U.S. patent application number 11/350644 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for anesthetizer with automatic needle decommissioning mechanism.
Invention is credited to V. C. Saied.
Application Number | 20060184115 11/350644 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26873101 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060184115 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saied; V. C. |
August 17, 2006 |
Anesthetizer with automatic needle decommissioning mechanism
Abstract
A medical device includes a hollow needle having a distal end
and a proximal end, and a substantially flexible storage chamber
for storing a medical preparation. The storage chamber is disposed
spaced apart from the proximal end of the needle. The medical
device further includes a needle shield, means operable to advance
the storage chamber toward the proximal end of the needle and
enabling fluid communication thereof with the medical preparation
in the storage chamber, and means operable to decommission the
needle substantially immediately using the needle shield after
injecting the medical preparation with the needle.
Inventors: |
Saied; V. C.; (Wichita
Falls, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP
901 MAIN STREET, SUITE 3100
DALLAS
TX
75202
US
|
Family ID: |
26873101 |
Appl. No.: |
11/350644 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10177266 |
Jun 19, 2002 |
|
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11350644 |
Feb 9, 2006 |
|
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60299628 |
Jun 20, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/110 ;
604/192 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/282 20130101;
A61M 5/3219 20130101; A61M 5/326 20130101; A61M 5/3272 20130101;
A61M 5/3216 20130101; A61M 5/3202 20130101; A61M 2005/3267
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/110 ;
604/192 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/00 20060101
A61M005/00; A61M 5/32 20060101 A61M005/32 |
Claims
1. An anesthetizer, comprising: a body having a distal end and a
proximal end and housing the needle, the body defining an opening
providing user access to the storage chamber; a substantially
flexible storage chamber for containing a numbing solution; a fine
gauge hollow needle having a distal end and a proximal end housed
within the body, the needle operable to conduct the numbing
solution from its proximal end to its distal end while the
substantially flexible storage chamber is depressed to decrease its
internal volume; a decommissioning device operable to retract the
needle substantially immediately after injecting the numbing
solution into a patient's skin with the needle, the numbing
solution operable to raise a skin wheal.
2. The anesthetizer of claim 1, further comprising a locking member
preventing the needle distal end from advancing beyond the distal
end of the body after injecting the medical preparation with the
needle.
3. The anesthetizer of claim 1, further comprising a needle
shield.
4. The anesthetizer of claim 3, wherein the needle shield comprises
a needle housing operable to retract into the distal end of the
body.
5. The anesthetizer of claim 3, wherein the needle shield comprises
a cap coupled to the body and operable to cover the distal end of
the body.
6. The anesthetizer of claim 1, wherein the needle decommissioning
device comprises: a biasing member in communication contact with
the needle and urging the needle toward the proximal end of the
body and retracting the distal end of the needle inside the body;
and a locking member preventing the needle distal end from
advancing beyond the distal end of the body after injecting the
medical preparation with the needle.
7. The anesthetizer of claim 6, wherein the locking member
comprises a locking tab.
8. The anesthetizer of claim 6, further comprising an actuator
operable to release the needle to enable the biasing member to bias
the needle toward the proximal end of the body.
9. The anesthetizer of claim 1, wherein the needle decommissioning
device comprises: a needle housing operable to be displaced between
an extended position covering the distal end of the needle and a
retracted position exposing the distal end of the needle; and a
biasing member in communication contact with the needle housing and
biasing the needle housing toward the extended position.
10. The anesthetizer of claim 9, further comprising a locking
device preventing the needle housing from moving into its retracted
position after injecting the medical preparation with the
needle.
11. The anesthetizer of claim 9, wherein the needle housing
comprises: a substantially cylindrical tube encircling the needle;
a tab formed on an exterior surface of the tube; a groove having a
predetermined configuration formed on an interior surface of the
medical device body, the tab operable to be slidably engaged within
the groove; and a locking device including a bend in the groove
operable to prevent the tab from traveling in an direction to
displace the needle housing to its retracted position.
12. The anesthetizer of claim 11, wherein the locking device
further comprises a one-way tab operable to prevent the tab from
traveling in the direction to displace the needle housing to its
retracted position.
