Patent Description:
Disclosed herein are aspiration syringes and non claimed methods thereof.

According to the present invention there is provided an aspiration syringe according to claim <NUM> comprising a barrel, a plunger disposed in the barrel, and an aspiration mechanism. The aspiration mechanism includes a thumb-support member coupled to a proximal portion of the barrel and a syringe housing slidably disposed around the barrel. The syringe housing includes a proximal portion coupled to a proximal portion of the plunger and a distal portion terminating with a flange incorporated into a finger-support member. The aspiration mechanism is configured for withdrawing the plunger from the barrel as the finger-support member is slid over the barrel toward the thumb-support member.

In some embodiments, the syringe housing and the plunger are molded together in an integral piece such that the proximal portion of the syringe housing is integral with the proximal portion of the plunger.

In some embodiments, the syringe housing and the plunger are separately molded pieces coupled together in a coupled piece such that the proximal portion of the syringe housing is bonded or adhered to the proximal portion of the plunger.

In some embodiments, the syringe housing includes a longitudinal gap within which the thumb-support member moves relative to the syringe housing when the syringe housing is slid over the barrel.

In some embodiments, the flange includes a pair of finger recesses in a distal face of the flange. The pair of finger recesses is configured to respectively cradle a pair of finger pads of a pair of fingers of the single hand. The pair of finger recesses is also configured to encourage placement of each finger of the pair of fingers on an opposite side of the barrel.

In some embodiments, the flange is annular such that the flange encircles the barrel. Alternatively, the flange is coupled to a distal annular member with the distal annular member encircling the barrel. The flange or the distal annular member is configured to accommodate a pair of finger pads of a pair of fingers of the single hand placed against a distal side thereof in any chosen placement of each finger of the pair of fingers around the flange or the distal annular member.

In some embodiments, the flange or the distal annular member includes an annular finger recess in a distal face thereof. The annular finger recess is configured to cradle the pair of finger pads of the pair of fingers.

In some embodiments, the thumb-support member includes a single thumb recess in a proximal face of the thumb-support member. The thumb recess is configured to cradle a thumbpad of a thumb. The thumb recess is also configured to encourage approximately longitudinal alignment of the thumb with a surface normal of a surface of the barrel.

In some embodiments, the thumb-support member is coupled to or formed with a proximal annular member with the proximal annular member encircling the barrel. The proximal annular member is configured to accommodate a thumbpad of a thumb placed against a proximal side thereof in any chosen placement of the thumb around the proximal annular member.

In some embodiments, the proximal annular member includes an annular thumb recess in a proximal face thereof. The annular thumb recess is configured to cradle the thumbpad of the thumb.

In some embodiments, a distal portion of the barrel terminates with a Luer-tapered syringe tip.

In some embodiments, the distal portion of the barrel further terminates with an internally threaded connector around the syringe tip. The internally threaded connector is configured to screw together with an externally threaded or flanged connector of another medical device.

Also disclosed herein is a non claimed method of cannulating with an aspiration syringe. The method includes an obtaining step, a needle-inserting step, and a vacuum-drawing step. The obtaining step includes obtaining the aspiration syringe. The aspiration syringe includes a thumb-support member coupled to a proximal portion of a barrel and a syringe housing slidably disposed around the barrel. The syringe housing includes a proximal portion coupled to a proximal portion of a plunger, as well as a distal portion terminating with a flange incorporated into a finger-support member. The needle-inserting step includes inserting a needle coupled to the aspiration syringe into subcutaneous tissue of a patient. The vacuum-drawing step includes drawing a vacuum with the aspiration syringe while inserting the needle into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The vacuum-drawing step is performed with a single hand over a medial portion of the aspiration syringe by squeezing together the finger-support member and the thumb-support member. Squeezing together the finger-support member and the thumb-support member proximally slides the syringe housing over the barrel and withdraws the plunger from the barrel.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a needle-coupling step. The needle-coupling step includes coupling a needle to the aspiration syringe, which, in turn, includes screwing a flanged connector of a needle hub into an internally threaded connector around a syringe tip of the aspiration syringe.

In some embodiments, the squeezing together of the finger-support member and the thumb-support member during the vacuum-drawing step includes moving the thumb-support member through a longitudinal gap within the syringe housing.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a finger-placing step. The finger-placing step includes placing a pair of finger pads of a pair of fingers of the single hand into a pair of finger recesses in a distal face of the flange on opposite sides of the barrel. The finger-placing step is performed before the vacuum-drawing step.

