Patent ID: 6503230
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A syringe assembly comprising:a tubular syringe barrel; a needle hub extending from said tubular syringe barrel having a diameter less than said tubular syringe barrel; a needle cannula supported by said needle hub; and a needle sheath formed of a thermoplastic elastomer having a low permeability to a sterilizing gas including an open end and a closed end, a first cylindrical cavity opening through said open end of said needle sheath having a cylindrical internal surface including an internal diameter generally equal to an external diameter of said needle hub receiving said needle hub in sealed relation and a second cavity contiguous with said first cavity having an internal surface including an internal diameter less than said internal diameter of said first cavity, and a continuous curvilinear groove or rib on said internal surface of said first cavity extending into said second cavity defining a passage and extending from said open end of said needle sheath into said second cavity dimensioned to permit sterilizing gas from an external atmosphere to flow into said second cavity through said open end to sterilize said needle hub and needle cannula and preventing entry of microorganisms from the external atmosphere into said cavities.