13. The anesthetizer of claim 12, wherein the needle
decommissioning device comprises: a needle cap operable to be
displaced between an extended position covering the distal end of
the body and a retracted position exposing the distal end of the
body; a biasing member in communication contact with the needle cap
and operable to bias the needle cap toward the extended position;
and an actuator operable to automatically release the needle cap in
response to completing injection of the medical preparation.
14. The anesthetizer of claim 13, wherein the actuator comprises a
pin coupled to the biasing member and operable to contact with a
patient's tissues when the injection is being made, the pin contact
triggering the biasing member to be released and moving the needle
cap to its extended position.
15. The anesthetizer of claim 1, wherein the storage chamber
further comprises at least two separate chambers operable to
contain at least two separate solutions, the at least two separate
chambers being divided by a wall that is breakable when a force is
applied to the storage chamber to allow the at least two separate
solutions to mingle.
16. A medical device comprising: a storage chamber; a medical
preparation housed in the storage chamber and operable to raise a
skin wheal; a hollow needle having a first end disposed proximate
the storage chamber and a second end configured to provide an
injection; an actuator operable to advance the first end of the
needle to puncture the storage chamber and enable fluid
communication from the storage chamber to the second end of the
needle, and further operable to retract and lock at least the
second end of the needle into a shielded position after an
injection.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/177,266 filed Jun. 19, 2002, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/299,628
filed on Jun. 20, 2001.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
medical products, and more particularly to a device such as an
anesthetizer with automatic needle decommissioning mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The insertion of a large gauge needle or an intravenous
(I.V.) catheter can be a frightening and painful experience. The
sight alone of the large gauge needle is enough to cause a patient
to become anxious and tense. The patient's reaction causes his
muscles to become tense and hard, making needle penetration
difficult and painful.
[0004] Typically, the I.V. needle must be inserted into a vein
along the forearm or on the back of a hand. It is not uncommon for
a first attempt to insert the I.V. needle to fail because it is
difficult to locate a vein in some patients. As a result, further
painful probing is often required to find the vein and insert the
needle. After insertion, an I.V. catheter may remain in place for
an extended period of time. The site of penetration may remain
painful due to the pulling and stretching of the catheter. As a
result, the patient may be subject to pain and suffering repeatedly
and needlessly. It is therefore in the best interest of the
patients and medical and health professionals that the patient's
pain and fear associated with I.V. needle and other large gauge
needles are addressed.
[0005] An additional concern for today's medical and health
professionals and staff is the possibility of contracting
infectious blood-borne diseases through accidental contact with
used needles. Measures, guidelines and legislation for the safe
handling and disposal of used needles and syringes have been
prescribed. Some needle retraction and shield mechanisms have been
heretofore proposed to remove the needle point from possible
exposure and contact with personnel after use. However, these
devices often require the user to affirmatively actuate or initiate
the mechanism to retract or shield the needle, which renders the
device ineffective in some instances where the user is either
careless, forgetful, or in a rush such as in emergency situations,
for example. Other proposed devices require a two-handed operation
to retract or cover the needle, which makes these devices
inconvenient to use in many instances.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] There is an urgent desire to provide medical and healthcare
professionals and staff syringes and other devices with a needle
that is automatically decommissioned after use to prevent
accidental needle pricks. The present invention provides a device
such as an anesthetizer that has an automatic needle retraction or
covering mechanism to decommission the needle. It should be noted
that the automatic mechanisms described herein are equally
applicable to syringes and other devices in which it is desirable
to render a sharp edge or point inaccessible.
[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, a medical device
includes a hollow needle having a distal end and a proximal end, a
substantially flexible storage chamber for storing a medical
preparation, the storage chamber being disposed spaced apart from
the proximal end of the needle. The medical device further includes
a needle shield, means operable to advance the storage chamber
toward the proximal end of the needle and enabling fluid
communication thereof with the medical preparation in the storage
chamber, and means operable to decommission the needle
substantially immediately using the needle shield after injecting
the medical preparation with the needle.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, an
anesthetizer includes a substantially flexible storage chamber for
containing a numbing solution, a fine gauge hollow needle having a
distal end and a proximal end, the needle operable to conduct the
numbing solution from its proximal end to its distal end, a needle
shield, and a decommissioning device operable to decommission the
needle using the needle shield substantially immediately after
injecting the numbing solution into a patient's skin with the
needle, the numbing solution operable to raise a skin wheal.
