CA2458767A1 - System and method for using improved intravenous cannulas that solve the problem of blood spillage - Google Patents
System and method for using improved intravenous cannulas that solve the problem of blood spillage Download PDFInfo
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- CA2458767A1 CA2458767A1 CA002458767A CA2458767A CA2458767A1 CA 2458767 A1 CA2458767 A1 CA 2458767A1 CA 002458767 A CA002458767 A CA 002458767A CA 2458767 A CA2458767 A CA 2458767A CA 2458767 A1 CA2458767 A1 CA 2458767A1
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- Prior art keywords
- needle
- connector
- cannula
- tube
- internal
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/158—Needles for infusions; Accessories therefor, e.g. for inserting infusion needles, or for holding them on the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
- A61M25/06—Body-piercing guide needles or the like
- A61M25/0612—Devices for protecting the needle; Devices to help insertion of the needle, e.g. wings or holders
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/02—Access sites
- A61M39/04—Access sites having pierceable self-sealing members
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/158—Needles for infusions; Accessories therefor, e.g. for inserting infusion needles, or for holding them on the body
- A61M2005/1587—Needles for infusions; Accessories therefor, e.g. for inserting infusion needles, or for holding them on the body suitable for being connected to an infusion line after insertion into a patient
Abstract
The introduction of indwelling cannulas into blood vessels (of humans or animals) (typically the veins) is one of the most common everyday actions of physician and nurses. Cannulas typically consist of a bending elastic thin plastic tunnel (typically with an inner diameter of about 1 mm) which can remain in the blood vessel for example up to 48 hours (after which it is typically replaced to avoid infections), and a rigid inner needle for puncturing the blood vessel, which is removed immediately after inserting the cannula into the blood vessel. However, one of the biggest problems of this technology is the problem of blood spillage when removing the needle and/or when switching devices that connect to the cannula (such as for example IV sets for infusion), which makes it almost impossible for the nurse or physician to avoid coming it contact with the patient's blood when removing the needle or when switching the connections. This entails for example the danger of catching various infections, for example if the physician's or nurse's skin is slightly broken or if he/she has wounds on the hands. Of course the nurse or physician can always use gloves for this but this is inconvenient many times, especially for example when there is a problem to find the veins and the physician has better control without the gloves. The present invention solves this problem by providing an improved device which automatically seals the cannula when removing the needle and when switching connections, preferably based on inserting the needle and any other connections thorough a preferably built-in self-sealing rubber.
Description
25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 2/22 Background of the invention Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to intravenous cannulas, and more specifically to a system and method for using improved intravenous cannulas that solve the problem of blood spillage when removing the needle and/or when switching connections.
Background The introduction of indwelling cannulas into blood vessels (of humans or animals) (typically the veins) is one of the most common everyday actions of physician and nurses. Cannulas typically consist of a bending elastic thin plastic tunnel (typically with an inner diameter of about lmm) which can remain in the blood vessel for example up to 48 hours (after which it is typically replaced to avoid infections), and a rigid inner needle for puncturing the blood vessel, which is removed immediately after inserting the cannula into the blood vessel. However, one of the biggest problems of this technology is the problem of blood spillage when removing the needle and/or when switching devices that connect to the cannula (such as for example IV sets for infusion), which makes it almost impossible for the nurse or physician to avoid coming it contact with the patient's blood when removing the needle or when switching the connections. This entails for example the danger of catching various infections, for example if the physician's or nurse's skin is slightly broken or if he/she has wounds on the hands. Of course the nurse or physician can always use gloves for this but this is inconvenient many times, especially for example when there is a problem to fmd the veins and the physician has better control without the gloves, and also it is more difficult to screw connections when using gloves.
Clearly it would be desirable to have a safer and more convenient solution.
Summary of the invention The present invention solves the above problem by providing an improved device which automatically seals the cannula when removing the needle and when switching connections, preferably based on inserting the needle and 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 3/22 other connections thorough a preferably built-in automatically sealing device, which is preferably self sealing rubber.
This is preferably done it at least one of the following ways:
1. Preferably the outer wide edge of the cannula-inserting-device contains a built-in self sealing rubber which is preferably sealed in position (for example in a wider short section of the tube, between two thinner sections), so that the internal rigid needle is inserted and afterwards removed through this self sealing rubber. (Such self sealing rubbers are typically used for example to seal fluid-containing bottles so that the fluid is removed by inserting and later removing a needle, however to the best of our knowledge they have never been used as a built-in part in a cannula-inserting device. These rubbers typically are both elastic and plastic and are typically contained in position under some pressure so that after the needle is removed the hole automatically seals itself by the pressure. Although there are for example yellow connectors which contain this self sealing rubber, which can be screwed at the wide edge of the cannula, they can only be put into position after the internal rigid needle has been removed, so blood will spill during this switch, and also they don't contain a screwing mechanism on their outer edge, so that standard connectors cannot be connected to them on the other side. So sticking a needle in them without a further screwing mechanism results in an unstable connection that can easily be broken, for example if the patient moves his hand suddenly). This way, blood does not spills out when the needle is removed, and preferably any other connectors (typically based on screwing) preferably contain an internal hollow short needle (preferably just a few mm long), as shown in Fig. 2c, which punctures the self sealing rubber. With this solution preferably the standard needles can be used, and therefore preferably the self sealing rubber is not at the outer edge of the tube but for example a few mm inside, in order to leave room to accommodate the wide edge of the needle, which typically is inserted a few mm into the tube when the rigid needle is fully in. However, there is preferably enough transparent section on the other side of the rubber in order to be able to see easily if it fills with blood. These modified connectors can be used for example instead of the normal IV (infusion) sets connectors, 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 4/22 connectors of rotating junctures (which allow connecting 2 or more fluid sources), etc. Preferably these internal hollow short needles have an internal diameter more or less the same as the flexible cannula (or a little bigger), so that they don't create any more restriction on the flow rate beyond the restriction caused by the cannula itself. This is shown in Fig. 2a. Preferably the device is supplied with the needle already installed through the rubber, so the operator only has to remove it after inserting the cannula into the blood vessel.
The present invention relates to intravenous cannulas, and more specifically to a system and method for using improved intravenous cannulas that solve the problem of blood spillage when removing the needle and/or when switching connections.
