Patent ID: 7666166
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An intravenous catheter system, comprising: a body having an internal volume, a proximal end, and a distal end; a catheter in fluid communication with the proximal end of the body; a retractable needle system releasably connected to the body, the retractable needle system having a housing, an intravenous needle, and a means for selectively retracting the needle into the housing, the needle being operable between an extended position in which the needle extends through the catheter, and a retracted position in which the needle is within the housing; an axially movable valve forming a fluid tight seal between the needle and the internal volume when the retractable needle system is connected to the body, and forming a fluid tight seal between the internal volume and the exterior of the body when the retractable needle system is disconnected from the body, the valve being axially movable relative to the body; a threaded fastener disposed on the distal end of the body, such that a luer-lock device may be directly connected to the body; wherein the valve moves between a first position in which the valve is substantially flush with the distal end of the body, and a second position in which the valve is entirely disposed within the body; a recoil mechanism disposed within the internal volume and in direct contact with an interior face of the valve; a translucent flash window integral with the body for allowing visual inspection of the internal volume; and a flash hole extending from an inner channel of the intravenous needle to the exterior of the intravenous needle, the flash hole being aligned with the flash window such that the earliest issue of blood or fluid passing through the inner channel of the intravenous needle may be seen through the flash window.