AU2002259269A1 - Needle hub assembly - Google Patents

Description

NEEDLE HUB ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility Patent Application Serial No. 09/935,151, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on August 22, 2001, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of medical needle assemblies for the administration of fluids, and more particularly, to a needle hub assembly that minimizes fluid waste. 2. Description of the Related Art

Medical needle assemblies, such as, for example, syringes are well known for the administration of fluid injections, such as, for example, medication, etc. Existing syringe products include permanent needle syringes, luered fitting syringes, etc. Typically, a luer fitting includes a tapered conical nozzle at a distal end of a syringe barrel. Luer fittings may include a threaded collar for securing a needle hub assembly to the nozzle.

For example, a prior art syringe 10, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a needle hub 12 connected to a syringe barrel 14. Needle hub 12 has a tubular section 16 that backfills with medication for an injection through a needle cannula 18. Tubular section 16 is designed to reduce the amount of dead space found in a needle hub and thus reduces the amount of medication wasted upon delivery of a drag through needle 18. A luer tip 20 at the bottom of syringe barrel 14 sealingly engages tubular section 16 due to the luer taper of tip 20. Often, overtightening or undertightening of needle hub 12 to barrel 14 can cause a nozzle 22 of tubular section 16 to be displaced overly forward or rearward for engagement with a plunger 24 in barrel 14 at 26. This disadvantageously creates dead space, trapping medication at 28 and 30 and thus not optimizing the reduction in dead space for needle hub The term "dead space" refers to the space created by the mating recess between a needle assembly and a conical fitting of a luer. In luer based syringes that rely on the luer taper for seating, a minor change in the fitting of the two parts may cause a large increase in dead space. Conventional hypodermic needle hubs waste expensive medication due to the dead space associated with the connection of the needle and syringe. Significant amounts of medication can be trapped in the mating recess following an injection. It is contemplated that 0.08 milliliters of medication can be trapped in the mating recess. For a 1.00 milliliter injection, 8% of the medication is wasted. It is further contemplated that the quantity of medication wasted may be as much as 15%. A significant portion of the cost of delivering an injection is typically the medication expense. Reducing medication waste would significantly reduce healthcare costs.

Attempts have been made to reduce dead space via a tapered sealing means. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,782,803, 5,902,271 and 5,902,277. However, these type devices may have specialized tooling requirements resulting in higher production costs. These devices may also require tight manufacturing tolerances. Non-compliance with these tolerances disadvantageously results in large increases in dead space. Further, these devices do not address the drawback of over and under tightening of a needle hub.

Therefore, it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art with a needle hub assembly that employs an engagement surface to reduce the amount of wasted medication. It would be highly desirable if the needle hub assembly included wall cavities that establish fluid communication with a needle cannula.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a needle hub assembly having an engagement surface is disclosed that addresses a need to reduce the amount of wasted medication. The present disclosure resolves related disadvantages and drawbacks experienced in the art. In one particular embodiment, a needle assembly is provided, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The needle assembly includes a needle hub having an interior cavity and at least one fin disposed therein. A barrel has a barrel tip which is disposed within the interior cavity and engages the at least one fin of the needle hub. The barrel tip may be elongated and extend from a distal end of the barrel. The interior cavity may have a substantially annular configuration. The barrel tip may form a substantial seal adjacent to the at least one fin. This configuration advantageously reduces dead space associated with the connection between the needle hub and the syringe barrel.

In an alternate embodiment, the needle hub has a needle support defining an interior cavity about at least a portion thereof. The interior cavity has at least one fin formed therein. The needle assembly also includes a barrel having a proximal end and distal end. The distal end supporting the needle hub and including an elongated barrel tip which is received within the interior cavity of the needle hub. The barrel tip engaging the at least one fin. The barrel tip may form a substantial seal with the needle support. Desirably, the barrel tip forms a substantial seal with the needle support adjacent to the at least one fin. The interior cavity of the needle hub may have a plurality of fins formed therein. Desirably, the interior cavity of the needle hub may have four fins formed therein.

