therethrough. The fluid impedance member may be disposed adjacent to the needle passageway and may 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 may 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 may include a viscous material including at least one of a hydrogel and a high viscosity silicone lube.

[0017] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the fluid impedance member may 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 may include a tip shield nose that is shaped to prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield.

[0019] In some embodiments, the needle tip shield may further include a recess adjacent the needle passageway for receiving the fluid impedance member therein.

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

[0021] In some embodiments, the needle tip shield may retain a fluid within the needle tip shield and may include a needle passageway, a tip shield interior space, and a fluid retaining member. The needle passageway may be formed through the needle tip shield and may receive a needle therethrough. The tip shield interior space may receive a needle block therein and may include an opening for inserting the needle block into the tip shield interior space. The fluid retaining member may retain a fluid within the tip shield interior space.

[0022] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the fluid retaining member may include a cover disposed over the opening to retain fluid within the tip shield interior space.

[0023] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the cover may include at least one of a tape, a heat seal material, a thin film, and a plastic cover.

[0024] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the cover may be coupled to the needle tip shield using at least one of an adhesive, a snap feature, an interference feature, a heat seal material, glue, and sonic welding.

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

[0026] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, a fluid retaining member may be disposed within the tip shield interior space.

[0027] In some embodiments of the needle tip shield, the fluid retaining member may be coupled to the needle block.

[0028] It is understood that both the general description above and the detailed description below are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure as claimed. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention, unless so claimed. Therefore, the detailed description below should not be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary catheter system utilizing a needle tip shield, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the needle tip shield of FIG. [Figure 2B] 2B shows the needle tip shield of FIG. 2A coupled with a fluid impedance member. [Figure 2C] 2B shows the needle tip shield of FIG. 2A coupled with a membrane. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the needle tip shield of FIG. [Figure 3B] 3B shows the needle tip shield of FIG. 3A combined with a cover. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the needle tip shield of FIG. 1 with absorbent material disposed therein. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a V-clip having a damping member coupled thereto. [Figure 5B] 5B shows the V-clip of FIG. 5A having a strength member bonded over the damping member. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the needle tip shield of FIG. 1 having shock absorbing material disposed thereon.

[0030] It should be understood that these figures are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and may not be drawn to scale. Further, the figures depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the present application are best understood by reference to the drawings, where like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the figures of the present application, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of device and system embodiments as illustrated in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed in this application or any other application claiming priority to this application, but are merely representative of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0032] 1 shows an exploded view of a catheter system 100 that may be utilized with the teachings of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments. However, it will be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure may be utilized with any catheter system known in the art. The catheter system 100 may include a needle assembly 110 including a needle 150 coupled to a needle hub 160, 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.

[0033] Figures 2A-2C illustrate various views of the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 2A is a front perspective view of the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 1, Figure 2B shows the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 2A coupled with a fluid impedance member 400, and Figure 2C shows the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 2A coupled with a membrane 500.

[0034] The needle tip shield 200 may include a needle passage 210 formed therethrough. The needle passage 210 may be configured to slidably receive the needle 150 therethrough. In some embodiments, the diameter of the needle 150 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the needle passage 210 such that there may be a small gap between the needle 150 and the needle passage 210 that may allow fluid to flow therethrough. In some embodiments, the needle tip shield 200 may also include a tip shield nose 240. In some embodiments, the tip shield nose 240 may surround (or otherwise enclose) the needle passage 210 and / or protrude distally from the needle passage 210. In some embodiments, a recess 250 may be formed in the tip shield nose 240.

[0035] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 may be positioned adjacent to the needle passageway 210. The fluid impedance member 400 may impede / prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield 200 through the needle passageway 210 by creating a seal around the needle 150. By preventing and / or reducing blood flow into the needle tip shield 200, subsequent blood leakage from the needle tip shield 200 may be eliminated and / or the length of time before blood leakage from the needle tip shield 200 occurs.

[0036] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 may be disposed within a recess 250 formed in the tip shield nose 240, as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 may include an absorbent material.