[0009] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a
medical device includes a substantially flexible storage chamber
for containing a solution, a hollow needle having a distal end and
a proximal end, the proximal end of the needle operable to pierce
the storage chamber and the needle operable to conduct the solution
from its proximal end to its distal end, means for shielding the
needle, and means for actuating the needle shielding means
substantially immediately after injecting the solution into a
patient's skin with the needle, the solution operable to raise a
skin wheal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the
following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1A through 1E are elevational and cross-sectional views
of an embodiment of an anesthetizer with automatic needle
retraction mechanism according to the teachings of the present
invention;
[0012] FIGS. 2A through 2D are cross-sectional views of another
embodiment of an anesthetizer with automatic needle retraction
mechanism according to the teachings of the present invention
[0013] FIG. 2E is an illustration showing a preferred manner in
which the anesthetizer shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D is held and
used;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an
anesthetizer with automatic needle retraction mechanism according
to the teachings of the present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial cross-sectional views of an
embodiment of an anesthetizer with automatic needle covering
mechanism according to the teachings of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 5A through 5D are cross-sectional views of yet another
embodiment of an anesthetizer with automatic needle retraction
mechanism according to the teachings of the present invention;
and
[0017] FIGS. 6A through 6C are elevational and cross-sectional
views of yet another embodiment of an anesthetizer with automatic
needle retraction mechanism according to the teachings of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The preferred embodiment of the present invention and its
advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 6 of
the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding
parts of the various drawings.
[0019] It should be noted that although the present invention is
primarily described as operating in an anesthetizer used to numb a
site intended for a later needle insertion, the present invention
is equally applicable and operable for use with a syringe and other
such devices to decommission the needle so that it can no longer
pose a threat to personnel. The present invention is especially
suitable for disposable devices but can be implemented in
non-disposable devices as well.
[0020] FIGS. 1A through 1E are elevational and cross-sectional
views of an embodiment of an anesthetizer 10 with automatic needle
retraction mechanism according to the teachings of the present
invention. Anesthetizer 10 includes a body 12 and a cap 14
protecting the opening at a distal end thereof. Anesthetizer 10
further includes an opening 16 in body 12 that permits user access
to a storage bulb or reservoir 18 containing one or more solutions
primarily used to numb an injection site. Storage bulb 18 has
pliable and flexible walls that can be squeezed together by a user
to decrease its interior volume to eject solutions stored therein.
In an embodiment, storage bulb may have two or more compartments
containing medicated preparations that are mixed and intermingled
when the walls between the compartments are breached by force
exerted by the user to eject the solutions. A removable spacer 20
is used to maintain a predetermined distance between an actuation
button 22 located at a proximal end of anesthetizer 10 and body 12,
so that storage bulb 18 remains spaced apart from needle 24 housed
within body 12. Needle 24 is preferably a fine gauge needle, such
as 23 gauge or less, that does not elicit very noticeable pain when
inserted shallowly. Needle 24 is held in a holder 23, which helps
to position and orient the needle. A biasing member or spring 26 is
disposed about needle 24 against needle holder 23. Biasing member
26 may be a helical spring or a spring of any suitable shape or
construction. Biasing member 26 may be hereinafter referred to as
being in communication contact with the needle--there may, not
necessarily be direct contact therebetween, but the forces exerted
by the biasing member is used to urge the needle. A retractable
nose cone 28 is disposed at a distal end of anesthetizer 10 and
shields the tip of needle 24.