The needle hub may include a hub skirt mounted to the distal end of the barrel. The interior cavity of the needle hub may be defined between the hub skirt and the needle support. The needle support may define a needle cavity having at least a portion of a needle cannula disposed therein. The interior cavity of the needle hub may be coaxial with the needle cavity. The interior cavity of the needle hub and the needle cavity may be in substantially parallel alignment.

The barrel of the syringe may be configured to receive a plunger. The plunger may be configured to engage a proximal opening of the needle support. The needle cannula may have at least a portion disposed within the needle support adjacent to a proximal end thereof. In an alternate embodiment, the needle hub includes a needle support having a wall that defines a needle cavity. The wall further defines at least one wall cavity that facilitates fluid communication with the needle cavity. A needle cannula may be disposed within the needle cavity and in fluid communication therewith. The wall may define a plurality of wall cavities. The cavities may include a pair of diametrically opposed wall cavities. At least one wall cavity can be formed in a proximal face of the wall. The proximal face may be transversely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the needle support.

Alternatively, the at least one wall cavity includes a radial slot formed adjacent a proximal end of the needle support. In another alternate embodiment the needle hub includes a needle support defining a needle cavity which includes a proximal opening and a distal opening. The needle cavity is configured to support a needle cannula. The needle support defines a plurality of wall cavities adjacent the proximal opening and facilitates fluid communication with the needle cannula. A barrel of a syringe defining an inner cavity may have the needle hub mounted to a distal end thereof. A plunger is slidably received within the inner cavity of the barrel and has a distal end configured to engage the proximal opening of the needle cavity such that the at least one radial slot facilitates fluid communication between the inner cavity of the barrel and the needle cannula.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present disclosure, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present disclosure, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objectives and advantages, may be best understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art needle hub assembly;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a needle assembly, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a needle hub of the needle assembly shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the needle assembly shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the needle hub shown in FIG. 2 taken along lines A-A shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the needle hub shown in FIG. 2 taken along lines B-B shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a needle hub, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the needle hub shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an alternate side view of the needle hub shown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments of the needle assembly and methods of operation disclosed are discussed in terms of administration of fluids to and/or from a subject, and more particularly, in terms of needle hub assemblies that minimize waste of medication during an injection. It is envisioned that the present disclosure finds application to the injection of preventive medications, medicaments, etc., as well as injections employed during procedures relating to phlebotomy, dental, orthopedic, digestive, intestinal, urinary, veterinary types, etc., to a subject.

In the discussion which follows, the term "proximal" will refer to the portion of a structure which is closer to the practitioner, while the term "distal" will refer to the portion which is further from the practitioner. As used herein, the term "subject" refers to a patient which receives injections from a syringe. According to the present disclosure, the term "practitioner" refers to an individual administering an injection, installing or removing a needle hub assembly to or from a syringe, and may include support personnel.

The component parts of the needle assembly are fabricated from materials suitable for medication injections, such as, for example, polymerics or metals, such as stainless steel, depending on the particular medical needle application and/or preference of a practitioner. Semi-rigid and rigid polymerics are contemplated for fabrication, as well as resilient materials, such as molded medical grade polypropylene. One skilled in the art, however, will realize that other materials and fabrication methods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in accordance with the present disclosure, also would be appropriate. Reference will be now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning now to the figures wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views and initially to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a needle assembly, such as, for example, a syringe 110, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

Syringe 110 includes a needle hub 112 and a barrel 124. Barrel 124 engages an engagement surface disposed within an interior cavity of needle hub 112, as will be discussed, to advantageously reduce the amount of medication wasted during administration of an injection to a subject. Needle hub 112 has a needle support 114, a hub skirt 116 and an interior cavity 118 defined therebetween. Hub skirt 116 projects outwardly along a web portion 116A and extends proximally along the longitudinal length of needle hub 112 to a flange 116B. Flange 116B facilitates mounting needle hub 112 to barrel 124, as will be described, and provides stability during operation of syringe 110. Hub skirt 116 cooperates with needle support 114 to define a substantially annular configuration of interior cavity 118. Interior cavity 118 may alternately be configured, such as, for example, by length, width, etc., according to the requirements for a particular medical needle application and/or preference of a practitioner. Interior cavity 118 may also have various geometric configurations, such as, for example, rectangular cross-section, intermittent cavities, undulating, etc., depending on, for example, strength, flexibility, etc.