Background The introduction of indwelling cannulas into blood vessels (of humans or animals) (typically the veins) is one of the most common everyday actions of physician and nurses. Cannulas typically consist of a bending elastic thin plastic tunnel (typically with an inner diameter of about lmm) which can remain in the blood vessel for example up to 48 hours (after which it is typically replaced to avoid infections), and a rigid inner needle for puncturing the blood vessel, which is removed immediately after inserting the cannula into the blood vessel. However, one of the biggest problems of this technology is the problem of blood spillage when removing the needle and/or when switching devices that connect to the cannula (such as for example IV sets for infusion), which makes it almost impossible for the nurse or physician to avoid coming it contact with the patient's blood when removing the needle or when switching the connections. This entails for example the danger of catching various infections, for example if the physician's or nurse's skin is slightly broken or if he/she has wounds on the hands. Of course the nurse or physician can always use gloves for this but this is inconvenient many times, especially for example when there is a problem to fmd the veins and the physician has better control without the gloves, and also it is more difficult to screw connections when using gloves.
Clearly it would be desirable to have a safer and more convenient solution.
Summary of the invention The present invention solves the above problem by providing an improved device which automatically seals the cannula when removing the needle and when switching connections, preferably based on inserting the needle and 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 3/22 other connections thorough a preferably built-in automatically sealing device, which is preferably self sealing rubber.
This is preferably done it at least one of the following ways:
1. Preferably the outer wide edge of the cannula-inserting-device contains a built-in self sealing rubber which is preferably sealed in position (for example in a wider short section of the tube, between two thinner sections), so that the internal rigid needle is inserted and afterwards removed through this self sealing rubber. (Such self sealing rubbers are typically used for example to seal fluid-containing bottles so that the fluid is removed by inserting and later removing a needle, however to the best of our knowledge they have never been used as a built-in part in a cannula-inserting device. These rubbers typically are both elastic and plastic and are typically contained in position under some pressure so that after the needle is removed the hole automatically seals itself by the pressure. Although there are for example yellow connectors which contain this self sealing rubber, which can be screwed at the wide edge of the cannula, they can only be put into position after the internal rigid needle has been removed, so blood will spill during this switch, and also they don't contain a screwing mechanism on their outer edge, so that standard connectors cannot be connected to them on the other side. So sticking a needle in them without a further screwing mechanism results in an unstable connection that can easily be broken, for example if the patient moves his hand suddenly). This way, blood does not spills out when the needle is removed, and preferably any other connectors (typically based on screwing) preferably contain an internal hollow short needle (preferably just a few mm long), as shown in Fig. 2c, which punctures the self sealing rubber. With this solution preferably the standard needles can be used, and therefore preferably the self sealing rubber is not at the outer edge of the tube but for example a few mm inside, in order to leave room to accommodate the wide edge of the needle, which typically is inserted a few mm into the tube when the rigid needle is fully in. However, there is preferably enough transparent section on the other side of the rubber in order to be able to see easily if it fills with blood. These modified connectors can be used for example instead of the normal IV (infusion) sets connectors, 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 4/22 connectors of rotating junctures (which allow connecting 2 or more fluid sources), etc. Preferably these internal hollow short needles have an internal diameter more or less the same as the flexible cannula (or a little bigger), so that they don't create any more restriction on the flow rate beyond the restriction caused by the cannula itself. This is shown in Fig. 2a. Preferably the device is supplied with the needle already installed through the rubber, so the operator only has to remove it after inserting the cannula into the blood vessel.
2. Another possible variation is to use a connector like the above described typically yellow connectors, except that the connector preferably contains a screwing mechanism on its external side which preferably is like or has the same parameters as the screwing mechanism of the original cannula device, or at least is preferably compatible with the same screwing type of connectors, and similarly add an internal hollow short needle to all the connectors as described above in clause 1. This means the long internal rigid needle has to be made even longer (by the length of the connector) since it has to go through this additional connector while inserting the cannula, but this variation has more flexibility so that for example the same cannula-inserting-devices can be used and only the long needle and the typically yellow connector and the connectors that connect to it have to be changed. This is shown in Fig. 2b. Another possible variation, that can be used together with any of the above variations, is that for example until all the other connectors have been changed, or for example if the hospital has still devices with the old connectors that need to be connected, preferably adaptors are also made available, which are preferably short connectors that contain on one end the internal screw lines and the hollow short needle as in the new connectors, and on the other end contain the standard external screw lines so that the old type of connectors can connect to the adapter. If this adapter is needed, preferably the old connector is first screwed onto the adapter, and then the other side of the adapter is screwed for example to the Cannula insertion device or to the juncture or other devices that connect to the new type of connectors.
3. If higher flow rate is needed (for example for connecting between various fluid containers with automatic protection against spilling and/or for example against exposure to air), preferably more 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 5/22 sophisticated devices are used for the connection instead of the self sealing rubber. A preferable configuration of such devices is shown in Fig. 3.
Of course various combinations of the above and other variations can also be used. Another preferable improvement that can be used for example in combination with any of the above solutions is that for example each connector that contains internal screw lines is preferably designed so that its edge is widening, in order to make it more easy to screw the connector even for example when using gloves.
Another possible variation is that the needle itself is protected against accidental injury by the operator, for example by using an additional preferably rigid for example metal or plastic tube for example around the metal tube of the needle itself, so that the sharp end of the metal needle is preferably always contained inside the additional tube of the needle, and for example only when the needle is given the last push and/or for example the last twist when inserting the needle into the canulla, preferably only then the inner metal part is pushed a little forward and only then the sharp end of the needle is exposed. Similarly, in order to prevent injury from the hollow short needles of the new type of connectors, another possible variation is that for example the part in the connectors that contains the internal screw lines is preferably made longer so that it preferably extends beyond the length of the internal short needle (this longer part can be for example the widening section described above, and preferably there are no unnecessary internal screw lines on the wider section, and preferably the number of needed rotations to screw and unscrew the connector is not increased), and the parts that contain the external screw lines are on a sufficiently long section of tube (This means of course that in devices where this section is not long enough this section is preferably made longer, however for example in the normal Venflon and in the standard junction the length of this section is apparently already long enough for this). Another possible variation is for example that the external part of the connector that contains the inner screw lines is not made longer but instead the short needle is made shorter, and in accordance, the self sealing rubber in the devices to which the connector connects is more near the edge. However in this case there would not be enough room for the wide part in the normal type of needle to enter the wide part of the cannula, so if this variation is used, preferably the needles are also designed differently, so that preferably the needle is stabilized by a part that fits over 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 6/22 the external screw lines of the wide part of the cannula, preferably without screwing, and so preferably there is no need for a wide part of the needle that goes inside the wide edge of the cannula. Another possible variation is that for example the internal short needle does not protrude over the edge of the wider part that contains the internal screw lines when the connector is not connected, and for example is automatically pulled out by the screwing when the connector is screwed in position and automatically pulled back in when the connector is removed. Of course, various combinations of the above and other variations can also be used.