[0021] Referring more specifically to FIGS. 1B through 1E for more
detailed views of anesthetizer 10, nose cone 28 is coupled to or in
contact with a collar 34 with a plurality of circumferential and
spaced elongated protruding ridges 35 that operate to engage and
interface with a plurality of elongated channels 25 formed on an
interior surface of the distal end of body 12. Channels 25 include
elongated grooves oriented along the same axis as needle 24. Ridges
35 further have regularly-shaped protruding edges that correspond
and cooperate with regularly-shaped protruding ridges or teeth 33
of a ratchet 32. For example as shown, ridges 33 may have a
trapezoidal shape that correspond with the angular configuration of
the end of channels 25. Ratchet 32 is also coupled to collar 34 so
that the respective ridges stay in contact with one another. Needle
holder 23 and needle 24 are held stationary relative to
anesthetizer body 12 while ratchet 32 and collar 34 are operable to
displace and extend nose cone 28 out from the distal end of
anesthetizer 10, and retract nose cone 28 therefrom and thus
exposing needle 24 for use. Channels 25 further define a stop
configuration 25b that includes a bottom 25c of the channel and an
angular notch 25d. Channel stops 25b are defined in alternate
channels.
[0022] In operation, the user removes cap 14 and spacer 20 and
exerts pressure on actuation button 22 to close the gap previously
occupied by spacer 20. The advancement of actuation button 22 in
effect pushes storage bulb 18 toward the proximal tip of needle 24,
which pierces its wall and makes contact with medicated solution(s)
therein. The user then positions the distal end of anesthetizer 10
over the intended injection site and lowers anesthetizer 10 and its
nose cone 28 onto the injection site and presses down thereon. The
downward pressure pushes nose cone 28 into body 12 against biasing
element 26. The downward pressure also forces the ridges 33 of
ratchet 32 to be displaced beyond channels 25. Ratchet 32 rotates
due to the shape of ridges 33 of ratchet 32 and the shape of ridges
35 of collar 34. In other words, it is easier for ratchet 32 to
rotate in one direction versus the other because of the trapezoidal
shape of its teeth 33. After rotation for a predetermined amount
determined by the width of ridges 33 and spacing therebetween,
ridges 33 of ratchet 32 and collar 34 come to rest on "top" of
channels 25, being urged against channels 25 by spring 26. With
ratchet 32 and collar 34 resting against channels 25, a space is
created between collar 34 and nose cone 28. Nose cone 38 is thus
able to retract when anesthetizer 10 is lowered onto the patient's
skin, where the needle tip and a predetermined length thereof
extend beyond nose cone 38 and into the patient's tissues. The user
at this time may squeeze or otherwise exert pressure on storage
bulb 18 to force the numbing solution or fluid therein to go
through needle 24 and enter into the patient's tissues at the
injection site. In a preferred embodiment such as described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,505,694 and 5,190,521 issued to Hubbard et al. on Apr.
9, 1996 and Mar. 2, 1993, respectively, anesthetizer 50 may be used
to inject an anesthetizing solution to raise a skin wheal in
preparation for the subsequent insertion of a larger gauge needle.
As a result, a skin wheal is raised at the injection site that
operates to numb the patient's skin and underlying tissues so that
the insertion of a larger gauge needle does not cause unnecessary
pain for the patient.
[0023] As the user completes the injection of the numbing solution,
he exerts downward pressure again to force nose cone 38 slightly
further up into body 12, which causes ratchet 32 to be displaced
beyond channels 25 and to rotate again relative thereto. This time,
ridges 33 of ratchet 32 are able to fall in between channels 23,
thus eliminating the space between collar 34 and nose cone 28, and
extending nose cone 28 out from body 12. The user may perform these
functions in one continuous action that can become second nature.
The stops, embodied as notch 25d and bend 25c formed in channels 25
or a similar structure may be used to prevent nose cone from
re-retracting into body 12 or prevent ratchet 32 from further
rotation after the first use. It may be seen that the retraction
mechanism described above operates much like a retractable
ballpoint pen. Variations on this mechanism now known or later
developed are equally applicable to the present invention. The user
may replace cap 14 onto the distal end of anesthetizer 10 and
discard it into an approved container.
[0024] FIGS. 2A through 2D are cross-sectional views of another
embodiment of an anesthetizer 50 with automatic needle retraction
mechanism according to the teachings of the present invention.