Needle support 114 defines a needle cavity 121 that extends to a nozzle 115. Needle cavity 121 is coaxial with interior cavity 118. Alternatively, needle cavity 121 may be offset, concentric, etc., from interior cavity 118. A needle cannula 120 is disposed within needle cavity 121 and extends through a distal end of needle support 114. Beads 121 A (also shown in FIGS. 5 & 6) engage and grip needle cannula 120 to facilitate maintenance and proper positioning within needle cavity 121. It is contemplated that needle cannula 120 may be mounted in needle cavity 121 by any suitable means, such as, for example, press fit, friction fit, adhesive, etc. Needle cannula 120 may alternatively be monolithically formed with needle support 114. Needle cannula 120 is mounted within needle cavity 121 such that a proximal end of needle cannula 120 is disposed adjacent the proximal end of needle support 114. The proximal end of needle cannula 120 is recessed distally, a distance a, from the proximal end of needle support 114. Thus, the smaller inner diameter of needle cannula 120, relative to the inner diameter of needle cavity 121, reduces the volume of the fluid pathway of syringe 110, including space 137. One of the advantages of this configuration is the reduction of total dead space, which may include space 137, typically created due to a barrel and needle hub connection. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, needle hub 112 includes a cannula stop 114A formed at a proximal end of needle support 114. Cannula stop 114A projects into needle cavity 121 and is disposed about an inner circumference of needle support 114. Cannula stop 114A prevents needle cannula 120 (FIG. 2) from extending beyond the proximal end of needle support 114. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, fins 122 are formed within a distal portion of interior cavity

118. Fins 122 have a transverse cross-sectional configuration in that two pair of fins 122 intersect. A first pair of parallel fins 122A lie in the same plane x. This plane is perpendicular to a plane y of which the remaining pair of parallel fins 122B lie, resembling a cross configuration. Each of fins 122 extend proximally from a distal end of interior cavity 118 to an engagement surface 122C. Engagement surfaces 122C are substantially planar for engaging a distal end of barrel 124 (FIG. 2), discussed below. One of the advantages of this configuration is that a positive stop is provided for engagement between needle hub 112 and barrel 124 and correspondingly assembly of syringe 110. This reduces dead space associated with the connection of needle hub 112 and barrel 124 by precisely positioning the component parts of syringe 110. It is envisioned that engagement surface 122C may have non-planar configurations, such as, for example, angular, convex, concave, etc., according to the requirements of a particular medical needle application.

It is not required that fins 122 form parallel pairs, as they may be offset. It is contemplated that fins 122 may be relatively disposed at various angles. Fins 122 may be monolithically formed with/or integrally comiected to needle support 114 within interior cavity 118 of needle hub 112. It is further contemplated that fins 122 may be attached to needle support 114 by adhesive, clips, pins, etc. It is envisioned that fins 122 may be disposed at various positions along the longitudinal length of interior cavity 118 to provide a positive stop feature for engagement with barrel 124, according to the particular requirements of a medical needle application and/or preference of a practitioner.

Referring back to FIG. 2, barrel 124 has a proximal end 128 and a distal end 130. Distal end 130 of barrel 124 includes an elongated barrel tip 126, a collar 126A and a cavity 126B defined therebetween, configured for receipt of hub skirt 116. Collar 126A includes a bead 126C formed about an inner surface thereof to releasably retain flange 116B within cavity 126B. Flange 116B is snap fit over bead 126C. Bead 126C and/or collar 126A may elastically deform upon engagement with flange 116B for retaining needle hub 112 with barrel 124. It is contemplated that needle hub 112 may be threaded with barrel 124 or, alternatively, may be permanently attached via adhesive, etc.

