JP4737895B2 - Flashback blood collection needle - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting a blood sample by performing venipuncture on a patient. More particularly, the present invention relates to a plurality of sample blood collection needles that allow a blood collection engineer to determine whether a needle has entered a vein when collecting a blood sample from a patient into an evacuated blood collection tube. Regarding assembly.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Venipuncture is the main method used to collect blood samples for laboratory testing. When performing venipuncture, the technician needs to perform multiple steps simultaneously. Such steps include identifying all physical and psychological conditions of the patient in order to properly select the location and technique for venipuncture. Furthermore, an engineer who collects blood needs to select an appropriate device corresponding to this, and not only to control bleeding, but also to appropriately collect and specify a fluid sample for testing. The blood collection engineer must identify all of these simultaneous factors and ensure that these factors do not adversely affect venous dilatation and venipuncture operations.
[0003]
Various venipuncture devices have been developed to solve the aforementioned problems. These devices incorporate a needle assembly having a housing with a chamber formed therein, with a single pointed cannula secured to the housing. The intravenous injection end of the cannula is configured to pierce the patient's vein, and the non-patient end of the cannula has a sealable sleeve and is configured to pierce a pierceable stop located within the exhaust container. Has been.
[0004]
When the venous injection end of the cannula is inserted into the vein, blood flows through the cannula, enters a sealable sleeve, and enters a housing chamber that is visibly transparent (flashback). As air is evacuated from the housing chamber, the blood therein is actuated and pressurized each time the sealable sleeve is pushed toward the housing chamber.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Because there is time between the venipuncture and the flashback and the flashback is not immediately shown in the transparent chamber, the blood collection technician mistakenly believes that the venipuncture was not successful. Then, the blood collection engineer unnecessarily repeats the venipuncture operation that requires replacement of the exhaust container and / or the needle assembly itself. Such repeated work prolongs the physical and emotional discomfort given to the patient.
[0006]
Therefore, providing a quick, accurate and cost-effective solution to traditional blood collection operations where the blood collection engineer consistently relies on flashback to confirm successful venipuncture Is desired. In addition, it is particularly desirable to provide a blood collection device that allows blood to flow through a relatively short needle that enters directly into the flashback chamber and immediately indicates that the venipuncture was successful.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a needle assembly that extracts at least one fluid sample into an evacuated container for testing in a laboratory, where the needle assembly provides visual confirmation that a user has successfully performed a venipuncture. As can be done, evacuation is eliminated by providing a transparent or translucent housing chamber with sufficient space for blood to flow into the chamber.
[0008]
A needle assembly is provided for collecting at least one fluid sample from a patient and subsequently draining it into at least one evacuated container. The needle assembly of the present invention comprises a transparent or translucent housing having a fluid introduction end formed by a cylindrical outer wall. This wall forms an annular flashback chamber in the housing for holding a blood sample. The housing further includes a fluid discharge end communicating with the fluid introduction end. A first cannula in fluid communication with the blood introduction end extends outwardly therefrom. The first cannula has an inner end located near the chamber and an opposite outer end configured to pierce a patient's vein. Similarly, a second cannula is provided in fluid communication with the outer end and extends outwardly therefrom. The second cannula has an inner end located in the vicinity of the first inner end and further includes an outer end opposite the second inner end. The second outer end is configured to break through the pierceable stopper of the evacuated container. The first and second cannulas are axially aligned with each other to provide an axial fluid flow path between them along the length of the housing. The second cannula further comprises a sealable sleeve.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a blood collection needle assembly that enables visual recognition of venipuncture (flashback) when collecting blood or other fluid samples from a patient into one or more evacuated blood collection tubes.
[0010]
1-4, the needle assembly 10 of the present invention comprises a transparent or translucent housing 12, which has a fluid introduction needle (first cannula) on one side and an opposite side. A fluid discharge needle (second cannula) is supported on the side. The fluid collected from the first cannula is immediately visible through the housing, indicating in a timely manner that the venipuncture has been performed properly.
[0011]
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the needle assembly 10 includes a housing 12 having a fluid inlet end 14 and a fluid outlet end 16 adjacent thereto. The fluid introduction end 14 is formed by a cylindrical outer wall 18 having an annular shoulder 20 protruding from the end near the fluid discharge end 16. This wall 18 surrounds the flashback chamber 22 therein. The chamber 22 further includes an annular groove 26 defined inside a frustoconical inclined portion 28 protruding outward from the wall 18.
[0012]
The fluid introduction end 14 is formed by an injection end 30 provided with a further cylindrical extension 32. The cylindrical extension 32 having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the wall 18 protrudes from the wall 18 by a truncated cone-shaped inclined portion 28 connecting the two.
[0013]
The cylindrical extension 32 has a large hole 34 extending therethrough, the hole being sized to insert and receive and secure the first fluid introduction cannula 36 therein. The first cannula 36 has an outer end 40 projecting outward from the injection end 30 and a sharp bevel 42. At the opposite end of the cannula 36 is defined a first inner end 44 having a non-sharp tip 46 that is inserted into the cannula 36 at the injection end 30. These bevels 42 and non-sharp tips 46 each have an opening having a corresponding shape so that the fluid flows without interruption.