Anesthetizer 50 includes a body 52 that encloses a storage chamber
or reservoir 54 for holding a liquid, such as medicated solutions,
anesthetizing solutions, etc. Storage bulb 54 is constructed of a
substantially pliable and flexible material. Storage bulb 54 is
coupled to a substantially rigid plunger member 55 that is in turn
coupled to a knob 56 at a proximal end of anesthetizer 50 that is
used to assert downward pressure (see FIG. 2E) to compress a
plurality of accordion folds 57 and advance storage bulb 54 toward
a hollow needle 60. Needle 60 is preferably a fine gauge needle,
such as 23 gauge or less. Knob 56 is preferably constructed of a
substantially rigid material. Plunger member 55 is preferably rigid
and solid up to accordion folds 57. Plunger member 55 further
includes an external thread that meets and matches a first internal
thread on an interior surface of body 52, as referenced by numeral
58. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D, means
operable to advance the storage chamber toward the proximal end of
the needle comprises plunger member 55, accordion folds 57, and/or
threaded fittings 58. Needle 60 is securely held by a bulb seat 62
so that a first tip of needle 60 is substantially aligned with
storage bulb 54. Bulb seat 62 also includes a threaded fitting 68
with external thread that meets and matches with a second internal
thread 70 on an inner surface of body 52. Preferably threaded
fitting 68 uses 50/50 threads or another configuration that
facilitates easy coupling. Further coupled to bulb seat 62 is a
biasing mechanism such as one or two resilient springs 64. The
biasing mechanism 64 may affix to the distal end of the body 52,
which may also operate to shield the needle 60 when not in use. A
separate needle shield 66 may be provided, which may shield the
needle 60 instead of, or in addition to, the distal end of the body
52. The distal end of the body and/or the needle shield 66 operate
as means for shielding the needle after the needle has been used.
Additionally, the biasing mechanism 64 may affix to the needle
shield 66 instead of, or in addition to, the distal end of the body
52. The biasing mechanism 64 may be a helical spring or a spring of
any suitable shape or construction. A cap 72 to protect the distal
end of needle 60 from contamination before use is secured over the
needle opening in the distal end of anesthetizer 50. One or more
downward protruding locking tabs 74 are coupled to the exterior
surface of plunger 55. After the needle is used, the collected
operation of biasing mechanism 64, expansion of accordion folds 57
allows the locking tabs 74 to automatically disable the subsequent
advancement of plunger member 55 toward the distal end of the body.
Means operable to decommission the needle comprises biasing
mechanism 64, distal end of the body 52, needle shield 66, and/or
locking tabs 74. Means for actuating the needle shielding means
substantially immediately after use of the needle comprises biasing
mechanism 64 and/or locking tabs 74. Means operable to retract and
lock at least the second end of the needle into a shielded position
after an injection comprises biasing mechanism 64, accordion folds
57, and/or locking tabs 74.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 2A through 2E, a preferred operating
process of anesthetizer 50 is described below. A user first rotates
knob 56 an amount determined by first thread 58 to advance plunger
member 55 further into anesthetizer body 52 and causing the distal
end of storage bulb 54 to move into bulb seat 62 and be pierced by
needle 60, as seen in FIG. 2B. At this point, needle 60 is in fluid
communication with the solution contained inside storage bulb 54.
As the user continues to turn knob 56, threaded fitting 68 advances
beyond second internal thread 70, as seen in FIG. 2C. In order to
assist the user to rotate knob 56 for the predetermined amount,
colored markings and/or indentations may be made on knob 56 and the
proximal end of body 52 to allow the user to continue the rotation
until the markings are in alignment, for example.
[0026] Thereafter, the user may then remove cap 72 and hold
anesthetizer 50 in the manner shown in FIG. 2E for injection.
Anesthetizer 50 is shown held substantially perpendicular relative
to the injection surface, but the angle at which anesthetizer 50 is
held may vary depending on the preference of the user, the type of
injection, the type of medicated solution to be injected, the gauge
and length of needle 60, etc. The user then exerts pressure on knob
56, which compresses accordion folds 57 and decreases the internal
volume of storage bulb 54. Continued downward pressure of knob 56
and plunger member 55 causes biasing members 64 to be compressed
and bulb seat 62 to advance toward distal opening of anesthetizer
50. The tip of needle 60 thus protrudes out from the distal opening
and beyond the distal tip of anesthetizer 50, as shown in FIG. 2C.