Barrel tip 126 extends distally from distal end 130 for mounting within interior cavity 118 of needle hub 112. During assembly, hub skirt 116 is mounted to distal end 130 of barrel 124, in the direction shown by arrow A, such that barrel tip 126 is received within interior cavity 118, in the direction shown by arrow B. Barrel tip 126 tapers inwardly to a tip end 127 A. Tip end 127 A is configured to engage fins 122 and form a substantial seal 133 with needle support 114 adjacent to fins 122. Substantial seal 133 may include formation via friction fit, snap-lock etc. Tip end 127A engages fins 122 in a positive stop configuration to advantageously reduce potential dead space 137A associated with the connection of needle hub 112 and barrel 124, as discussed. Engagement of barrel tip 126 may also form a substantial seal with other surfaces defining interior cavity 118.

Proximal end 128 is configured for slidable receipt and support of a plunger 132 which includes an elastomeric tip 134 at its distal end. Tip 134 is configured to engage nozzle 115 of needle support 114 to force medication through needle cannula during an injection.

Although shown as a manually manipulated syringe 110, it is contemplated that movement of plunger 132 relative to barrel 124 may be controlled through motorized mechanisms, electronic components, etc.

Needle hub 112 includes four projections 140 disposed about the exterior surface of needle support 114. Projections 140 facilitate manipulation of needle hub 112 for assembly with barrel 124. Further, projections 140 facilitate manipulation of syringe 110 during a medical needle procedure. Projections 140 may be co-linear with fins 122. It is envisioned that needle hub 112 may have a plurality of projections or no projections disposed about the exterior surface of needle support 114. The assembly and operation of syringe 110, similar to that illustrated above, will now be described. Initially, needle hub 112 is manipulated via projections 140. Hub skirt 116 is caused to engage the distal end of barrel 124, in the direction shown by arrow A, such that flange 116B is retained by bead 126C to releasably retain needle hub 112 with barrel 124, as discussed. Barrel tip 126 is correspondingly caused to enter interior cavity 118, in the direction shown by arrow B. Tip end 127A engages fins 122 in a positive stop configuration. Tip end 127 A forms a substantial seal 133 with needle support 114 adjacent fins 122. As a result of this configuration, needle hub 112 is attached to barrel 124 and under and over tightening of the connection is avoided. This reduces dead spaces 137 and 137A associated with the connection. Syringe 110 is prepared for an injection and a practitioner administers a medical needle procedure, such as, for example, a medication injection to a subject. Referring to FIGS. 7-10, an alternate embodiment of needle support 114 of needle hub 112, similar to that described with regard to FIGS. 2-6 above, is shown. Needle support 114 includes a circumferential wall 250 that defines a needle cavity 252. Needle cavity 252 has a proximal opening 254 and extends to a distal opening 256. It is contemplated that wall 250 may have other geometric cross-sectional configurations such as, for example, rectangular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. It is further contemplated that needle cavity 252 may be alternatively dimensioned according to the particular medical needle application.

Needle cannula 120, discussed above with regard to FIGS. 2-6, is mounted within needle cavity 252 and supported by wall 250. Needle cannula 120 extends distally through distal opening 256 along a longitudinal axis defined by needle support 114. Wall 250 includes a proximal face 260 formed adjacent proximal opening 254.

Proximal face 260 is transversely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis defined by needle support 114. Proximal face 260 may be variously oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of needle support 114, such as, for example, angled, conical, planar etc. Proximal face 260 has a protuberance 262 configured to receive tip 134 of plunger 132. Elastomeric tip 134 is configured to engage proximal opening 254 to force medication tlirough needle cannula 120 during an injection, similar to that discussed above with regard to FIGS. 2-6 and syringe 110. It is contemplated that protuberance 262 may extend proximally at various inclinations according to the requirements of a particular application.

