IV Catheter Needle Hub Mechanical Interlock and Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IV catheter and introducer needle assemblies do not adequately prevent accidental needle sticks during disposal, as the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle remains a risk for blood-borne pathogen transmission due to inadequate sealing and securement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A needle and hub assembly is designed with a crimped cannula sealed at the proximal end, featuring a hook-shaped mechanical interlock that securely engages with the needle hub, ensuring a fluid-tight seal and using UV-curable adhesive to maintain the cannula in place, preventing fluid flow and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the introducer needle is withdrawn from the catheter after use, then the catheter can be left in place for fluid delivery, but the sharp distal tip of the needle becomes a blood-contaminated sharp that poses a risk for accidental needle sticks
Solution Approach 1:
The sharp distal tip of the introducer needle is extracted and isolated from the catheter assembly by withdrawing the needle while the catheter remains in place. The needle hub and hub body are separated from the catheter, allowing the contaminated needle to be disposed of separately while the catheter stays in the patient for fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer needle is nested within the catheter during insertion, with the needle passing through the catheter hub. After use, the needle can be withdrawn while the catheter remains in the patient, effectively nesting the disposal process within the overall catheter insertion and retention system.
2Ease of operation
If the needle hub-needle connection is designed for easy withdrawal, then the needle can be removed from the catheter, but the connection strength may be insufficient to prevent accidental disconnection during use
Solution Approach 1:
The needle hub-needle connection is designed with dynamic characteristics that provide strong engagement during insertion and fluid delivery, but allow for controlled withdrawal when needed. The hub body and hub work together to maintain a secure connection that can be deliberately disengaged.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the needle hub assembly have different functional properties. The hub body provides structural support and connection strength, while the hub provides the interface for needle engagement and withdrawal. This local differentiation of functions allows both strong connection and ease of withdrawal.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively seals the needle tip, preventing fluid flow and securely retaining the cannula within the hub, thereby reducing the risk of accidental needle sticks and ensuring safe handling and disposal of 'blood contaminated sharps'.
Implementation Method 1
using UV-curable adhesive to maintain the cannula in place
Data Source
AI summary
An IV catheter includes a catheter having a wall defining a lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end. An adapter has a proximal end, a distal end and an internal cavity. The adapter is in fluid communication with the catheter lumen. A septum is positioned within the adapter cavity at the adapter proximal end. An extension tube extends laterally from the adapter and is in fluid communication with adapter cavity. A tip shield has a distal end, a proximal end and an internal cavity. The tip shield is positioned adjacent adapter proximal end and coaxially aligned with adapter. A hub has a proximal portion, a distal portion and an internal cavity. The hub is positioned adjacent the tip shield proximal end and is aligned coaxially with the tip shield. A cannula has a wall defining a lumen, a beveled distal end, an aperture in the wall of said cannula near the cannula distal end and a proximal end in the shape of a hook. The cannula passes through and is coaxially aligned with the catheter, adapter, tip shield and hub.