Another problem with these cannulas is that if blood needs to be drawn into Vacotainers (vacuum tubes which contain a membrane that is punctured by an internal needle and thus fills automatically with blood), it is sometimes not efficient enough to connect it through the wide edge of the cannula, especially for example if the patient is weak or has low blood pressure.
Therefore many times it becomes necessary to fill the Vacotainer by inserting a needle directly into the blood vessel instead of through the cannula device. However, the plastic tube used for connecting between the internal needle and the needle that goes into the blood vessel has another problem - that it is not transparent and thus if the needle is not correctly inserted into the blood vessel, this becomes apparent only after the other needle has punctured the membrane of the Vacotainer, thus wasting time and ruining the Vacotainer. Therefore, preferably this device is changed so that the thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles is preferably transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
Of course, various combinations of the above and other variations are also possible.
Brief descriution of the drawings Fig. la is an illustration of a typical prior art cannula insertion device (one of the most known brand names is Venflon).
Fig. lb is an illustration of a typical prior art junction that can connect to the wide edge of the cannula insertion device.
25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 7/22 Figs. 2a-c show a few preferable configurations in which the internal rigid needle and, after its removal, other connectors - are inserted through a preferably self sealing rubber.
Fig. 3 shows an example of a preferable configuration in which an automatically self sealing solution can be used for higher flow-rates in which a needle would be a too narrow connector.
Important Clarification and Glossary:
All the drawings are just or exemplary drawings. They should not be interpreted as literal positioning, shapes, angles, or sizes of the various elements. Throughout the patent whenever variations or various solutions are mentioned, it is also possible to use various combinations of these variations or of elements in them, and when combinations are used, it is also possible to use at least some elements in them separately or in other combinations. These variations are preferably in different embodiments. In other words: certain features of the invention, which are described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. mm is the standard notation for millimeters.
Detailed description of the preferred embodiments All of the descriptions in this and other sections are intended to be illustrative examples and not limiting.
Referring to Fig. la, we show an illustration of a typical prior art cannula insertion device (one of the most known brand names is Venflon). As can be seen, the Venflon ( 11 ) contains a flexible intravenous cannula ( 12) which is inserted into the blood vessel by the aid of an internal rigid needle, so that, when the needle is in, the sharp edge of the needle (10) protrudes a little at the end of the thin flexible cannula ( 12). On the other end the cannula has a wider hollow edge ( 16) through which the needle is inserted, and the needle itself also has a wider edge on that side (18), which is closed, since the 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 8/22 needle is not allowed to remain inside and is removed immediately after the flexible cannula has been inserted. Typically the Venflon has also a uni-directional valve (13) on the side, which is opened by liquid pressure and can also be used for inserting liquids to into the blood vessel.
Referring to Fig. lb, we show an illustration of a typical prior art junction that can connect to the wide edge of the cannula insertion device. As can be seen, the junction (l lb) typically contains a Hollow plastic connector (19) with internal screw lines that fits over the external screw lines on the wide edge of the cannula, a rotateable handle (20), which moves an internal plastic cylinder with small holes on various positions, in order to allow various combinations, and typically two additional connectors ( 19a & 19b), which have external screw lines, like the wide edge of the cannula (in the photo they are each covered by a closed top that is removed when an actual tube is connected to it).
Referring to Figs. 2a-c, we show a few preferable configurations in which the internal rigid needle and, after its removal, other connectors - are inserted through a preferably self sealing rubber. As can be seen in Fig. 2a, preferably a self sealing rubber is preferably locked in position inside the wide part of the cannula, preferably at position 22, so that preferably there is sufficient room for the internal wide part of the needle ( 18b) to go in, and on the other side of the self sealing membrane preferably there is still sufficient room to see if blood has come in. This means that the needle can remain more or less the same, and preferably only the cannula insertion device is changed by adding the inner self sealing rubber. Another possible variation is to increase, preferably slightly, the length of the wider edge of the cannula and increase the length of the needle accordingly. On the variation shown in Fig. 2b, preferably the cannula insertion device remains the same, but instead the connector (22a) that contains the preferably self sealing rubber (wherein said rubber is preferably in position 22b) preferably has an external hollow screw (23), with external screw lines that preferably looks like the normal external hollow screw of the wide edge of the cannula and/or has the same parameters, or at least is preferably compatible with the same screwing type of connectors, so that additional connectors can be added. This means of course that preferably the needle in this case is made longer, to accommodate the additional length of connector 22a. One possible variation in this case is that the external wide edge of the needle contains internal screw lines so that it can be screwed over the external connector 23. A more 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 9/22 preferable variation is that the needle is pushed directly through the internal diameter of the connector without screwing, since rotating the needle while it is in the blood vessel might injure the patient or cause pain. In addition, in both of these variations preferably all the other connectors, including for example IV (infusions) sets, junctions, etc., preferably contain a short rigid internal needle (25), as shown for example in Fig. 2c, preferably in addition to the normal screwing mechanism (internal screw lines), so that when the connector is screwed over the wide edge of the cannula ( 16), preferably the hollow short needle punctures the self sealing rubber. Similarly, preferably connectors 19c & 19d now also contain the self sealing rubber inside them, and any tubes that connect to them also preferably have the appropriate rigid hollow short needle which punctures their self sealing rubber when screwed over them. Since the normal connectors that have the internal screwing mechanism typically contain an internal rigid thinner hollow tube that goes inside the edge that contains the external screw lines, preferably the short hollow needle is mounted on this internal rigid thinner hollow tube. This short internal inner rigid tube can remain for example in the standard length or for example be shortened a little.