In this embodiment, only a very short length of needle 60 needs to
be exposed to inject an anesthetizing solution into the patient's
skin. In a preferred embodiment such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,505,694 and 5,190,521, anesthetizer 50 may be used to inject an
anesthetizing solution to raise a skin wheal in preparation for the
subsequent insertion of a larger gauge needle. After a sufficient
amount of medicated solutions have been injected into the patient's
skin, the user releases knob 56 and allows plunger member 55, knob
56 and bulb seat 62 to be biased and urged toward the proximal end
of anesthetizer by springs 64 and accordion folds 57. Thus, the
springs 64 and/or the accordion folds 57 may operate to
automatically decommission the needle 60 by retracting the needle
60 back into the distal end of the body 52 and/or retracting the
needle 60 to a position behind the needle shield 66. As shown in
FIG. 2D, bulb seat 62 is biased past second internal threads 70 and
pushed far into anesthetizer body 55 so that the needle point is no
longer exposed. One or more downward protruding locking tabs 74
coupled to the exterior surface of plunger 55, once extended beyond
the proximal opening of body 52, prevents plunger member 55 from
moving back into anesthetizer body 52. Therefore, locking tabs 74
prevents the needle point from being exposed again after use. It
may be seen that anesthetizer 50 is operable to automatically
retract and lock the needle point without requiring the user to
activate the mechanism or requiring two-handed operation.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an
anesthetizer 110 with automatic needle retraction mechanism
according to the teachings of the present invention. Anesthetizer
110 includes a substantially flexible and pliable vial, ampule or
storage bulb or reservoir 112 that may contain one or more
separated chambers 114 and 116 to store one or more solutions. The
chamber walls between the separate chambers are constructed such
that finger pressure on storage bulb 112 is sufficient to breach
the walls and allow the solutions to mix, interact and react.
Storage bulb 112 may be coupled to an optional handle 118 at its
proximal end operable to provide ease of handling to the users. A
fine gauge needle 120 is held securely by a bulb seat 122 coupled
to a neck of storage bulb 112. A LUER-LOK (registered trademark of
Becton, Dickinson & Company, Rutherford, N.J.)--type coupling
24 may be coupled to bulb seat 122 and biased by biasing members
126. LUER-LOK coupling 124 includes threading 128 and a movable and
generally cylindrical needle housing or covering 129. A cap 130
having a score mark 132 covers the needle at the distal end of
anesthetizer 110. An optional antiseptic applicator 134 laden with
ethyl alcohol, iodoform, betadine or another suitable preparation
is further disposed on the end of cap 130 or proximal end of the
anesthetizer, for example. Antiseptic applicator 134 may be a
sponge, cotton swab, or some other suitable material. Antiseptic
applicator 134 may be shielded from the environment by a covering,
lid or foil shield (not explicitly shown) that may be removed prior
to use. The concept of the antiseptic applicator is applicable to
all embodiments shown and contemplated herein.
[0028] Anesthetizer 110 may be constructed of a commercially
available plastic vial or ampule filled with the desired medicated
solution(s). Anesthetizer 110 may be packaged and distributed
already assembled as shown or it may be assembled by the user
immediately prior to use. For example, the user may connect a
filled plastic vial or ampule containing the solution(s) (storage
bulb 112) with a needle assembly using coupling 124. As the user
rotates the needle assembly with respect to storage bulb 112, the
needle pierces the wall of the storage chamber and comes in contact
with the solution(s) contained therein. Thereafter, the user may
remove a covering of antiseptic applicator and use it to prepare
the injection site. In the embodiment shown, cap 130 may be removed
from anesthetizer 110 by applying pressure and snapping off the cap
along scored mark 132. The user then positions anesthetizer 110
over the injection site perhaps with the bottom surface of movable
needle housing 129 gently in contact with the injection site skin
surface. The user may then squeeze storage bulb 112 and further
press downward into the skin surface. The downward pressure pushes
up cylindrical needle housing 129 to its compressed or retracted
position and exposes the tip and a length of the needle. At the
same time, the medicated solutions are forced out of storage bulb
112 and flow into the patient's tissues to preferably raise a skin
wheal or otherwise numb the injection site. The downward pressure
also compresses biasing members 126, which upon release of the
downward pressure by the user after injection, causes needle
housing 129 to be biased to its extended position. When needle
housing 129 is returned to its extended position, the needle point
is contained within the housing. If preferred, a locking mechanism
such as locking tabs shown in FIG. 2D or other suitable means may
be used to keep needle housing 129 in the extended position after
use.
