Patent ID: 7993310
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of injecting or collecting a fluid through the skin by means of a needle structure, comprising the steps of: (a) providing at the distal end of the needle structure a skin plug retaining section having a retaining lumen and that is integral with a more proximal fluid flow section having a lumen through which a fluid is enabled to flow; (b) penetrating the skin with the needle structure so as to capture a skin plug at the distal end of the needle structure in the skin plug retaining section; substantially concurrently with said step of penetrating, enabling the fluid flow through said fluid flow section lumen; and (c) blocking, via a barrier wall disposed between the skin plug retaining section and the fluid flow section lumen, fluid flow directly between the skin plug retaining section and the fluid flow section lumen, wherein the captured skin plug is not disturbed or otherwise displaced by the fluid flow.