In some embodiments, an alternative of the finger-placing step includes placing the pair of finger pads of the pair of fingers of the single hand anywhere against a distal side of the flange when the flange is annular. When the flange is coupled to a distal annular member, the finger-placing step includes placing the pair of finger pads of the pair of fingers of the single hand anywhere against a distal side of the distal annular member. Again, the finger-placing step is performed before the vacuum-drawing step.

In some embodiments, the alternative of the finger-placing step includes placing the pair of finger pads in an annular finger recess in a distal face of the flange or the distal annular member.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a thumb-placing step. The thumb-placing step includes placing a thumbpad of a thumb of the single hand into a single thumb recess in a proximal face of the thumb-support member with the thumb approximately longitudinally aligned with a surface normal of a surface of the barrel. The finger-placing step is performed before the vacuum-drawing step.

In some embodiments, an alternative of the thumb-placing step includes placing the thumbpad of the thumb of the single hand anywhere against a proximal side of a proximal annular member coupled to or formed with the thumb-support member. Again, the thumb-placing step is performed before the vacuum-drawing step.

In some embodiments, the alternative of the thumb-placing step includes placing the thumbpad in an annular thumb recess in a proximal face of the proximal annular member.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a needle tract-establishing step. The needle tract-establishing step includes establishing a needle tract from a skin surface of the patient to a fluid-containing space within the patient. Establishment of the needle tract is realized upon receiving tactile feedback resulting from a pressure differential occurring with a release of the vacuum when a tip of the needle enters the fluid-containing space.

In some embodiments, the fluid-containing space is a blood-vessel lumen including blood as a fluid therein.

Also disclosed herein is a non claimed method of aspirating a fluid with an aspiration syringe. The method includes an obtaining step, a needle tract-establishing step, and a fluid-aspirating step. The obtaining step includes obtaining the aspiration syringe. The aspiration syringe includes a thumb-support member coupled to a proximal portion of a barrel and a syringe housing slidably disposed around the barrel. The syringe housing includes a proximal portion coupled to a proximal portion of a plunger, as well as a distal portion terminating with a flange incorporated into a finger-support member. The needle tract-establishing step includes establishing a needle tract with a needle coupled to the aspiration syringe from a skin surface to a fluid-containing space within a patient. The fluid-aspirating step includes aspirating fluid from the fluid-containing space with a single hand over a medial portion of the aspiration syringe by squeezing together the finger-support member and the thumb-support member. Squeezing together the finger-support member and the thumb-support member proximally slides the syringe housing over the barrel and withdraws the plunger from the barrel.

In some embodiments, the squeezing together of the finger-support member and the thumb-support member during the fluid-aspirating step includes moving the thumb-support member through a longitudinal gap within the syringe housing.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a finger-placing step. The finger-placing step includes placing a pair of finger pads of a pair of fingers of the single hand into a pair of finger recesses in a distal face of the flange on opposite sides of the barrel. The finger-placing step is performed before the fluid-aspirating step.

In some embodiments, an alternative of the finger-placing step includes placing the pair of finger pads of the pair of fingers of the single hand anywhere against a distal side of the flange when the flange is annular. When the flange is coupled to a distal annular member, the finger-placing step includes placing the pair of finger pads of the pair of fingers of the single hand anywhere against a distal side of the distal annular member. Again, the finger-placing step is performed before the fluid-aspirating step.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a thumb-placing step. The thumb-placing step includes placing a thumbpad of a thumb of the single hand into a single thumb recess in a proximal face of the thumb-support member with the thumb approximately longitudinally aligned with a surface normal of a surface of the barrel. The finger-placing step is performed before the fluid-aspirating step.

In some embodiments, an alternative of the thumb-placing step includes placing the thumbpad of the thumb of the single hand anywhere against a proximal side of a proximal annular member coupled to or formed with the thumb-support member. Again, the thumb-placing step is performed before the fluid-aspirating step.

In some embodiments, the fluid-containing space is a blood-vessel lumen and the fluid is blood.

It should be understood that a particular embodiment disclosed herein can have features that can be readily separated from the particular embodiment and optionally combined with or substituted for features of any of a number of other embodiments disclosed herein.