[0029] FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of an anesthetizer 150 with automatic needle covering mechanism
according to the teachings of the present invention. Anesthetizer
150 comprises a body 152 housing a hollow needle 54 and medicated
solution(s) to be injected using needle 54. Needle 54 is securely
affixed in a position such that its point extends a predetermined
distance beyond the body of anesthetizer 150. Anesthetizer 150
includes a cap 156 operable to automatically enclose and cover the
needle point and distal end 158 of anesthetizer 150 after use. Cap
156 further includes a mechanism housing 160 that houses a catch
162 that holds a biasing spring hinge 164 of cap 156 operable to
displace cap 156 from its inactivated position as shown in FIG. 4A
to its activated position covering the needle shown in FIG. 4B. The
displacement of cap 156 by biasing spring 164 is put in motion by
an actuator 166.
[0030] In operation, as the user lowers anesthetizer 150 at the
injection site, and pushes needle 154 into a patient's skin 168 to
make the injection, actuator 166 is pushed upward and causes catch
162 to release cap 156. Alternatively, actuator 166 may cause catch
162 to release biasing spring hinge. 164. Upon actuation, biasing
spring hinge 164 causes cap 156 to flip downward about a pivot
point at spring hinge 164. Cap 156 may then temporarily rest
against the patient's skin near the injection site. However, as the
user moves anesthetizer 150 away from the patient's skin, spring
hinge 164 further biases cap 156 to its activated position covering
needle 154, as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0031] It may be seen that the size and structure of housing 160 is
determined by the mechanism it houses and may be eliminated
altogether. For example, if catch 162 can be incorporated with
spring hinge 164, then housing 160 may not be necessary.
Furthermore, the structure of actuator 166 may be determined upon
the material used and how much pressure is needed to release catch
162. Anesthetizer 150 is designed to be actuated automatically
without requiring the user to perform any extra step in his/her
typical procedure. The implementation shown in FIG. 4A and 4B are
exemplary and modifications and adjustments thereof may be made to
effect the same.
[0032] FIGS. 5A through 5D are cross-sectional views of yet another
embodiment of an anesthetizer 180 with automatic needle retraction
mechanism according to the teachings of the present invention.
Anesthetizer includes a storage bulb 182 containing one or more
medicated solutions. An optional housing 184 with an opening 186
may be provided to enclose storage bulb 182. Storage bulb 182
and/or housing 184 is coupled to a bulb seat 188 that houses a
needle retraction mechanism according to the teachings of the
present invention. A fine gauge hollow needle 190 is securely held
in housing bulb seat 188. A needle covering housing or tube 200 is
biased by a biasing element 192. Further, a tab or finger 202
located on an exterior surface of needle covering tube 200 is
disposed in a groove 194 formed in an interior surface of bulb seat
188 and having a predetermined configuration, examples of which are
shown in FIGS. 5A through 5D. Finger 202 is operable to travel in
groove 194 as tube 200 is displaced longitudinally in bulb seat
188. Groove 194 includes a bend 196 or a one-way tab or valve 212
(FIG. 5D) near one end thereof, which functions as a stop to
prevent tube 200 from retracting and exposing the needle after the
needle has been used.
