Needle Guard Clip for IV Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravenous (IV) device assemblies pose risks of accidental needle sticks and blood splatter or spraying during needle withdrawal, due to the potential for blood to be present on the exterior of the needle and the energy imparted during withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
The IV device assembly incorporates a needle guard with a guard bore and a clip that transitions from an open to a closed configuration upon withdrawal, ensuring the needle remains secured within the guard and preventing accidental exposure or splatter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the needle is withdrawn from the catheter assembly, then the needle can be removed from the patient's blood vessel, but accidental needle sticks and blood exposure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guard is pre-assembled around the needle before insertion, with the distal end initially positioned to allow needle insertion but automatically transitioning to a blocked position after needle withdrawal, preventing accidental sticks without requiring additional user actions
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guard acts as an intermediary component between the needle and the external environment, physically blocking access to the sharp distal tip after needle withdrawal while allowing blood to drain through the drainage aperture
2Ease of operation
If the needle is withdrawn from the catheter assembly, then the needle can be removed from the patient's blood vessel, but blood splatter or spraying occurs due to energy imparted during withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guard is designed to automatically block the drainage aperture after needle withdrawal, counteracting the tendency of blood to spray or splatter by preventing blood from exiting the needle tip, thereby eliminating the harmful effect before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guard serves as a mediator that controls blood flow from the needle, allowing controlled drainage through the aperture while preventing uncontrolled spraying or splattering by blocking the aperture after withdrawal
3Device complexity
If the needle remains exposed after withdrawal, then the device structure remains simple, but safety risks from needle sticks and blood exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is nested within the needle guard structure, with the guard bore receiving and containing the needle. After withdrawal, the needle remains partially enclosed within the guard, providing continuous protection without requiring a separate covering component
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guard automatically performs the safety function of blocking the needle tip after withdrawal without requiring additional user actions or separate safety components. The guard's distal end blocks the drainage aperture automatically, and the guard structure itself provides the protective barrier
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous (IV) device assembly may include a catheter adapter and a needle guard residing within a bore of the catheter adapter. The needle guard may include a needle formed through a guard bore. The guard bore may include a first internal diameter along a first bore portion and a second internal diameter, smaller than the first bore portion, along a second bore portion. A clip may be coupled to the exterior surface of the needle guard. The clip may include a first arm, which may include a first end guard, and a second arm, which may include a second end guard. The clip may be slidable distally along the exterior surface of the needle guard to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration, thereby blocking distal motion of the needle within the needle guard.