With respect to "proximal," a "proximal portion" or a "proximal-end portion" of, for example, a catheter disclosed herein includes a portion of the catheter intended to be near a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. Likewise, a "proximal length" of, for example, the catheter includes a length of the catheter intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on the patient. A "proximal end" of, for example, the catheter includes an end of the catheter intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on the patient. The proximal portion, the proximal-end portion, or the proximal length of the catheter can include the proximal end of the catheter; however, the proximal portion, the proximal-end portion, or the proximal length of the catheter need not include the proximal end of the catheter. That is, unless context suggests otherwise, the proximal portion, the proximal-end portion, or the proximal length of the catheter is not a terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

With respect to "distal," a "distal portion" or a "distal-end portion" of, for example, a catheter disclosed herein includes a portion of the catheter intended to be near or in a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. Likewise, a "distal length" of, for example, the catheter includes a length of the catheter intended to be near or in the patient when the catheter is used on the patient. A "distal end" of, for example, the catheter includes an end of the catheter intended to be near or in the patient when the catheter is used on the patient. The distal portion, the distal-end portion, or the distal length of the catheter can include the distal end of the catheter; however, the distal portion, the distal-end portion, or the distal length of the catheter need not include the distal end of the catheter. That is, unless context suggests otherwise, the distal portion, the distal-end portion, or the distal length of the catheter is not a terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

As set forth above, an aspiration syringe is needed that is specifically configured for a clinician to both secure the aspiration syringe and draw a vacuum during blood-vessel cannulation for receiving tactile feedback upon successfully establishing blood-vessel access. Disclosed herein are aspiration syringes and non claimed methods thereof.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate two different views and two different states for two aspiration syringes in accordance with some embodiments. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an aspiration syringe <NUM> in a ready-to-aspirate state, while <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the aspiration syringe <NUM> after aspiration of a volume of a fluid. Likewise, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an aspiration syringe <NUM> in a ready-to-aspirate state, while <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the aspiration syringe <NUM> after aspiration of a volume of a fluid. In <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> the fluid is merely air; however, the fluid can be a bodily fluid such as blood as set forth in the non claimed methods below with respect to at least the fluid-aspirating step.

As shown, the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> includes a barrel <NUM>, a plunger <NUM> disposed in the barrel <NUM>, and an aspiration mechanism.

The barrel <NUM> includes a proximal portion terminating with a proximal opening (not shown) through which the plunger <NUM> is disposed. The barrel <NUM> also includes a distal portion terminating with a Luer-tapered syringe tip <NUM> having a distal opening, the syringe tip <NUM> configured to insert into a Luer-tapered receptacle of another medical device (e.g., a needle including a needle hub having the receptacle). The distal portion of the barrel <NUM> further terminates with an internally threaded connector <NUM> (e.g., a collar) around the syringe tip <NUM>. The internally threaded connector <NUM> is configured to screw together with an externally threaded or flanged connector of the other medical device (e.g., the needle including the needle hub having the flanged connector).

The barrel <NUM> further includes graduations printed or molded onto the barrel <NUM> for determining how much fluid is aspirated into the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> when the plunger <NUM> is withdrawn from its initial position in the barrel <NUM> in the ready-to-aspirate state of the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM>.

The plunger <NUM> includes a proximal portion fixedly coupled to the syringe housing <NUM> as set forth below with respect to the syringe housing <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> also includes a distal portion terminating with a gasket <NUM>, the gasket <NUM> configured to fluidly seal off adjoining portions of the barrel <NUM> from each other, particularly upon aspiration of a volume of a fluid with the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM>.

The aspiration mechanism includes a syringe housing <NUM> slidably disposed around the barrel <NUM>, a finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM>, and a thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM>. The aspiration mechanism is configured for withdrawing the plunger <NUM> from the barrel <NUM> as the syringe housing <NUM> is slid over the barrel <NUM> and the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> is brought toward the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> such as by squeezing the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> and thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> together.

