INHIBITION OF FLUID LEAKS AND SPLASHES IN CATHETER DEVICES AND SYSTEMS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a needle tip guard (200) that may include a needle passage (210) that may receive a needle (150), an inner guard space (220) that may receive a needle block, and a fluid restriction element. The fluid restriction element may be configured to restrict fluid leakage into and / or out of the needle guard.The fluid restriction element could be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance element (400) located adjacent to the needle passage that could prevent fluid from entering the needle tip protection through the needle passage; (2) a fluid retention element (600) that could retain fluid within the inner space of the tip protection; and (3) an anti-splash element (800) that could inhibit fluid splashing when the needle block moves from an open position to a closed position within the inner space of the tip cover.

Description

INHIBITION OF FLUID LEAKS AND SPLASHES IN CATHETER DEVICES AND SYSTEMS Field of Invention Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters can be used to infuse fluids into a patient, such as saline solution, medication, total parenteral nutrition, etc. Catheters can also be used to draw blood from the patient. Background of the Invention A common type of catheter is a peripherally inserted central catheter (PIVC). Other common types of catheters include, but are not limited to, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICOs), central venous catheters (CVCs), etc. As its name implies, the PIVC-over-needle can be mounted on an introducer needle with a sharp distal tip. The PIVC and introducer needle can be mounted so 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 a blood vessel in the patient, such as an artery, vein, or other blood vessel. Ref. 334679 restrict splashing and leakage of fluid into and / or out of the needle tip protector. The related issue claimed herein is not limited to modalities that resolve a disadvantage or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate an example technology area where some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. Brief Description of the Invention This description relates generally to catheter devices and systems. The various catheter devices and systems described herein have been developed in response to the current state of the art and, in particular, to problems and needs in 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. In some embodiments, a needle tip protector may include a needle passage, a tip protector interior space, and a fluid restriction element. The needle passage may be formed through the needle tip protector and may receive a needle through it. The tip protector interior space may receive a needle block, and the interior space of the tip protector may include an opening for inserting the needle block into the tip protector interior space. The fluid restriction element may be configured to restrict fluid leakage to and / or from the needle tip protector.The fluid restriction element may be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance element located next to the needle conduit that can prevent fluid from entering the needle tip protector through the needle conduit; (2) a fluid retention element that can retain fluids within the inner space of the tip protector; and (3) an anti-splash element that can inhibit fluid splashing when the needle block moves from an open position to a closed position within the inner space of the tip protector. In some needle-tip protector designs, the selection may include a fluid impedance element. In some designs, the fluid impedance element may include at least one of the following: a sponge, an absorbent plug, a foam, a wick material, a hydrogel, a high-viscosity silicone lubricant, an O-ring, a flexible septum, a membrane, and a tip protector shaped to prevent fluid from entering the needle-tip protector through the needle passage. ίζααηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ In some needle tip protector designs, the selection may include a fluid retention element. In some designs, the fluid retention element may include at least a cover placed over the opening to retain fluid within the tip protector's interior space, and an absorbent material placed within the tip protector's interior space to retain fluid within the tip protector's interior space. In some needle tip protector models, the selection may include an anti-splash element. In some models, the anti-splash element may include at least a shock-absorbing element and an impact-absorbing material.In some embodiments, the needle block may include a V-clamp that can be moved between the open and closed positions, such that: (1) in the open position, the V-clamp allows a needle to advance distally through the needle passage; (2) in the closed position, the V-clamp prevents the needle from advancing distally through the needle passage; (3) a damping element can be attached to the V-clamp to decrease the movement of the V-clamp as it moves from the open to the closed position; and (4) damping material can be placed within the inner space of the tip protector adjacent to the V-clamp to decrease the movement of the V-clamp as it moves from the open to the closed position. In some types of needle tip protection, the cushioning element may include a viscoelastic material. In some types of needle tip protection, the cushioning element may also include a reinforcing element attached to the viscoelastic material. In some designs, a needle tip protector may prevent fluid from entering the needle tip protector and may include a needle passage and a fluid impedance element. The needle passage may be formed through the needle tip protector and may receive