Needle Tip Shield Fluid Restriction for Leakage and Splatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheters, particularly over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs), experience fluid leakage and splatter during insertion due to gaps and openings in the needle tip shield, leading to blood and fluid leakage and splatter.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a needle tip shield with fluid restriction members, including fluid impedance, retention, and anti-splatter components, such as absorbent materials, membranes, and damping mechanisms, to prevent fluid ingress and egress and minimize splatter during catheter insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the needle tip shield has gaps and openings to allow needle insertion and firing, then the device can function for catheter insertion, but fluid leakage and splatter occur during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The needle tip shield is divided into multiple functional zones: a needle passageway for needle insertion, a tip shield interior space for fluid containment, and controlled openings for V-Clip firing. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while preventing uncontrolled fluid leakage across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid restriction member is introduced as an intermediary element between the needle passageway and the external environment. This member selectively restricts fluid flow while allowing necessary operations, mediating between the need for open access and the need for fluid containment.
2Reliability
If the introducer needle is parked within the septum of the catheter adapter, then the catheter can be secured, but blood leaks through the gap between the septum and introducer needle
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid restriction member is positioned in advance within the needle tip shield to preemptively block fluid leakage pathways. This preliminary action prevents blood from entering the needle tip shield through the needle passageway before the harmful effect can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that gaps are necessary for function but converts the potential harm of fluid leakage into a benefit by using the same gap structure to allow controlled fluid restriction. The fluid restriction member transforms the leakage risk into a controlled fluid management system.
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 reduces fluid leakage and splatter by creating seals and retaining fluids within the tip shield, enhancing catheter safety and hygiene during use.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid impedance member located adjacent the needle passageway that may impede fluid from entering into the needle tip shield through the needle passageway
Implementation Method 2
a fluid retention member that may retain fluid within the tip shield interior space
Implementation Method 3
an anti-splatter member that may inhibit fluid splatter when the needle block moves from an open position to a closed position within the tip shield interior space
Data Source
AI summary
A needle tip shield may include a needle passageway that may receive a needle, a tip shield interior space that may receive a needle block, and a fluid restriction member. The fluid restriction member may be configured to restrict fluid leakage into and/or out of the needle tip shield. The fluid restriction member may be selected from the group consisting of: (1) a fluid impedance member located adjacent the needle passageway that may impede fluid from entering into the needle tip shield through the needle passageway; (2) a fluid retention member that may retain fluid within the tip shield interior space; and (3) an anti-splatter member that may inhibit fluid splatter when the needle block moves from an open position to a closed position within the tip shield interior space.