Patent ID: 6582402
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A catheter and needle introducer assembly; comprising:a barrel defining a lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end defining a distal wall with an opening extending therethrough; a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; a catheter hub affixed to the proximal end of the catheter; a needle having a sharp distal tip and a proximal end; a needle hub having a proximal end and a distal end affixed to the proximal end of the needle, the needle hub disposed in the barrel lumen such that the sharp distal tip of the needle initially extends distally of the distal wall of the barrel through the opening coaxially within the catheter; a spring cooperating with the needle hub to urge the needle hub toward the proximal end of the barrel; a latch associated with the barrel to initially contact and hold the needle hub adjacent to the distal end of the barrel and to be movable to a position away from contact with the needle hub; and a latch actuator with a proximal end and a distal end slidably mounted with respect to the barrel and being removably mounted at its distal end to the catheter hub whereby movement of the catheter hub away from the distal end of the barrel causes the latch actuator to cooperate with the latch to remove the latch from contact with the needle hub, wherein the latch is pivotally mounted to the barrel and has one tooth for engaging the needle hub and a second tooth for engaging the proximal end of the latch actuator.