a through-needle. The fluid impedance element may be located adjacent to the needle passage and may prevent fluid from entering the needle tip protector through the needle passage. In some forms of the needle tip protector, the fluid impedance element may include an absorbent material that includes at least one of: a sponge, an absorbent plug, a foam, and a wick material. In some forms of the needle tip protector, the fluid impedance element may include a viscous material that includes at least one of a hydrogel and a high-viscosity silicone lubricant. In some versions of the needle tip protector, the fluid impedance element may include a flexible material that includes at least one O-ring and a flexible septum. In some versions of the needle tip protector, the fluid impedance element may include a tip protector tip that is shaped to prevent fluid from entering the needle tip protector. In some models, the needle tip protector may also include a space adjacent to the needle passage that receives the fluid impedance element within it. In some models, the needle tip protector may also include a membrane attached to the needle tip protector next to the needle passage that prevents fluid from entering the needle tip protector. In some embodiments, a needle tip protector can retain fluid within the needle tip protector and may include a needle passage, an inner space of the tip protector, and a fluid retention element. The needle passage may be formed through the needle tip protector and may receive a through-needle. The inner space of the tip protector may receive a needle block, and the inner space of the tip protector may include an opening for inserting the needle block into the inner space of the tip protector. The fluid retention element may retain fluids within the inner space of the tip protector. In some forms of needle tip protection, the fluid retention element may include a cover placed over the opening to retain the fluid within the interior space of the tip protection. In some types of needle tip protector, the cover may include at least one of: a tape, a heat-sealable material, a thin film, and a plastic cover. In some versions of the needle tip protector, the cover can be attached to the needle tip protector with at least one of: an adhesive, a snap-fit ​​feature, an interference feature, a heat-sealing material, a glue, and sonic welding. In some forms of needle tip protector, the fluid retention element may include at least one of: a sponge, a foam, an absorbent material, a wick material, and a coagulant material. In some forms of needle tip protection, the fluid retention element can be placed within the inner space of the tip protection. In some forms of needle tip protection, the fluid retention element may be coupled to the needle block. It should be understood that both the preceding general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory and are not restrictive of the modalities of the present description, as claimed. It should be understood that the different modalities of the present description are not limited to the arrangements and instruments shown in the figures. It should also be understood that the modalities of the present description may be combined, or other modalities may be used, and structural changes may be made, unless so claimed, without departing from the spirit or scope of the different modalities of the present description. The following detailed description, therefore, should not be taken in a limiting sense. Brief Description of the Figures The example modalities will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying figures. Figure 1 is an exploded view of an example catheter system using a needle tip protector, according to some modalities; Figure 2A is a perspective front view of the needle-tip guard of Figure 1; Figure 2B shows the needle tip protector of the ίζααηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ Figure 2A coupled with a fluid impedance element; Figure 2C shows the needle tip protector of Figure 2A coupled with a membrane; Figure 3A is a bottom perspective view of the needle point guard of Figure 1; Figure 3B shows the needle tip protector from Figure 3A along with a cover; Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the needle point protector of Figure 1 with an absorbent material placed inside; Figure 5A is a perspective view of a V-bracket with a damping element attached to it; Figure 5B shows the V-bracket of Figure 5A with a reinforcing element attached to the damping element; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the needle point protector of Figure 1 with a cushioning material placed on it. It should be understood that the Figures are intended to illustrate the concepts in this description and may not be drawn to scale. Furthermore, the Figures illustrate exemplary modalities and do not represent limitations to the scope of this description. Detailed Description of the Invention The exemplary embodiments of the present description will be best understood with reference to the Figures, in which similar parts are designated by the same numbers throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present description, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus and systems, as depicted in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present description, as claimed in this or any other application claiming priority of this application, but is merely representative of exemplary embodiments of the present description. Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a catheter system 100 that can be used with the teachings of this description, according to some modifications. However, it is understood that the teachings of this description can be used with any catheter system known in the art. The catheter system 100 may include a needle assembly 110 comprising a needle 150 coupled to a needle hub 160, a needle tip protector 200, a catheter adapter body 130, and a catheter 140 coupled to a distal end of the catheter adapter body 130. Figures 2A-2C illustrate various views of the needle tip protector 200 of Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 2A is a front perspective view of the needle tip protector 200 of Figure 1; Figure 2B shows the needle tip protector 200 of Figure 2A coupled with a fluid impedance element 400; and Figure 2C shows the needle tip protector 200 of Figure 2A coupled with a diaphragm 500. The needle tip protector 200 may include a needle passage 210 formed through the needle tip protector 200. The needle passage 210 may be configured to receive the needle 150 by sliding through it. In some embodiments, the diameter of the needle 150 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the needle passage 210, so that a small gap may exist between the needle 150 and the needle passage 210, allowing fluid to flow through. In some embodiments, the 200 needle tip protector may also include a 240 tip protector tip. In some embodiments, the 240 tip protector tip may enclose (or otherwise surround) the 210 needle passage and / or protrude distally from the 210 needle passage. In some embodiments, a 250 recess may be formed in the 240 tip protector tip. In some modalities, a fluid impedance element 400 may be located adjacent to the needle passage 210. The fluid impedance element 400 can prevent fluid from entering the needle tip protector 200 through the needle passage 210 by creating a seal around the needle 150. Preventing and / or decreasing blood flow to the needle tip protector 200 can eliminate subsequent blood leakage from the needle tip protector 200 and / or increase the time before blood leakage occurs from the needle tip protector 200. In some embodiments, the fluid impedance element 400 can be placed inside the recess 250 formed at the tip of the tip protector 240, as shown in Figure 2B. In some models, the 400 fluid impedance element may include an absorbent material. In some forms, the absorbent material may be, among others, a sponge, an absorbent plug, a foam, a wick material (e.g., cellulose, gelatin, microspun mesh, PEG material, etc.), a coagulation material, etc. In some configurations, the 400 fluid impedance element may include a viscous material. In some forms, the viscous material may include, among other things, a hydrogel, a high-viscosity silicone lubricant, etc. In some modalities, the impedance element of ίζααηη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ fluids 400 may include a flexible material. In some models, the adaptable material may include a boric joint, an adaptable partition, etc. In some modalities, the fluid impedance element 400 may include a membrane 500 located distal to the needle passage 210. The membrane 500 may impede / prevent fluid from entering the needle tip protector 200. In some models, the 500 membrane can be attached to the 200 needle tip protector next to the needle passage. In some models, the 500 membrane can be attached to the tip of the 240 tip protector. In some modalities, the 500 membrane can be attached to a distal end of the tip of the 240 tip protector, as shown in Figure 2C. In some models, the 500 membrane may include a needle opening (not shown) to receive the 150 needle through it. In some models, the 500 membrane may include a penetrable membrane. In these models, the 150 needle can penetrate the 500 membrane when the 150 needle is inserted through the 200 needle tip protector. In some embodiments, the 500 diaphragm (and / or the 400 fluid impedance element) can be coupled to the 200 needle tip protector (and / or coupled to the 240 tip protector nose) by any suitable means including, but not limited to, an adhesive, a glue, a pressure function, an interference function, a heat-sealing material, sonic welding, etc. In some models, the tip of the 240 tip protector may be shaped to prevent fluid from entering the 200 needle tip protector. For example, the tip of the 240 tip protector may include a shape similar to the tip protector of a Venflon™ catheter (not shown), which has a revolver-shaped tip design. Figures 3A-4 illustrate various views of the needle tip protector 200 of Figure 1 in combination with a fluid retention element capable of retaining fluids within the needle tip protector 200. Specifically, Figure 3A is a perspective view from below of the needle tip protector 200 of Figure 1; Figure 3B shows the needle tip protector 200 of Figure 3A coupled with a fluid retention element including a cover 600; and Figure 4 shows a perspective view from below of the needle tip protector 200 of Figure 1 with one or more fluid retention elements including absorbent material placed within the needle tip protector 200. ίζααηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ The needle tip protector 200 may include an inner tip protector space 220 configured to receive a needle block therein, such as a V-clamp 300 (as a non-limiting example). The inner tip protector space 220 may also include an opening 230 for inserting the V-clamp 300 into the inner tip protector space 220. In some embodiments, the fluid retention element includes the cover 600. The cover 600 can be placed over the opening 230 to retain the fluid within the inner space 220 of the tip protector, as shown in Figure 3B. In some forms, the 600 cover may include any suitable material including, but not limited to, tape, heat-sealable material, thin film, plastic cover, etc. In some embodiments, the cover 600 can be attached to the needle tip protector 200 over the opening 230 by any suitable means including, but not limited