Proximal face 260 includes wall cavities, such as, for example, radial slots 264 which facilitate fluid communication with needle cavity 252. Radial slots 264 are formed in a perpendicular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of needle support 114 and extend along a protuberance 262, as shown in FIG. 10. Radial slots 264 are diametrically disposed about proximal face 260. A portion 265 of radial slots 264 is circumferentially contiguous with proximal opening 254. It is contemplated that the wall cavities may be variously disposed about the proximal end of needle support 114 and are not required to be contiguous with proximal opening 254. It is envisioned that the wall cavities may have various configurations, such as, for example, circular opening, rectangular, elliptical, etc., and may be alternatively dimensioned according to the requirements of a particular medical needle application. It is further envisioned that one or a plurality of wall cavities may be employed with needle support 114. One or a plurality of fins 122, discussed above with regard to FIGS. 2-6, may be employed with needle hub 112. Alternatively, needle hub 112 may not include fins 122.

It is contemplated that during an injection employing syringe 110, plunger tip 134 sealingly engages proximal opening 254 closed before the entire dose of medication is expelled from the inner cavity of barrel 124. The residual medication becomes trapped within the inner cavity of barrel 124 adjacent proximal end 128 thereof. This consequently increases the dead space of syringe 110.

Although proximal opemng 254 is closed off by plunger tip 134, radial slots 264 desirably overcome the disadvantageous dead space by maintaining open fluid communication between the inner cavity of barrel 124 and needle cannula 120. This configuration allows for expulsion of the medication that would otherwise be trapped in the dead space of syringe 110. As plunger tip 134 sealingly engages proximal opemng 254, continued distal manipulation of plunger tip 134 forces medication tlirough radial slots 264. Radial slots 264 thereby communicate the residual medication from the inner cavity of barrel 124 to needle cavity 252, which is in fluid communication with needle cannula 120 for dispensing medication therefrom. This configuration and method of the present disclosure expels the residual medication and eliminates associated dead space of syringe 110 during the injection. Radial slots 264 advantageously reduce the dead space drawbacks associated with tight manufacturing tolerances and lowers average dead space of syringe 110.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be constraed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (41)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A needle hub assembly comprising: a needle hub defining an interior cavity and at least one fin being disposed therein, wherein, the at least one fin engages a barrel tip when disposed within the interior cavity.

2. A needle hub assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the barrel tip is elongated and extends from a distal end of a barrel.

3. A needle hub assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the interior cavity has a substantially annular configuration.

4. A needle hub assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the barrel tip forms a substantial seal adjacent the at least one fin.

5. A needle assembly comprising: a needle hub including a needle support and defining an interior cavity about at least a portion of the needle support, the interior cavity having at least one fin formed therein; and a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end supporting the needle hub and including an elongated barrel tip extending therefrom, the barrel tip being received within the interior cavity of the needle hub and engaging the at least one fin.

6. A needle assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the barrel tip forms a substantial seal with the needle support.

7. A needle assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the barrel tip forms a substantial seal with the needle support adjacent the at least one fin.

8. A needle assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the interior cavity of the needle hub has a plurality of fins formed therein.

9. A needle assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the interior cavity of the needle hub has four fins formed therein.

10. A needle assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the needle hub includes a hub skirt mounted to the distal end of the barrel.

11. A needle assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the interior cavity is defined between the hub skirt and the needle support.

12. A needle assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the needle support defines a needle cavity having at least a portion of a needle cannula disposed therein.

13. A needle assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein the interior cavity and the needle cavity are coaxial.

14. A needle assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein the interior cavity and the needle cavity are in substantially parallel alignment.

15. A needle assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the barrel is configured for receipt of a plunger.

16. A needle assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein the plunger is configured to engage a proximal opening of the needle support.

17. A needle assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the needle cannula is disposed with the needle support adjacent a proximal end thereof.

