Patent ID: 6663592
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
An intravenous catheter introducer assembly having a safety feature to prevent accidental needle sticks, said introducer assembly comprising:a. a needle assembly comprising an elongated hollow tubular needle having a proximal end attached to a needle hub, a distal end extending therefrom, and a lumen running therebetween, said needle having a groove disposed on an outer surface thereof between said distal and proximal ends, the outer surface of the needle immediately proximal to the groove having a first diameter, the outer surface of the needle immediately distal to the groove having a second diameter substantially equal to the first diameter; b. a protector comprising a hollow member having an open distal end and an inwardly disposed resilient flange disposed thereon, said protector is coaxially slidably disposed around said needle with said flange abutting said outer surface of said needle; and c. a catheter assembly comprising an elongated hollow tubular catheter having a proximal end attached to a catheter hub and a distal end extending therefrom, said catheter coaxially disposed about said needle, said catheter hub having a retainer for keeping said protector within said catheter hub until said catheter assembly and needle assembly are separated wherein said flange engages said groove and secures said protector to said needle such that said open distal end of said protector is distal to said distal end of said needle.