to, an adhesive, glue, a snap-fit ​​function, an interference function, a heating sealing material, sonic welding, etc. In some models, the fluid retention element may include an absorbent material. In some modalities, a first absorbent material 710 ίζααηη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ can be attached to the V-brace 300, or another needle block, as shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, the first absorbent material 710 can be attached to a surface 310 of the V-shaped fastener 300 adjacent to the needle 150. In this way, the first absorbent material 710 can absorb fluid from the needle 150 as the needle 150 slides past the first absorbent material 710. In some embodiments, a second absorbent material 720 may be placed within the interior space of the tip protector 220 and / or attached to the needle tip protector 200, as shown in Figure 4. In this way, the second absorbent material 720 can absorb fluid within the interior space of the tip protector 220 that may come into contact with the second absorbent material 720. However, it is also understood that any number of absorbent materials may be placed within the interior space of the tip protector 220 and / or attached to any part of the needle tip protector 200 and / or the V-retainer 300 to help retain fluid within the needle tip protector 200. In some embodiments, the first absorbent material 710 and / or the second absorbent material 720 may each include 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 coagulating material, etc. Figures 5A and 5B illustrate various views of the V-fastener 300 coupled with a splash guard and removed from the needle-tip protector 200 of Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 5A is a perspective view of the V-fastener 300 with a splash guard including a damping element 800, and Figure 5B shows the V-fastener 300 of Figure 5A with a splash guard including the damping element 800 and a reinforcing element 900 coupled over the damping element 800 to form a restrained-layer damping element. Each of these V-clamp designs 300 can inhibit fluid splashing when the V-clamp 300 fires or closes within the inner space of the tip protector 220 by decreasing the V-clamp 300's firing force. For example, the V-clamp 300 can move between an open and a closed position. In the open position, the V-clamp 300 can allow the needle 150 to advance distally through the needle passage 210. In the closed position, the V-clamp 300 can prevent the needle 150 from advancing distally through the needle passage 210. Therefore, in the closed position, the V-clamp 300 can trap the needle tip 150 within the needle tip protector 200 as a safety mechanism.The V-fastener 300 can fire into the closed position when the needle 150 is pulled proximally enough to allow the V-fastener 300 (which may be elastic) to fire and move into the closed position. In some embodiments, the anti-splash element includes the damping element 800 coupled to the V-clamp 300, as shown in Figure 5A, to decrease the movement of the V-clamp 300 as it moves from the open position to the closed position. In some models, the 800 cushioning element includes a viscoelastic material that can act to decrease the movement of the 300 V-bra as it moves from the open position to the closed position. In some versions, the anti-splash element includes the damping element 800 in combination with the reinforcing element 900, which can be attached over the damping element 800 to form a restricted layer damping element. In some embodiments, the 900 reinforcement element can act to increase the viscoelastic forces that may be associated with the viscoelastic material to further decrease the movement of the 300 V-brace as it moves from the open position to the closed position. ίζααηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ In some modalities, the 900 reinforcement element may include any suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, tape, fabric, etc. In some embodiments, the damping element 800 and / or the reinforcing element 900 can be coupled to the V-fastener 300 and / or to each other by any suitable means including, but not limited to, an adhesive, a glue, a pressure function, an interference function, a heat-sealing material, sonic welding, etc. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the needle tip protector 200 of Figure 1 with an anti-splash element placed inside the inner space of the tip protector 220. In some models, the anti-splash element may include a 1000 damping material positioned next to the 300 V-fastener. The 1000 damping material can act to decrease the movement of the 300 V-fastener as it moves from the open to the closed position and prevent / reduce liquid splashing. In some modalities, the 1000 cushioning material may include any suitable material including, but not limited to, a foam, a sponge, an absorbent material, a wicking material (e.g., a cellulose mesh, gelatin, microspun, PEG material, etc.), a coagulating material, etc. ίζααηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ It is understood that any / all of the fluid restriction elements described herein may be used alone and / or in combination with any / all of the other fluid restriction elements described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the 200 needle tip protector may generally include one or more of the fluid restriction elements described herein, each of which may be configured to restrict fluid splashing and / or fluid leakage into and / or out of the 200 needle tip protector.In some embodiments, the fluid restriction element can be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance element located adjacent to the needle passage 210 that prevents fluid from entering the needle tip protector 200 