Referring to Fig. 3, we show an example of a preferable configuration in which an automatically self sealing solution can be used for higher flow-rates in which a needle would be a too narrow connector. As can be seen, preferably a double sided connector (37) is used, which preferably contains internal screw lines (35) on both edges and a thinner rigid inner hollow pipe (36) on both sides. Preferably each of the two preferably flexible tubes to be connected (30), contain a widening part (33) and a connector tube (34) with external screw lines, and on the outside of the flexible pipe, preferably just before the wider part begins, preferably the flexible pipe is covered by an element or elements that preferably exerts pressure that normally keeps the flexible pipe closed, such as for example flexible for example, preferably metal or elastic plastic, spring arms (32), that are preferably held in position for example by a more rigid base (31) which preferably surrounds the flexible pipe over a preferably small nearby section. Preferably the connector is designed so that the inner hollow rigid pipe (36) will push away the spring arms (32) from inside the flexible pipe (30) only after the external connector (37) has been sufficiently screwed over connector 34, so that no leakage occurs by the time the internal passage is opened. However, since when connecting for example two tubes they typically cannot be connected 25/02104 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 10/22 simultaneously at the same time, preferably the double sided connector (37) has also some control mechanism such as for example a rotateable external valve, for example like in the typical junctures, so that it is preferably opened only after both connections have been completed. Another possible variation is that for example some of the tubes end like the flexible pipe 30 ends, with the external screw-lines connector (34) and the flexible spring arms (32), and other tubes end like one side of the double sided connector (37). However, that is less preferable since it means that each tube can only be connected to the other type of tube, thus limiting the flexibility in possible combinations. Preferably the edges of the internal rigid tubes (26) are a little rounded at their edge, so that they don't injure the flexible pipes (30) from inside when entering then. Another possible variation is to use for example an external flexible rubber instead of the spring arms. Another possible variation is to use for example spring arms that are connected through one or more hinges at some point along the way, so that for example when external connector 37 fits over connector 34 it for example exerts some pressure on one side of the arms so that the arms rotate over the hinge or hinges and thus move away from each other at the positions where they normally exert pressure on the flexible pipe. This has the advantage that the internal rigid tubes (36) are not needed or do not have to exert pressure on the flexible tubes from the inside, which can thus extend the life of the connected flexible tubes. Of course, these are just a few example and many other configurations for example with similar principles can also be used.
For example the screwing mechanism might be reversed, so that for example connector 37 is screwed inside connector 34.
While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications, expansions and other applications of the invention may be made which are included within the scope of the present invention, as would be obvious to those skilled in the art.
Of course various combinations of the above and other variations can also be used. Another preferable improvement that can be used for example in combination with any of the above solutions is that for example each connector that contains internal screw lines is preferably designed so that its edge is widening, in order to make it more easy to screw the connector even for example when using gloves.
Another possible variation is that the needle itself is protected against accidental injury by the operator, for example by using an additional preferably rigid for example metal or plastic tube for example around the metal tube of the needle itself, so that the sharp end of the metal needle is preferably always contained inside the additional tube of the needle, and for example only when the needle is given the last push and/or for example the last twist when inserting the needle into the canulla, preferably only then the inner metal part is pushed a little forward and only then the sharp end of the needle is exposed. Similarly, in order to prevent injury from the hollow short needles of the new type of connectors, another possible variation is that for example the part in the connectors that contains the internal screw lines is preferably made longer so that it preferably extends beyond the length of the internal short needle (this longer part can be for example the widening section described above, and preferably there are no unnecessary internal screw lines on the wider section, and preferably the number of needed rotations to screw and unscrew the connector is not increased), and the parts that contain the external screw lines are on a sufficiently long section of tube (This means of course that in devices where this section is not long enough this section is preferably made longer, however for example in the normal Venflon and in the standard junction the length of this section is apparently already long enough for this). Another possible variation is for example that the external part of the connector that contains the inner screw lines is not made longer but instead the short needle is made shorter, and in accordance, the self sealing rubber in the devices to which the connector connects is more near the edge. However in this case there would not be enough room for the wide part in the normal type of needle to enter the wide part of the cannula, so if this variation is used, preferably the needles are also designed differently, so that preferably the needle is stabilized by a part that fits over 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 6/22 the external screw lines of the wide part of the cannula, preferably without screwing, and so preferably there is no need for a wide part of the needle that goes inside the wide edge of the cannula. Another possible variation is that for example the internal short needle does not protrude over the edge of the wider part that contains the internal screw lines when the connector is not connected, and for example is automatically pulled out by the screwing when the connector is screwed in position and automatically pulled back in when the connector is removed. Of course, various combinations of the above and other variations can also be used.
Another problem with these cannulas is that if blood needs to be drawn into Vacotainers (vacuum tubes which contain a membrane that is punctured by an internal needle and thus fills automatically with blood), it is sometimes not efficient enough to connect it through the wide edge of the cannula, especially for example if the patient is weak or has low blood pressure.
Therefore many times it becomes necessary to fill the Vacotainer by inserting a needle directly into the blood vessel instead of through the cannula device. However, the plastic tube used for connecting between the internal needle and the needle that goes into the blood vessel has another problem - that it is not transparent and thus if the needle is not correctly inserted into the blood vessel, this becomes apparent only after the other needle has punctured the membrane of the Vacotainer, thus wasting time and ruining the Vacotainer. Therefore, preferably this device is changed so that the thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles is preferably transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
Of course, various combinations of the above and other variations are also possible.
Brief descriution of the drawings Fig. la is an illustration of a typical prior art cannula insertion device (one of the most known brand names is Venflon).
Fig. lb is an illustration of a typical prior art junction that can connect to the wide edge of the cannula insertion device.
25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 7/22 Figs. 2a-c show a few preferable configurations in which the internal rigid needle and, after its removal, other connectors - are inserted through a preferably self sealing rubber.
Fig. 3 shows an example of a preferable configuration in which an automatically self sealing solution can be used for higher flow-rates in which a needle would be a too narrow connector.
Important Clarification and Glossary:
All the drawings are just or exemplary drawings. They should not be interpreted as literal positioning, shapes, angles, or sizes of the various elements. Throughout the patent whenever variations or various solutions are mentioned, it is also possible to use various combinations of these variations or of elements in them, and when combinations are used, it is also possible to use at least some elements in them separately or in other combinations. These variations are preferably in different embodiments. In other words: certain features of the invention, which are described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. mm is the standard notation for millimeters.
Detailed description of the preferred embodiments All of the descriptions in this and other sections are intended to be illustrative examples and not limiting.
Referring to Fig. la, we show an illustration of a typical prior art cannula insertion device (one of the most known brand names is Venflon). As can be seen, the Venflon ( 11 ) contains a flexible intravenous cannula ( 12) which is inserted into the blood vessel by the aid of an internal rigid needle, so that, when the needle is in, the sharp edge of the needle (10) protrudes a little at the end of the thin flexible cannula ( 12). On the other end the cannula has a wider hollow edge ( 16) through which the needle is inserted, and the needle itself also has a wider edge on that side (18), which is closed, since the 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 8/22 needle is not allowed to remain inside and is removed immediately after the flexible cannula has been inserted. Typically the Venflon has also a uni-directional valve (13) on the side, which is opened by liquid pressure and can also be used for inserting liquids to into the blood vessel.