18. A needle assembly comprising: a barrel including a barrel tip; and a needle hub means for engaging the barrel tip.

19. A needle hub comprising: a needle support, a hub skirt and an annular interior cavity defined therebetween, the needle support defining a needle cavity in coaxial alignment with the interior cavity, the needle cavity having a needle cannula disposed therein and having at least a portion thereof disposed adjacent a proximal end of the needle support, the interior cavity having four fins formed at a distal portion thereof.

20. A syringe comprising: a needle support, a hub skirt and an annular interior cavity defined therebetween, the needle support defining a needle cavity in coaxial alignment with the interior cavity, the needle cavity having a needle cannula disposed therein and having at least a portion thereof disposed adjacent a proximal end of the needle support, the interior cavity having four fins formed at a distal portion thereof; a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the hub skirt being mounted to the distal end of the barrel and the distal end including an elongated barrel tip, the barrel tip being received within the interior cavity, the barrel tip engaging the four fins and forming a substantial seal with the needle hub adjacent the four fins; and a plunger being slidably received by the barrel and having a distal end configured to engage the proximal end of the needle support.

21. A needle hub defining an interior cavity and having at least one fin, the at least one fin having an engagement surface disposed within the interior cavity.

22. A needle hub as recited in claim 21, wherein the interior cavity has a substantially annular configuration.

23. A needle hub as recited in claim 21, further comprising a barrel having a distal end and a hub skirt, wherein the hub skirt is mounted to the distal end of the barrel.

24. A needle hub as recited in claim 23, further comprising a needle support, wherein the interior cavity is defined between the hub skirt and the needle support.

25. A needle hub as recited in claim 24, wherein the needle support defines a needle cavity having at least a portion of a needle cannula disposed therein.

26. A needle hub as recited in claim 25, wherein the interior cavity and the needle cavity are coaxial.

27. A needle hub comprising: a needle support having a wall that defines a needle cavity, the wall further defining at least one wall cavity that facilitates fluid communication with the needle cavity.

28. A needle hub as recited in claim 27, wherein a needle cannula is disposed within by the needle cavity and in fluid communication therewith.

29. A needle hub as recited in claim 27, wherein the wall defines a plurality of wall cavities.

30. A needle hub as recited in claim 27, wherein the wall defines a pair of diametrically opposed wall cavities.

31. A needle hub as recited in claim 27, wherein the at least one wall cavity is formed in a proximal face of the wall.

32. A needle hub as recited in claim 31, wherein the proximal face is transversely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the needle support.

33. A needle hub as recited in claim 27, wherein the at least one wall cavity includes a radial slot formed adjacent a proximal end of the needle support.

34. A needle hub as recited in claim 27, further comprising a hub skirt disposed about the needle support and defining an annular interior cavity therebetween, wherein at least one fin is disposed within the interior cavity.

35. A needle hub comprising: a needle support defining a needle cavity which includes a proximal opemng and a distal opening, the needle cavity being configured to support a needle cannula, wherein the needle support defines a plurality of wall cavities adjacent the proximal opening and facilitating fluid communication with the needle cannula.

36. A needle hub as recited in claim 35, wherein the needle support defines a pair of diametrically opposed wall cavities.

37. A needle hub as recited in claim 35, wherein the needle support defines a proximal face having the plurality of wall cavities formed therein.

38. A needle hub as recited in claim 37, wherein the proximal face is transversely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the needle support.

39. A needle hub as recited in claim 35, wherein the wall cavities include radial slots.

40. A needle hub as recited in claim 35, further comprising a hub skirt disposed about the needle support and defining an annular interior cavity therebetween, wherein at least one fin is disposed within the interior cavity.

41. A syringe comprising: a needle hub having a needle support that defines a needle cavity, the needle cavity including a proximal opening, a distal opening and being configured to support a needle cannula, the needle support further defining a proximal face having at least one radial slot formed therein that facilitates fluid communication with the needle cannula; a barrel defining an inner cavity and having the needle hub mounted to a distal end thereof; and a plunger being slidably received within the inner cavity of the barrel and having a distal end configured to engage the proximal opening of the needle cavity such that the at least one radial slot facilitates fluid communication between the inner cavity of the barrel and the needle cannula.