The syringe housing <NUM> includes a proximal portion fixedly coupled to a proximal portion of the plunger <NUM> and a distal portion terminating with a flange <NUM> incorporated into the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM>. The syringe housing <NUM> and the plunger <NUM> can be separately molded pieces coupled together in a coupled piece such that the proximal portion of the syringe housing <NUM> is adhered or bonded (e.g., solvent bonded) to the proximal portion of the plunger <NUM>. Alternatively, the syringe housing <NUM> and the plunger <NUM> can be molded together in an integral piece such that the proximal portion of the syringe housing <NUM> is integral with the proximal portion of the plunger <NUM>.

The syringe housing <NUM> includes a longitudinal gap <NUM> within which the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> moves when the syringe housing <NUM> is slid over the barrel <NUM> (e.g., by squeezing the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> and thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> together). As set forth below, the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the barrel <NUM>, which restricts the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> from moving. Indeed, it is the syringe housing <NUM> that moves as it is proximally slid over the barrel <NUM>. When the syringe housing <NUM> is the frame of reference, however, the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> moves relative to the syringe housing <NUM> in the longitudinal gap <NUM>.

The finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> incorporates the flange <NUM> of the syringe housing <NUM>. Description for each finger-support member of the finger-support members <NUM> and <NUM> is set forth below. It should be understood that while the finger-support member <NUM> is shown to be part of the aspiration syringe <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the finger-support member <NUM> can alternatively be part of the aspiration syringe <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Likewise, while the finger-support member <NUM> is shown to be part of the aspiration syringe <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the finger-support member <NUM> can alternatively be part of the aspiration syringe <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The finger-support member <NUM> includes a pair of finger recesses <NUM> in a distal face of the flange <NUM>. The pair of finger recesses <NUM> is configured to respectively cradle a pair of finger pads of a pair of fingers of a single hand. The pair of finger recesses <NUM> is also configured to encourage placement of each finger of the pair of fingers on an opposite side of the barrel <NUM>.

The finger-support member <NUM> is a distal annular member <NUM> fixedly coupled to the flange <NUM>. Alternatively, the finger-support member <NUM> is formed together with the flange <NUM> when the flange <NUM> is annular. Regardless, the distal annular member <NUM> or the flange <NUM>, when annular, encircles the barrel <NUM> such that the barrel <NUM> passes through a central hole of the distal annular member <NUM> or the flange <NUM>. When the distal annular member <NUM> is coupled to the flange <NUM>, the distal annular member <NUM> and the flange <NUM> can be separately molded pieces coupled (e.g., adhered, solvent bonded, etc.) together in a coupled piece. Alternatively, the distal annular member <NUM> and the flange <NUM> can be molded together in an integral piece. Like the finger-support member <NUM>, the distal annular member <NUM> or the flange <NUM>, when annular, is configured to accommodate a pair of finger pads of a pair of fingers of a single hand placed against a distal side thereof; however, the distal annular member <NUM> or the flange <NUM> is configured to encourage placement of the pair of finger against the distal side of the distal annular member <NUM> or the flange <NUM> in any desired placement of the pair of fingers around the distal annular member <NUM> or the flange <NUM>. While not shown, the distal annular member <NUM> can include an annular finger recess in a distal face thereof. The annular finger recess is configured to cradle the pair of finger pads of the pair of fingers.

The thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> is fixedly coupled (e.g., adhered, solvent bonded, etc.) to and extends from the proximal portion of the barrel <NUM>. Description for each thumb-support member of the thumb-support members <NUM> and <NUM> is set forth below. It should be understood that while the thumb-support member <NUM> is shown to be part of the aspiration syringe <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the thumb-support member <NUM> can alternatively be part of the aspiration syringe <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Likewise, while the thumb-support member <NUM> is shown to be part of the aspiration syringe <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the thumb-support member <NUM> can alternatively be part of the aspiration syringe <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The thumb-support member <NUM> includes a single thumb recess <NUM> in a proximal face of the thumb-support member <NUM>. The thumb recess <NUM> is configured to cradle a thumbpad of a thumb of a same hand as the pair of fingers used on the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> for three-finger aspiration of the aspiration syringe <NUM> with a natural grip of the hand. The thumb recess <NUM> is also configured to encourage approximately longitudinal alignment of the thumb with a surface normal of a surface of the barrel <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The thumb-support member <NUM> is a proximal annular member <NUM> fixedly coupled to the thumb-support member <NUM>. Alternatively, the thumb-support member <NUM> is formed together with the proximal annular member <NUM> in that merely the proximal annular member <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the proximal portion of the barrel <NUM>. Regardless, the proximal annular member <NUM> encircles the barrel <NUM> such that the barrel <NUM> passes through a central hole of the proximal annular member <NUM>. Indeed, the thumb-support member <NUM> and the proximal annular member <NUM> can be separately molded pieces coupled (e.g., adhered, solvent bonded, etc.) together in a coupled piece. Alternatively, the thumb-support member <NUM> and the proximal annular member <NUM> can be molded together in an integral piece. Like the thumb-support member <NUM>, the proximal annular member <NUM> is configured to accommodate a thumbpad of a thumb of a same hand as the pair of fingers used on the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> placed against a proximal side thereof; however, the proximal annular member <NUM> is configured to encourage placement of the thumb against the proximal side of the proximal annular member <NUM> in any desired placement of the thumb around the proximal annular member <NUM> for three-finger aspiration of the aspiration syringe <NUM> with a natural grip of the hand. While not shown, the proximal annular member <NUM> can include an annular thumb recess in a proximal face thereof. The annular thumb recess is configured to cradle the thumbpad of the thumb. Non claimed methods.

Methods of the aspiration syringes <NUM> and <NUM> include methods of cannulating, as well as methods of aspirating with the aspiration syringes <NUM> and <NUM>. Being as cannulation of, for example, a fluid-containing space such as a blood-vessel lumen occurs before aspiration of fluid such as blood therefrom, a method of cannulating with the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> is set forth below including steps for aspirating with the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM>.

The method of cannulating with the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> includes an obtaining step, a needle-inserting step, and a vacuum-drawing step.

The obtaining step includes obtaining the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM>. As set forth above, the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> includes the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> coupled to the distal portion of the barrel <NUM> and the syringe housing <NUM> slidably disposed around the barrel <NUM>. The syringe housing <NUM> includes the proximal portion coupled to the proximal portion of the plunger <NUM>, as well as the distal portion terminating with the flange <NUM> incorporated into the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM>.

Before the needle-inserting step, the method can further include a needle-coupling step. The needle-coupling step includes coupling a needle to the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM>, which, in turn, includes screwing a flanged connector of a needle hub into the internally threaded connector <NUM> around the syringe tip <NUM> of the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM>.

The needle-inserting step includes inserting the needle coupled to the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> into subcutaneous tissue of a patient.

Before the vacuum-drawing step, the method further includes a finger-placing step. With respect to the aspiration syringe <NUM>, the finger-placing step includes placing a pair of finger pads of a pair of fingers of the single hand into the pair of finger recesses <NUM> in the distal face of the flange <NUM> on opposite sides of the barrel <NUM>. When aspirating with the aspiration syringe <NUM> as set forth below, the finger-placing step is performed before the fluid-aspirating step if the single hand is partially or wholly removed from the aspiration syringe <NUM> after any intervening steps between cannulating and aspirating with the aspiration syringe <NUM>.

An alternative of the foregoing finger-placing step is performed for the aspiration syringe <NUM> or any like syringe including an annular flange or the distal annular member <NUM>. Such an alternative finger-placing step includes placing the pair of finger pads of the pair of fingers of the single hand anywhere against the distal side of the flange <NUM> when the flange <NUM> is annular. When the flange <NUM> is coupled to the distal annular member <NUM>, the finger-placing step includes placing the pair of finger pads of the pair of fingers of the single hand anywhere against the distal side of the distal annular member <NUM>. For example, the alternative of the finger-placing step can include placing the pair of finger pads in the annular finger recess in the distal face of the flange <NUM> or the distal annular member <NUM>. Like the foregoing finger-placing step, the alternative finger-placing step is performed before the vacuum-drawing step. When aspirating with the syringe <NUM> as set forth below, the alternative finger-placing step is performed before the fluid-aspirating step if the single hand is partially or wholly removed from the aspiration syringe <NUM> after any intervening steps between cannulating and aspirating with the aspiration syringe <NUM>.

Further before the vacuum-drawing step, the method further includes a thumb-placing step. With respect to the aspiration syringe <NUM>, the thumb-placing step includes placing a thumbpad of a thumb of the single hand into the single thumb recess <NUM> in the proximal face of the thumb-support member <NUM> with the thumb approximately longitudinally aligned with a surface normal of the surface of the barrel <NUM>. When aspirating with the aspiration syringe <NUM> as set forth below, the finger-placing step is performed before the fluid-aspirating step if the single hand is partially or wholly removed from the aspiration syringe <NUM> after any intervening steps between cannulating and aspirating with the aspiration syringe <NUM>.

An alternative of the foregoing thumb-placing step is performed for the aspiration syringe <NUM> or any like syringe including the proximal annular member <NUM>. Such an alternative thumb-placing step includes placing the thumbpad of the thumb of the single hand anywhere against the proximal side of the proximal annular member <NUM> coupled to or formed with the thumb-support member <NUM>. For example, the alternative of the thumb-placing step can include placing the thumbpad in the annular thumb recess in the proximal face of the proximal annular member <NUM>. Like the foregoing thumb-placing step, the alternative thumb-placing step is performed before the vacuum-drawing step. When aspirating with the syringe <NUM> as set forth below, the alternative thumb-placing step is performed before the fluid-aspirating step if the single hand is partially or wholly removed from the aspiration syringe <NUM> after any intervening steps between cannulating and aspirating with the aspiration syringe <NUM>.

The vacuum-drawing step includes drawing a vacuum with the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> while inserting the needle into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient such as while actively performing the needle-inserting step or pausing somewhere in a middle of the needle-inserting step to perform the vacuum-drawing step. The vacuum-drawing step is performed with the single hand over, under, or to a side of a medial portion of the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> by squeezing together the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> and the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM>. Squeezing together the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> and the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> proximally slides the syringe housing <NUM> over the barrel <NUM> and withdraws the plunger <NUM> from the barrel <NUM> creating the vacuum. The squeezing together of the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> and the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> during the vacuum-drawing step includes moving the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> through the longitudinal gap <NUM> within the syringe housing <NUM>. Again, it should be understood that the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> is coupled to the barrel <NUM>, and, as such, the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> does not actually move. Indeed, it is the syringe housing <NUM> that moves as it is proximally slid over the barrel <NUM>.

The method further includes a needle tract-establishing step. The needle tract-establishing step includes establishing a needle tract from a skin surface of the patient to the fluid-containing space within the patient. Establishment of the needle tract is realized upon receiving tactile feedback resulting from a pressure differential occurring with a release of the vacuum created during the vacuum-drawing step when a tip of the needle enters the fluid-containing space.

Upon establishing the needle tract in accordance with the needle tract-establishing step, fluid such as blood from the fluid-containing space such as a blood-vessel lumen can be aspirated with the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> in a fluid-aspirating step. The fluid-aspirating step includes aspirating the fluid from the fluid-containing space with a same or different hand as the foregoing single hand over, under, or to a side of the medial portion of the aspiration syringe <NUM> or <NUM> by squeezing together the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> and the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM>. Squeezing together the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> and the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> proximally slides the syringe housing <NUM> over the barrel <NUM> and withdraws the plunger <NUM> from the barrel <NUM> creating a vacuum. The squeezing together of the finger-support member <NUM> or <NUM> and the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> during the fluid-aspirating step includes moving the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> through the longitudinal gap <NUM> within the syringe housing <NUM>. Again, it should be understood that the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> is coupled to the barrel <NUM>, and, as such, the thumb-support member <NUM> or <NUM> does not actually move. Indeed, it is the syringe housing <NUM> that moves as it is proximally slid over the barrel <NUM>.

It should be understood that while the aspiration syringes <NUM> and <NUM> are designed for three-finger aspiration and the like, some clinicians might choose to use two fingers or up to all five finger of a single, which is within the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claim 1:
An aspiration syringe (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a barrel (<NUM>);
a plunger (<NUM>) disposed in the barrel (<NUM>); and
an aspiration mechanism including:
a thumb-support member (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to a proximal portion of the barrel (<NUM>); and
a syringe housing (<NUM>) slidably disposed around the barrel (<NUM>) including a proximal portion coupled to a proximal portion of the plunger (<NUM>) and a distal portion terminating with a flange (<NUM>) incorporated into a finger-support member (<NUM>, <NUM>), the aspiration mechanism configured for withdrawing the plunger (<NUM>) from the barrel (<NUM>) as the finger-support member (<NUM>, <NUM>) is slid over the barrel (<NUM>) toward the thumb-support member (<NUM>, <NUM>).