Self retracting medical needle apparatus and methods

Abstract

Method and apparatus associated with safe retraction of medical needles after use. Embodiments are disclosed for self-retracting needle systems for both blood withdrawal and catheter insertion systems. Two blood withdrawal embodiments are disclosed. Invention manufacture requires only a minimal number and complexity of parts such that a projected manufacturing cost is potentially low enough to permit the apparatus to be cost competitive with contemporary non-self retracting needle systems. Methods for making and assembling each of the disclosed the embodiments is also disclosed. One of the blood withdrawal embodiments can be made with as few as three molded parts. Energy storing retracting mechanisms comprise elastic tubing and vacuum generating piston parts. Triggerable release mechanisms generally comprise two parts or two segments of one part molded about a medical needle. Each release mechanism involves one part or segment which is securely affixed to the needle and one part or segment which is free to slide and rotate about the needle. The blood withdrawal embodiment effectively inhibits regurgitant flow from the needle. The catheter insertion embodiment captures blood effluent from the catheter upon retraction of the needle. In all embodiments, needle retraction is a single handed operation permitting a technicians other hand to be used in wound care. Use of frangible parts permits the apparatus housing to be hermetically sealed and used as a transport container to further reduce apparatus costs.