Safety Needle Assembly Fluid Isolation for Infusion Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion needle assemblies do not effectively prevent fluid and vapor exposure to clinicians, posing a risk of hazardous contact during the infusion of fluids into subcutaneously implanted access ports.
Innovation Solution
A safety needle assembly with a fluid isolation component, such as absorbent pads or a corrugated shroud, that shields the distal tip of the needle and captures any escaping fluid or vapor, preventing exposure to the clinician.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle assembly is used for infusion, then fluid can be delivered into the access port, but fluid may escape from the needle and expose the clinician to hazardous substances
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid isolation component is introduced as an intermediary element within the needle assembly. This component creates a barrier between the fluid pathway and the external environment, specifically preventing fluid from reaching the clinician's fingers during handling and disposal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the needle portion for fluid delivery, the safety assembly for needle retraction and shielding, and the fluid isolation component for fluid containment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the fluid isolation component specifically addressing fluid containment without interfering with needle functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the needle is exposed for use, then fluid infusion can be performed, but the distal tip is at risk of contact with the user
Solution Approach 1:
The safety assembly incorporates a dynamic retraction mechanism that allows the needle to move between an extended position during infusion (when accessibility is needed) and a retracted position during handling (when protection is needed). This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its state based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety assembly is designed to automatically retract the needle into a protective housing after the infusion procedure is complete. This preliminary protective action occurs immediately after use, eliminating the need for manual needle handling and pre-empting potential needle stick injuries before they can occur.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a safety assembly is added to shield the needle, then user contact is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety assembly integrates multiple protective functions into a single unified structure. The housing that shields the needle also serves as the retraction mechanism, and the fluid isolation component is incorporated within the same assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides physical shielding of the needle tip, enables automatic retraction of the needle, and incorporates fluid isolation capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced protective capabilities.
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 safety needle assembly significantly reduces the risk of clinician exposure to hazardous fluids and vapors by effectively isolating and absorbing any leaks, thereby protecting the user from potential harm.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid isolation component, such as absorbent pads or a corrugated shroud, that shields the distal tip of the needle and captures any escaping fluid or vapor
Implementation Method 2
A fluid isolation component, such as absorbent pads or a corrugated shroud, that shields the distal tip of the needle and captures any escaping fluid or vapor
Data Source
AI summary
A safety needle assembly of an infusion set for infusing fluids into a subcutaneously implanted access port is disclosed. The needle assembly is configured to prevent fluid/vapor escape therefrom so as to reduce or prevent fluid exposure to a clinician using the needle assembly. In one embodiment, the needle assembly comprises a handle portion including a needle extending therefrom, the needle defining a lumen for passage of a fluid therethrough. The needle assembly also includes a safety assembly defining a needle hole through which the needle initially extends. The safety assembly is selectively and axially slidable along the needle in order to shield a distal tip of the needle and prevent user contact therewith. A fluid isolation component is included in the safety assembly for isolating fluid escape from the needle to prevent exposure to a clinician.