Patent ID: 7291130
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter introducer assembly, comprising: a) a needle assembly comprising a needle having a diameter, a proximal end, attached to a needle hub, a distal end extending therefrom, said distal end including a sharp tip with a bevel, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, said needle further including a bent area disposed between said proximal and distal ends such that a portion of said needle distal of said bent area extends along a path other than said longitudinal axis and no portion of said bevel is in said bent area, said bevel extending at an angle relative to said longitudinal axis; b) a catheter assembly comprising a tubular catheter having a proximal end attached to a catheter hub, and a distal end, said introducer needle being coaxially received within said catheter; c) a needle tip protector disposed within said catheter hub, said needle tip protector is slidably disposed onto said needle, whereby when said needle is proximally removed from said catheter said protector remains attached to said needle.