Referring to Fig. lb, we show an illustration of a typical prior art junction that can connect to the wide edge of the cannula insertion device. As can be seen, the junction (l lb) typically contains a Hollow plastic connector (19) with internal screw lines that fits over the external screw lines on the wide edge of the cannula, a rotateable handle (20), which moves an internal plastic cylinder with small holes on various positions, in order to allow various combinations, and typically two additional connectors ( 19a & 19b), which have external screw lines, like the wide edge of the cannula (in the photo they are each covered by a closed top that is removed when an actual tube is connected to it).
Referring to Figs. 2a-c, we show a few preferable configurations in which the internal rigid needle and, after its removal, other connectors - are inserted through a preferably self sealing rubber. As can be seen in Fig. 2a, preferably a self sealing rubber is preferably locked in position inside the wide part of the cannula, preferably at position 22, so that preferably there is sufficient room for the internal wide part of the needle ( 18b) to go in, and on the other side of the self sealing membrane preferably there is still sufficient room to see if blood has come in. This means that the needle can remain more or less the same, and preferably only the cannula insertion device is changed by adding the inner self sealing rubber. Another possible variation is to increase, preferably slightly, the length of the wider edge of the cannula and increase the length of the needle accordingly. On the variation shown in Fig. 2b, preferably the cannula insertion device remains the same, but instead the connector (22a) that contains the preferably self sealing rubber (wherein said rubber is preferably in position 22b) preferably has an external hollow screw (23), with external screw lines that preferably looks like the normal external hollow screw of the wide edge of the cannula and/or has the same parameters, or at least is preferably compatible with the same screwing type of connectors, so that additional connectors can be added. This means of course that preferably the needle in this case is made longer, to accommodate the additional length of connector 22a. One possible variation in this case is that the external wide edge of the needle contains internal screw lines so that it can be screwed over the external connector 23. A more 25/02/04 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 9/22 preferable variation is that the needle is pushed directly through the internal diameter of the connector without screwing, since rotating the needle while it is in the blood vessel might injure the patient or cause pain. In addition, in both of these variations preferably all the other connectors, including for example IV (infusions) sets, junctions, etc., preferably contain a short rigid internal needle (25), as shown for example in Fig. 2c, preferably in addition to the normal screwing mechanism (internal screw lines), so that when the connector is screwed over the wide edge of the cannula ( 16), preferably the hollow short needle punctures the self sealing rubber. Similarly, preferably connectors 19c & 19d now also contain the self sealing rubber inside them, and any tubes that connect to them also preferably have the appropriate rigid hollow short needle which punctures their self sealing rubber when screwed over them. Since the normal connectors that have the internal screwing mechanism typically contain an internal rigid thinner hollow tube that goes inside the edge that contains the external screw lines, preferably the short hollow needle is mounted on this internal rigid thinner hollow tube. This short internal inner rigid tube can remain for example in the standard length or for example be shortened a little.
Referring to Fig. 3, we show an example of a preferable configuration in which an automatically self sealing solution can be used for higher flow-rates in which a needle would be a too narrow connector. As can be seen, preferably a double sided connector (37) is used, which preferably contains internal screw lines (35) on both edges and a thinner rigid inner hollow pipe (36) on both sides. Preferably each of the two preferably flexible tubes to be connected (30), contain a widening part (33) and a connector tube (34) with external screw lines, and on the outside of the flexible pipe, preferably just before the wider part begins, preferably the flexible pipe is covered by an element or elements that preferably exerts pressure that normally keeps the flexible pipe closed, such as for example flexible for example, preferably metal or elastic plastic, spring arms (32), that are preferably held in position for example by a more rigid base (31) which preferably surrounds the flexible pipe over a preferably small nearby section. Preferably the connector is designed so that the inner hollow rigid pipe (36) will push away the spring arms (32) from inside the flexible pipe (30) only after the external connector (37) has been sufficiently screwed over connector 34, so that no leakage occurs by the time the internal passage is opened. However, since when connecting for example two tubes they typically cannot be connected 25/02104 Yaron Mayer & Haim Gadassi 10/22 simultaneously at the same time, preferably the double sided connector (37) has also some control mechanism such as for example a rotateable external valve, for example like in the typical junctures, so that it is preferably opened only after both connections have been completed. Another possible variation is that for example some of the tubes end like the flexible pipe 30 ends, with the external screw-lines connector (34) and the flexible spring arms (32), and other tubes end like one side of the double sided connector (37). However, that is less preferable since it means that each tube can only be connected to the other type of tube, thus limiting the flexibility in possible combinations. Preferably the edges of the internal rigid tubes (26) are a little rounded at their edge, so that they don't injure the flexible pipes (30) from inside when entering then. Another possible variation is to use for example an external flexible rubber instead of the spring arms. Another possible variation is to use for example spring arms that are connected through one or more hinges at some point along the way, so that for example when external connector 37 fits over connector 34 it for example exerts some pressure on one side of the arms so that the arms rotate over the hinge or hinges and thus move away from each other at the positions where they normally exert pressure on the flexible pipe. This has the advantage that the internal rigid tubes (36) are not needed or do not have to exert pressure on the flexible tubes from the inside, which can thus extend the life of the connected flexible tubes. Of course, these are just a few example and many other configurations for example with similar principles can also be used.
For example the screwing mechanism might be reversed, so that for example connector 37 is screwed inside connector 34.
While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications, expansions and other applications of the invention may be made which are included within the scope of the present invention, as would be obvious to those skilled in the art.
Claims (11)
1. A system for inserting cannula into blood vessels without leakage of blood, comprising a cannula-insertion device that contains an automatically self sealing device through which at least one of the needle and other connections are inserted.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said automatically sealing device is a self-sealing rubber.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the outer wide edge of the cannula-inserting-device contains a built-in self-sealing rubber which is sealed in position, so that the internal rigid needle is inserted and afterwards removed through this self-sealing rubber.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. Other connectors, which can be inserted after the needle is removed, contain an internal hollow short needle which punctures the self sealing rubber.
b. The standard cannula-insertion needles can be used.
c. The length of the wide edge of the cannula and the length of the needle are increased.
d. The self-sealing rubber is not at the edge of the tube but a few mm inside, in order to leave room to accommodate the wide edge of the needle, and there is enough transparent section on the other side of the rubber in order to be able to see if it fills with blood.
a. Other connectors, which can be inserted after the needle is removed, contain an internal hollow short needle which punctures the self sealing rubber.
b. The standard cannula-insertion needles can be used.
c. The length of the wide edge of the cannula and the length of the needle are increased.