[0014]
The first cannula 36 is positioned within the bore 34 such that the first inner end 44 is positioned proximate the annular groove 26 and fluid communication is maintained therebetween. When the cannula 36 is properly positioned, it can be frictionally engaged with the hole 34 or secured by adhesive or other means.
[0015]
The hole 34 extends over a portion of the cylindrical extension 32, extends into the inclined portion 28, and communicates with each of the first cannula 36 and the second fluid discharge cannula 52. The second cannula 52 has a second inner end 54 with a non-sharp tip 56. This non-sharp tip 56 surrounds the opening in the groove 26 and is adjacent to the first inner end 44 of the first cannula 36. The second cannula 52 further includes an outer end 58 having a non-patient side beveled end 60. The second cannula 52 extends outwardly from the fluid discharge end 16 and forms an elongated fluid passage through the housing 12. The non-patient side bevel end 60 further comprises a sealable sleeve 61 covering the outer end 58.
[0016]
The fluid discharge end 16 of the housing 12 includes a disc-shaped base 64 from which a cylindrical projection 66 extends outwardly. The base 64 includes an annular flange 68 that cooperates with the annular shoulder 20 of the fluid introduction end 14 to form an abutment surface 80 therebetween. These end portions are fixed to each other along the contact surface 80 by an adhesive or other appropriate fixing means.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid discharge end 16 preferably comprises means for securing the needle assembly 10 to the holder 78. This means comprises a plurality of helical threads 82. Although a threaded system is shown here, it will be appreciated that any attachment means can be used to assist in the practice of the present invention.
[0018]
The housing 12 is constructed of a translucent or transparent material so that the user of this assembly can easily see the contents of the chamber 22. Although a translucent and strong plastic is desirable, various ports and windows such as the window 100 shown in FIG. 2 may be used to allow the user to view the contents of the chamber 22.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 4, during a conventional venipuncture operation, the needle assembly 100 connected to the holder 78 is pierced into the patient's skin and enters the vein. The flashback chamber 22 has sufficient space in the chamber 22 to allow blood to flow over the opening in the inner end 44 and into the groove 26 to instantly see the flashback associated with venipuncture. provide. In this way, the blood collection technician can almost instantaneously see that the venipuncture has been successfully performed by the first cannula 36. When the venipuncture is successfully performed in this way, the atmospheric air in the chamber 22 is compressed under the influence of the venous pressure. When the venous pressure exceeds the atmospheric pressure in the chamber 22, blood flows into it and covers the opening of the second inner end 54. When the pressure in the chamber equals the venous pressure, blood flow stops.
[0020]
When the venipuncture is visually recognized by the blood collection engineer, as shown in FIG. 5, the evacuated container 70 is inserted into the holder 78 so that the inclined surface portion 60 of the second cannula 52 breaks through the stopper 72. As the second cannula 52 enters the vacuum portion 79, a negative pressure gradient is transmitted to the needle assembly. The low pressure in the container causes blood to flow from the vein into the container. Because the cannulas 36 and 52 are axially aligned, an unobstructed flow path for blood that flows into the container 70 due to the negative pressure gradient is provided. The blood in the groove 26 and the chamber 22 is drawn into the container 70 through the opening of the second inner end 54 by a negative pressure gradient in the chamber 11. When this occurs, the pressure in chamber 22 and groove 26 drops below the patient's venous pressure, so that higher venous pressure pressurizes groove 26 and chamber 22 and returns to venous pressure again. The substantial effect is that the small blood column that pulsates in the groove 26 closes the opening and minimizes the air in the chamber 22 being drawn into the container 70 by the second inner end 54. Blood is collected in evacuated containers, whereby a single needle assembly 10 is used to obtain corresponding samples. The venipuncture operation is completed by removing the first cannula 36 from the patient's vein.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the auxiliary embodiment of the present invention comprises many parts that are substantially the same as the components of FIGS. Accordingly, the same parts performing the same functions are given the same reference numerals as the parts in FIGS. 1 to 5, but a is added after the reference to identify the same parts in FIGS. 6 to 8. .
[0022]
FIG. 6 shows a needle assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention, which includes an elongated flashback chamber 210 defined within the housing 12a. Chamber 210 includes an elongated region for holding a fluid sample therein. The chamber 210 has a substantially concave curved surface so that it can be enlarged when taking a sample.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 7, the needle assembly 200 connected to the holder 78a during conventional venipuncture is pierced into the patient's skin and enters the vein. Chamber 210 indicates a successful venipuncture and reduces the suction of air present in housing 12a. Thus, if the venipuncture is successful, atmospheric air in the chamber 210 is compressed due to the effect of venous pressure. Since venous pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure in chamber 210, blood flows into the chamber. Blood flow stops when the pressure in chamber 210 equals venous pressure.
