Patent ID: 6436070
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A catheter insertion device for positioning a catheter in a blood vessel of a patient, the catheter comprising a hub and a cannula connected with the hub, the device comprising:a barrel having a forward end contoured to mate with an interior surface of the catheter hub, and a gripping portion configured for holding the device during use; a needle projecting forward from the barrel and having a sharpened tip extending beyond a forward end of the catheter cannula for penetrating the skin of the patient; and a needle retraction mechanism operable by the user to effect retraction of the needle into the barrel after use; the needle retraction mechanism comprising: a spring for exerting a rearward bias upon the needle; a needle retainer for releasably holding the needle in the projecting orientation against the bias of the spring; an actuating member positioned axially within the barrel and movable therein for releasing the needle retainer from holding the needle, the actuating member having a first actuation surface operable for effecting movement of the actuating member; a stop preventing movement of the actuating member, the stop having a second actuation surface operable to allow movement of the actuating member, the second actuation surface overlapping the gripping portion, whereby operation of the first and second actuation surfaces is required to effect retraction of the needle into the barrel.