[0038] In some embodiments, the absorbent material may be, but is not limited to, a sponge, an absorbent plug, a foam, a wicking material (eg, cellulose, gelatin, microspun mesh, PEG material, etc.), a solidification material, and the like.

[0039] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 may include a viscous material.

[0040] In some embodiments, the viscous material may include, but is not limited to, hydrogels, high viscosity silicone lubes, and the like.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 may include a compatible material.

[0042] In some embodiments, the compliant material may include an O-ring, a compliant septum, or the like.

[0043] In some embodiments, the fluid impedance member 400 may include a membrane 500 located distal to the needle passageway 210. The membrane 500 may impede / prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield 200.

[0044] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 may be coupled to the needle tip shield 200 adjacent the needle passageway.

[0045] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 may be coupled to the tip shield nose 240 .

[0046] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 can be coupled to the distal end of the tip shield nose 240, as shown in FIG. 2C.

[0047] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 may include a needle opening (not shown) for receiving the needle 150 therethrough.

[0048] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 may include a pierceable membrane. In these embodiments, when the needle 150 is inserted through the needle tip shield 200, the needle 150 may pierce the membrane 500.

[0049] In some embodiments, the membrane 500 (and / or the fluid impedance member 400) may be coupled to the needle tip shield 200 (and / or may be coupled to the tip shield nose 240) by any suitable means, including, but not limited to, adhesives, glue, snap features, interference features, heat seal materials, sonic welding, etc.

[0050] In some embodiments, the tip shield nose 240 may be shaped to prevent fluid from entering the needle tip shield 200. For example, the tip shield nose 240 may include a shape similar to the tip shield nose of a Venflon™ catheter (not shown), which has a revolver-shaped nose design.

[0051] Figures 3A-4 illustrate various views of the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 1 in combination with a fluid retaining member that may retain fluid within the needle tip shield 200. Specifically, Figure 3A is a bottom perspective view of the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 1, Figure 3B shows the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 3A combined with a fluid retaining member that includes a cover 600, and Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 1 with one or more fluid retaining members that include an absorbent material disposed within the needle tip shield 200.

[0052] The needle tip shield 200 may include a tip shield interior space 220 configured to receive therein a needle block, such as (as one non-limiting example) a V-clip 300. The tip shield interior space 220 may also include an opening 230 for inserting the V-clip 300 into the tip shield interior space 220.

[0053] In some embodiments, the fluid retaining member includes a cover 600. The cover 600 may be disposed over the opening 230 to retain fluid within the tip shield interior space 220, as shown in FIG.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cover 600 may comprise any suitable material, including, but not limited to, tape, heat seal material, thin film, plastic covering, and the like.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cover 600 may be attached to the needle tip shield 200 over the opening 230 by any suitable means, including but not limited to adhesives, glue, snap features, interference features, heat seal materials, sonic welding, and the like.

[0056] In some embodiments, the fluid retention member may include an absorbent material.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first absorbent material 710 may be coupled to a V-clip 300, as shown in FIG. 4, or other needle block.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first absorbent material 710 may be bonded to a surface 310 of the V-clip 300 adjacent the needle 150. In this manner, the first absorbent material 710 may absorb fluid from the needle 150 as the needle 150 slides through the first absorbent material 710.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second absorbent material 720 may be disposed within the tip shield interior space 220 and / or coupled to the needle tip shield 200, as shown in Figure 4. In this manner, the second absorbent material 720 may absorb fluid within the tip shield interior space 220 that may come into contact with the second absorbent material 720. However, it will also be understood that any number of absorbent materials may be disposed within the needle tip shield interior space 220 and / or coupled to any portion of the needle tip shield 200 and / or V-clip 300 to help retain fluid within the needle tip shield 200.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first absorbent material 710 and / or the second absorbent material 720 may each comprise any suitable material, including, but not limited to, a sponge, a foam, a wicking material (e.g., cellulose, gelatin, microspun mesh, PEG material, etc.), a solidification material, etc.