d. The self-sealing rubber is not at the edge of the tube but a few mm inside, in order to leave room to accommodate the wide edge of the needle, and there is enough transparent section on the other side of the rubber in order to be able to see if it fills with blood.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The connectors that contain the hollow short needle contain also the normal screwing mechanism.
b. The hollow short needle is mounted on the internal thinner rigid hollow tube that is typically inside the connector.
c. The internal hollow short needles have an internal diameter more or less the same as the flexible cannula, so that they don't create more restriction on the flow rate beyond the restriction cause by the cannula itself.
d. The cannula-insertion device is supplied with the needle already installed through the rubber, so the operator only has to remove it after inserting the cannula into the blood vessel.
a. The connectors that contain the hollow short needle contain also the normal screwing mechanism.
b. The hollow short needle is mounted on the internal thinner rigid hollow tube that is typically inside the connector.
c. The internal hollow short needles have an internal diameter more or less the same as the flexible cannula, so that they don't create more restriction on the flow rate beyond the restriction cause by the cannula itself.
d. The cannula-insertion device is supplied with the needle already installed through the rubber, so the operator only has to remove it after inserting the cannula into the blood vessel.
6. The system of any of the above claims wherein a connector is used that contains a screwing mechanism on its external side, and the other connectors that can connect to it have an internal hollow short needle as in claims 4 and 5.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the long internal rigid needle is made longer so that it can go through the additional connector while inserting the cannula.
8. A system for connecting tubes where higher flow rate is needed for which a needle is not wide enough, comprising a connector which automatically opens one or more flexible tubes when inserted into them, and the tube or tubes are normally closed by an elastic element that keeps them closed.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. Each of the two flexible tubes to be connected contain a widening part and a connector tube with external screw lines, and on the outside of the flexible pipe the pipe is covered by an element or elements that exert pressure that normally keeps the flexible pipe closed.
b. A double sided connector is used, which contains internal screw lines on both edges and a thinner rigid inner hollow pipe on both sides, so that when connected the inner hollow rigid pipe pushes away from inside the flexible tube the element or elements that normally keep the flexible tube closed.
c. The connector is designed so that the rigid inner pipe opens the flexible tube from inside only after it has been sufficiently screwed, so that no leakage occurs by the time the internal passage is opened.
d. The double sided connector has also a rotateable external valve, so that it is opened only after both connections have been completed.
e. Instead of a double-sided connector, some of the tubes end like the flexible pipe ends, with the external screw-lines connector and flexible element that normally keeps them closed, and other tubes end like one side of the double sided connector.
f. The screwing mechanism is reversed, so that the double sided connector is screwed inside the connector of the tube.
a. Each of the two flexible tubes to be connected contain a widening part and a connector tube with external screw lines, and on the outside of the flexible pipe the pipe is covered by an element or elements that exert pressure that normally keeps the flexible pipe closed.
b. A double sided connector is used, which contains internal screw lines on both edges and a thinner rigid inner hollow pipe on both sides, so that when connected the inner hollow rigid pipe pushes away from inside the flexible tube the element or elements that normally keep the flexible tube closed.
c. The connector is designed so that the rigid inner pipe opens the flexible tube from inside only after it has been sufficiently screwed, so that no leakage occurs by the time the internal passage is opened.
d. The double sided connector has also a rotateable external valve, so that it is opened only after both connections have been completed.
e. Instead of a double-sided connector, some of the tubes end like the flexible pipe ends, with the external screw-lines connector and flexible element that normally keeps them closed, and other tubes end like one side of the double sided connector.
f. The screwing mechanism is reversed, so that the double sided connector is screwed inside the connector of the tube.
10.The system of any of claims 8 and 9 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The flexible element or elements that normally keep the flexible tube closed are at least one of: External spring arms, and rubber elements.
b. The edges of the internal rigid tubes are a little rounded at their edge, so that they don't injure the flexible pipes from inside when entering then.
c. The spring arms are connected through one or more hinges at some point along the way, so that when the external connector is connected to the tube it exerts some pressure on one side of the arms so that the arms rotate over the hinge or hinges and thus move away from each other at the positions where they normally exert pressure on the flexible pipe, so that no force has to be exerted from inside the flexible tube in order to open it.
a. The flexible element or elements that normally keep the flexible tube closed are at least one of: External spring arms, and rubber elements.
b. The edges of the internal rigid tubes are a little rounded at their edge, so that they don't injure the flexible pipes from inside when entering then.
c. The spring arms are connected through one or more hinges at some point along the way, so that when the external connector is connected to the tube it exerts some pressure on one side of the arms so that the arms rotate over the hinge or hinges and thus move away from each other at the positions where they normally exert pressure on the flexible pipe, so that no force has to be exerted from inside the flexible tube in order to open it.
11.The system of any of the above claims wherein the needle itself it protected against accidental injury by the operator, by using an additional rigid tube around the metal tube of the needle itself, so that the sharp end of the metal needle is always contained inside the additional tube of the needle, and only when the needle is given the last push and/or the last twist when inserting the needle into the canulla, the inner metal part is pushed forward and only then the sharp end of the needle is exposed.
l2.The system of any of the above claims wherein if a Vacotainer has to be filled by inserting another needle directly into a blood vessel, the thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles is transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
13.A system for filling Vacotainers by inserting a needle directly into a blood vessel, wherein the thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles is transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
14.The system of any of the above claims wherein junctions of the type that can connect to the cannula have additional connectors that also contain the self-sealing rubber inside them, and any tubes that connect to them also have the appropriate rigid hollow short needle which punctures their self-sealing rubber when screwed over them.
15.A method for inserting cannula into blood vessels without leakage of blood, comprising the steps of using a cannula-insertion device that contains an automatically self-sealing device through which at least one of the needle and other connections are inserted.
16.The method of claim 15 wherein said automatically sealing device is a self-sealing rubber.
17.The method of claim 16 wherein the outer wide edge of the cannula-inserting-device contains a built-in self-sealing rubber which is sealed in position, so that the internal rigid needle is inserted and afterwards removed through this self-sealing rubber.
18.The method of claim 17 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. Other connectors, which can be inserted after the needle is removed, contain an internal hollow short needle which punctures the self-sealing rubber.
b. The standard cannula-insertion needles can be used.
c. The length of the wide edge of the cannula and the length of the needle are increased.
d. The self sealing rubber is not at the edge of the tube but a few mm inside, in order to leave room to accommodate the wide edge of the needle, and there is enough transparent section on the other side of the rubber in order to be able to see if it fills with blood.