[0033] In operation, anesthetizer 180 can be operated easily with
one hand. The user squeezes storage bulb 182 slowly to prime needle
190 so that it is in fluid communication with the solution(s)
stored in the storage bulb. The user then lowers anesthetizer 180
onto the injection site with needle covering tube 200 lightly
touching the skin surface. The user then exerts pressure downward,
which forces needle covering tube 200 to retract into bulb seat
188. Needle point 204 is thus exposed by the retracting tube 200
and used to deliver the solution(s) to the patient's tissues at the
intended injection site as the user squeezes storage bulb 182. As
needle covering tube 200 retracts, its finger 202 travels along
groove 194 from its first end to its peak 198, at which point tube
200 is fully retracted and exposing the maximum length of needle
190. Thereafter, as user lifts up anesthetizer 180 from the
injection site, tube 200 is biased by biasing element 192 to force
it back downward along with moving finger 202 further along groove
194 toward bend 196 near its second end. When tube 200 descends
fully and completely shields needle point 204, finger 202 also
reaches bend 196. When any future pressure is exerted on tube 200,
bend 196 causes finger 202 to remain at the second end of groove
194 and thus preventing tube 200 from retracting again. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5D, one-way valve or tab 212 presents an
obstacle to finger 200 so that it is not capable of traveling back
toward peak 198 in the groove.
[0034] FIGS. 6A through 6C are elevational and cross-sectional
views of yet another embodiment of an anesthetizer 220 with
automatic needle retraction mechanism according to the teachings of
the present invention. Anesthetizer 220 includes a body 222 with a
first opening 223 that exposes a portion of a substantially pliable
and flexible storage chamber or storage bulb 224 that contains a
medical preparation or solution. Anesthetizer body 222 may include
a second opening identical to first opening 223 on an opposed side
of body 222. Storage bulb 224 may include a liquid passageway 226.
A needle 232 is securely held by a needle seat or holder 236.
Needle holder 235 is gently urged by a biasing element 234 toward
the proximal end of anesthetizer 220, so that needle 232 is in its
retracted position. The biasing member may be a helical spring or a
spring of any suitable shape or construction. Anesthetizer body 222
includes a small opening 228 that is operable to receive a button
238 that is biased outwardly. Button 238 comes into alignment with
small opening 228 when needle 232 is in its extended position,
which is actuated by the user pushing or sliding storage bulb 224
toward needle 232. Button 238 is operable to pop into small opening
228 to temporarily lock needle 232 in its extended position while
anesthetizer 220 is being used.
[0035] In operation, the user may gently rest the distal tip of
anesthetizer 220 on a patient's skin at the intended injection
site. The user may hold the anesthetizer perpendicularly with
respect to the skin surface or at an angle. The user then pushes
storage bulb 224 toward needle 232 and enables the medicated
solution in storage bulb 224 to be in fluid communication with
needle 232, and further pushes needle seat 236 against biasing
member 234 and extends needle 232 out of distal opening 230 to its
extended position. When needle 232 reaches its extended position,
button 238 snaps into small opening 228 and counters the force of
biasing member 234 to continually maintain the extended position of
needle 232. The user then injects the medicated solution into the
patient's tissues by squeezing the storage bulb. Immediately
thereafter, the user gently pushes in button 238 to allow the force
generated by biasing element 234 to retract needle 232 into the
anesthetizer body. It may be seen that the user may easily
accomplish decommissioning the needle using just one hand, while
freeing the other hand to perform other functions
[0036] Although the various embodiments of the present invention
are shown separately, it should be understood that structural
elements of different embodiments may be combined without departing
from the spirit of the invention. For example, the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A-5D, although shown with the needle already
piercing the wall of the storage chamber, may be implemented with
the storage chamber initially spaced apart from the needle.
Different locking mechanisms may also be used on different
embodiments of the present invention shown in the figures.
[0037] The various embodiments of the medical device of the present
invention provide an easy and substantially automatic way to
retract or cover the needle point so that it would not present a
health hazard to medical and health care professionals and staff.
The operations of the anesthetizer can be actuated without using
two hands to free up the other hand for other important activities.
The needle point is deactivated or decommissioned automatically
upon the completion of the injection or with slight or minor
actuation using the same hand. The anesthetizer is primarily used
to substantially numb an area of the patient's skin in preparation
for the insertion of a larger gauge needle, such as an IV catheter.
This eases the patient's mind and fear and thus makes the entire
process more comfortable and easy for the patient as well as the
healthcare professional. The present invention is also applicable
to other medical devices such as syringes, scalpels that have a
needle or sharp edge that may become contaminated with blood-borne
infectious agents during use.
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