[0061] Figures 5A and 5B show various views of a V-clip 300 coupled with an anti-shatter member and removed from the needle tip shield 200 of Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 5A is a perspective view of the V-clip 300 with an anti-shatter member including a damping member 800, and Figure 5B shows the V-clip 300 of Figure 5A with an anti-shatter member including a damping member 800 and a reinforcing member 900 coupled over the damping member 800 to form a constrained-layer damping member.

[0062] Each of these V-clip 300 designs may inhibit fluid splash when "firing" or "snapping closed" within the tip shield interior space 220 by slowing the V-clip 300 as it fires. For example, the V-clip 300 may be movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the V-clip 300 may allow the needle 150 to advance distally through the needle passage 210. In the closed position, the V-clip 300 may prevent the needle 150 from advancing distally through the needle passage 210. Thus, in the closed position, the V-clip 300 may trap the tip of the needle 150 within the needle tip shield 200 as a safety mechanism. The V-clip 300 may be fired to the closed position when the needle 150 (which may be elastic) is pulled distally enough to allow the V-clip 300 to be fired and move toward the closed position.

[0063] In some embodiments, the shatterproof member includes a damping member 800 coupled to the V-clip 300, as shown in FIG. 5A, to slow the movement of the V-clip 300 as the V-clip 300 moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0064] In some embodiments, the damping member 800 comprises a viscoelastic material that may act to retard movement of the V-clip 300 as it moves from an open position to a closed position.

[0065] In some embodiments, the shatterproof member includes a damping member 800 in combination with a reinforcing member 900 which may be bonded over the damping member 800 to form a constraining layer damping member.

[0066] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 900 may act to increase the viscoelastic force that may be associated with the viscoelastic material to further slow the movement of the V-clip 300 as it moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0067] In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 900 may comprise any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, tape, fabric, and the like.

[0068] In some embodiments, the damping member 800 and / or the strengthening member 900 may be coupled to the V-clip 300 and / or to each other via any suitable means, including but not limited to adhesives, glue, snap features, interference features, heat seal materials, sonic welding, and the like.

[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the needle tip shield 200 of FIG. 1 with a shatterproof member disposed within the tip shield interior space 220.

[0070] In some embodiments, the splash guard may include a shock absorbing material 1000 disposed adjacent to the V-clip 300. The shock absorbing material 1000 may act to slow the movement of the V-clip 300 and prevent / reduce fluid splash as the V-clip 300 moves from an open position to a closed position.

[0071] In some embodiments, the shock absorbing material 1000 may comprise any suitable material, including, but not limited to, foam, sponge, absorbent material, wicking material (e.g., cellulose, gelatin, microspun mesh, PEG material, etc.), solidification material, etc.

[0072] It will be understood that any / all of the fluid limiting members described herein may be utilized alone and / or in combination with any / all of the other fluid limiting members described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the needle tip shield 200 may generally include one or more of the fluid limiting members described herein, each of which may be configured to limit fluid splash and / or fluid leakage into and / or from the needle tip shield 200. In some embodiments, the fluid limiting member may be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance member located adjacent the needle passage 210 that prevents fluid from entering the needle tip shield 200 via the needle passage 210 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A-2C), (2) a fluid retention member that retains fluid within the tip shield interior space 220 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-4), and (3) a splash prevention member that inhibits fluid splash when the V-clip 300 or needle block moves from an open position to a closed position within the tip shield interior space 220 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-6).

[0073] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the recited phrases or variations thereof throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. It should be understood that any of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or any portion of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure, can be combined together in any number of different ways.

[0074] Similarly, in the above description of the embodiments, it should be understood that various features may be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, this format of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in combinations of fewer than all of the features of a single disclosed feature described above. Thus, the claims following this description of the embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this description of the embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0075] The term "first" in a claim referring to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the presence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements described in means-plus-function form are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112. Section 6 It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles described herein.

[0076] Standard medical orientations, planes of reference, and descriptive terminology are employed in this specification. For example, anterior means toward the front of the body. Posterior means toward the back of the body. Superior means toward the head. Inferior means toward the feet. Medial means toward the midline of the body. Lateral means away from the midline of the body. Axial means toward the central axis of the body. Abaxial means away from the central axis of the body. Ipsilateral means the same side in relation to the body. Contralateral means the opposite side in relation to the body. A sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions. A midsagittal plane divides the body into symmetrical right and left halves. A coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. A transverse plane divides the body into upper and lower portions. These descriptive terms may be applied to animate or inanimate bodies.

[0077] 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 interactions. Two components can be functionally coupled to one another even if they are not in direct contact with one another. The term "abutting" refers to things that are in direct physical contact with one another, but the things are not necessarily attached together. The phrase "in fluid communication" refers to two features that are connected such that fluid in one feature can flow into the other feature.

[0078] As defined herein, "substantially equal" means equal to, or within about +10% or -10% relative variance of, each other.

[0079] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0080] While particular embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the devices and systems disclosed herein, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the concepts provided by the inventor to promote the invention and technology, and should be interpreted as not being limited to the specifically recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made to the specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. A needle tip shield comprising: a needle passageway formed through said needle tip shield for receiving a needle therethrough; a tip shield interior space for receiving a needle block including a V-clip therein, said tip shield interior space including an opening for inserting said needle block into said tip shield interior space; A fluid restricting member configured to restrict fluid leakage into and / or from the needle tip shield, the fluid restricting member comprising: a splash guard that inhibits splashing of fluid when the needle block moves from an open position to a closed position within the tip shield internal space; The shatterproof member includes: a damping member coupled to the V-clip for slowing movement of the V-clip as the V-clip moves from an open position to a closed position; and a needle tip shield including at least one of: an impact absorbing material disposed within the tip shield interior space adjacent to the V-clip to slow movement of the V-clip as the V-clip moves from the open position to the closed position;

2. The needle tip shield comprises: i) a tip shield nose surrounding the needle passage and projecting distally therefrom, the tip shield nose defining a recess and having a fluid impedance member disposed within the recess adjacent the needle passage to impede fluid from entering the needle tip shield through the needle passage; and ii) a fluid retaining member for retaining fluid within the tip shield internal space; further comprising one or more additional fluid restricting members selected from 2. The needle tip shield of claim 1.

3. The selection includes the tip shield nose, the fluid impedance member of the tip shield nose being: sponge, Absorbing plug, Foam, Wicking materials, Hydrogel, High viscosity silicone lube, O-ring, Compliant bulkheads, and film, The needle tip shield of claim 2 , comprising at least one of:

4. The V clip is in the open position, the V-clip allows the needle to advance distally through the needle passage; and The needle tip shield of claim 1 , wherein in the closed position, the V-clip prevents the needle from advancing distally through the needle passageway.

5. The needle tip shield of claim 4 , wherein the dampening member comprises a viscoelastic material.

6. The needle tip shield of claim 5 further comprising a strength member coupled to the viscoelastic material.

7. The needle tip shield of claim 2 , wherein the tip shield nose is shaped to prevent fluids from entering the needle tip shield.

8. The needle tip shield of claim 1 , further comprising a membrane coupled to the needle tip shield adjacent the needle passageway that prevents fluid from entering the needle tip shield.

9. The needle tip shield comprises: The needle tip shield of claim 1 , further comprising a fluid retaining member for retaining fluid within the tip shield interior space.

10. The needle tip shield of claim 9 , wherein the fluid retaining member includes a cover disposed over the opening to retain fluid within the tip shield interior space.

11. The cover is tape, Heat seal material, Thin films, and The needle tip shield of claim 10 including at least one of a plastic cover.

12. The cover is glue, Snap features, Interference features, Heat seal material, Glue, and The needle tip shield of claim 10 , wherein the needle tip shield is coupled to the needle tip shield using at least one of sonic welding.

13. The fluid holding member is sponge, Foam, Absorbent material, Wicking material, and The needle tip shield of claim 9 including at least one of a solidification material.

14. The needle tip shield of claim 13 , wherein the fluid retaining member is disposed within the tip shield interior space.

15. The needle tip shield of claim 13 , wherein the fluid retaining member is coupled to the needle block.

Images