19.The method of claim 18 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The connectors that contain the hollow short needle contain also the normal screwing mechanism.
b. The hollow short needle is mounted on the internal thinner rigid hollow tube that is typically inside the connector.
c. The internal hollow short needles have an internal diameter more or less the same as the flexible cannula, so that they don't create more restriction on the flow rate beyond the restriction cause by the cannula itself.
d. The cannula-insertion device is supplied with the needle already installed through the rubber, so the operator only has to remove it after inserting the cannula into the blood vessel.
20.The method of any of the above claims wherein a connector is used that contains a screwing mechanism on its external, and the other connectors that can connect to it have an internal hollow short needle as in claims 5 and 6.
21.The method of claim 20 wherein the long internal rigid needle is made longer so that it can go through the additional connector while inserting the cannula.
22.A method for connecting tubes where higher flow rate is needed for which a needle is not wide enough, comprising a connector which automatically opens one or more flexible tubes when inserted into them, and the tube or tubes are normally closed by an elastic element that keeps them closed.
23.The method of claim 22 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. Each of the two flexible tubes to be connected contain a widening part and a connector tube with external screw lines, and on the outside of the flexible pipe the pipe is covered by an element or elements that exert pressure that normally keeps the flexible pipe closed.
b. A double sided connector is used, which contains internal screw lines on both edges and a thinner rigid inner hollow pipe on both sides, so that when connected the inner hollow rigid pipe pushes away from inside the flexible tube the element or elements that normally keep the flexible tube closed.
c. The connector is designed so that the rigid inner pipe opens the flexible tube from inside only after it has been sufficiently screwed, so that no leakage occurs by the time the internal passage is opened.
d. The double sided connector has also a rotateable external valve, so that it is opened only after both connections have been completed.
e. Instead of a double-sided connector, some of the tubes end like the flexible pipe ends, with the external screw-lines connector and flexible element that normally keeps them closed, and other tubes end like one side of the double sided connector f. The screwing mechanism is reversed, so that the double sided connector is screwed inside the connector of the tube.
24.The method of any of claims 22 and 23 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The flexible element or elements that normally keep the flexible tube closed are at least one of External spring arms, and rubber elements.
b. The edges of the internal rigid tubes are a little rounded at their edge, so that they don't injure the flexible pipes from inside when entering then.
c. The spring arms are connected through one or more hinges at some point along the way, so that when the external connector is connected to the tube it exerts some pressure on one side of the arms so that the arms rotate over the hinge or hinges and thus move away from each other at the positions where they normally exert pressure on the flexible pipe, so that no force has to be exerted from inside the flexible tube in order to open it.
25.The method of any of the above claims wherein the needle itself it protected against accidental injury by the operator, by using an additional rigid tube around the metal tube of the needle itself, so that the sharp end of the metal needle is always contained inside the additional tube of the needle, and only when the needle is given the last push and/or the last twist when inserting the needle into the canulla, the inner metal part is pushed forward and only then the sharp end of the needle is exposed.
26.The method of any of the above claims wherein if a Vacotainer has to be filled by inserting another needle directly into a blood vessel, the thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles is transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
27.A method for filling Vacotainers by inserting a needle directly into a blood vessel, comprising the steps of using a thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles which is transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
28.The method of any of the above claims wherein junctions of the type that can connect to the cannula have additional connectors that also contain the self-sealing rubber inside them, and any tubes that connect to them also have the appropriate rigid hollow short needle which punctures their self-sealing rubber when screwed over them.
29.The system of claim 7 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The external wide edge of the needle contains internal screw lines so that it can be screwed over the external connector b. The wide needle is pushed directly through the connector without screwing.
30.The method of claim 21 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The external wide edge of the needle contains internal screw lines so that it can be screwed over the external connector b. The wide needle is pushed directly through the connector without screwing.
31.The system of any of the above claims wherein each connector that contains internal screw lines has a widening edge, so that it is more easy to screw the connector even when using gloves.
32.The system of any of the above claims wherein the old type of connectors can be connected to the systems that contain the self-sealing rubber by using adaptors that contain on one end the internal screw lines and the hollow short needle as in the new connectors, and on the other end contain the standard external screw lines so that the old type of connectors can connect to the adaptor.
33.The method of any of the above claims wherein the old type of connectors can be connected to the systems that contain the self sealing rubber by using adaptors that contain on one end the internal screw lines and the hollow short needle as in the new connectors, and on the other end contain the standard external screw lines so that the old type of connectors can connect to the adaptor.
34.The method of claim 33 wherein the old connector is first screwed onto the adapter, and then the other side of the adapter is to the devices that connect to the new type of connector.
35.The system of any of the above claims wherein in order to prevent injury from the short needle of the connectors at least one of the following features exists:
a. The parts that contain the external screw lines are on a sufficiently long section of tube and the part in the connectors that contains the internal screw lines is longer, so that it extends beyond the length of the internal short needle b. The short needle is made shorter, and in accordance, the self-sealing rubber in the devices to which the connector connects is more near the edge, and the needles that are used in the cannula-insertion device are also designed differently, so that the needle is stabilized by a part that fits over the external screw lines of the wide part of the cannula, preferably without screwing.
c. The internal short needle does not protrude over the edge of the wider part that contains the internal screw lines when the connector is not connected, and is automatically pulled out by the screwing when the connector is screwed in position and automatically pulled back in when the connector is removed.
l2.The system of any of the above claims wherein if a Vacotainer has to be filled by inserting another needle directly into a blood vessel, the thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles is transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
13.A system for filling Vacotainers by inserting a needle directly into a blood vessel, wherein the thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles is transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
14.The system of any of the above claims wherein junctions of the type that can connect to the cannula have additional connectors that also contain the self-sealing rubber inside them, and any tubes that connect to them also have the appropriate rigid hollow short needle which punctures their self-sealing rubber when screwed over them.
15.A method for inserting cannula into blood vessels without leakage of blood, comprising the steps of using a cannula-insertion device that contains an automatically self-sealing device through which at least one of the needle and other connections are inserted.
16.The method of claim 15 wherein said automatically sealing device is a self-sealing rubber.
17.The method of claim 16 wherein the outer wide edge of the cannula-inserting-device contains a built-in self-sealing rubber which is sealed in position, so that the internal rigid needle is inserted and afterwards removed through this self-sealing rubber.
18.The method of claim 17 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. Other connectors, which can be inserted after the needle is removed, contain an internal hollow short needle which punctures the self-sealing rubber.
b. The standard cannula-insertion needles can be used.
c. The length of the wide edge of the cannula and the length of the needle are increased.
d. The self sealing rubber is not at the edge of the tube but a few mm inside, in order to leave room to accommodate the wide edge of the needle, and there is enough transparent section on the other side of the rubber in order to be able to see if it fills with blood.
