Blunt Tip Vial Access Cannula

Abstract

This present disclosure provides a non-coring vial access cannula which has sufficient structural strength that it may be made from a thermoplastic resin instead of metal, thus reducing the likelihood and severity of operator injury by an accidental needle stick. The vial access cannula of the present disclosure has (i) a needle hub suitable for receiving a hypodermic syringe or an IV set (e.g., a Luer lock), (ii) a cannula portion having a centrally disposed lumen, wherein the centrally disposed lumen terminates in one or more distal openings and is in fluid communication with the needle hub, and (iii) a solid tip member distal to the one or more distal openings, wherein the solid tip member has a blade with a cutting edge.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 070,314, filed Mar. 2, 2005, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]This present disclosure relates to a cannula useful for penetrating membranes or septums as commonly used in medication vials, intravenous bags, access ports and the like.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Many standard containers for pharmaceuticals, medicaments and other substances are air and moisture-tight containers (e.g., vials) having elastomeric stoppers. The container contents are typically accessed by piercing the stopper with a cannulated needle apparatus such as a typical hypodermic needle and syringe. In many applications, the container contents are repeatedly accessed. For example, many injectable pharmaceuticals are packaged in multidose vials requiring a vial access for the withdrawal of each unit dose. A...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a needle that can be used to access medication vials, bags, and access ports without coring the elastomeric stopper or creating particles that can contaminate the medicament. The needle has a blunt tip made of a solid material that prevents coring of the stopper. The needle is made from a thermoplastic resin, which reduces the risk of injury from accidental needle sticks. It has a hub for attaching a hypodermic syringe or IV set, a central lumen with distal openings, and a solid tip with a cutting edge. In some embodiments, the centrally disposed lumen has two distal openings oriented perpendicular to its axis. Overall, this needle provides a safer and efficient way to access medication while preventing contamination.

Problems solved by technology

One problem that arises with this type of vial access is coring of the elastomeric stopper.

In either case, the sterility of the container contents is compromised and, in the latter case, injection of particulate matter into the patient may occur.

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