[0024]
When the venipuncture is visually recognized by the blood collection engineer, the evacuated container 70a is inserted into the holder 78a so that the sloped portion 60a of the second cannula 52a pierces the stopper 72a as shown in FIG. As the second cannula 52a enters the vacuum portion 79a, a negative pressure gradient is transmitted to the chamber 210. Due to the low pressure in the container, blood flows from chamber 210 into the container.
[0025]
Various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, and all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention are intended to be claimed. Yes.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a needle assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the needle assembly of FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional side view of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3. FIG.
4 is a view showing a use state of the needle assembly of FIG. 1 having a conventional needle holder.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a needle assembly with a conventional needle holder and container when performing venipuncture on a patient's arm.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the needle assembly of the present invention.
7 is a diagram illustrating a use state of the needle assembly of FIG. 6 with a conventional needle holder.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a needle assembly with a conventional needle holder and container when performing venipuncture on a patient's arm.

Claims (18)

A housing having a fluid introduction end and an opposite fluid discharge end in communication therewith, forming an annular flashback chamber for holding a sample therein and visualizing the presence of fluid in the chamber A housing formed by a cylindrical outer wall with visual recognition means to
A first cannula in fluid communication with and extending outwardly from the fluid introduction end, the first inner end having an opening located in the vicinity of the chamber and a first outer end opposite to the first inner end A first cannula having,
A second cannula in fluid communication with and extending outwardly from the fluid discharge end, the second cannula having an opening located in the vicinity of the first inner end; A second cannula having a second outer end opposite the end,
The first and second cannulas are axially aligned with each other to provide an axial fluid passage between them along the length of the housing ;
The needle assembly , wherein the chamber includes an annular groove for holding the sample .   2. A needle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the visual means comprises a material selected from the group of materials consisting of transparent and translucent strong plastic.   The needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the viewing means comprises a transparent window for viewing the fluid in the chamber.   The needle assembly of claim 1, wherein an annular shoulder supports an integral cylindrical extension projecting from the fluid introduction end toward the first outer end. Cylindrical holes, formed through the extension portion, the chamber and with fluid communication, characterized in that accommodates insert and fixing at least one of the first cannula and the second cannula therein The needle assembly according to claim 4 . The fluid discharge end includes an annular flange positioned so as to cooperate with the shoulder portion to form an abutment surface therebetween, and the annular flange extends therefrom toward the second outer end. The needle assembly of claim 4 having a cylindrical protrusion. The needle assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the fluid introduction end and the fluid discharge end are fixed to each other at the contact surface. 7. A needle assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the cylindrical protrusion comprises connecting means for connecting a needle holder. 9. A needle assembly according to claim 8 , wherein the connecting means comprises a plurality of helical threads formed around the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical protrusion. A transcutaneous access system for taking at least one fluid sample from a patient,
At least one evacuated container having a pierceable stopper for collecting the sample therein;
A needle assembly for taking at least one said sample from a patient and subsequently draining it into at least one evacuated container;
The needle assembly includes
A housing having a fluid introduction end and an opposite fluid discharge end in communication therewith, forming an annular flashback chamber for holding a sample therein and visualizing the presence of fluid in the chamber A housing defined by a cylindrical outer wall with visual means to perform,
A first cannula in fluid communication with and extending outwardly from the fluid introduction end, the first inner end having an opening located in the vicinity of the chamber and a first outer end opposite to the first inner end A first cannula having,
A second cannula in fluid communication with and extending outwardly from the fluid discharge end, the second cannula having an opening located in the vicinity of the first inner end; A second cannula having a second outer end opposite the end,
The first and second cannulas are axially aligned with each other to provide an axial fluid passage between them along the length of the housing ;
The chamber comprises an annular groove for holding the sample therein prior to aspiration of the sample into the exhaust container . 11. A system according to claim 10 , wherein the visual means comprises the wall made of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of transparent and translucent strong plastics. 11. A system according to claim 10 , wherein the viewing means comprises a transparent window for viewing the fluid in the chamber. 11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the annular shoulder supports an integral cylindrical extension that projects from the fluid introduction end toward the first outer end. A cylindrical hole is formed through the extension, and is in fluid communication with the chamber, and at least one of the first cannula and the second cannula is inserted and fixed therein. Item 14. The system according to Item 13 . The fluid discharge end includes an annular flange disposed in cooperation with the shoulder portion to form a contact surface therebetween, and the annular flange extends from the cylinder toward the second outer end. The system according to claim 13 , wherein the system has a protrusion. The system according to claim 15 , wherein the fluid introduction end and the fluid discharge end are fixed to each other at the contact surface. The system of claim 15 , wherein the cylindrical protrusion comprises means for connecting a holder for the exhaust vessel. 18. A system according to claim 17 , wherein the connecting means comprises a plurality of helical threads formed around the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical protrusion.

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