19.The method of claim 18 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The connectors that contain the hollow short needle contain also the normal screwing mechanism.
b. The hollow short needle is mounted on the internal thinner rigid hollow tube that is typically inside the connector.
c. The internal hollow short needles have an internal diameter more or less the same as the flexible cannula, so that they don't create more restriction on the flow rate beyond the restriction cause by the cannula itself.
d. The cannula-insertion device is supplied with the needle already installed through the rubber, so the operator only has to remove it after inserting the cannula into the blood vessel.
20.The method of any of the above claims wherein a connector is used that contains a screwing mechanism on its external, and the other connectors that can connect to it have an internal hollow short needle as in claims 5 and 6.
21.The method of claim 20 wherein the long internal rigid needle is made longer so that it can go through the additional connector while inserting the cannula.
22.A method for connecting tubes where higher flow rate is needed for which a needle is not wide enough, comprising a connector which automatically opens one or more flexible tubes when inserted into them, and the tube or tubes are normally closed by an elastic element that keeps them closed.
23.The method of claim 22 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. Each of the two flexible tubes to be connected contain a widening part and a connector tube with external screw lines, and on the outside of the flexible pipe the pipe is covered by an element or elements that exert pressure that normally keeps the flexible pipe closed.
b. A double sided connector is used, which contains internal screw lines on both edges and a thinner rigid inner hollow pipe on both sides, so that when connected the inner hollow rigid pipe pushes away from inside the flexible tube the element or elements that normally keep the flexible tube closed.
c. The connector is designed so that the rigid inner pipe opens the flexible tube from inside only after it has been sufficiently screwed, so that no leakage occurs by the time the internal passage is opened.
d. The double sided connector has also a rotateable external valve, so that it is opened only after both connections have been completed.
e. Instead of a double-sided connector, some of the tubes end like the flexible pipe ends, with the external screw-lines connector and flexible element that normally keeps them closed, and other tubes end like one side of the double sided connector f. The screwing mechanism is reversed, so that the double sided connector is screwed inside the connector of the tube.
24.The method of any of claims 22 and 23 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The flexible element or elements that normally keep the flexible tube closed are at least one of External spring arms, and rubber elements.
b. The edges of the internal rigid tubes are a little rounded at their edge, so that they don't injure the flexible pipes from inside when entering then.
c. The spring arms are connected through one or more hinges at some point along the way, so that when the external connector is connected to the tube it exerts some pressure on one side of the arms so that the arms rotate over the hinge or hinges and thus move away from each other at the positions where they normally exert pressure on the flexible pipe, so that no force has to be exerted from inside the flexible tube in order to open it.
25.The method of any of the above claims wherein the needle itself it protected against accidental injury by the operator, by using an additional rigid tube around the metal tube of the needle itself, so that the sharp end of the metal needle is always contained inside the additional tube of the needle, and only when the needle is given the last push and/or the last twist when inserting the needle into the canulla, the inner metal part is pushed forward and only then the sharp end of the needle is exposed.
26.The method of any of the above claims wherein if a Vacotainer has to be filled by inserting another needle directly into a blood vessel, the thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles is transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
27.A method for filling Vacotainers by inserting a needle directly into a blood vessel, comprising the steps of using a thin plastic tube that connects between the two needles which is transparent, so that if it does not immediately fill with blood the nurse or physician can immediately know that the needle has not been properly inserted into the vein even before connecting the Vacotainer to the other needle.
28.The method of any of the above claims wherein junctions of the type that can connect to the cannula have additional connectors that also contain the self-sealing rubber inside them, and any tubes that connect to them also have the appropriate rigid hollow short needle which punctures their self-sealing rubber when screwed over them.
29.The system of claim 7 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The external wide edge of the needle contains internal screw lines so that it can be screwed over the external connector b. The wide needle is pushed directly through the connector without screwing.
30.The method of claim 21 wherein at least one of the following features exists:
a. The external wide edge of the needle contains internal screw lines so that it can be screwed over the external connector b. The wide needle is pushed directly through the connector without screwing.
31.The system of any of the above claims wherein each connector that contains internal screw lines has a widening edge, so that it is more easy to screw the connector even when using gloves.
32.The system of any of the above claims wherein the old type of connectors can be connected to the systems that contain the self-sealing rubber by using adaptors that contain on one end the internal screw lines and the hollow short needle as in the new connectors, and on the other end contain the standard external screw lines so that the old type of connectors can connect to the adaptor.
33.The method of any of the above claims wherein the old type of connectors can be connected to the systems that contain the self sealing rubber by using adaptors that contain on one end the internal screw lines and the hollow short needle as in the new connectors, and on the other end contain the standard external screw lines so that the old type of connectors can connect to the adaptor.
34.The method of claim 33 wherein the old connector is first screwed onto the adapter, and then the other side of the adapter is to the devices that connect to the new type of connector.
35.The system of any of the above claims wherein in order to prevent injury from the short needle of the connectors at least one of the following features exists:
a. The parts that contain the external screw lines are on a sufficiently long section of tube and the part in the connectors that contains the internal screw lines is longer, so that it extends beyond the length of the internal short needle b. The short needle is made shorter, and in accordance, the self-sealing rubber in the devices to which the connector connects is more near the edge, and the needles that are used in the cannula-insertion device are also designed differently, so that the needle is stabilized by a part that fits over the external screw lines of the wide part of the cannula, preferably without screwing.
c. The internal short needle does not protrude over the edge of the wider part that contains the internal screw lines when the connector is not connected, and is automatically pulled out by the screwing when the connector is screwed in position and automatically pulled back in when the connector is removed.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002458767A CA2458767A1 (en) | 2004-02-25 | 2004-02-25 | System and method for using improved intravenous cannulas that solve the problem of blood spillage |
| CA002475199A CA2475199A1 (en) | 2004-02-25 | 2004-08-02 | System and method for using improved intravenous cannulas that solve the problem of blood spillage |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002458767A CA2458767A1 (en) | 2004-02-25 | 2004-02-25 | System and method for using improved intravenous cannulas that solve the problem of blood spillage |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2458767A1 true CA2458767A1 (en) | 2005-08-25 |
Family
ID=34865926
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002458767A Abandoned CA2458767A1 (en) | 2004-02-25 | 2004-02-25 | System and method for using improved intravenous cannulas that solve the problem of blood spillage |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2458767A1 (en) |
-
2004
- 2004-02-25 CA CA002458767A patent/CA2458767A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |