Systems and methods for bending a needle

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for bending a needle. A device for bending a needle is disposed around a needle and coupled to an injection device. A force is exerted on the needle to cause the needle to bend upon a bending trough of the device. The device includes a proximal end to interface with the injection device and a distal end having the bending trough. The bending trough is configured to improve bending and prevent breaking of the needle by providing a rounded surface upon which the needle is bent.

1 . A device for bending a needle comprising:
 a body member extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the body member defining a lumen disposed within the body member, the distal end located a distance from the proximal end along a longitudinal axis; and   a bending trough adjacent the distal end of the device, the bending trough being in communication with the lumen.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the bending trough defines a convexly curved surface configured for supporting a bend in a needle. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the bending trough is positioned proximal of a distal-most end of the distal surface of the body member. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body member comprises a frusto-conical shape. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body member comprises a plurality of cross-sectionally bulbous segments and at least one narrow segment connecting the plurality of bulbous segments. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body member comprises a protrusion located proximal of the distal surface. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the protrusion comprises an outward surface and one or more side surfaces. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the protrusion comprises one or more gripping surfaces for a user to grip while pulling the device in a direction opposite the trough. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein a portion of the protrusion is positioned opposite a portion of the bending trough relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein an interior surface proximal to the proximal surface is configured to interface with a needle hub component of the fluid dispensing system. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a distance from the bending trough and the proximal surface is greater than 3.5 millimeters. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the lumen is configured to provide a loose fit for the needle to be bent. 
     
     
         13 . A method of using an injection needle comprising:
 exerting force on a body of an injection needle such that the body member of the injection needle bends upon a needle guide, wherein the needle guide comprises:
 a needle guide body member extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the needle guide body member defining a lumen disposed within the needle guide body member, the distal end being located a distance from the proximal end along a longitudinal axis; 
 a proximal surface configured to interface with a fluid dispensing system; 
 a distal surface located a distance from the proximal end along a longitudinal axis; and 
 a bending trough adjacent the distal end of the device, the bending trough being in communication with the lumen. 
   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising removing a needle cap before disposing the needle guide around the proximal end of the injection needle. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising placing a cap over the distal end of the injection needle to cause the needle to bend at an angle greater than 90 degrees. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising inserting the injection needle into a patient by applying a force to the needle guide body member. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising applying a force to the needle guide body member to remove the injection needle from a patient. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein removing the injection needle comprises pulling on a protrusion from the needle guide body member. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein inserting the injection needle comprises pushing on a surface of the needle guide body member, the surface being positioned opposite the bending trough relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         20 . A method of bending an injection needle comprising:
 disposing a needle guide around a proximal end of an injection needle, wherein the injection needle comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the needle guide comprises:
 a proximal surface of the device configured to interface with a fluid dispensing system and a distal surface of the device located a distance from the proximal end along a longitudinal axis; 
 a needle guide body member of the device extending between the proximal end and the distal end and defining a lumen inside of an outside surface of the needle guide body member; and 
 a bending trough adjacent the distal end of the device, the bending device being in communication with the lumen; and 
   exerting force on the body member of the injection needle such that the body member of the injection needle bends upon the bending trough.