through the needle passage 210 (for example, see Figures 2A-2C); (2) a fluid retention element that retains fluid within the inner space 220 of the tip protector (for example, see Figures 3A-4); and (3) an anti-splash element that inhibits fluid splashing when the V-holder 300 or needle block moves from the open position to the closed position within the inner space of the tip protector 220 (for example, see Figures 5A-6). Reference throughout this specification to a modality or modality means that a feature, structure, or particular characteristic described in relation to that modality is included in at least one modality. Therefore, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as cited throughout this specification, do not all necessarily refer to the same modality. It should be understood that any of the modalities in this description, or any portion of any of the modalities in this description, can be combined with each other in several different ways. Similarly, it should be noted that in the preceding description of embodiments, several features are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of simplification. This descriptive format, however, should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly enumerated in that claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive aspects are found in a combination of fewer than all the features of any embodiment described above. Therefore, the claims following this Embodiment Description are expressly incorporated herein, and each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment.This description includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. The mention in the claims of the term "first" with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second additional feature or element. The elements listed in means-plus-function format are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112 Paragraph 6. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the details of the modalities described above without departure from the underlying principles set forth herein. This specification uses standard medical indications, reference planes, and descriptive terminology. For example, anterior means toward the front of the body. Posterior means toward the back of the body. Upper middle means toward the head. Lower middle means toward the feet. Medial means toward the midline of the body. Lateral means away from the midline of the body. Axial means toward a central axis of the body. Abaxial means away from a central axis of the body. Ipsilateral means on the same side of the body. Contralateral means on the opposite side of the body. A sagittal plane divides a body into right and left portions. A midsagittal plane divides the body into bilaterally symmetrical right and left halves. A coronal plane divides a body into anterior and posterior portions. A transverse plane divides a body into superior and inferior portions.These descriptive terms can be applied to an animate or inanimate body. 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 even if they are not in direct contact. The term adjacent refers to elements that are in direct physical contact, although the elements are not necessarily joined together. The phrase fluid communication refers to two features that are connected in such a way that a fluid within one feature can pass into the other. As defined herein, substantially equal to means equal to or within approximately + or -10% relative variation between each other. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean that it serves as an example, case, or illustration. Any modality described herein as exemplary should not necessarily be interpreted as preferred or advantageous over other modalities. Although the various aspects of the modalities are presented in the Figures, the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. Although specific modalities and applications of the present description have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the scope of the appended claims is not limited to the precise configuration and components described herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations may be made, which will be evident to those skilled in the art, to the arrangement, operation, and details of the apparatus and systems described herein. All examples and conditional language listed herein are for pedagogical purposes to assist the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the technique, and should be interpreted without limitation to such specifically listed examples and conditions. Although the modalities of the present description have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to it without departing from the spirit and scope of the present description. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A needle tip protector, characterized in that it comprises: a needle passage formed through the needle tip protector to receive a through-needle; an interior space of the tip protector receiving a needle block therein, the interior space of the tip protector comprising an opening for inserting the needle block into the interior space of the tip protector; and a fluid restriction element configured to restrict fluid leakage into and / or out of the needle tip protector, wherein the fluid restriction element is selected from the group consisting of: a fluid impedance element located adjacent to the needle passage preventing fluid from entering the needle tip protector through the needle passage; a fluid retention element retaining fluid within the interior space of the tip protector;and an anti-splash element that inhibits fluid splashing when the needle block moves from an open position to a closed position within the interior space of the tip protector.

