Patent ID: 6090078
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
A vascular access device comprising:a. a hollow housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and a cavity with a length;b. an introducer needle having a proximal end and a distal end;c. a hub in communication with the needle sized to travel the length of the housing cavity;d. a resilient member engaged with the hub, which applies a force and urges the needle in a distal direction;e. a locking member for releasably locking the needle in an extended position against the force of the resilient member;f. a dampening device located in the distal end of the cavity which generates air pressure during distal movement, the dampening device comprising an air vent for expelling pressurized air from the cavity and a piston disposed within the cavity, the piston including a circumferential groove and a viscous material disposed within the circumferential groove and in contact with the housing,wherein when the locking member is released, the force on the needle causes the needle to retract distally at a velocity, distal movement of the dampening device expels air from the vent and the velocity of the needle is dampened by distal movement of the dampening device and distal movement of the piston causes friction of the viscous material against the housing to dampen velocity of the needle.