2. The needle tip protector according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection comprises the fluid impedance element, the fluid impedance element comprising at least one of: a sponge; an absorbent plug; a foam; an absorbent material; a hydrogel; a high-viscosity silicone lubricant; an O-ring; a compatible septum; a membrane; and a tip protection tip shaped to prevent fluid from entering the needle tip protection through the needle passage.

3. The needle point protector according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection comprises the fluid retention element, the fluid retention element comprising at least one of: a cover placed over the opening to retain the fluid within the interior space of the point protector; and an absorbent material placed within the interior space of the point protector to retain the fluid within the interior space of the point protector.

4. The needle point protector according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection comprises the anti-splash element, the anti-splash element comprising at least one of: a damping element; and a shock-absorbing material, wherein: the needle block comprises a V-shaped holder that is movable between the open position and the closed position, such that: in the open position, the V-shaped holder allows a needle to advance distally through the needle passage; in the closed position, the V-shaped holder prevents the needle from advancing distally through the needle passage; the damping element is coupled to the V-shaped holder to decrease the movement of the V-shaped holder as it moves from the open position to the closed position;and the cushioning material is placed within the interior space of the tip protector adjacent to the V-fastener to decrease the movement of the V-fastener as it moves from the open position to the closed position.

5. The needle point protector according to claim 4, characterized in that the damping element comprises a viscoelastic material.

6. The needle point protector according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a reinforcing element coupled to the viscoelastic material.

7. Needle tip protector that prevents fluid from entering the needle tip protector, characterized in that it comprises: a needle passage formed through the needle tip protector to receive a through-needle; and a fluid impedance element located adjacent to the needle passage that prevents fluid from entering the needle tip protector through the needle passage.

8. The needle point protector according to claim 7, characterized in that the fluid impedance element comprises an absorbent material that includes at least one of: a sponge; an absorbent plug; a foam; and an absorbent material.

9. The needle tip protector according to claim 7, characterized in that the fluid impedance element comprises a viscous material comprising at least one of: a hydrogel; and a high viscosity silicone lubricant.

10. The needle tip protector according to claim 7, characterized in that the fluid impedance element comprises a flexible material including at least one of: an O-ring; and a compatible partition.

11. The needle tip protector according to claim 7, characterized in that the fluid impedance element comprises a tip protector tip that is shaped to prevent fluid from entering the needle tip protector.

12. The needle tip protector according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a recess adjacent to the needle passage that receives the fluid impedance element inside.

13. The needle tip protector according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a membrane coupled to the needle tip protector adjacent to the needle passage that prevents fluid from entering the needle tip protector.

14. A needle tip protector that retains fluid within the needle tip protector, characterized in that it comprises: a needle passage formed through the needle tip protector to receive a through-needle; an inner space of the tip protector that receives a needle block therein, the inner space of the tip protector comprising an opening for inserting the needle block into the inner space of the tip protector; and a fluid retention element that retains fluid within the inner space of the tip protector.

15. The needle point protector according to claim 14, characterized in that the fluid retention element comprises a cover positioned over the opening to retain the fluid within the interior space of the point protector.

16. The needle tip protector according to claim 15, characterized in that the cover comprises at least one of: a tape; a heat-sealing material; a thin film; and a plastic cover.

17. The needle tip protector according to claim 15, characterized in that the cover is coupled to the needle tip protector with at least one of: an adhesive; a snap-fit ​​feature; an interference feature; a heat-sealing material; a glue; and sonic welding.

18. The needle point protector according to claim 14, characterized in that the fluid retention element comprises at least one of: a sponge; a foam; an absorbent material; a wick material; and a coagulating material.

19. The needle point protector according to claim 18, characterized in that the fluid retention element is placed within the inner space of the point protector.

20. The needle tip protector according to claim 18, characterized in that the fluid retention element is coupled to the needle block.

Images